The amount of square footage a bundle of cedar shakes covers depends on the shake size, exposure, and installation pattern. Understanding typical bundle sizes and coverage helps homeowners estimate material needs accurately, reduce waste, and budget effectively for siding or roofing projects. This guide explains common bundle configurations, how to calculate coverage, and practical tips for precise ordering.
What Cedar Shakes Are
Cedar shakes are thin, tapered wooden shingles crafted from western red cedar or other cedar species. They are installed with a small gap between each piece to allow for ventilation and a rustic, textured appearance. Cedar’s natural properties—dimensional stability, decay resistance, and pleasant aroma—make it a popular choice for exterior cladding and roofing in the United States.
How Bundles Are Packaged
Manufacturers package cedar shakes into bundles based on length, thickness, and exposure. Common bundle sizes include four-foot, five-foot, or six-foot lengths, with exposure figures varying by whether the shakes are installed with heavy or light exposure. A bundle typically contains a specific number of shingles, and the listed coverage assumes an average exposure and typical gaps. Always verify the package label for exact coverage data, as regional products can differ.
Square Footage Per Bundle
Coverage per bundle is calculated by multiplying the bundle’s total surface area by the installation exposure. For example, standard cement boards or metal roof patterns are not used here; the focus is on traditional cedar shakes installed with standard overlap and spacing. Typical guidance sees a four-foot bundle providing roughly 20 to 28 square feet of coverage at a light exposure, while a five-foot bundle might cover about 22 to 32 square feet, depending on shake width and spacing. Actual figures depend on shake width, thickness, and the chosen exposure—toe, rake, and hip areas can affect total coverage.
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Key Factors That Affect Coverage
- Shake Width and Thickness: Wider shakes cover more area per piece, but thickness can influence how many shakes fit per bundle.
- Exposure Pattern: Light exposure reveals less surface area per shake, increasing total bundles needed. Heavy exposure uses more material to achieve the same look, reducing coverage per bundle.
- Cut and Install Waste: Corners, rakes, and awkward transitions generate waste. Plan for 5% to 10% additional material for typical projects.
- Surface Slope and Configuration: Steeper roofs or vertical siding with irregular surfaces can alter the number of pieces required per square.
- Moisture Content and Size T Variations: Shakes may vary slightly in size between manufacturers, impacting exact coverage estimates.
How to Calculate Your Project Coverage
To estimate the number of bundles needed, follow these steps:
- Determine the project area in square feet (for example, a wall section or roof area).
- Decide on the shake size and exposure you will use, based on the product you intend to purchase.
- Find the coverage per bundle from the manufacturer’s label or product data sheet.
- Divide the total area by the coverage per bundle to obtain the baseline number of bundles.
- Multiply by a waste factor (typically 5%–10%) to account for cuts and waste.
Example: If a bundle covers 24 square feet with light exposure and the project area is 600 square feet, the calculation is 600 / 24 = 25 bundles. Adding 8% waste yields approximately 27 bundles.
Practical Tips for Accurate Ordering
- Consult the Product Label: Always check the exact coverage per bundle on the packaging for your specific product line.
- Measure Twice, Order Once: Measure the full project area carefully, including hips, ridges, and corners.
- Account for End Laps and Trim: Include additional material for end laps and trim pieces to ensure uniform appearance.
- Source Extra Bundles: When possible, request 5%–10% extra to cover potential replacements and damage during handling.
- Coordinate With Roofing or Siding Schedules: Align purchases with installation phasing to minimize storage challenges and weather exposure risks.
Tools and Resources
- Manufacturer Specs: Product data sheets and installation guides specify bundle size, coverage, and exposure recommendations.
- Estimator Worksheets: Home improvement retailers and contractors often provide worksheets to simplify bundle calculations.
- Local Building Codes: Check for any local requirements regarding Cedar Shake installations, ventilation, and fire safety.
Common Coverage Scenarios
| Shake Size | Exposure | Coverage Per Bundle (Approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 ft long | Light | 20–28 sq ft | Smaller width, wider field coverage varies by product |
| 5 ft long | Light | 22–32 sq ft | Often higher coverage per bundle |
| 6 ft long | Light | 26–38 sq ft | Best for faster coverage on larger surfaces |
Key takeaway: Coverage per bundle is not fixed and varies with product specifications and installation style. Always verify from the specific product data sheet and account for waste.