Cedar Shingles vs. Larch Hand Split Shakes
In recent years, Western Red Cedar Blue Label shingles have more than doubled in price, so let’s consider possible alternatives. In September 2013, a bundle of cedar shingles were selling for £33.75 per bundle. For comparison in 2022, September arrivals are nearly 6.5 times higher in price.
In this article, we’ll explore the reasons behind the significant increase in price, as well as discuss how Larch shakes can be a great alternative for your upcoming projects. First, let’s look at the major differences between the two products.
Cedar Shingles: A cedar shingle is a fine sawn roofing and cladding solution with a tapered finish. Cedar are only supplied in 400 - 600mm lengths and are easy to fix and install.
Larch Shakes: A shake is also a roofing and cladding solution and has been hand split/clef along the grain, leaving a textured finish. They are supplied in random widths, with lengths from 200mm to 600mm. They are a little difficult to fix, however once the technique is achieved, the result is far more satisfying for the customer.
Alternative larch shakes may be required due to a huge increase in cost.
Why have Western Red Cedar shingles risen in price?
The main reason for the significant rise in price for cedar shingles is the role China are playing in the timber market. China is currently buying all grades of cedar and paying above market prices. This of course means demand has grown substantially. They are a traditional building material in Japan, whose style of building is heavily reliant on Cedar in their older buildings and for roofing shingles.
China are buying 1:5 planks for timber from the USA and Canada, ultimately having a knock-on effect internationally.
Additionally, the Japanese Government have banned logging old-growth Cedar, which is where the best timber is sourced for shingle durability, and therefore are better in performance. Cedar relies on the resins to give it the durability and the Blue Label marking ensures the grade of the timber used is faultless.
Further, Covid-19 also played a part, affecting production from the forests.
Due to a huge demand in cedar shingles, the price has soared in recent years.
What’s the feasible alternative?
So for those looking for a feasible solution, we recommend taking a look at Austrian/Bavarian Larch Hand Split Shakes - a renewable resource due to the planting regimes they have in Europe.
The Larch is cropped from over 500′ above sea level, making it slow-grown and dense. The stock is defect-free and although heavier and greater density, it’s durability far outweighs Cedar shingles. The Larch takes longer to fix and install, however it’s a learning curve to fix correctly and it’s about understanding the differences to Cedar.
The Larch is hand-cleft to split them to give quarter cleft radially produced shakes, approx 8/10mm and 2/4mm at the tip – thicker on average than a sawn shake. The shakes are 80mm and wider but are available in more lengths, with 400mm being the most common. Remember, a roof relies on the 3-ply lay-up effect and a wall elevation relies on a 2-ply lay up, so on a 40cm shake / shingle the exposed face is 125mm.
WL West & Sons are the sole UK distributor for Rapold GmbH wood shake and shingle products. Based in Bavaria, Rapold GmbH are a long-established family-run business and are renowned for their high-quality products. We offer a range of timber species, size and style of shakes and shingles to suit a variety of budgets and styles of property. Find out more here
WL West Timber is a family-owned sawmill & timber merchant in West Sussex with over 155 years’ industry experience. We provide a wide range of air-dried oak and kiln-dried oak timber products and supplies. We also build and install custom projects for our customers.
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