Shingles and shakes are popular exterior cladding options, known for their distinct texture and natural appeal, primarily utilized for sidewall applications on residential and commercial buildings. They offer both aesthetic enhancement and protection against the elements. Products were evaluated based on material quality, application suitability, installation features, user reviews, and feature analysis.
Offers advanced installation features, superior durability, and hurricane-force wind resistance for a long-lasting, low-maintenance exterior.
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Miller Shingle 18" #4 Undercourse Cedar Kiln Dried Sidewall Shingle 1 Square Carton, Natural
$210.00
Provides a cost-effective solution for undercoursing or starter shingles, leveraging natural Western Red Cedar for foundational layers.
View on AmazonFeatures patented installation technology, distinctive aesthetics, and engineered resilience against extreme weather, representing a high-performance choice.
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Discover now our comparison of the best Shingles & Shakes. It is never easy to choose from the wide range of offers. On the market, you will find an incalculable number of models, all at different prices. And as you will discover, the best Shingles & Shakes are not always the ones at the highest prices! Many criteria are used, and they make the richness and relevance of this comparison.
To help you make the best choice among the hundreds of products available, we have decided to offer you a comparison of the Shingles & Shakes in order to find the best quality/price ratio. In this ranking, you will find products listed according to their price, but also their characteristics and the opinions of other customers. Also discover our comparisons by categories. You won’t have to choose your products at random anymore.
- Utility Grade Shingle for Under Coursing of Double Coursed Sidewalls and Starter Shingles
- Covers 100 Square Feet at 14” Exposure, 50 Square Feet at 7” Exposure
- Manufactured from Western Red Cedar
- Not Recommended For Roofing or Starter-Course for Roofs
- Proudly Manufactured in the U.S.A. by Miller Shingle Company
- Manufactured from Miller Shingle #1 18 inch Rebutted and Rejointed Shingles
- Sanded on one side
- 17 inches long, 4 15/16 inches wide
- There are 104 Miller Mastercut Shingles per carton
- Proudly Manufactured in the USA (Granite Falls, Washington)
- VERSATILE DESIGN: Adjustable shingle siding installation tool designed specifically for installing shingle and shake siding with precision
- EASY ALIGNMENT: Features adjustable spacing mechanism to ensure consistent and accurate placement of shingles or shakes during installation
- DURABLE CONSTRUCTION: Made with sturdy materials in green finish to withstand regular use in construction and renovation projects
- TIME-SAVING TOOL: Helps maintain proper exposure and alignment while installing multiple shingles, increasing work efficiency
- PRACTICAL FEATURES: Includes grip mechanism to securely hold shingles in place during installation process
- Manufactured from high grade #1 18 inch kiln dried shingles, grooved on one side
- Rebutted and Rejointed (R&R), specifically designed for sidewall application
- 1/2 square cartons will cover 50 sq ft at 14 inch exposure (double coursed)
- 1/2 square cartons will cover 28.5 sq ft at 8 inch exposure (single coursed)
- Proudly Manufactured in the USA (Granite Falls, Washington)
- Manufactured from high grade #1 18 inch kiln dried shingles, grooved on one side
- Rebutted and Rejointed (R&R), specifically designed for sidewall application
- 1/2 square cartons will cover 50 sq ft at 14 inch exposure (double coursed)
- 1/2 square cartons will cover 28.5 sq ft at 8 inch exposure (single coursed)
- Proudly Manufactured in the USA (Granite Falls, Washington)
- Manufactured from high grade #1 18 inch kiln dried shingles, grooved on one side
- Rebutted and Rejointed (R&R), specifically designed for sidewall application
- 1/2 square cartons will cover 50 sq ft at 14 inch exposure (double coursed)
- 1/2 square cartons will cover 28.5 sq ft at 8 inch exposure (single coursed)
- Proudly Manufactured in the USA (Granite Falls, Washington)
- Professional Strength Protection: TWP offers a high-level defense against water absorption and ultraviolet light, ensuring your wood stays protected.
- Easy Application: Designed for convenience, this wood protectant system is straightforward to apply, saving you time and effort.
- Deep Penetrating Formula: Our deep penetrating formula ensures comprehensive protection, safeguarding the wood from the inside out.
- Versatile Use: Ideal for wood shakes, shingles, log homes, and decorative railroad ties, TWP is your go-to solution for a variety of wood protection needs.
- Long-Lasting Durability: Protect your wood investments with a product that prolongs their life, keeping them looking pristine for longer.
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Last update on 2026-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
How to Choose the Best Shingles Shakes
Material and Grade Considerations
When selecting shingles or shakes, the material and its grade are paramount. Natural cedar options, such as those from Miller Shingle, are highly valued for their classic aesthetic and natural resistance to decay, though they typically require more maintenance over time. For instance, Miller Shingle offers products like their 18 Inch Rebutted and Rejointed (R&R) Natural Groove Cedar Sidewall Shingles, which are manufactured from high-grade #1 kiln-dried shingles, indicating a premium quality for visible surfaces. In contrast, the Miller Shingle 18" #4 Undercourse Cedar Kiln Dried Sidewall Shingle is explicitly a "Utility Grade Shingle," intended for less visible applications such as undercoursing or starter shingles. Users seeking an engineered alternative might consider products like CertainTeed's Cedar Impressions, which are designed to mimic the appearance of split cedar shakes but offer the benefits of synthetic materials, often including enhanced durability and reduced maintenance.
Application Suitability and Exposure
Understanding the intended application and exposure is critical for correct product selection and coverage. Products like the Miller Shingle R&R shingles (e.g., ASIN B073XHWLFM) are specifically designed for sidewall application, where their precision trimming ensures a tight, uniform fit. These typically specify coverage based on a particular exposure, such as 50 sq ft at 14 inch exposure when double coursed. The Miller Shingle #4 Undercourse (ASIN B0CWFK5QYC), while also a sidewall shingle, is purposed for the hidden underlayer in double-coursed installations, supporting the visible outer layer. CertainTeed's Double 9in. Staggered Rough Split Shakes (ASIN B0856PLV6N) indicate a larger 9-inch exposure for a more pronounced visual effect, which impacts the material quantity needed for a given area. Matching the shingle's design to the specific wall section ensures both structural integrity and desired aesthetic.
Installation Features and Long-Term Durability
Modern shingle and shake products incorporate features to simplify installation and enhance long-term performance. While traditional cedar shingles, like those from Miller Shingle, rely on skilled manual installation, engineered options such as CertainTeed's Cedar Impressions include innovative aids. These may feature a "PanelThermometer for precise installation" and "Quick Reference nail mark indicators," which eliminate the need for measuring and help ensure consistent, secure fastening. In terms of durability, natural cedar offers inherent weather resistance, but engineered products often boast superior resilience against specific environmental factors. CertainTeed's shakes, for example, are "Designed and tested to withstand hurricane force winds," offering a significant advantage in areas prone to severe weather. Additionally, synthetic alternatives often provide "low maintenance" benefits compared to natural wood, which typically requires periodic sealing or staining.
Pros & Cons
Miller Shingle 18 Inch Rebutted and Rejointed (R&R) Natural Groove Cedar Sidewall Shingles Primed 1/2 Square Carton
Pros
- Manufactured from high-grade #1 kiln-dried cedar, offering superior natural aesthetics.
- Rebutted and Rejointed (R&R) for precise, tight-fitting sidewall installations.
- Comes pre-primed, saving a significant step in the finishing process.
Cons
- Natural wood requires ongoing maintenance, such as repainting or resealing over time.
- Coverage for 1/2 square carton is limited to 50 sq ft at 14 inch exposure (double coursed).
Miller Shingle 18" #4 Undercourse Cedar Kiln Dried Sidewall Shingle 1 Square Carton, Natural
Pros
- Utility grade offers a cost-effective solution for undercoursing or starter shingles.
- Manufactured from natural Western Red Cedar, providing inherent wood properties.
- Versatile coverage options, 100 sq ft at 14” exposure or 50 sq ft at 7” exposure.
Cons
- Utility grade is not intended for primary, visible exterior finishes.
- Requires pairing with a higher-grade shingle for a complete double-coursed system.
B0856PLV6N
Pros
- Patented PanelThermometer and Quick Reference nail marks simplify and improve installation accuracy.
- Designed and tested to withstand hurricane force winds, offering enhanced durability.
- Features a True Texture finish technology with distinctive shadow lines for a premium aesthetic.
Cons
- Engineered material may not provide the exact natural characteristics of traditional cedar.
- Staggered design and specialized features may lead to a different installation approach compared to standard shingles.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Misunderstanding Shingle Grade and Application
A common error involves using utility-grade shingles for a primary, visible exterior finish. For instance, the Miller Shingle 18" #4 Undercourse Cedar Kiln Dried Sidewall Shingle (ASIN B0CWFK5QYC) is explicitly labeled as "Utility Grade" and intended for "Under Coursing of Double Coursed Sidewalls and Starter Shingles." Attempting to use this product as the sole, exposed shingle layer will typically result in a less refined appearance and potentially reduced weather protection compared to a #1 grade shingle.
Incorrect Exposure Calculation for Coverage
Another frequent mistake is miscalculating material needs based on exposure. Products like the Miller Shingle 18 Inch Rebutted and Rejointed (R&R) Natural Groove Cedar Sidewall Shingles (ASIN B073XHWLFM) specify that a "1/2 square carton will cover 50 sq ft at 14 inch exposure (double coursed)." Failing to adhere to the specified exposure, either by exposing too much or too little, will lead to either running out of material prematurely or an inefficient use of resources, affecting both cost and visual consistency.
Overlooking Advanced Installation Features
Installers sometimes neglect to utilize the specialized features designed to aid the process, particularly with engineered products. For example, CertainTeed's Cedar Impressions Double 9in. Staggered Rough Split Shakes (ASIN B0856PLV6N) include a "Patented PanelThermometer for precise installation" and "Quick Reference nail mark indicators." Ignoring these can lead to inconsistent nailing, potential warping due to thermal expansion, or an uneven appearance, undermining the product's engineered benefits for durability and ease of installation.
