Eastern white cedar offers natural resilience, aesthetic warmth, and weather resistance that many homeowners seek. This article highlights top cedar siding options and related finishes designed to replicate the classic cedar look, whether you prefer actual cedar shingles or durable vinyl siding that mimics the grain. Below you’ll find concise product profiles, a quick buying guide, and considerations to help you choose siding that fits climate, budget, and curb appeal goals.
| Product | Brand | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Waska Eastern White Cedar Shingles A Grade Extra Clear 16″ x3/8″ (Weathering Stain) | Waska | Cedar Shingles | Weathering stain; approx. 25 ft at 5″ exposure |
| Polaris Homeside Select Double 7in. Cedar Shake Vinyl Siding (1/2 Square) Colonial White | Polaris | Vinyl Siding | Tru-Lock system; random seams; multiple colors |
| Waska Eastern White Cedar Shingles A Grade Extra Clear 16″ x3/8″ (Ecobleach Stain) | Waska | Cedar Shingles | Ecobleach stain; approx. 25 ft at 5″ exposure |
| Polaris Homeside Select Double 7in. Cedar Shake Vinyl Siding (1/2 Square) Savannah Wicker | Polaris | Vinyl Siding | Tru-Lock system; random seams; multiple colors |
| PPG ProLuxe Log and Siding Wood Finish, 1 Gallon, 077 Cedar | Sikkens | Wood Finish | High solids alkyd; UV absorbers; translucency |
Waska Eastern White Cedar Shingles A Grade Extra Clear 16″ Weathering Stain
Waska’s Eastern White Cedar Shingles in A Grade Extra Clear with a Weathering Stain provide a classic cedar look with a natural, weather-ready finish. Each bundle is designed for exposure patterns at about 5″ and covers a predictable area, assisting with installation planning for exterior projects. The unpainted surface becomes less visible after full installation, offering a uniform cedar aesthetic that ages gracefully. This option is suitable for traditional clapboard-inspired facades or more rustic, cottage-inspired exteriors.
Polaris Homeside Select Double 7in. Cedar Shake Vinyl Siding (Colonial White)
Polaris’ Homeside Select series combines the warm look of cedar shakes with the durability of vinyl. The Double 7-inch Cedar Shake profile is augmented by Tru-Lock, a locking system that aims to improve installation efficiency and seam integrity. With multiple color options, these panels are designed to mimic the natural grain texture of cedar while offering low maintenance and resistance to moisture, rot, and pests—ideal for homeowners seeking long-term performance with Cedar-inspired curb appeal.
Waska Eastern White Cedar Shingles A Grade Extra Clear 16″ Ecobleach Stain
This Ecobleach-stained cedar shingle option from Waska delivers a lighter, bleached cedar appearance for modern, sun-exposed homes. The A Grade Extra Clear cedar minimizes visible imperfections, while the Ecobleach finish enhances natural grain depth. As with the Weathering Stain variant, installation assumes around 5″ exposure, with four bundles covering a square. It’s well-suited for projects that desire a brighter cedar facade without frequent maintenance.
Polaris Homeside Select Double 7in. Cedar Shake Vinyl Siding (Savannah Wicker)
Savannah Wicker is one of Polaris’ color options for the Cedar Shake Vinyl Siding line. The combination of cedar-inspired texture with the weather resistance of vinyl makes this option attractive for homeowners seeking a low-maintenance exterior. The Tru-Lock system contributes to faster installation and consistent seams, helping maintain a uniform cedar appearance across large exterior surfaces.
PPG ProLuxe Log and Siding Wood Finish, 1 Gallon, 077 Cedar
PPG ProLuxe Log and Siding Wood Finish provides a translucent cedar-like appearance for unfinished wood surfaces or cedar-appearing projects. The product emphasizes high solids alkyd chemistry with UV absorbers and micro-porosity, promoting grip and flexibility across cedar siding applications. While it is a finish rather than a siding itself, it supports achieving a cedar aesthetic on actual wood or texture-mimicking substrates, useful for authentic cedar-look exteriors.
Sikkens Proluxe Log & Siding 077 Cedar 2 Gallon Pack
Two 2-gallon cans of Sikkens Proluxe Log & Siding Cedar 077 are designed for high-quality finishwork on cedar or cedar-appearance siding. The Proluxe line emphasizes superior outdoor performance, color stability, and protective transparency that enhances the natural beauty of cedar grains. This option is appropriate for homeowners who prioritize long-term color retention and tough weather resistance on exterior wood surfaces.
Waska Eastern White Cedar Shingles A Grade Extra Clear 16″ Cape Cod Gray
Cape Cod Gray offers a cooler, gray-toned cedar look while retaining the natural cedar grain. This Waska option is designed to be installed with a 5″ exposure, and it notes that complete coverage may require multiple boxes to achieve a full square. Ideal for contemporary exteriors seeking a muted cedar palette with the warmth of wood grain preserved.
Buying Guide: Key Purchase Considerations And Comparisons
Material choice matters for climate, maintenance, and budget. Real eastern white cedar shingles deliver authentic warmth and outdoor lifespan but require more upkeep and can be costlier upfront. Vinyl cedar-look siding offers low maintenance, resistant weather performance, and consistent color, though it may lack the depth of natural wood grain. Finishes and coatings like the ProLuxe line extend the life of cedar and mimic cedar hues on wood surfaces, which is valuable for custom projects or renovations that preserve existing wood.
Consider these factors when choosing cedar siding:
- Location and climate: Humid regions benefit from rot resistance and sealed joints; dry climates emphasize UV protection and colorfast finishes.
- Maintenance expectations: Real cedar requires sealing and periodic refinishes; vinyl minimizes ongoing upkeep but may require color maintenance over time.
- Aesthetics: Real cedar offers grain depth; cedar-appearing finishes and vinyl options provide a uniform look with long-term color stability.
- Installation approach: Shingle or shake profiles create texture; ensure compatibility with existing structure and required underlayment.
- Cost and availability: Cedar shingles typically have higher material costs; vinyl options often deliver faster installation and lower long-term maintenance.
- Finish and protection: For wood finishes, select products with UV absorbers and flexible binders to withstand expansion and contraction.
In summary, homeowners can achieve a cedar-inspired exterior with authentic eastern white cedar shingles for natural texture or with vinyl siding that imitates cedar grains for durability. Finishes from respected brands can augment wood surfaces, improving longevity and color integrity. Evaluate climate, maintenance tolerance, and desired aesthetic to select the best option for your project.