BUILT TO LAST A LIFETIME.
Western Red Cedar Shakes
Western red cedar shakes are roofing and/or siding materials made from split pieces of cedar, known for its rich colour and natural resistance to decay and insects. People use them for their distinctive, rustic look that enhances the natural beauty of a home, as well as for their high durability and resistance to weather, decay, and insect damage. With proper treatment and care, cedar shakes require minimal maintenance compared to other siding options.
Eastern White Cedar Shakes
Eastern white cedar shakes are made from split pieces of cedar, prized for their light colour and fine texture. Known for their natural resistance to decay and insects, they offer a charming, weathered appearance that blends beautifully with various home styles. In addition to their rustic look, Eastern white cedar shakes are highly durable, standing up to harsh weather while requiring minimal maintenance. With proper treatment, they provide long-lasting protection and aesthetic appeal, making them a popular choice for both traditional and modern homes.
Want the full breakdown of cost drivers, grading, and finishing options? Read our complete Eastern White Cedar Shakes guide.
Can You Stain Or Paint Cedar Shakes?
At Muskoka Timber Mills, we offer a variety of finishing options for your cedar shakes, including MuskokaTone stain, our advanced Timberthane polyurethane formula, or use them in their raw, natural state! We allow you to customize the look to your aesthetic preferences. The choice of coating is entirely personal, ensuring the final result aligns with your vision.
How Long Do Cedar Shakes Last?
With proper installation and basic upkeep, cedar shakes typically last 25 to 40+ years — cedar's natural oils make it resistant to decay, insects, and rot without any treatment at all. Left raw, shakes will weather to a silver-grey patina over time but stay structurally sound. MuskokaTone stain gives the shakes a consistent, chosen colour, while our Timberthane polyurethane coating goes a step further — changing the colour and adding extra protection against Muskoka's freeze-thaw winters and humid summers, with lower maintenance than raw cedar alone.
Cedar Shakes vs. Vinyl Shakes
Vinyl shake siding costs less upfront and needs almost no upkeep, but it's a moulded panel imitating wood grain — not the real thing. Cedar shakes cost more initially and, left raw, will weather with age, but they're genuine dimensional wood that develops natural character instead of fading or cracking the way vinyl can in extreme cold. Cedar shakes also come with finishing options — raw, stained, or coated — that let you control the look, something a moulded vinyl panel can't offer, while keeping the texture and depth vinyl can't replicate.
Why Muskoka Timber Mills For Exteriors
Experience the unmatched craftsmanship of Muskoka Timber Mills, where precision and quality are at the heart of every interior wood product we create. Our meticulous moulding process operates at a careful 35 feet per minute, allowing us to achieve a finer, more refined finish that prioritizes precision and quality — an approach that sets us apart from others who focus on speed. With an array of finishing options including colours, opacity, sheens and more, all applied in our cutting-edge facility, you’re guaranteed flawless, even results. MuskokaTone is exterior-rated unlike the competition. From unique wood textures like wire-brushed and resawn to stunning two-tone stains, we offer endless customization possibilities, ensuring that every detail reflects the highest standards.
