I'm building a house and torn between natural cedar shingles and an alternative called NuCedar. I love the aesthetic of natural cedar, but I'm hearing mixed things about the upkeep it requires. On the other hand, NuCedar is the most realistic synthetic option I've found so far, looking and feeling much less plastic than vinyl alternatives, although it does come at a higher price. My main decision is whether to choose cedar, with all its maintenance issues, or invest in NuCedar for a worry-free experience for years. Has anyone had experiences with either type?
2 Answers
I used to have a full cedar roof on my beach house, and the replacement costs were sky-high—over 77k! I switched to Brava, which looks amazing and was about $19k less than what it would have cost to replace the cedar. Check if they have a product that suits your needs. I didn’t have to deal with siding, but it really made a difference for my roof.
When considering cedar, think about how you want it treated. If you plan on keeping it clear-coated, you might be better off with a synthetic option to avoid the hassle. If you’re open to staining or painting, natural cedar isn’t as tough to manage, but it will age over time, which can add character to your home.