Wood shakes are roofing material, typically cedar, split by hand or a combination of splitting and sawing rather than uniformly machine-sawn, creating a thicker, rougher, more irregular and rustic texture compared to the smoother, more refined look of standard wood shingles.
This hand-split character gives shakes a distinctive, organic appearance that many homeowners specifically seek out for rustic, cabin-style, or certain traditional architectural designs where a more textured roof surface complements the overall aesthetic.
Because of their thicker profile and rougher surface, shakes typically require somewhat different installation techniques than standard shingles, including specific spacing and underlayment considerations to account for their irregular thickness.
What Does a Wood Shake Involve?
- Hand-split or combination split-and-sawn cedar
- A thicker, more irregular profile than standard shingles
- Distinctive rustic texture and appearance
- Specific installation techniques accommodating the irregular thickness
Why Are Wood Shakes Important?
The distinctive rustic, textured appearance wood shakes provide has made them a signature choice for certain architectural styles, particularly rustic or mountain-cabin aesthetics, where their irregular, organic look genuinely enhances the intended design character in a way more uniform materials couldn’t replicate. This aesthetic distinctiveness continues to justify their typically higher cost and maintenance requirements for homeowners specifically drawn to this look.
Like other wood roofing materials, shakes require careful attention to moisture management, periodic treatment, and, in many regions, fire-retardant treatment or specific code compliance given wood’s inherent combustibility compared to synthetic or metal alternatives. This distinctive character continues to justify the additional cost and upkeep for homeowners drawn to the aesthetic. This willingness to invest in upkeep is part of choosing this distinctive roofing style.
Wood Shakes vs. Cedar Shakes
Wood shakes is the general category term, which can include various wood species. Cedar shakes specifically refers to shakes made from cedar, by far the most common wood species used for this roofing style given cedar’s natural decay resistance.