How to Install Cedar Siding Shingles
Installing cedar shingle siding isn't just a job for the experts. If you're a do-it-yourselfer, you should be able to install cedar shingle siding on a small building. Cedar shingle siding can protect the exterior of a building, and it also gives the building a rustic look. Consider painting or staining cedar siding to improve the final appearance of the application. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Starter shingles
- Galvanized nails
- Hammer
- Cedar shingles
- Skill saw (if necessary)
- Chalk line
- Primer
- Paint or stain
- Wide brush
Instructions
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1
Install a first starter shingle at the bottom corner of the house. To do this, position the starter shingle and insert two nails into either upper side of the shingle, at least an inch from the edge. For extra security, insert a third nail between the first two, in the center of the shingle's top edge.
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2
Snap a chalk line to show where the top of the starter row should land. To do this, hold one end of the chalk line's string over the top of the first shingle, and hold the other end of the string at the same height on the opposite end of the wall. Then have someone else lift the string in the center and let it snap back against the wall, leaving a line. Repeat with the other sides of the house. This will help you to align the shingles around the walls of the building.
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3
Install a row of starter shingles around the bottom edge of the house, using the chalk line as a guide. Follow the instructions in Step 1 to do this, leaving 1/8 to 1/4 inch of space between each shingle to allow for expansion. (Wooden shingles can expand when exposed to moisture.)
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4
Install a row of cedar siding shingles over the starter course, following the same procedure used to install the starter shingles. Make sure to stagger the gaps between the shingles so that they don't match up perfectly with the starter course gaps. Depending on the size of the shingles and the gaps in the starter course shingles, you may need to cut the first shingle with a skill saw or similar tool to achieve this.
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5
Install the first shingle of the second course, using the same procedure outlined in Step 1.
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6
Snap a chalk line to align the shingles in the second course, and then install the course. Continue installing courses until you reach the top of the wall.
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7
Apply primer to the entire siding area with a wide brush. Allow to dry, and then stain or paint as desired.
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Tips & Warnings
Consider adding a layer of insulation or building wrap, if desired, before installing the cedar shingles. This step is unnecessary if you are reshingling the walls.
Do not use nails that can rust when installing shingle siding. Weather conditions can easily dislodge rusty nails from wood, which can loosen your shingles or make them fall off.
