Which is Better? Real Cedar or Composite Cedar Shingles and Shakes

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Cedar vs. Composite: Choosing the Right Shake for Your Home (Including Installation Differences)

When it comes to achieving that timeless coastal or cottage look, shake siding is hard to beat. But today’s homeowners face a key decision: natural cedar shakes or Tando Beach House composite shakes. Beyond appearance and maintenance, one of the biggest differences comes down to how they’re installed—and what that means for cost, timeline, and performance.

Natural Cedar Shakes: Craftsmanship-Driven Installation

Cedar shakes are installed piece by piece, which is part of their charm—but also their complexity.

How installation works:

  • Installed individually in overlapping rows (courses)

  • Requires a breathable rain screen or felt underlayment

  • Each shake is hand-nailed, often with spacing for expansion

  • Layout must account for staggered joints and natural variation

  • Trim, corners, and details are typically custom-cut on site

What that means:

  • ⏱️ Time-intensive: Installation can take significantly longer

  • 💰 Higher labor cost: Skilled craftsmanship required

  • 🎯 Artisan look: Slight imperfections create a natural aesthetic

  • ⚠️ More variables: Installation quality heavily impacts longevity

Tando Beach House Composite Shakes: Engineered Efficiency

Tando shakes are designed as a panelized system, meaning multiple “shakes” are built into a single panel.

Available color options:

  • Sandcastle – light, fresh-cut cedar tone

  • Pacifica – rich, warm cedar brown

  • Hatteras – deep coastal gray

  • Atlantica – soft weathered gray

How installation works:

  • Installed in large interlocking panels, not individual pieces

  • Panels feature a built-in keyway system for alignment

  • Can often be installed directly over properly prepared walls (with standard house wrap)

  • Fewer cuts and adjustments required

  • Designed to integrate with standard siding accessories and trim

What that means:

  • ⚡ Much faster install: Often several times quicker than cedar

  • 💵 Lower labor cost: Less specialized skill required

  • 📏 Consistent layout: Clean lines and uniform spacing

  • 🧱 Reliable performance: Engineered system reduces install errors

Installation Comparison (Copy & Paste Friendly)

Cedar Shakes

  • Installation method: Individual pieces

  • Speed: Slow

  • Labor skill: High (craft-based)

  • Appearance: Natural variation

  • Cost impact: Higher labor cost

  • Error risk: Higher (depends on installer skill)

Tando Beach House Shakes

  • Installation method: Panelized system

  • Speed: Fast

  • Labor skill: Moderate

  • Appearance: Engineered uniformity

  • Cost impact: Lower labor cost

  • Error risk: Lower (system-driven installation)

Final Thoughts

Installation isn’t just a technical detail—it directly affects cost, timeline, and final appearance.

  • Choose cedar if you value traditional craftsmanship and organic variation, and you’re prepared for a longer, more hands-on installation process.

  • Choose Tando Beach House if you want speed, consistency, and a controlled finish with less installation risk.

At the end of the day:
👉 Cedar is installed like a craft.
👉 Tando is installed like a system

 


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