Choosing the right backing and underlayment is essential when installing cedar shingles. This guide covers fiber-based backer board options and how they pair with authentic cedar shingles from reputable brands. You’ll find practical considerations, performance notes, and product examples to help you compare choices for roofs and walls. The recommendations emphasize moisture resistance, ease of installation, and long-term durability in American homes.
Summary of selected products
| Product | Brand | Type | Key Benefit | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 64 Pcs Western Red Cedar Shingles Chips Bulk | Briwooody | Cedar shingles chips (not a backing board) | Natural moisture resistance; versatile for roofing and walls | Amazon |
| Miller Shingle 18″ #4 Undercourse Cedar Kiln Dried | Miller Shingle | Undercourse cedar shingles | Ideal for sidewall undercoursing and starter shingles | Amazon |
| Woodchucks Wood Red Cedar Boards | Woodchucks Wood | Cedar boards | Kiln-dried for craft and panel use; not a backer board | Amazon |
| Miller Shingle 18 Inch R&R Shingles | Miller Shingle | R&R Shingles | Grooved, rebutted and jointed for sidewall applications | Amazon |
| 24″ #1 Royals Certigrade Western Red Cedar Shingles | A&R | Shingles | Smooth, uniform cedar with variable widths | Amazon |
Note: This article focuses on cedar shingles and related components. For fiber backer board considerations, see the buying guide below and consult manufacturer recommendations for your climate, roof slope, and building code requirements.
Product Sections
64 Pcs Western Red Cedar Shingles Chips Bulk
The Briwooody set includes 64 Western Red Cedar shingles, each 18″ long, 5.8″ wide, and 0.6″ thick at the butt, tapering to 0.1″. These shingles cover roughly 20-25 square feet when installed. Cedar’s natural properties offer moisture resistance, durability, and pest deterrence, making them suitable for roofing or decorative wall applications. The kit claims straightforward installation with robust insulation and sound-dampening qualities, plus resilience against sun, rain, and temperature swings. For backer board compatibility, ensure your substrate is rated for cedar’s moisture profile and that fasteners are appropriate for both the backing material and cedar.
Key features:
- Natural Western Red Cedar material
- Provides moisture resistance and pest deterrence
- Optimized for indoor and outdoor settings
- Stable and resistant to deformation
Miller Shingle 18″ #4 Undercourse Cedar Kiln Dried Sidewall Shingle
This undercourse cedar shingle from Miller Shingle is designed for sidewall applications and starter shingles, with a specification covering up to 100 square feet at a 14″ exposure or 50 square feet at 7″ exposure. Made from Western Red Cedar, it is kiln-dried for stability and durability. When pairing with fiber backer boards, verify that the board’s surface is smooth, flat, and free from moisture retention that could affect cedar installation. The undercourse shingles are crafted for reliable performance in exterior walls and can complement a fiber-backed system that provides a rigid, weather-resistant base.
Key features:
- Utility grade for under coursing
- Western Red Cedar material
- Suitable for double coursed applications
Woodchucks Wood Red Cedar Boards 24″ x 5″ x 1/4″
These thin Aromatic Cedar boards are kiln-dried and suitable for crafts and light construction projects. Each board is 1/4″ thick, 5″ wide, and 24″ long, sold in a 10-pack. While not a dedicated backer board, cedar boards can be used in paneling or decorative applications behind a fiber backer board as part of a layered exterior or interior system. If used in roofing contexts, ensure proper ventilation, moisture control, and approved fasteners compatible with both the backer board and cedar elements.
Key features:
- Aromatic Cedar with kiln-dried stability
- Suitable for craft, paneling, and small construct projects
- Pack of ten boards with uniform dimensions
Miller Shingle 18 Inch Rebutted and Rejointed Shingles (R&R)
The Miller Shingle R&R shingles are 18 inches, grooved on one side, and designed specifically for sidewall applications. They are prepped in half-square cartons that cover about 50 square feet at a 14-inch exposure when double coursed. This selection emphasizes precise cut and joinery, which helps with clean lines on cedar-exposed surfaces. For fiber backer board setups, confirm that the board supports the intended exposure and that moisture control strategies align with cedar installation guidelines. R&R shingles can provide a stable surface when combined with a rigid backing system.
Key features:
- High-grade #1 18″ shingles
- Grooved and ready for sidewall use
- Rebutted and jointed for clean seams
Miller Shingle 18 Inch R&R Natural Groove Cedar Sidewall Shingles
This listing mirrors the R&R approach with natural groove cedar sidewall shingles in a 1/2 square carton. The grooved side helps with alignment and weather sealing in wall assemblies. When pairing with fiber backer boards, ensure a compatible finish system that accommodates cedar’s dimensional shifts and potential moisture. This product supports double coursing for durable exterior walls and can complement a backer board system that provides strong shear resistance and a smooth, flat substrate.
Key features:
- High-grade #1 18″ shingles
- Grooved for sidewall installation
- 1/2 square carton coverage
Miller Shingle MasterCut Round Decorative Cedar Shingles
The MasterCut Round decorative shingles feature 104 pieces crafted from Miller Shingle #1 18 inch shingles, with rounded shapes and a sanding finish on one side. These are suitable for decorative accents, curved surfaces, or ornate wall features. While decorative pieces are not backer boards, they can be used in conjunction with a solid fiber backer board for exterior aesthetics. Ensure the substrate remains dry and flat under the decorative elements to preserve the cedar’s appearance and longevity.
Key features:
- 104 decorative pieces
- Round, sanded surfaces
- Designed for aesthetic applications
24″ #1 Royals Certigrade Western Red Cedar Shingles
These 24″ cedar shingles are #1 quality with smooth sawn surfaces and a nominal thickness of 0.50″. They vary in width from 4″ to 14″, providing a natural, varied look for roofs or walls. For backer board installations, check that the fiber backing board provides a solid, moisture-controlled base, and that fasteners penetrate the backer board cleanly without compromising cedar. This option is ideal for projects seeking a classic cedar appearance with dependable performance under diverse weather conditions.
Key features:
- Smooth, uniform cedar
- Nominal 0.50″ thickness
- Varied widths for a rustic aesthetic
Buying Guide: Fiber Backer Board And Cedar Shingle Installations
When selecting fiber backer boards to use with cedar shingles, consider moisture management, substrate rigidity, and installation compatibility. Fiber backer boards, such as cement fiber or fiberglass-reinforced options, offer mold resistance and a stable base for exterior or interior cedar installations. Key factors include:
- Moisture resistance: Cedar handles humidity well, but a moisture-control layer behind the backer board helps prevent warping and rot. Look for boards rated for exterior use and compatible with cedar’s moisture profile.
- Rigidity and fastener compatibility: A rigid backer board reduces nail heads telegraphing through cedar shingles. Ensure fasteners are approved for the specific backer board and cedar product, and that they resist corrosion in humid climates.
- Breathability and drainage: Choose systems that allow for vapor permeance and drainage behind cedar, reducing the risk of moisture buildup.
- Installation guidance: Follow manufacturer instructions for substrate prep, joint spacing, and sealing. Some cedar shingles require specific exposure and nailing patterns that work with a firm, flat backing.
- Aesthetics and finish: Cedar’s natural color ages gracefully; pairing with a fiber backer board should not hinder its appearance. Consider sealants or finishes compatible with cedar and backer board materials.
- Climate considerations: In high-precipitation areas, prioritize breathable, moisture-tolerant backer boards and robust fasteners to maintain long-term performance.
The products reviewed above show a range of cedar shingles and related components that commonly pair with backer boards in roofing and wall applications. Always verify compatibility with your local building codes and consult a professional installer if you’re unsure about substrate choices or weather-related performance.