Premium Cedar Shingles

Premium Cedar Shingles

An architectural standard of excellence.

Milled and finished to rigorous standards, Western Red and Alaska Yellow shingles provide a building envelope solution that naturally resists decay and insect damage. Shingles provide superior thermal insulation and can be stained, painted, or left to weather gracefully to a distinguished silver-grey patina.

Technical Specifications and Performance Benefits

  • Natural Preservative Properties: Cedar contains naturally occurring compounds that act as preservatives, offering exceptional resistance to moisture, decay, and insects without the need for chemical treatments.
  • Superior Thermal Insulation: The low density and high proportion of air spaces within the cellular structure of Cedar provides a natural thermal barrier, enhancing the energy efficiency of the building envelope.
  • Dimensional Stability: Sourced from edge-grain timber and precision-cut to exact specifications, ensuring minimal shrinkage or swelling for a consistent, secure installation that maintains its integrity over time.
  • Sustainable Sourcing: Harvested from responsibly managed forests, Cedar shingles support green building certifications and offer a low carbon footprint.
  • Aesthetic Versatility: Cedar shingles deliver a rich, warm texture that complements a wide range of architectural styles from traditional to modern—a truly timeless design.

What Cedar Shingles Are Designed For

Cedar shingles are engineered specifically for exterior wall and roof applications where both durability and visual distinction are required. These products are traditionally integrated into residential and light commercial construction projects to create a weather-resistant building envelope. As a primary component of exterior shingle systems, they provide a reliable barrier against the elements while simultaneously contributing to the architectural integrity of the structure.

Red Cedar vs Yellow Cedar: Choosing the Right Look

Selecting between red cedar and yellow cedar is primarily a decision based on aesthetic preference and the specific design requirements of the project. Red cedar typically presents a rich range of warm, reddish-brown hues that offer a distinct visual depth, whereas yellow cedar is known for its uniform, pale yellow color and fine grain. Both species are selected to align with regional architectural traditions or to achieve a specific visual impact desired by the architect or client. Determining whether red or yellow cedar is the optimal choice involves evaluating the desired aesthetic outcome and specific project goals. Architects and builders often weigh the warmth and tonal variation of red cedar against the consistency and density of yellow cedar. Ultimately, the decision rests on which species best fulfills the vision for the structure's exterior while meeting the functional demands of the site and design.

Where Cedar Shingles Are Typically Used

These versatile wood products are utilized across a broad spectrum of building types, ranging from private residences to commercial establishments. They are frequently specified for siding and roofing on structures where natural materials are prioritized to harmonize with the surrounding environment. Whether applied to expansive rooflines or intricate wall details, cedar shingles serve as a fundamental element in exterior design schemes that demand a classic or rustic aesthetic.

Appearance, Texture, and Architectural Character

The natural appearance and texture of cedar shingles provide a unique architectural character that synthetic materials struggle to replicate. Their tactile quality and organic variations in grain pattern contribute to a sophisticated facade that softens the visual lines of a building. This inherent beauty allows them to complement a wide array of architectural styles, from traditional cottages to contemporary designs seeking a touch of warmth and authenticity.

Performance in Exterior Conditions

In exterior environments, cedar shingles function as an effective cladding system designed to withstand exposure to varying weather conditions. Their physical properties allow them to perform reliably when installed as part of a properly detailed wall or roof assembly. The natural characteristics of the wood contribute to its stability and longevity, making it a dependable choice for projects requiring sustained performance over time.

Installation Overview

The installation of cedar shingles involves a systematic layering process that ensures proper water shedding and ventilation. Skilled installers apply the shingles in overlapping courses, paying careful attention to exposure and alignment to maintain the system's effectiveness. This method of application is critical for establishing a secure and continuous protective layer that functions correctly within the building's overall exterior envelope.

Maintenance, Weathering, and Long-Term Appearance

Over time, cedar shingles will naturally weather, evolving in color and texture as they are exposed to sunlight and moisture. This aging process typically results in a silver-gray patina that is often sought after for its distinguished and mature appearance. While they are a low-maintenance option compared to some painted finishes, understanding how the wood matures is essential for anticipating the long-term visual evolution of the building's exterior.

Is Red or Yellow Cedar Right for Your Project?

Determining whether red or yellow cedar is the optimal choice involves evaluating the desired aesthetic outcome and specific project goals. Architects and builders often weigh the warmth and tonal variation of red cedar against the consistency and density of yellow cedar. Ultimately, the decision rests on which species best fulfills the vision for the structure's exterior while meeting the functional demands of the site and design.

Technical Specifications and Performance Benefits

  • Natural Preservative Properties: Cedar contains naturally occurring compounds that act as preservatives, offering exceptional resistance to moisture, decay, and insects without the need for chemical treatments.
  • Superior Thermal Insulation: The low density and high proportion of air spaces within the cellular structure of Cedar provides a natural thermal barrier, enhancing the energy efficiency of the building envelope.
  • Dimensional Stability: Sourced from edge-grain timber and precision-cut to exact specifications, ensuring minimal shrinkage or swelling for a consistent, secure installation that maintains its integrity over time.
  • Sustainable Sourcing: Harvested from responsibly managed forests, Cedar shingles support green building certifications and offer a low carbon footprint.
  • Aesthetic Versatility: Cedar shingles deliver a rich, warm texture that complements a wide range of architectural styles from traditional to modern—a truly timeless design.
Technical Specifications and Performance Benefits

What Cedar Shingles Are Designed For

Cedar shingles are engineered specifically for exterior wall and roof applications where both durability and visual distinction are required. These products are traditionally integrated into residential and light commercial construction projects to create a weather-resistant building envelope. As a primary component of exterior shingle systems, they provide a reliable barrier against the elements while simultaneously contributing to the architectural integrity of the structure.

Red Cedar vs Yellow Cedar: Choosing the Right Look

Selecting between red cedar and yellow cedar is primarily a decision based on aesthetic preference and the specific design requirements of the project. Red cedar typically presents a rich range of warm, reddish-brown hues that offer a distinct visual depth, whereas yellow cedar is known for its uniform, pale yellow color and fine grain. Both species are selected to align with regional architectural traditions or to achieve a specific visual impact desired by the architect or client. Determining whether red or yellow cedar is the optimal choice involves evaluating the desired aesthetic outcome and specific project goals. Architects and builders often weigh the warmth and tonal variation of red cedar against the consistency and density of yellow cedar. Ultimately, the decision rests on which species best fulfills the vision for the structure's exterior while meeting the functional demands of the site and design.

Technical Specifications and Performance Benefits

Where Cedar Shingles Are Typically Used

These versatile wood products are utilized across a broad spectrum of building types, ranging from private residences to commercial establishments. They are frequently specified for siding and roofing on structures where natural materials are prioritized to harmonize with the surrounding environment. Whether applied to expansive rooflines or intricate wall details, cedar shingles serve as a fundamental element in exterior design schemes that demand a classic or rustic aesthetic.

Appearance, Texture, and Architectural Character

The natural appearance and texture of cedar shingles provide a unique architectural character that synthetic materials struggle to replicate. Their tactile quality and organic variations in grain pattern contribute to a sophisticated facade that softens the visual lines of a building. This inherent beauty allows them to complement a wide array of architectural styles, from traditional cottages to contemporary designs seeking a touch of warmth and authenticity.

Performance in Exterior Conditions

In exterior environments, cedar shingles function as an effective cladding system designed to withstand exposure to varying weather conditions. Their physical properties allow them to perform reliably when installed as part of a properly detailed wall or roof assembly. The natural characteristics of the wood contribute to its stability and longevity, making it a dependable choice for projects requiring sustained performance over time.

Installation Overview

The installation of cedar shingles involves a systematic layering process that ensures proper water shedding and ventilation. Skilled installers apply the shingles in overlapping courses, paying careful attention to exposure and alignment to maintain the system's effectiveness. This method of application is critical for establishing a secure and continuous protective layer that functions correctly within the building's overall exterior envelope.

Maintenance, Weathering, and Long-Term Appearance

Over time, cedar shingles will naturally weather, evolving in color and texture as they are exposed to sunlight and moisture. This aging process typically results in a silver-gray patina that is often sought after for its distinguished and mature appearance. While they are a low-maintenance option compared to some painted finishes, understanding how the wood matures is essential for anticipating the long-term visual evolution of the building's exterior.

Is Red or Yellow Cedar Right for Your Project?

Determining whether red or yellow cedar is the optimal choice involves evaluating the desired aesthetic outcome and specific project goals. Architects and builders often weigh the warmth and tonal variation of red cedar against the consistency and density of yellow cedar. Ultimately, the decision rests on which species best fulfills the vision for the structure's exterior while meeting the functional demands of the site and design.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are wood shingles suitable for modern architectural designs?
Yes. While traditional in origin, wood shingles and shakes are increasingly used in contemporary architecture to add rich texture and contrast to clean geometric forms. They are effective as both roofing and wall cladding.
Do wood shingles require chemical treatment?
Treatment is optional and depends on the project's design goals and climate. Many architects prefer natural, untreated shingles (such as Alaska Yellow Cedar) that weather to a silver-gray, while others specify treated shingles for enhanced fire resistance or color retention.
Do wood shingles require maintenance?
Minimal maintenance is required if left natural.
Are wood shingles suitable for coastal areas?
Yes. Durable species perform well near salt air.
Do shingles need treatment?
Treatment is optional depending on design goals.

PORTFOLIO

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Pender Harbour

Location: Pender Harbour, BC

Builder: A.W. Peters & Associates Ltd.

Designer: A.W. Peters & Associates Ltd.

Architect: A.W. Peters & Associates Ltd.

Photography: A.W. Peters & Associates Ltd.

St. Anton

Location: Whistler, BC

Builder: Modern Concept Contracting

Designer: Daintree Design

Photography: Modern Concept Contracting

Spiral

Location: Vancouver, BC

Builder: Keystone Projects

Architect: Formwerks Architectural

Photography: Keystone Projects

Cove House

Location: North Vancouver, BC

Builder: Bradner Homes

Designer: Architerior Design

Architect: Hlynsky + Davis

Photography: Brett Ryan Studios

West Bay House

Location: West Vancouver, BC

Builder: Bradner Homes

Designer: Mcleod Bovell Modern Houses

Architect: Mcleod Bovell Modern Houses

Photography:Ema Peter

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