Ever dream of living in a house that feels like a breezy day at the beach, every single day? Cape Cod homes make that dream a reality with their picture-perfect cedar shake siding. These homes capture hearts with their storybook looks and cozy charm. But here’s a secret—choosing the right cedar shake siding can take your Cape Cod home from ordinary to unforgettable.
Are you wondering how to get that perfect gray-weathered look? Or do you want your siding to look neat and colorful from day one? Maybe you crave the look of cedar but want zero maintenance. Good news: There’s a cedar shake siding option for every taste and every budget. Let’s dive in!
1. Natural Cedar Shakes: Classic and Timeless
Picture this: a home wrapped in golden brown shakes that slowly fade into a soft, silvery gray. That’s the magic of natural cedar siding. It’s the original Cape Cod look and it never goes out of style.
What makes natural cedar so special?
When you use natural, unfinished cedar shakes, you’re letting nature do its work. The sun, wind, and salty air will gently age the wood, turning it into the soft gray you see on classic Cape Cod homes. Every house ages differently, so your siding will always be one of a kind.
Pros:
- Instantly brings authentic, historic charm
- Blends beautifully with trees, gardens, and ocean views
- Adds texture and warmth to simple architecture
- Cedar’s natural oils make it tough against bugs and rot
Cons:
- Needs occasional maintenance—think gentle washing and, sometimes, sealing
- Without care, it may develop mold or mildew in damp areas
- Color changes over time, which is a plus for some, but not everyone
Tip:
If you love the “gray and weathered” look, let your shakes age naturally. You’ll get the real deal. But if you want to speed up the graying process, look for wood-aging solutions at your local hardware store.
Design ideas:
Pair natural cedar with crisp white trim and deep navy shutters for a true Cape Cod vibe. Add some window boxes with overflowing flowers, and you’ve got curb appeal that will stop the neighbors in their tracks.
2. Pre-Stained Cedar Shakes: Colorful and Consistent
Maybe you want your house to look “just right” from day one. Enter pre-stained cedar shakes. These shakes come pre-finished in a huge range of colors—everything from sun-washed gray to driftwood brown or even fresh white.
Why pick pre-stained?
When shakes are stained before they leave the factory, you get a uniform color across your whole home. This is perfect if you love a specific shade or want your siding to match your trim and roof right away.
Pros:
- Your color is even, rich, and right from the start
- Extra layer of protection against rain and sun
- Less upkeep compared to unfinished wood
- Slows down the natural weathering process, so your color lasts longer
Cons:
- Costs a bit more than natural shakes
- Over many years, color will fade, especially in sunny or salty areas
Tip:
Pick a stain that matches your style. Gray stains give instant coastal charm, while a cedar brown feels warm and welcoming. Don’t be afraid to go bold with deeper shades for shutters or doors!
Design ideas:
Try a driftwood gray stain with black accents for a look that feels both modern and classic. Or mix it up with brown shakes and pale blue trim to echo the sky and sand.
3. Factory-Finished Cedar Shakes: Built for the Long Haul
If you want the toughest, most long-lasting siding, go factory-finished. These shakes are stained and sealed in a controlled setting, which means every piece is coated perfectly. The finish is extra tough, so it stands up to wind, rain, and UV rays.
Why choose factory-finished shakes?
They’re ready to install and require almost no extra work. The finish is thicker and more even than what you could do at home.
Pros:
- Best protection against harsh weather and sun
- Consistent color and finish across every shake
- Longest-lasting color—some even come with warranties
- Great for homes near the ocean or in extreme climates
Cons:
- Costs more upfront
- Color choices may be limited, depending on the brand
Tip:
Ask your installer to show you samples of factory finishes. Hold them up in the sunlight to see how the color shifts throughout the day.
Design ideas:
Go for a soft “sand” color with white trim for beachy vibes. Or pick a rich, earthy brown for a home that feels warm and grounded year-round.
4. Treated Cedar Shakes: Extra Protection Where You Need It
If your house sits close to the water, in the woods, or in a wildfire zone, treated cedar shakes are your best friend. These shakes can be pressure-treated for bug and rot resistance, or coated with fire retardant for safety.
Why get treated shakes?
It’s all about peace of mind. Treated shakes fight off bugs, mold, and even fire, making them a smart choice for harsh locations.
Pros:
- Extra strong against rot, insects, and fungus
- Some types protect against fire—great for dry areas
- Keeps your home looking good for longer
Cons:
- Higher price than untreated cedar
- Some treatments may darken the wood or give it a greenish tint (check before you buy)
Tip:
Always ask for samples before committing. See how the treatment changes the color and feel. Choose stainless steel fasteners for the best results.
Design ideas:
Treated shakes look great with deep green trim or black details for a dramatic, woodsy look. Or pair them with sandy beige and soft blue for a laid-back coastal feel.
5. Composite “Cedar-Look” Shakes: No Fuss, All Charm
Love the look of cedar but hate the idea of maintenance? You’re not alone. Composite shakes, made from fiber cement or polymer, are designed to mimic real wood—right down to the grain. But they last for decades and need little more than a simple rinse now and then.
Why go composite?
These shakes are tough as nails. They resist rot, bugs, and fading. You don’t have to paint or stain them, and they’ll keep their good looks for years.
Pros:
- Almost no maintenance—just hose off dirt
- Holds its color and shape for decades
- No risk of rot, warping, or insect damage
- Great for busy homeowners or rentals
Cons:
- Not actual wood, so the feel up close is a bit different
- Some patterns can look too perfect or uniform
- Slightly higher material cost, but you save on upkeep
Tip:
If you pick composite, choose a style with varied edge patterns for a more natural, handcrafted look.
Design ideas:
Composite shakes look sharp with bold trim colors. Try a deep navy blue or dark green for a stand-out coastal home.
Cedar Shake Sizes & Patterns: Personalize Your Curb Appeal
When it comes to cedar shake siding, size and pattern matter just as much as color. Think of siding like the clothes your house wears—do you want a crisp suit, a cozy sweater, or a laid-back weekend look? Here’s how to find your home’s signature style:
1. Perfection Shingles: Clean and Classic
Perfection shingles are cut so every piece is the same size and shape. This creates a tidy, even pattern that looks sharp from every angle. The straight lines feel modern and organized—almost like a row of freshly pressed shirts!
- Best for: Modern Cape Cods, homes with a “neat and tidy” vibe, or anyone who loves order.
- Curb Appeal Tip: Perfection shingles work well with bold trim colors and simple landscaping. Their uniformity lets your home’s other features, like window boxes or a bright door, really pop.
- Visual Effect: Creates a sense of calm and symmetry. Your eye glides across the surface, noticing the details of the architecture instead of the siding.
2. Hand-Split Shakes: Rustic and Full of Character
Hand-split shakes look and feel the most like old-fashioned craftsmanship. Each shake is split by hand, so no two pieces are exactly alike. You’ll notice thick and thin spots, rough edges, and lots of texture. This pattern brings instant warmth and makes your home feel inviting and lived-in.
- Best for: Cottages, farmhouses, or any house that wants a “cozy” or “storybook” feel.
- Curb Appeal Tip: Hand-split shakes look amazing on smaller houses or on just one section—like a gable or dormer. They draw attention and add interest, even from the street.
- Visual Effect: Adds depth and shadow. On sunny days, the uneven surface catches light and makes your house look rich and dimensional.
3. Staggered Edge Shakes: Fun and Beachy
Staggered edge shakes are designed with irregular, wavy, or jagged bottoms. Instead of perfect straight lines, you get a relaxed, playful edge that suggests fun and freedom—almost like the hem of a flowy skirt or the edge of a sand dune.
- Best for: Beach houses, laid-back family homes, or anyone who wants a little whimsy.
- Curb Appeal Tip: These shakes are especially eye-catching on porches, sunrooms, or anywhere you want to create a “vacation” mood.
- Visual Effect: Breaks up the formality of your siding and makes the home feel more casual. Great for homes near water or for anyone who loves a relaxed, coastal vibe.
How to Choose the Right Cedar Shake Siding for Your Cape Cod Home
With so many choices, picking the right cedar shake siding can feel overwhelming. Here’s how to make it easy—and fun!
1. Want that classic, storybook look?
Choose natural cedar shakes. Let them weather naturally. They’ll slowly turn a beautiful silvery gray, just like the homes you see in old Cape towns.
2. Want color right now, with no waiting?
Pick pre-stained or factory-finished shakes. You’ll get a uniform look and instant curb appeal, whether you want beachy gray or warm brown.
3. Live somewhere tough—wind, rain, bugs, or salty air?
Go for treated shakes. Pressure-treated or fire-retardant options last longer and need less babysitting.
4. Wish siding could take care of itself?
Composite “cedar-look” shakes are your answer. No repainting, no sealing, and they look great year after year.
Your cedar shake siding is the first thing people notice. With the right size, pattern, and color, you’ll create a home that not only turns heads but also feels like “you”—cozy, cheerful, and full of character. Your perfect Cape Cod curb appeal starts with a single shake!
