CertainTeed Cedar Impressions: The Authentic Shake Look

By Mark Williams | Exterior Remodeling Expert

For decades, homeowners loved the look of real cedar shake siding but absolutely hated the maintenance. The constant re-staining, the inevitable rot, woodpecker damage, and severe pest issues made real wood a nightmare.

Enter CertainTeed Cedar Impressions, an injection-molded polymer siding that perfectly replicates the deep shadows, irregular patterns, and rich textures of true hand-split cedar. As an exterior contractor, when my clients want the coastal or rustic aesthetic of shake without the maintenance, this is the product I install most often.

The Cedar Impressions Advantage

Unlike standard vinyl lap siding (which is extruded in long, thin, flexible sheets), Cedar Impressions are incredibly thick, rigid panels molded from heavy-duty polymer.

• No Dents: Because the panels are solid and rigid, they resist denting from hail or errant baseballs significantly better than standard hollow vinyl or thin aluminum.
• Never Paint Again: The color goes all the way through the heavy polymer panel. It will never peel, flake, or blister like painted wood.
• True Texture: The molds used to create Cedar Impressions are cast directly from real cedar shingles, meaning the grain patterns, saw marks, and irregular edges are incredibly realistic.

Pros and Cons from the Field

My Experience (Pros)

• Stunning Realism: The Ageless Cedar blends offer arguably the most realistic faux-wood shake on the market. From the curb, even professionals have trouble telling it apart from real wood.
• Zero Maintenance: Unlike real cedar, it never requires staining, sealing, or treating for termites.
• Durability: Built to withstand hurricane-force winds (often rated over 150+ mph) and severe weather impacts.
• Seamless Appearance: The intricate panel interlocking systems hide the vertical seams incredibly well compared to cheaper competitors.

My Experience (Cons)

• High Cost: Cedar Impressions are significantly more expensive than standard vinyl siding, often approaching the cost of fiber cement or even real wood.
• Complex Installation: They must be installed meticulously. If an amateur nails them too tight to the wall, the rigid polymer will buckle severely when it expands in the summer heat. You must use a certified installer.

Estimated Cost Breakdown

Because it is a premium, thick polymer product, the pricing reflects the quality. Here is what I am quoting in 2026:

• Material Cost: Expect to pay between $3.50 and $5.50 per square foot for the materials alone.
• Installed Cost: When factoring in professional labor (which is slower due to the rigid panels and complex interlocking mechanisms), expect a fully installed price of $8.00 to $12.00 per square foot.
• Compared to Real Cedar: While the upfront cost is similar to real cedar, the long-term ROI is massive because you save thousands of dollars on staining and maintenance over the lifetime of the product.

The Color Palette

Cedar Impressions are available in standard solid colors, but the real magic is in their Ageless Cedar™ Color Blends, which mimic the natural weathering process of real wood over time.

Solid Colors (Classic & Clean)

If you want the texture of shake but a uniform, painted look:

• Colonial White & Snow: For a bright, cottage-style aesthetic.
• Sterling Gray & Flagstone: For coastal properties and Cape Cod designs.
• Pacific Blue: A bold, striking color that pairs well with crisp white trim.
• Sable Brown & Autumn Red: Rustic, earthy tones perfect for wooded lots.

Ageless Cedar Blends (The Authentic Wood Look)

These blends feature varying shades within the same panel, creating the stunning illusion of natural wood grain and weathering:

• Natural Blend: Mimics freshly cut, warm cedar.
• Cedar Blend: A slightly warmer, reddish-brown aged tone.
• Rustic Blend: A deep, rich, dark brown wood look.
• Driftwood Blend: Replicates the beautiful, silvery-gray patina of cedar that has been exposed to salt air and sun for years.

Where to Use Cedar Impressions

While some of my high-end clients wrap their entire house in Cedar Impressions, it is most commonly used as a premium accent to keep the budget under control.

• Gables: Install shakes in the roof gables to add deep texture and break up horizontal lap siding on the lower levels. This draws the eye upward and adds instant architectural interest.
• Front Elevations: Use it exclusively on the front of the house for maximum curb appeal, while using standard lap vinyl on the sides and rear to save budget.
• Dormers: A perfect, low-maintenance solution for second-story dormers that are difficult and dangerous to reach for painting.

Maintenance & Care

Maintenance is practically non-existent compared to real wood:

1. Annual Wash: Simply wash it down once a year with a standard garden hose to remove dust and spiderwebs.
2. Mildew Cleaning: If mildew develops in heavy shade (like on the north side of the house), use a soft bristle brush with a mild solution of water and standard vinyl siding cleaner.
3. Never Power Wash: Avoid blasting the siding with a high-pressure washer at close range, as this can force water behind the panels and into your insulation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Are Cedar Impressions just vinyl? Technically, they are an injection-molded polypropylene polymer. This makes them significantly thicker, much more rigid, and vastly more impact-resistant than standard extruded PVC vinyl lap siding.

Can I install it myself? While a highly skilled DIYer could install it, I strongly advise against it. The rigid panels have strict requirements for nailing (they must hang loosely) and temperature spacing at the seams. A poor installation will void the warranty and cause massive buckling in the summer.

Does it offer insulation? The panels themselves do not provide significant insulation, but you can install rigid foam board behind them, or CertainTeed offers specific insulated versions of the panels to increase your home's R-value.