Shake-style siding delivers a distinctive, textured aesthetic that adds character and warmth to any home. However, traditional cedar shake siding is one of the highest-maintenance exterior options available — a serious drawback in Minnesota's demanding climate. The good news is that modern shake-style siding alternatives give you the same charming look without the constant upkeep. At Weatherguard Construction, we specialize in installing low-maintenance shake alternatives for homeowners across Stillwater, Woodbury, Eden Prairie, and throughout our Minnesota, Illinois, and Colorado service areas.

The Appeal of Shake-Style Siding

Shake siding (also called shake shingle siding) features individual panels that mimic the look of hand-split wood shakes. The irregular, textured surface creates deep shadow lines and a rustic, artisan quality that flat siding profiles simply cannot match. Shake-style siding is popular for:

  • Accent areas — Gable ends, dormers, and architectural features
  • Full-house applications — Particularly on Cape Cod, Craftsman, and cottage-style homes
  • Mixed-material designs — Combined with horizontal lap siding for visual variety
  • Upper-story treatments — Using shake on the upper level with a different profile below

The design versatility of shake-style siding makes it one of the most requested accent treatments we install at Weatherguard Construction.

The Problem With Real Cedar Shakes in Minnesota

While beautiful, natural cedar shake siding is one of the most problematic siding choices for Minnesota's climate:

Relentless maintenance — Cedar shakes require staining or sealing every 2-4 years. The irregular surface traps moisture and creates more surface area for UV exposure, accelerating finish breakdown faster than flat-profile siding.

Moisture vulnerability — Individual shakes absorb moisture from rain, snow, and humidity. Minnesota's freeze-thaw cycles cause this absorbed moisture to expand, splitting and cracking shakes from the inside out. North-facing walls and shaded areas are particularly vulnerable because shakes stay damp longer.

Rot and decay — Despite cedar's natural rot resistance, modern new-growth cedar lacks the density and heartwood content of old-growth cedar. Shakes in Minnesota frequently develop rot within 10-15 years, especially in areas with poor air circulation.

Pest attraction — Cedar shakes attract carpenter ants, powderpost beetles, and woodpeckers. The individual shake format creates numerous gaps and crevices where pests can establish themselves.

Short lifespan — Real cedar shakes in Minnesota typically last 15-20 years with meticulous maintenance, and much less if maintenance is neglected.

LP SmartSide Shake Panels

LP SmartSide offers shake-style panels that are our top recommendation for Minnesota homeowners who want the shake aesthetic without the headaches:

Realistic appearance — LP SmartSide shake panels feature deep-relief textures molded from actual cedar shakes. Each panel displays varied grain patterns and stagger heights that create an authentic, hand-crafted appearance.

Engineered durability — LP SmartSide shake panels are treated with SmartGuard protection against moisture, fungal decay, and termites. They will not split, crack, or rot like natural cedar shakes.

Superior impact resistance — LP SmartSide shake panels handle hail, wind-driven debris, and accidental impacts far better than cedar, fiber cement, or vinyl shake products.

Reduced maintenance — Repaint every 10-15 years versus every 2-4 years for cedar. No staining, no sealing, no individual shake replacement.

Installation efficiency — LP SmartSide shake panels cover larger areas per piece than individual shakes, reducing installation time and labor costs while ensuring consistent coursing and alignment.

5/50 Year Warranty — Backed by LP Building Solutions with one of the strongest warranties in the siding industry.

Fiber Cement Shake Panels

James Hardie and other fiber cement manufacturers offer shake-style panels:

Advantages:

  • Fire-resistant (non-combustible)
  • Impervious to insects and rot
  • Factory-applied finishes available
  • Good dimensional stability

Disadvantages for Minnesota:

  • Heavy — significantly increases installation labor and structural load
  • Brittle — can crack from hail impact or during cold-weather installation
  • Less convincing shake texture compared to LP SmartSide
  • Requires specialty cutting tools due to silica content
  • Higher installed cost than LP SmartSide shake panels

Vinyl Shake Panels

Vinyl shake and scallop panels are the most affordable shake-style option:

Advantages:

  • Lowest cost shake-style option
  • Maintenance-free (no painting)
  • Lightweight and easy to install

Disadvantages for Minnesota:

  • Least realistic appearance — vinyl shake profiles lack the depth and texture of engineered wood or fiber cement
  • Susceptible to wind damage — individual panels can blow off in severe storms
  • Fading and chalking — vinyl degrades with UV exposure over time
  • Brittle in extreme cold — prone to cracking from impact during Minnesota winters
  • Limited color options compared to paintable alternatives

Design Ideas for Shake-Style Siding

Shake siding does not have to cover your entire home to make a dramatic impact. Here are popular design approaches we install across Lakeville, Apple Valley, Burnsville, and beyond:

Gable Accent Install horizontal lap siding on the main walls and shake panels in the gable triangles. This classic combination adds architectural interest without the cost of full shake coverage.

Upper-Lower Split Use horizontal siding on the first floor and shake panels on the second floor (or vice versa). A horizontal trim band separates the two treatments for a clean transition.

Feature Wall Apply shake-style panels to a prominent architectural feature — a bump-out, bay window area, or entryway surround — while using horizontal siding elsewhere.

Mixed-Width Shake Combine different shake exposure widths on different areas of the home for additional texture and visual complexity.

Installation Considerations

Shake-style siding installation requires specific expertise:

  • Substrate preparation — Shake panels need a flat, solid substrate. Furring strips or specialized sheathing may be required over existing surfaces.
  • Starter strips and coursing — Proper starter strip installation and consistent coursing are essential for a professional appearance.
  • Corner and trim details — Shake-style siding requires specific corner treatments that differ from lap siding. Inside and outside corners, window surrounds, and transitions must be carefully detailed.
  • Ventilation — Shake panels with their irregular surfaces benefit from rain screen installation for optimal moisture management.

Weatherguard Construction's experienced crews are trained in all shake-style panel installation methods. We ensure every detail is executed properly for lasting beauty and performance. Schedule a free design consultation to explore shake-style options for your home.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does shake-style siding cost compared to horizontal lap siding?

Shake-style panels typically cost 15-25% more than comparable horizontal lap siding, primarily due to additional installation labor and more complex trim work. LP SmartSide shake panels are competitively priced among premium shake options. For accent applications (gable ends only), the added cost is minimal and the design impact is significant.

Can I put shake-style siding on just part of my house?

Absolutely. In fact, partial shake application is the most popular approach. Using shake panels as accents on gable ends, dormers, or architectural features while maintaining horizontal siding on the main walls creates visual interest and manages costs. This mixed approach is one of our most requested design treatments.

How long does LP SmartSide shake siding last in Minnesota?

LP SmartSide shake panels have the same durability and warranty as LP SmartSide lap siding — a realistic lifespan of 30-50+ years with proper installation and maintenance. This far exceeds the 15-20 year lifespan of real cedar shakes in Minnesota's climate.

Does shake-style siding affect home resale value?

Quality shake-style siding, especially as part of a mixed-material design, typically enhances curb appeal and can positively impact resale value. Buyers appreciate the architectural character that shake accents provide. The key is using quality materials and professional installation for a refined, intentional appearance.