Meta description: Compare cedar shingle grades, including No. 1 Blue Label, No. 2 Red Label, and No. 3 Black Label, and learn how grade affects appearance, installation, and use.
Cedar shingles are graded by qualities such as grain, knots, and the presence of sapwood. Those differences affect how a shingle looks and where it is suitable—not just its price. In the United States, Western Red Cedar shingles are commonly sold under industry grading rules with labels that identify their grade. Knowing what the labels mean helps homeowners compare products, discuss specifications with contractors, and avoid using a lower grade where a roofing or siding project calls for a more consistent finish.
What Cedar Shingle Grades Mean
A cedar shingle grade is a quality classification based on characteristics of the wood and the finished product. For Western Red Cedar, the familiar grade names are No. 1 Blue Label, No. 2 Red Label, and No. 3 Black Label. These designations are associated with grading rules administered by the Cedar Shake & Shingle Bureau (CSSB).
Grade helps describe what buyers can expect in a bundle, but it does not tell the whole story. Shingle thickness, length, coverage, exposure, installation method, roof slope, and the product’s intended application also matter. Two products labeled with the same grade may not be interchangeable if they differ in dimensions or installation instructions.
Grades are not universal across every cedar species, manufacturer, or country. In particular, Western Red Cedar labels should not automatically be used to evaluate products made from another species. Buyers should check the product’s own grading documentation and label rather than relying only on a seller’s shorthand description.
Western Red Cedar Shingle Grades At A Glance
| Grade | Common label | Typical use | General characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|
| No. 1 | Blue Label | Roofing or siding where a high-quality, consistent appearance is wanted | Highest shingle grade; generally selected for clear, edge-grain material |
| No. 2 | Red Label | Applications where the specified product and exposure allow a less uniform appearance | Lower than No. 1; may include characteristics excluded from the top grade |
| No. 3 | Black Label | Typically undercoursing or other uses where the shingle is covered | Utility grade; not generally intended as an exposed finished surface |
This table is a practical overview, not a substitute for the complete grading rules. Specifications can vary by product and application. For exact requirements—including the permitted amount and location of grain, knots, or other characteristics—consult the CSSB’s current grading standards and the manufacturer’s documentation.
No. 1 Blue Label Cedar Shingles
No. 1 Blue Label is the premium grade of Western Red Cedar shingles. It is commonly chosen when the visible surface needs a clean, relatively uniform appearance and when the project specification calls for top-grade material. The grade is associated with clear, edge-grain shingles made from heartwood under the applicable rules.
Edge grain means the annual growth rings run more nearly perpendicular to the shingle’s face, rather than appearing broadly across it. Grain orientation can influence how the wood responds to moisture, but it does not make a roof maintenance-free or immune to weather. Proper product selection, ventilation, flashing, and installation remain essential.
Blue Label is often the first grade to ask about for exposed cedar roofing, but buyers should still confirm that the specific product is approved for the intended roof application. A grade label alone does not establish the required shingle length, thickness, exposure, or roof-slope suitability.
No. 2 Red Label Cedar Shingles
No. 2 Red Label is a lower grade than No. 1 and may have a less consistent appearance. Its permitted characteristics depend on the applicable grading rules. It can be appropriate when the product specification allows its appearance and performance characteristics, but it should not be assumed to match the look of Blue Label shingles.
Before choosing Red Label for a visible roof or wall, ask for the grading description and, when possible, inspect a sample bundle. A small sample may not show the full range of color and grain variation in a delivery, so the contract should state the grade and product details clearly.
Whether No. 2 is suitable for an exposed installation depends on the product standards, design, and local requirements. The contractor should confirm that the shingles are specified for the exact use and installed within the manufacturer’s instructions. If a project calls for No. 1, substituting No. 2 based only on price can change the finished appearance and may conflict with the written specification.
No. 3 Black Label Cedar Shingles
No. 3 Black Label is generally a utility grade and is commonly used for undercoursing. Undercoursing is a concealed layer placed beneath another course of shingles, so the material is not being selected as the visible finish. The grade’s characteristics make it important to confirm its intended use before ordering.
Black Label should not be treated as a budget substitute for a higher grade on an exposed roof or wall unless the product documentation explicitly permits that application. A lower upfront price may not be worthwhile if the material is unsuitable for the design, fails to meet the specification, or produces an appearance the owner did not expect.
Cedar Shingles And Cedar Shakes Are Not The Same
The words “shingle” and “shake” are sometimes used casually as if they mean the same thing, but they describe different products. Cedar shingles are generally sawn and have a relatively smooth, uniform surface. Cedar shakes are typically split, or split and resawn, and have a more textured, rustic appearance. Their grading categories and product requirements may differ.
A shake grade should not be compared directly with a shingle grade based only on a number or label. When reviewing a quote, make sure it names the product type, species, grade, dimensions, and intended installation. This is especially important when replacing an existing roof, because a new product may not match the old material’s profile or coverage.
How Cedar Shingle Grade Affects Appearance And Cost
Higher-grade shingles generally offer a more controlled selection of wood characteristics and a more consistent visible finish. Lower grades may include more variation, depending on their rules. The exact appearance of any cedar installation also depends on the wood’s natural color, exposure to sunlight, weathering, and the way shingles are blended and installed.
Grade can affect cost, but it is only one part of the project budget. Product dimensions, availability, freight, underlayment, flashing, labor, roof complexity, and disposal of old roofing can all change the final price. A lower-grade bundle may not reduce total project cost much if the installation still requires the same labor and accessories.
For an accurate comparison, ask contractors to quote the same species, grade, size, installation exposure, and accessory scope. A bid that says only “cedar shingles” is too vague to compare reliably with a bid that specifies a labeled grade and product details.
Choosing The Right Grade For Roofing Or Siding
For Roofing
Start with the manufacturer’s instructions and local building requirements. Roof slope and exposure affect how much of each shingle is visible and how much coverage it provides. A qualified roofer should confirm that the selected product is intended for the roof’s slope and climate conditions, and specify the required underlayment, fastening, flashing, and ventilation details.
For an exposed roof, a high-grade shingle such as No. 1 is often considered when appearance and product consistency matter. That does not mean every roof requires the same grade. The written specification, product approval, budget, and desired look should guide the choice.
For Siding
Cedar shingles used as siding are exposed to different conditions than roof shingles, including wall orientation, rain exposure, and details around windows and doors. The chosen grade should suit the desired appearance and the manufacturer’s stated application. Good drainage, appropriate clearances, flashing, and a suitable finish or maintenance plan are important regardless of grade.
Ask whether the product is graded and labeled for siding use, and confirm the installation details for the wall assembly. A roofing grade name alone does not guarantee that a particular bundle is the best choice for every siding design.
What To Check Before Buying Cedar Shingles
- Species: Confirm whether the product is Western Red Cedar or another cedar species.
- Grade and label: Look for the grade named in the contract and check the bundle’s label or product documentation.
- Product type: Verify that the material is a shingle, not a shake, and identify whether it is intended for roofing, siding, or undercoursing.
- Dimensions: Confirm length, thickness, and the exposure recommended by the manufacturer.
- Installation details: Review roof slope, underlayment, fastening, flashing, and ventilation requirements with the installer.
- Appearance: Request a sample or inspect material from more than one bundle to understand natural variation.
- Quantity and waste: Have the contractor calculate coverage using the specified exposure and account for cutting and unusable pieces.
- Documentation: Keep the product label, invoice, installation instructions, and written grade specification.
Common Cedar Shingle Grade Mistakes
Assuming all cedar shingles are graded the same can lead to misleading comparisons. Labels and rules may be specific to the species, manufacturer, or product category. A seller’s informal use of “premium” is not a replacement for a recognized grade and documentation.
Choosing by price alone can also create problems. A lower grade may be suitable for a concealed layer but inappropriate for an exposed finish. Conversely, selecting the highest grade without considering the project’s actual specification may increase cost without addressing other important factors, such as installation quality or water management.
Another common mistake is treating grade as a guarantee of service life. Cedar durability depends on several factors, including product quality, climate, roof or wall design, installation, drainage, ventilation, and maintenance. No grade can compensate for poor flashing or incorrect exposure.
How To Verify A Cedar Shingle Grade
Ask the supplier for the applicable grading standard, product data, and a clear description of what the label means. The Cedar Shake & Shingle Bureau provides information about Western Red Cedar products and grading. Its resources are available at cedarbureau.org. Buyers should also consult the product manufacturer and the local building department when code or product approval questions arise.
For a contractor’s proposal, the grade should appear in writing alongside the shingle species, dimensions, intended application, and installation method. If the label on delivered bundles does not match the contract, the discrepancy should be resolved before installation. Keeping that documentation helps protect the project scope and makes future repairs easier to plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Best Grade Of Cedar Shingles?
No. 1 Blue Label is generally the highest grade in the common Western Red Cedar shingle system. It is often selected for a more consistent exposed finish. The best choice for a particular project depends on the product specification, installation, appearance goals, and budget.
Can No. 3 Cedar Shingles Be Used On A Roof?
No. 3 Black Label is commonly intended for undercoursing rather than an exposed finished surface. Buyers should follow the product’s current grading rules and manufacturer instructions instead of assuming it is suitable for visible roofing.
Does A Higher Grade Make Cedar Maintenance-Free?
No. Grade describes selected wood characteristics, not a promise that the roof or siding will never need maintenance. Installation quality, drainage, ventilation, exposure, and climate all influence performance.
Are Cedar Shake And Shingle Grades Interchangeable?
No. Shingles and shakes are different products and may follow different grading descriptions. The product type and its grading documentation should be verified before comparing prices or specifications.