In the world of tiny houses, no exterior finish captures the “storybook cottage” or “rugged cabin” vibe quite like Cedar Shakes (shingles). They add incredible texture, smell amazing, and silver-out beautifully over time.
But before you order a pallet of Eastern White or Western Red Cedar shakes, you need to ask yourself one question: Can my trailer handle the weight?
This guide breaks down the aesthetic value versus the structural reality of installing shakes on a Tiny House on Wheels (THOW).
The Aesthetic Value: Why We Love Them
Cedar shakes offer a depth that lap siding simply cannot match.
- Texture: The varying widths and slight imperfections create a rich, organic surface that hides dirt and scratches.
- Shadow Lines: Because shakes are layered, they create deep shadow lines that change with the sun, making a small structure feel more substantial and high-end.
- Smell: Nothing beats the smell of fresh cedar while you are building.
The Weight Penalty: The “Triple Coverage” Problem
Here is the physics problem. With standard lap siding (clapboard), you typically have a 1-inch overlap. You are covering the wall with essentially one layer of wood.
With Cedar Shakes, you are installing them with a triple coverage method to ensure waterproofing.
- The Math: To get a 5-inch exposure (the part you see), you are using shingles that are 16 to 18 inches long.
- The Result: At any given point on your wall, there are three layers of wood stacked on top of each other.
Weight Comparison (Approximate):
- Beveled Cedar Lap Siding: ~1.5 lbs per sq. ft.
- Cedar Shakes (Wet/Green): ~2.5 to 3.0 lbs per sq. ft.
- The Impact: On a 24-foot tiny house with 500 sq. ft. of siding, choosing shakes over lap siding could add 500-750 lbs to your build. That is the same weight as a wood stove, a fridge, AND a washing machine combined.
Installation: The “Breathing” Requirement
If you decide the weight is worth it, you cannot just nail shakes to plywood. Cedar shakes absorb water like a sponge. If they can’t dry out from behind, they will cup, curl, and rot your sheathing.
1. The Air Gap (Cedar Breather)
You must install a drainage mat (like Benjamin Obdyke’s “Cedar Breather”) between your house wrap and the shakes.
- What it does: It creates a mesh matrix that allows air to circulate behind the shingles.
- Why it’s vital: Without it, moisture trapped behind the triple-layer of wood will rot your tiny house walls from the outside in.
2. Fastener Selection
Cedar contains tannins—natural oils that eat standard metal.
- The Rule: You MUST use Stainless Steel (Type 304 or 316) ring-shank nails or staples.
- The Risk: Galvanized nails will eventually react with the cedar, causing ugly black streaks to run down your beautiful siding (known as “bleeding”).
The Compromise: Shake Panels
If you want the look but are scared of the installation time, consider Cedar Shake Panels (like Shakertown).
- What are they? Real cedar shingles bonded to a plywood backing in 8-foot strips.
- Pros: Installs 10x faster (like lap siding).
- Cons: Still heavy; often more expensive than individual shingles.
Conclusion
Cedar shakes are the “luxury finish” of the tiny house world. They are heavy, expensive, and time-consuming to install. However, they offer unmatched curb appeal and durability (if allowed to breathe).
The Verdict:
- Choose Shakes if: You have a heavy-duty trailer (14k+ GVWR), plenty of payload capacity, and want a high-end look.
- Avoid Shakes if: You are building on a standard 7k or 10k trailer and are struggling to keep your weight down.