Cedar Shake vs Cedar Shingle
The difference is how they are cut. A handsplit and resawn shake has a split face on the exposed side and a sawn back; a shingle is sawn on both sides.[1] Shakes are thicker and laid at a longer exposure: 10 inches for 24-inch shakes on 4:12 and steeper, against 7 1/2 inches for 24-inch No. 1 shingles on 4:12 and steeper; 5 3/4 inches on 3:12 to 4:12.[1] The code allows both from 3:12.[2]
Cedar shake
Pick cedar shakes if you want a rough, rustic texture and a thicker piece with a longer exposure.[1]
At a glance
| Feature | Cedar shake | Cedar shingle | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| How it is cut | Handsplit: a split face on the exposed side and a sawn back; tapersawn: sawn on both sides, but thicker than a shingle | sawn on both sides | [1] |
| Common lengths | 18 and 24 inches most common | 16, 18 and 24 inches | [1] |
| Thickness at the butt | 3/8 inch to 1 inch plus | measured by stacks: five 18-inch butts make 2 1/4 inches | [1] |
| Grades (CSSB) | Premium and Number 1 | Number 1, 2 and 3 (no Premium grade) | [1] |
| Maximum roof exposure, 24-inch pieces | 10 inches for 24-inch shakes on 4:12 and steeper | 7 1/2 inches for 24-inch No. 1 shingles on 4:12 and steeper; 5 3/4 inches on 3:12 to 4:12 | [1] |
| Minimum slope in the code | 3:12 | 3:12 | [2] |
| Minimum grade in the code | No. 1 (tapersawn shakes: No. 1 or 2) under Cedar Shake and Shingle Bureau grading rules | No. 1, 2 or 3 under Cedar Shake and Shingle Bureau grading rules | [2] |
| Interlayment in the code | Interlayment must meet ASTM D226 Type I | Not part of the shingle section | [2] |
Split vs sawn
The Cedar Shake and Shingle Bureau describes three basic products. A Certi-Split handsplit and resawn shake has a split face on the exposed side and a sawn back. A Certi-Sawn tapersawn shake is sawn on both sides, but thicker than a shingle. A Certigrade shingle is sawn on both sides.[1]
Thickness, grades and exposure
Shake butts run 3/8 inch to 1 inch plus; shingle thickness is measured by stacks: five 18-inch butts make 2 1/4 inches.[1] Shakes come in Premium and Number 1 grades, and shingles in Number 1, 2 and 3 (no Premium grade).[1]
CSSB recommends a maximum exposure of 10 inches for 24-inch shakes on 4:12 and steeper, and 7 1/2 inches for 24-inch No. 1 shingles on 4:12 and steeper; 5 3/4 inches on 3:12 to 4:12.[1]
What the code requires
The residential code sets the same minimum slope for both, 3:12.[2] Wood shingles must be No. 1, 2 or 3 under Cedar Shake and Shingle Bureau grading rules, and shakes No. 1 (tapersawn shakes: No. 1 or 2) under Cedar Shake and Shingle Bureau grading rules.[2] For shake roofs, interlayment must meet ASTM D226 Type I.[2]
Fire and decay treatments
Both shakes and shingles are sold treated. CSSB lists Certi-Guard fire-retardant treated products, in Class A, B or C assemblies, and Certi-Last preservative-treated products, for roofs where humidity, dampness or shade is a concern.[1] Fire rules for wood roofs vary a lot by location.
Cost
We did not find a neutral, published installed-cost comparison for cedar shakes and shingles, so this page does not show one.
Common questions
Is there such a thing as a shake shingle?
Not in CSSB's terms. A shake has a split face on the exposed side and a sawn back; a shingle is sawn on both sides.[1]
Which is thicker?
The shake: 3/8 inch to 1 inch plus at the butt.[1]
Can cedar roofs be fire rated?
Yes, with treated products: Certi-Guard fire-retardant treated products, in Class A, B or C assemblies.[1]
Sources
- Cedar Shake and Shingle Bureau (CSSB) Certi-label Cedar Shake and Shingle Product Catalog (Uploaded February 2026 (undated)). Accessed November 3, 2026.
- California Building Standards Commission 2025 California Residential Code, Section R905 Requirements for Roof Coverings (effective January 1, 2026). Accessed November 3, 2026.
We did not install or test these products. Everything on this page comes from the documents listed above. If a source changes, numbers here may be out of date until our next check. Spot an error? Email [email protected].