Best Vinyl Shake Siding Options for Your Home
Vinyl shake siding offers the classic, textured look of real cedar with far lower maintenance. Modern profiles come in widths that mimic traditional cedar shakes, plus weathered finishes that blend with many home styles. This guide focuses on five top vinyl shake options that balance authentic texture, durability, and install practicality. Each selection covers about a square per carton and features contemporary locking systems, fade resistance, and easy upkeep. Use the buying guide below to compare profiles, installation needs, and long-term care to choose the best fit for your climate and budget.
| Product | Brand | Type | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Polaris Homeside Select Double 7in. Cedar Shake Vinyl Siding (1/2 Square) Granite Gray | Polaris | Cedar Shake Vinyl Siding | Tru-Lock system; Cedar texture; 50 sq ft per box |
| The Foundry 10″ Vinyl Staggered Shakes – 1 Square | The Foundry | 10″ Staggered Shake Siding | Single course design; 62-1/2″ length; 23 panels per carton |
| The Foundry 7″ Vinyl Split Shakes – 1 Square | The Foundry | 7″ Split Shake Siding | Single course design; natural look; keyway width |
| The Foundry 10″ Vinyl Weathered Staggered Shake – 1 Square | The Foundry | Weathered Staggered Shake | Single course design; weathered texture; low thermal expansion |
| Vinyl Renu Premium Siding Restorer Kit | Seal It Green | Siding Restorer Kit | Restores color; UV protection; long-lasting results |
Polaris Cedar Shake Vinyl Siding
Polaris Homeside Select Double 7in. Cedar Shake Vinyl Siding in Granite Gray delivers a cedar-like texture with minimal upkeep. It uses a Tru-Lock locking system for a secure fit and random seams to avoid a repetitive pattern. The textured surface mimics real cedar shakes while resisting peeling and fading. Each box covers about 50 sq ft and contains 10 pieces, with roughly 480 linear feet of siding and a weight of about 37 lbs per box. This profile suits traditional and coastal homes seeking authentic character with modern durability.
- Tru-Lock locking system
- Cedar texture with random seams
- Low maintenance and durable
- 50 sq ft per box; 480 linear ft; 37 lbs per box
Durability and maintenance balance make this a solid option for DIY installers and pros alike. For best results, follow standard vinyl siding installation practices, and consider how the color may weather in your climate to maintain an even appearance over time.
Foundry 10 Inch Staggered Shakes
The Foundry 10″ Vinyl Staggered Shakes deliver a prominent staggered profile with a single course design for quicker installation. At 62-1/2″ long and 10″ wide, each carton contains 23 panels (about 1 square), enabling efficient coverage with fewer seams. The natural grain texture and staggered layout replicate real cedar shakes while offering low maintenance and weather resistance. This profile is well-suited to craftsman and traditional homes seeking bold curb appeal with straightforward installation.
- Single course design
- Length 62-1/2″; Width 10″
- 23 panels per carton (1 square)
For DIY enthusiasts, this option minimizes cutting and waste. Professionals will appreciate the consistent panel size and reliable performance in varied climates, with a focus on durable color retention over time.
Foundry 7 Inch Split Shakes
The Foundry 7″ Vinyl Split Shakes provide a smaller shake profile that still delivers natural texture with a single course design. The product emphasizes a classic look with precise keyway widths that help create a convincing cedar shake aesthetic. The 1 square carton packaging keeps material counts predictable for project planning, with shading and grain details designed to mimic real wood without the upkeep.
- Single course design
- 7″ shake width; natural look
- 1 square per carton
Ideal for projects aiming for a traditional shaker-style appearance. Installers should plan for typical siding corners, flashing, and seam transitions to maintain a seamless finish across walls and penetrations.
Foundry 10 Inch Weathered Shakes
The Foundry 10″ Vinyl Weathered Staggered Shake offers a weathered finish with a single course design to minimize joints while delivering authentic texture. The keyway width is controlled at the lap to produce a natural look, and the profile features low thermal expansion for stability in varying temperatures. Each 1-square carton provides a straightforward installation path with a convincingly aged appearance that fits many architectural styles.
- Single course design
- Weathered staggered shake texture
- Low thermal expansion
This option is advantageous in climates with temperature swings, helping preserve alignment and color fidelity with reduced expansion-related gaps over time.
Vinyl Renu Premium Siding Restorer
Vinyl Renu Premium Siding Restorer is a long-lasting color restorer designed to rejuvenate vinyl, metal, and Hardie siding, with UV protection and stain-block technology. The kit is marketed as a long-term maintenance solution, claiming ongoing color restoration for decades and heavy usage in outdoor environments. The included cleaner helps remove oxidation and chalkiness, enabling a refreshed, like-new appearance without replacing siding. This is particularly useful for homes displaying dulled color or green staining from exposure to the elements.
- Restores original color and luster
- UV protection and stain-block technology
- Long-lasting results; kit includes cleaner
Consider this option for extending the life and look of existing vinyl siding before pursuing a full replacement project. It complements shake profiles by maintaining vibrant color and protecting against weathering and fading.
Buying Guide
Profile and Aesthetic
Choose between 7″ and 10″ shake widths to match your home’s architectural style. Narrow shakes (around 7″) suit smaller facades or intricate detailing, while wider shakes (around 10″) provide a bolder curb appeal. Weathered finishes add character, but ensure the chosen color complements bricks, stone, and trim tones present on your home.
Installation and Warranty
Consider profiles with a modern locking system (like Tru-Lock) for faster, more secure installation and fewer seam issues. Single course designs can speed up DIY projects and result in fewer cuts and waste. Check warranty terms for fade resistance, impact tolerance, and the expected lifespan of the siding in your climate zone.
Climate and Maintenance
In regions with strong sun, UV resistance and fade protection are critical. In harsh winters, low thermal expansion helps maintain alignment. For minimal upkeep, select shakes with textured finishes that hide dirt and require less frequent cleaning. If color maintenance is a concern, pairing with a restorer might extend the life of the siding’s appearance.
Cost, Availability, and Packaging
Most shake profiles are sold in cartons sized around 1 square (100 sq ft). Compare price per square foot, including necessary trim and accessories. Availability varies by region, so confirm stock and lead times. Packaging that reduces waste and simplifies installation can lower labor costs for DIY projects and professional crews alike.
Durability and Longevity
Vinyl shakes offer durability and resistance to peeling, warping, and insect damage compared with real wood. Look for low maintenance finishes and products designed to resist moisture and temperature fluctuations. Color retention and curb appeal over time depend on material quality and proper cleaning routines—especially in coastal or high-humidity environments.