Wood Shakes vs Wood Shingles: Which Roof Is Right?

July 2026

Key Takeaways

Wood shakes and wood shingles offer different looks and performance.
Cedar shakes have a more rustic appearance, while shingles provide a cleaner finish.
Maintenance requirements vary depending on climate.
The right installation is just as important as the roofing material.
B-Cheema Roofing helps Surrey homeowners choose the best roofing solution for their property.

You've finally decided you want a cedar roof. You start researching and immediately run into two terms that seem almost interchangeable: wood shakes and wood shingles.

At first glance, they look similar. Both are made from cedar. Both offer natural beauty. Both have been used on homes for decades.

So... what's the difference?

At B-Cheema Roofing, we've spent more than 25 years helping homeowners across Surrey choose roofing systems that actually suit their homes, budgets, and BC's climate. One of the most common questions we hear is whether cedar shakes or cedar shingles are the better choice.

The answer isn't simply "one is better." It depends on your home, your maintenance expectations, and how long you plan to stay there.

What This Blog Covers

Wood Shakes vs Wood Shingles: What's the Difference?
If Appearance Matters Most
If Durability Is Your Priority
Maintenance Is Often the Deciding Factor
Which One Costs More?
So Which One Should You Choose?
Why Surrey Homeowners Trust B-Cheema Roofing

Wood Shakes vs Wood Shingles: What's the Difference?

Both products are made from cedar, but they're manufactured differently.

Wood shingles are machine-cut, giving them a smooth, uniform appearance. Because every piece has a consistent shape and thickness, they create a cleaner, more traditional roof.

Wood shakes, on the other hand, are hand split before being finished. This creates a rougher texture, thicker profile, and the classic rustic roof appearance many homeowners love.

At B-Cheema Roofing, we always tell homeowners not to choose based on appearance alone. The way a roof performs over the next 30 years matters just as much as how it looks on day one.

If Appearance Matters Most...

If you're after a refined, symmetrical finish, wood shingles roofing usually wins.

Their tapered shingles fit together neatly, creating straight lines that suit everything from heritage homes to modern craftsman-style properties.

If you prefer a roof with more texture and character, hand split shakes create a bolder, more natural look that ages beautifully over time.

Neither style is wrong. It's simply a matter of matching the roof to your home's architecture.

If Durability Is Your Priority...

Here's where many homeowners assume cedar shakes automatically last longer.

The truth is a little more nuanced.

Because shakes are thicker, they generally offer better resistance to harsh weather and impact. However, lifespan depends just as much on installation quality, ventilation, and maintenance as it does on the product itself.

Over the years, we've inspected roofs where premium cedar failed early because it wasn't installed correctly. We've also seen properly installed cedar roofs continue performing decades later.

That's why choosing an experienced roofing contractor in Surrey matters just as much as choosing the material itself.

Maintenance Is Often the Deciding Factor

Natural wood roofing requires more care than asphalt or metal roofing.

Both shakes and shingles need regular inspections, cleaning, and maintenance to prevent moss buildup and moisture damage, especially in British Columbia's wet climate.

For many Surrey homeowners, maintenance becomes the deciding factor more than cost.

At B-Cheema Roofing, we encourage homeowners to think beyond installation day. A beautiful roof should still perform well ten or twenty years later, and that only happens with proper maintenance.

Which One Costs More?

Wood shake roofs typically cost more than wood shingles. The material itself is thicker and requires more labour during installation, which increases overall project costs. However, the cheapest option isn't always the best value.

When helping homeowners compare wood shake roof cost, we encourage them to consider:

lifespan
maintenance
appearance
repair costs
long-term value

A roof is something you'll live with every day, so the decision should be based on more than the initial estimate.

So... Which One Should You Choose?

If you're looking for a clean, classic appearance with a slightly lower upfront investment, wood shingles are an excellent choice.

If durability, texture, and a more rustic appearance are your priorities, cedar shakes may be worth the additional investment.

The best choice depends on your home's design, your budget, and how much maintenance you're comfortable with.

That's why we always recommend starting with a professional consultation instead of choosing materials based on photos online.

Why Surrey Homeowners Trust B-Cheema Roofing

Since 1999, B-Cheema Roofing has helped homeowners across Surrey and the Lower Mainland make confident roofing decisions.

Whether you're considering cedar roofing materials, planning a wood roof replacement, or simply comparing options, our team believes in educating homeowners before recommending a solution.

We don't believe every roof needs the most expensive material.
We believe every home deserves the right roof.

That philosophy has guided our work for more than 25 years.

FAQs

Q. Are wood shakes better than shingles?

A. Not necessarily. Cedar shakes vs cedar shingles isn't about one being better than the other. Shakes offer a thicker, more rustic appearance, while shingles provide a cleaner, more uniform finish. The best choice depends on your home's style, budget, and maintenance expectations.

Q. What is the difference between wood shakes and wood shingles?

A. The biggest difference is how they're made. Wood shingles are machine-cut, giving them a smooth and consistent appearance. Wood shakes are hand split, creating a thicker, more textured look with greater variation.

Q. How long does a wood shake roof last?

A. A properly installed and maintained wood shake roof can last 30 to 40 years or more. Regular inspections and maintenance are especially important in British Columbia's wet climate.

Q. Do cedar roofs require more maintenance?

A. Yes. Cedar roofs need periodic inspections, cleaning, and maintenance to prevent moss growth, moisture buildup, and premature wear. Proper care helps maximize the roof's lifespan.

Q. Are cedar roofs a good choice for homes in Surrey?

A. Yes, when installed correctly. Cedar roofing performs well in Surrey, but the region's moisture and rainfall make professional installation and ongoing maintenance essential for long-term performance.

If you're considering cedar roof installation Surrey BC or comparing wood shakes vs wood shingles for your home, B-Cheema Roofing is here to help. Since 1999, we've worked with homeowners across Surrey and the Lower Mainland, helping them choose roofing materials that balance appearance, durability, and long-term value. Whether you're planning a new cedar roof or a wood roof replacement, our team provides honest recommendations tailored to your property and BC's unique climate.

Still Deciding Between Cedar Shakes and Cedar Shingles? Every home is different, and so is every roof. Let B-Cheema Roofing help you compare your options and choose a cedar roofing solution that fits your home, budget, and long-term goals.

Conclusion

Choosing between wood shakes vs wood shingles isn't about finding the "better" product. It's about finding the right fit for your home.

Wood shingles offer a clean, timeless appearance, while cedar shakes bring texture, character, and a more rustic finish. Both can provide decades of protection when installed correctly and maintained over time.

At B-Cheema Roofing, we've spent more than 25 years helping Surrey homeowners make roofing decisions with confidence. If you're still unsure which option is right for your property, we're here to provide honest advice, expert installation, and roofing solutions built to last in British Columbia's climate.