FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

Need to match a 50 year old cedar shingle siding

tcleveen | Posted in General Discussion on October 19, 2011 02:37am

I reconstructed an exterior wall and want to match the appearance of an adjacent wall which has 60 year old cedar shingles on it. I’d rather use a cement fiber product but can not find an appearance that has an 11 inch reveal pattern like the wood shingles. The shingles have an up and down slight “combed” texture (maybe an 1/8 inch depth) and are around 15 inches in length and have no visible seam between shingles, implying either that thay were a panel-like product themselves or the original installer butted them and finished them so it looks seamless as you look across the wall at them. Even if I opted to go with a cedar material, I can’t find a similar texture in the bundles they sell as A-1 rated cedar at building supply stores (they are flat pieces of wood with no texture). Any matching ideas and where to get it?

Reply
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

Replies

  1. calvin | Oct 19, 2011 03:35pm | #1

    Start here-

    http://cedarbureau.org/installation-and-maintenance/wall-manual/

    About page 3  you will find what you probably have-  a machine grooved shingle.

    The application is with a larger exposure and so another course of "undercourse" shingle would be used below it (and held up a bit from the bottom of the grooved)-the install directions are in there too.  The undercourse shingle can be had in bundles sized for your application and are a lesser and cheaper grade.

    I assume you have a true individual shingle, but after being painted a few times, you would think that they are a panel, the fit is so good and the grooves camoflage the joint.

    I can get them from a real lumberyard-one that knows how to order something they don't usually carry.  We have several here in Toledo and a phone call is usually enough to generate a price and order.

    1. tcleveen | Oct 20, 2011 02:28am | #2

      ok thanks for suggestion, I now think the GAF panel fiber cement board shingle with a wider profile 14 3/8 inches)could work for me

  2. User avater
    hammer1 | Oct 20, 2011 10:04am | #3

    Those are machine grooved Western red cedar #1 R&R sidewall shakes. They come in a box, not a bundle like ordinary cedar shingles. Very often, they are primed and one of the more expensive red cedar products out there. They were popular in the 50's and 60's as a premium siding. Typically, they were installed over a celotex backer under each row. They are still available but hard to find. Normally installed single coverage over the backer.

    1. tcleveen | Oct 20, 2011 01:09pm | #4

      You're exactly right on your description. They are raised  slightly at the base of each row ( the backing material you mentioned or maybe another shingle underneath) and they were indeed installed in the mid 50's here in California. As they are hard to find I think I'm going to have to go with a replacement Gaf cement board product so I can mimic the reveal pattern and the striation pattern although it's not the same thing, as I don't know where to get boxes of red western cedar shingles here in California in 2011.

      1. calvin | Oct 20, 2011 02:18pm | #5

        Lumberyard

        A real one.

        I know you've got them there-not everything is HD or Blowes.  If I can get a WESTERN red cedar here, you sure as heck can get them there.

        I'm glad Hammer mentioned the alternate backer (if still available) as that was used.  The few repairs/additions I've done here were the cheaper (than #1's) cedar backer shingle (which are nice to have around for shimming floors in these old and wavy houses.

        Go to a lumberyard that's been around, look for the old guy or the owner and ask them-they'll be able to quote a price.

        If the cement board variety mimmicks the look, and you don't have to mix them w/cedar and are more reasonable and you're not a purist (and nothing wrong with that), then what the heck-use 'em.

      2. User avater
        hammer1 | Oct 20, 2011 11:12pm | #6

        You can send for a sample, I think these are what you want and the price is very reasonable, even if you have them primed and grooved.

        http://www.woodroof.com/cat291_1.htm

        Used to be able to order the backer along with the shakes. This company makes it.

        http://www.yankocy.com/shinglebackerboard.html

        1. tcleveen | Oct 21, 2011 02:18am | #7

          thanks for the contact point

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps

Choosing the right heating and cooling system means finding the best fit for your home's size, layout, and climate—and balancing trade-offs in efficiency, comfort, and cost.

Featured Video

Video: Build a Fireplace, Brick by Brick

Watch mason Mike Mehaffey construct a traditional-style fireplace that burns well and meets current building codes.

Related Stories

  • Podcast Episode 684: Masonry Heaters, Whole-House Ventilation, and Porch Flooring
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Repairing an Old Home While Maintaining Its Integrity
  • Tools and Gear for the Moms Who Get it Done
  • An Easier Method for Mitered Head Casings

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2024
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers
  • Issue 327 - November 2024
    • Repairing Damaged Walls and Ceilings
    • Plumbing Protection
    • Talking Shop

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

  • Home Group
  • Antique Trader
  • Arts & Crafts Homes
  • Bank Note Reporter
  • Cabin Life
  • Cuisine at Home
  • Fine Gardening
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Garden Gate
  • Horticulture
  • Keep Craft Alive
  • Log Home Living
  • Military Trader/Vehicles
  • Numismatic News
  • Numismaster
  • Old Cars Weekly
  • Old House Journal
  • Period Homes
  • Popular Woodworking
  • Script
  • ShopNotes
  • Sports Collectors Digest
  • Threads
  • Timber Home Living
  • Traditional Building
  • Woodsmith
  • World Coin News
  • Writer's Digest
Active Interest Media logo
X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 81%

Subscribe

Enjoy unlimited access to Fine Homebuilding. Join Now

Already a member? Log in

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data