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Natural cedar siding is one of the most sought-after exterior cladding options for Rhode Island homeowners who value timeless beauty, superior insulation, and long-lasting durability. At Pinnacle Roofing & Skylights, we specialize in expert cedar siding installation, repair, and replacement throughout Rhode Island. Western red cedar offers natural resistance to moisture, decay, and insect damage—making it an ideal choice for homes exposed to coastal winds, salt air, and New England weather. Whether you’re building new or replacing aging vinyl or wood siding, natural cedar delivers unmatched curb appeal and performance.
Cedar siding comes in a variety of profiles including shingles, shakes, clapboard, and tongue-and-groove panels. Each style creates a distinct architectural look while providing excellent thermal insulation that can help reduce heating and cooling costs. Unlike manufactured siding products, real cedar develops a beautiful silver-gray patina over time when left unstained, or it can be painted or stained in virtually any color to match your vision.
Pinnacle Roofing & Skylights brings factory-certified craftsmanship and decades of experience to every cedar siding project. We handle complete tear-offs, new installations over weather barriers, trim and fascia work, and ongoing maintenance. Our team understands the unique challenges Rhode Island homes face—from Narragansett Bay moisture to Providence winter storms—and we install cedar siding systems that stand up to it all.
Learn more about our factory certifications, licenses, and industry credentials that set Pinnacle apart.
Cedar siding brings authentic grain, rich color, and a soft, natural texture that vinyl and metal can’t match. It’s a favorite for coastal cottages and historic homes across Rhode Island.
Why homeowners choose it
Timeless, high-end look with real wood grain
Naturally resists moisture and decay better than many softwoods
Good insulation value; helps dampen sound
Can be stained or painted to any style—and can weather to a silver-gray if left natural
Styles & profiles
Clapboard/Lap: traditional horizontal planks
Shingle/Shake: iconic New England look with varied texture
Board-and-Batten: vertical lines for farmhouse or modern styles
Matching trim and accents complete the look
Color & finish options
Transparent & Semi-Transparent Stains: show off grain
Semi-Solid & Solid Stains/Paint: richer color and added protection
Leave natural to weather to a coastal gray (expect regular care)
Best fit for
Homeowners prioritizing authentic, premium appearance
Historic districts or homes seeking period-correct details
Projects where custom color and detailing matter
Care & lifespan
Wash gently 1–2×/year; keep landscaping off the walls
Re-stain or repaint on a regular cycle (typically every 3–7 years depending on exposure)
Use stainless steel fasteners to avoid streaks; good flashing and ventilation extend life
With consistent maintenance, cedar can last for decades
Quick compare
vs. Vinyl: far richer, more natural look—but more upkeep and higher upfront cost
vs. Fiber Cement: warmer, real-wood texture; requires more frequent finishing
vs. Composite: unmatched authenticity; composites offer lower maintenance
Considering cedar? Pinnacle Roofing & Skylights installs cedar shingles and clapboard with clean details, proper flashing, and premium finishes. Book a free consult and we’ll bring stain and profile samples to your home.
Sechedule an appointment, we look forward to learning about your new project:
| Attribute | Natural Cedar Siding | CertainTeed Cedar Impressions | Composite Siding | Fiber Cement Siding |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Upkeep | High (requires staining/sealing every few years) | Very low (minimal cleaning) | Low (no staining or sealing required) | Moderate (occasional repainting/sealing) |
| Durability | Prone to rot, insects, and weathering | Excellent—resists moisture, rot, and insects | Resistant to rot, insects, and fading | Resistant to fire, moisture, insects, and weathering |
| Lifespan | 20–40 years with regular maintenance | Decades with minimal maintenance | 30–50+ years with little upkeep | 50+ years with minimal maintenance |
| Weight / Installation | Lightweight, but needs careful installation and sealing | Lightweight, easy to install | Moderately lightweight, easier to install than fiber cement | Heavy material, requires more labor for installation |
| Initial Cost | Premium (material and maintenance) | Moderate to premium (minimal ongoing cost) | Moderate, good value for durability | Moderate, though installation may increase cost |
| Appearance | Classic wood aesthetic, natural grain and texture | Authentic cedar look with deep textures and color blends | Wood-like appearance with various color options | Mimics wood or stone; less natural texture |
| Weather/Region Fit | Best in moderate climates with maintenance | Great for coastal and severe climates | Performs well in most climates, excellent for high winds | Ideal for all regions, especially fire-prone areas |
| Environmental Impact | Sustainable if harvested responsibly, but needs chemicals for preservation | Eco-friendly (recyclable, low maintenance) | Made with recycled content, durable and low waste | Eco-friendly, non-toxic, and recyclable material |
| Maintenance Needs | Requires periodic staining and sealing | Very low maintenance, no staining or sealing needed | Low maintenance, occasional washing is all | Moderate maintenance, repaint every 5–10 years |
Cedar shingles and cedar shakes are both made from natural cedar, but they are manufactured differently and produce a distinctly different appearance on your home. Understanding the difference helps you choose the right product for your siding or roofing project.
Cedar Shingles are machine-sawn on both sides, producing a smooth, uniform surface with consistent thickness and a clean, tapered profile. Because they are precision-cut, cedar shingles create tight, even coursing with a refined, traditional appearance. They are the preferred choice for homeowners who want a polished, classic New England look with clean shadow lines.
Cedar Shakes are hand-split on at least one face, creating a rough, textured surface with natural variation in thickness. This split face gives shakes a rustic, rugged character that many homeowners find appealing on coastal cottages, cabins, and homes where a more weathered, organic aesthetic is desired. Shakes are generally thicker than shingles and create deeper shadow lines on the wall.
Both products offer excellent durability and natural weather resistance. Your choice between shingles and shakes comes down to the aesthetic you want for your home. Pinnacle Roofing & Skylights installs both cedar shingles and cedar shakes throughout Rhode Island and can help you decide which option best complements your home’s architecture.
Not all cedar is the same. The three species most commonly used for siding and roofing each have unique characteristics that affect appearance, performance, and cost.
Western Red Cedar is the most widely used cedar species for exterior siding and roofing in North America. It is prized for its rich, warm color tones that range from honey gold to deep reddish-brown, its natural resistance to decay and insect damage, and its excellent dimensional stability. Western Red Cedar contains natural oils called thujaplicins that act as preservatives, making it one of the most durable softwoods available without chemical treatment. It is lightweight, easy to work with, and takes stain and paint beautifully.
Alaskan Yellow Cedar is a denser, harder species that offers superior resistance to denting and mechanical wear. It has a fine, even grain with a pale yellow to creamy white color. Alaskan Yellow Cedar is exceptionally durable and naturally resistant to decay, making it an excellent choice for coastal homes where salt air and moisture exposure are constant concerns. It is more expensive than Western Red Cedar but offers longer service life in harsh environments.
Eastern White Cedar is a lighter, more economical species that grows throughout the northeastern United States and eastern Canada. It has a lighter color palette, typically ranging from cream to light brown, and is naturally resistant to rot and insect damage. Eastern White Cedar is a popular choice for homeowners in Rhode Island who want the natural beauty of cedar at a more accessible price point. While it is softer than Western Red or Alaskan Yellow Cedar, it performs well when properly installed and maintained.
Cedar shingles and shakes are graded by industry organizations based on the quality of the wood, the presence of knots and defects, and the percentage of heartwood versus sapwood. Understanding these grades helps you select the right product for your budget and aesthetic goals.
Blue Label (No. 1 Grade): This is the premium grade for cedar shingles. Blue Label shingles are 100 percent clear heartwood with no knots, flat grain, and no defects in the exposed face. They provide the most uniform, refined appearance and the longest service life. Blue Label is the top choice for high-end residential siding projects where a flawless look is desired.
Red Label (No. 2 Grade): Red Label shingles allow a limited number of small, tight knots and minor defects in the exposed portion. They are predominantly heartwood and offer excellent performance at a lower cost than Blue Label. Red Label is a popular choice for homeowners who want quality cedar siding without the premium price of the top grade.
Black Label (No. 3 Grade): This is an economy grade that allows more knots, sapwood, and flat grain. Black Label shingles are suitable for applications where a rustic appearance is acceptable or where the siding will be stained with a solid-body stain that conceals natural variations. They are the most budget-friendly option.
Pinnacle Roofing & Skylights can help you choose the right grade based on your home’s style, your budget, and the look you want to achieve. We typically recommend Blue Label or Red Label for most residential siding projects in Rhode Island.
Two of the most popular cedar shingle sizes used for sidewall applications are Perfection shingles and R&R (Royal and Resawn) shingles. They differ primarily in length, which affects the exposure, shadow lines, and overall look of the finished wall.
Perfection Shingles (18 inches): Perfection shingles are 18 inches long and are typically installed with a 7.5-inch maximum weather exposure on sidewalls. Their moderate length creates a classic, traditional cedar appearance with relatively close coursing lines. Perfections are one of the most common choices for residential cedar siding in New England and produce a clean, refined aesthetic that works well on colonial, Cape Cod, and cottage-style homes.
R&R Shingles (24 inches): R&R shingles are 24 inches long, which is the same length as a standard roofing shingle. They are resawn to produce two shingles from a single thick blank, giving each piece a smooth sawn face on one side. R&R shingles are installed with up to a 10-inch weather exposure, creating wider coursing and a slightly more substantial, bold appearance on the wall. Their longer length also means fewer courses per wall height, which can reduce installation labor.
Both sizes perform equally well when properly installed. Your choice depends on the scale of your home and the visual effect you prefer. Smaller homes often look best with Perfection shingles, while larger homes can carry the wider exposure of R&R shingles. Pinnacle Roofing & Skylights can show you examples of both and recommend the best fit for your project.
The way a cedar shingle is cut from the log determines its grain orientation, which has a significant impact on how the shingle performs over time. There are two primary grain types: edge grain and flat grain.
Edge Grain (Vertical Grain): Edge grain shingles are cut so that the annual growth rings run roughly perpendicular to the face of the shingle. When you look at the butt end of an edge grain shingle, you see tight, vertical lines. Edge grain cedar is the premium cut because it resists cupping, warping, and splitting far better than flat grain. The vertical grain pattern absorbs and releases moisture evenly across the face, which minimizes dimensional movement. Edge grain shingles lay flatter on the wall, maintain a more uniform appearance over time, and generally last longer. Blue Label grade shingles are predominantly edge grain.
Flat Grain (Slash Grain): Flat grain shingles are cut so that the growth rings run more parallel to the face. When you look at the butt end, you see wide, curved arcs rather than tight vertical lines. Flat grain shingles are more prone to cupping, curling, and surface checking as they weather because moisture is absorbed unevenly across the face. They are more common in lower grades and are less expensive than edge grain. Flat grain shingles can still perform well when properly installed with adequate exposure and fastening, but they require more attention to maintenance.
For the best long-term performance on your Rhode Island home, Pinnacle Roofing & Skylights recommends edge grain cedar shingles whenever your budget allows. The difference in durability and appearance retention over 20 to 30 years makes edge grain the better investment for most homeowners.
Ready to upgrade your home with natural cedar siding? Pinnacle Roofing & Skylights provides free on-site consultations and detailed estimates for homeowners across Rhode Island — from Providence and Warwick to Narragansett and Newport. Call us today or book online.
Pinnacle Roofing & Skylights installs a full range of siding products across Rhode Island. Compare your options and find the perfect fit for your home.
How long does natural cedar siding last?
With proper maintenance including periodic staining or sealing, natural cedar siding can last 40 to 60 years or more. Cedar’s natural oils provide built-in resistance to rot, decay, and insect damage.
Is cedar siding a good choice for Rhode Island’s climate?
Yes. Cedar’s natural moisture resistance and excellent insulation properties make it well-suited for Rhode Island’s coastal humidity, nor’easters, and temperature swings. Proper installation with weather barriers is essential for maximum performance.
How much does cedar siding cost compared to vinyl?
Cedar siding typically costs more upfront than vinyl, but offers superior aesthetics, better insulation value, and longer lifespan. Many homeowners find the investment pays off through increased home value and reduced energy costs.
Does cedar siding require a lot of maintenance?
Cedar siding should be inspected annually and restained or resealed every 3 to 5 years depending on exposure. Pinnacle Roofing & Skylights can advise on the best maintenance schedule for your specific installation.
Can cedar siding be painted or stained any color?
Absolutely. Natural cedar accepts paint and stain beautifully. Semi-transparent stains showcase the natural wood grain, while solid stains and paints offer unlimited color options. Left untreated, cedar weathers to an attractive silver-gray.
Does Pinnacle Roofing & Skylights offer free estimates for cedar siding?
Yes. Contact us at 401-267-7663 or visit our website to schedule a free consultation and estimate for your natural cedar siding project in Rhode Island.