Siding
Cedar Shingles, Clapboard, or Fiber Cement: Choosing Siding for a New England Home
The siding you choose sets the look of the house for decades. In this part of Massachusetts the classic choices are cedar shingles and clapboard, and fiber cement has become the low-maintenance alternative that keeps the same look. Here is how they compare.
Key points
- Natural white cedar shingles weather to the silver gray seen all over Cape Cod and need little more than time.
- Clapboard gives the clean horizontal lines of a colonial or farmhouse and is usually painted.
- Fiber cement looks like painted wood, does not rot, and recovered 144.9 percent of its cost at resale in New England in 2025.
- Board and batten works best as an accent, on gables, additions, and outbuildings.
Cedar shingles
Cedar shingles, often called cedar shakes, are the look of Cape Cod. Left natural, white cedar weathers to silver gray in a few seasons; red cedar can be stained or painted. Shingles take more labor to install than other siding, and they need good airflow and a solid weather barrier behind them to last. In historic districts, like the Old King’s Highway district on the Cape, matching the existing shingles is often required.
Clapboard
Clapboard is long horizontal boards, the traditional siding on colonials, capes, and farmhouses. It is usually painted, so the finish needs attention every several years. Primed, quality boards and a good paint job go a long way.
Fiber cement
Fiber cement comes in clapboard, shingle, and panel styles. It does not rot, resists insects and fire, and can come factory painted. In the 2025 Cost vs. Value report, replacing 1,250 square feet of siding with fiber cement cost $20,678 in New England and recovered 144.9 percent of its cost at resale.
Board and batten
Wide vertical boards with narrow battens over the seams give a barn or modern farmhouse look. It works well on gables, additions, and garages, often mixed with shingles or clapboard on the main walls.
| Cedar shingles | Clapboard | Fiber cement | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Look | Classic Cape Cod | Colonial, farmhouse | Painted wood look |
| Upkeep | Low if left natural | Repainting | Low |
| Rot resistance | Good with airflow | Depends on paint | Does not rot |
Frequently asked questions
How long do cedar shingles last?
Many decades when they are installed over a sound weather barrier with good airflow, and longer on walls that dry out quickly.
Do I have to match my existing siding?
Inside a historic district you often do. Outside one, you can change materials, though matching the style of the house usually looks best.
Which siding needs the least maintenance?
Fiber cement with a factory finish and natural cedar shingles left to weather both need little upkeep.
Thinking about new siding?
Cedar House Carpentry handles siding across Cape Cod and the South Shore with our own in-house crew, fully licensed and insured.