Cedar has been used on homes for generations because its grain, texture and natural variation create an exterior that feels individual. No two pieces are exactly alike, and the material changes visibly as it is exposed to weather.

Gentek Fairhaven Sound Single Select shakes take a different approach. The panels are manufactured from polypropylene and use cedar-inspired textures, varied molds and concealed connections to recreate much of the visual character homeowners associate with wood.

Neither material is automatically the right choice for every house. Cedar offers authentic natural variation. Polymer offers greater predictability and avoids much of the recurring finishing associated with exposed wood. The better option depends on which qualities matter most to the homeowner and which material best supports the architecture.

First, a Clarification About the Material

Fairhaven Sound shakes are sometimes described casually as “vinyl shakes,” especially in online searches. Gentek’s current product information identifies them as polypropylene, a type of polymer. Homeowners should use the manufacturer’s terminology when comparing specifications, warranties and installation requirements.

This distinction does not mean one material category is universally superior to another. It simply establishes an accurate basis for comparison. Natural cedar is wood; Fairhaven Sound is an engineered cedar-look cladding product.

Appearance: Organic Variation or Designed Consistency?

Side-by-Side Comparison

How Natural Cedar Changes Over Time

Natural wood is responsive to its environment. The USDA Forest Products Laboratory explains that sunlight, water, weathering and moisture all affect wood and the performance of exterior finishes.

This does not make cedar a poor exterior material. It means the homeowner must decide what the intended appearance should be and maintain the material accordingly. A painted cedar exterior, a stained cedar exterior and cedar allowed to weather naturally are three different aesthetic commitments.

Before selecting cedar, consider:

• Whether the desired appearance is painted, stained or naturally weathered
• How uniformly the different elevations receive sunlight and rain
• Whether the homeowner is comfortable with natural color changes
• Who will inspect, clean and refinish the siding when needed
• How repairs will be blended into an older, weathered wall

The Aesthetic Advantage of Predictability

Manufactured consistency is sometimes treated as an aesthetic limitation, but it can be a design advantage. A predictable color allows the shake accent to coordinate more reliably with horizontal siding, soffit, fascia, trim and other exterior components.

This is particularly useful when the shakes occupy only one portion of the exterior. A front gable should relate to the siding below it and to the roof above it. If its color changes significantly or inconsistently over time, that relationship may also change.

Gentek’s Color Clear Through collection is intended to coordinate selected colors among its siding, trim and accessory products. Physical samples should still be compared outdoors because texture, shadow and surrounding materials can influence how a color appears.

Which Material Looks More Authentic?

Natural cedar is the authentic material. A manufactured shake should not be described as literally identical to wood. Its value lies in how convincingly it captures cedar-inspired texture while offering a different maintenance profile.

The more useful question is whether the chosen material creates the right effect at the distance from which the house is normally viewed. On a second-story gable, overall texture, shadow and color relationships may matter more than small surface differences visible from a few feet away.

On a porch wall or entrance detail that people see up close, the tactile and visual qualities of natural wood may carry greater importance. Material selection should account for viewing distance as well as architectural style.

Where Polymer Shakes Often Make Sense

• Upper gables that would be inconvenient to repaint or stain
• Larger accent areas where color consistency is important
• Homes already using coordinated Gentek siding and trim products
• Projects where the homeowner wants cedar-inspired texture without natural weathering
• Exterior renovations that call for a predictable product profile and color

Where Natural Cedar May Be Worth the Commitment

• Historically sensitive projects where genuine wood is architecturally important
• Prominent, close-view details where authentic grain is a primary design objective
• Homes intentionally designed around natural materials and their aging characteristics
• Projects with an established inspection and refinishing plan
• Homeowners who value natural variation more than uniformity

Questions to Ask Before Deciding

1. Do I want the exterior to remain visually consistent or change naturally over time?
2. Am I comfortable planning and paying for future wood-finish maintenance?
3. Will the shakes be viewed closely or primarily from the street?
4. Does the house call for authentic natural material, or is cedar-inspired texture sufficient?
5. How will the shake color coordinate with the roof, masonry, trim and main siding?
6. Which current profiles and colors are available for the project?
7. What installation and wall-preparation work does each option require?