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Cedar Shingles FAQ


BuildDirect is pleased to provide answers to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on a wide variety of our products, including cedar shingles. If your questions are not answered on this page, or you simply wish to speak with a Customer Service Representative, our customers can contact us toll free from anywhere in North America at 1-877-631-2845 or by email at customerservice@builddirect.com


Q. How much does one “square” cover?

A. One square will cover 100 sq. ft. of area when installed at the manufacturer’s maximum recommend exposure.


Q. What does the term “exposure” mean?

A. The term “exposure” refers to the height of each row or the viewable portion of the shake or shingle once it’s installed.


Q. Can I use a different exposure than the manufacturer’s recommended maximum?

A. Exceeding the manufacturer’s recommended maximum exposure may invalidate any available warranty. You may use an exposure that is less, but remember to recalculate your coverage or you will end up short on material. (Please see our coverage tables.)


Q. Why would I use shingles instead of shakes?

A. Shingles are used when a person prefers the slimmer profile and shadow line that shingles provide. Shingles are also considered to have a cleaner or more tailored look than shakes.


Q. Why would I use shakes instead of shingles?

A. Shakes are used when a person prefers the heavier profile and shadow line that shakes provide. Hand-split shakes are considered to have more of a rustic or looser appearance than shingles, while taper-sawn shakes are very close in appearance to shingles but thicker.


Q. Why are the pallet-quantity orders only available as a kiln-dried or treated product, but not as a raw or naturally dried product?

A. Pallet orders are typically delivered to a residence or small business where offloading assistance is required. In order for the truck lift to handle the weight of a standard size pallet, they must be dried to a weight of no more than 2500 lbs. The weight of an average raw pallet of cedar is 3200 lbs. Note: Building materials of this kind in these quantities are heavy. Please make a note of the weight information attached to your order and make sure that the required equipment and personnel are available to you in order to receive your order properly.


Q. Can purchasing a kiln-dried material save me money on my shipping charges?

A. Yes. Although there is a minimal up charge for a kiln-dried material, it will, in most cases, more than pay for itself. Total shipping charges are calculated by weight and volume of the shipment. A kiln-dried product can easily drop 600 lbs to 800 lbs of water from an average 10-square pallet of cedar.