Learn how we restored our 30-year-old home’s cedar shake siding on the coast of Maine using DIY methods, expert tips, and long-lasting materials.
Have you ever wondered how to restore cedar shake siding on an old coastal home?
When we inherited my parents’ 30-year-old house in Maine, the cedar shakes had seen better days—weathered by salty breezes, harsh winters, and decades of family memories.
Today, I’m sharing how we brought this classic cedar shake siding back to life with a DIY makeover that’s both timeless and lasting.
Recommended Reading
Learn more about this family home and all it’s renovations in the In My Mother’s Maine Home blog series.
What Is Cedar Shake Siding? A Timeless New England Classic
Cedar shake siding is like the cozy cable-knit sweater of New England homes—classic, weathered, and full of charm.
Made from split cedar logs, these wooden shingles have been a coastal favorite for centuries, thanks to their natural durability and ability to age gracefully into that dreamy silvery-gray patina.
From salty sea breezes to snowy winters, cedar shakes can handle it all while adding loads of character to a home’s exterior.
Especially beloved in Maine and throughout New England, cedar shake siding brings a historic touch and timeless texture that never goes out of style—whether you’re restoring an old family home or just love that storybook cottage look.
Of course, even the most charming shakes need a little TLC now and then. After 30 years of weathering the elements, mildew, mold, and grime can settle in—dulling the beauty of your siding and leaving homeowners wondering how to clean it without doing harm.
Don’t worry, I’ve been there too—and I’ve got all the DIY tips to bring those shakes back to life.
Pro Tip
“Don’t let 30 years of weather fool you — cedar shake siding can come back to life with a little patience and the right touch.”
New England Aged Home Cedar Shake Siding
This is where it all began—our inherited coastal Maine home, complete with 30-year-old cedar shake siding that had seen every kind of New England weather you can imagine. From salty ocean air to nor’easters, the siding had aged into a rugged, rustic patina—charming in its own right, but definitely ready for some love.
Below, you’ll see exactly how the cedar shake siding looked when we inherited the house in the fall of 2019. Weathered, worn, and showing signs of mildew and aging, it was in need of a serious revival. Looking back now, I still can’t believe the transformation we were able to achieve.
Recommended REading
Want to learn more about our family’s story here in coastal Maine? Click here to read more in this Coastal Maine Family Heritage | Embracing My Roots post.
Here’s a look at the “before”…
Restoring Weathered Cedar Shake Siding: Our DIY Transformation
After decades of coastal storms, salty air, and Maine’s harsh winters, the cedar shake siding on our 30-year-old home had turned a dull, grayish tone—more grime than charm. The once-beautiful cedar was now masked by layers of mildew, mold, and years of wear.
Our goal? To breathe new life into the siding by cleaning and restoring it without stripping away all its character. We didn’t want it looking brand new—we wanted that golden cedar glow to return, balanced with just enough of that iconic New England weathered gray to keep its rustic appeal. Think fresh, clean, and authentic—not artificially perfect.
Pro Tip: Skip the Power Washer
One of the most common questions I get is: “Why not just power wash the cedar siding?” It’s a fair question—but trust me, it’s not the way to go. While a power washer might seem like a quick fix, it can actually do more harm than good. The high pressure can split or crack your cedar shakes, force water behind the shingles, and set you up for even worse issues down the road—like rot, mold, and mildew trapped beneath the surface. Cedar siding needs a gentler approach to maintain its beauty and longevity. A garden hose, soft brush, and the right wood cleaner will go much further in preserving your siding’s charm—without the risk.
Here’s how we tackled it, step by step…
How to Clean Cedar Shake Siding Without Damaging It
Before any restoration can begin, the very first step is giving those cedar shakes a good cleaning. We knew that to bring back its rustic charm, we needed to carefully remove decades of buildup without damaging the wood.
Here’s exactly how we cleaned it without damaging the wood:
Choose the Right Cleaner
We tested a few options and found Redihan’s Cedar Wash Wood Cleaner worked best. It’s eco-safe, organic, and gentle on wood. It was a game changer.
This post may contain affiliate links, which won’t change your price but will share some commission.
Each home’s cedar shakes weather a bit differently, so it’s important to test what works best for your siding. We also used this product almost five years ago now, so there may be newer technologies available on the market for you to review today.
Prep Your Solution
We used about four containers (each covering approximately 1,200 square feet at $24 per container) for our two-story Cape. We mixed the powder with water in a large garden sprayer, following the Redihans Cedar Wood Cleaner directions.
Spray the siding
Apply the mixture evenly over the cedar shake siding using the large garden sprayer.
Let it sit
Let the Renihans Wood Cleaner sit for 15–20 minutes on your cedar shake siding.
Gently scrub
You don’t want to crack or break those beautiful shakes—just loosen the grime. Use a handled brush to loosen mildew and grime—don’t go too hard, or you might crack the shakes.
Rinse with a hose
No power washers here! Just a gentle spray from the hose to wash it all away.
Watching the gray wash away and the warm cedar tones return to life was so satisfying.
Afterward, you’ll instantly see the transformation. We sure did—and so did Ella, our Bernese Mountain Dog, who proudly posed in front of the clean siding for the big reveal.
And yes—you’ll want to take before and after photos because the transformation is that good.
How to Seal and Stain Cedar Shake Siding for Lasting Protection
Now that the cedar shake siding was sparkling clean, it was time to lock in all that beauty and protect it for years to come. Applying a water sealant or stain isn’t just a finishing touch—it’s a must-do step to preserve the natural charm of cedar while guarding against the elements.
choose the right sealant
We chose Super Deck’s Cedar Transparent Stain, a product that enhances the wood’s warm tones without covering up the character. It took about 13 gallons to cover our entire two-story home here on the Maine coast.
This post may contain affiliate links, which won’t change your price but will share some commission.
Here’s how we applied it:
Pro Tip
You don’t need to brush every nook and cranny of your cedar shake siding—just a quick pass to prevent streaking and runs. It may seem a bit tedious, but honestly—it goes quicker than you’d think, especially when watching that gorgeous golden cedar tone come back to life right before your eyes.
Tools & Materials We Used
Cedar Shake Siding After Restoration: Five Years Later
It’s been over five years since we brought our coastal Maine home’s cedar shake siding back to life—and what a journey it’s been. Today, the house has settled into a beautifully weathered golden glow that shifts with the light and seasons, just like cedar shakes were meant to do.
Take a look at how the cedar shake siding has aged, mellowed, and continued to tell its story over the years…
In the bright sun, the siding reflects a warm, honeyed tone that pops against the landscape. On misty mornings or snowy afternoons, it deepens into a more moody, charcoal-gray patina—an ever-changing palette that adds so much charm and character to this 30-year-old home.
Recommended Reading
You may also find inspiration in this White Petunias Antique Arrangement Ideas post, where you will see more of how this cedar shake siding looks three years later.
That’s the beauty of natural cedar shake siding—it evolves. And the subtle variation in color and tone is precisely what makes it feel timeless and so distinctly New England.
Since restoring the cedar shakes, we also updated the home’s trim using Essex Green—a classic historical color with deep roots in traditional coastal architecture.
It pairs beautifully with the warmth of the shakes and gives the house a crisp, finished look we absolutely love.
Pro Tip
Wait until you see this fabulous mailbox I found that matches our home with cedar shake siding in this Unique Mailbox Creative Curb Appeal Design Ideas post.
In this video, you’ll see our cedar shake siding two years after restoration—captured during the winter months, just after a fresh snowfall. It’s the perfect moment to see how beautifully cedar shake siding weathers over time, even through the harshest New England seasons.
Cedar Shake Siding Restoration Checklist
Restoring the cedar shake siding on our 30-year-old coastal Maine home was one of the most rewarding DIY projects we’ve taken on.
With the right tools, natural cleaners, and a bit of elbow grease, we brought back the warm, rustic charm of the original shakes while protecting them for years to come.
Reading recommendations
Find even more inspiration in this Pea Gravel Patio DIY: How to Build It This Weekend post.
If your cedar siding is looking tired and gray, it might just need a little love to shine again.
Have a cedar shake siding home of your own? I’d love to hear how you’ve cared for it! Drop a comment below or tag me on Instagram with your restoration story.
Your Guide to an Eclectic Style~
I’d love to hear from you! If you have thoughts, questions, or just want to pop in and say hello, feel free to leave a comment below. And if you have a vintage-loving friend, don’t forget to share this post—they might find a little inspiration here too.
Do you have a flair for all things vintage, too? I would love to see and feature you in our Reader’s Showcase Series. A place for you to share and be recognized for your talents and passion for all things thrifting, vintage, and antique decor-related inspired by your time here with Dabbling & Decorating. Email me at [email protected]
Pin forLater!
You mentioned the lower shakes needed to be replaced. How did you do that and did the new ones look weird against the old shingles?
I have the similar problem (the lower cedar trim and ~2 layers of shingles are rotting or too far gone and need replacing) and I am considering replacing these lower layers with stone instead….just not sure how it will work. Any suggestions would be appreciated!
I have yet to replace them Gena and I understand it’s not easy. It hasn’t been a huge priority for us just yet, but we will need to tackle this soon, maybe this summer. I’ll keep it updated here on the blog as we go, I hope you’ll keep joining me and let me know what you decide to do as well. Happy New Year!
You have a great article about your awesome cedar shake restoration project. I’m in the same boat and wanted to test out some different solutions for my own house. We tried several solutions and settled on Redihan’s Cedar Wash Wood Cleaner. It’s eco-safe and organic.
Thank you kindly and I’m glad you liked it as much as we did!
Thank you for giving us a direct and straight to the point answer! It greatly helped in clearing our confusion.
We live in Maine and are going to try to use this technique on our camp. I love the green color on your trim. I have tried 2 different colors and they are not what wanted. Do you know the name and brand of your green trim?
I’m so glad you like it Colleen. Yes it’s an Essex Green a historical green color. It’s beautiful in person. I have a post about it here https://www.dabblinganddecorating.com/beautiful-essex-green-coastal-house-trim/
Beautiful! What a difference blood, sweat and tears together with a big dollop of elbow grease and a whole lot of love has gone into this amazing transformation. Can I please come and live with you
Thank you so much, Jenny! My husband will love hearing this. It was definitely all well worth it, a labor of Love.
I had never known that these roofs can be restored, so I’ll keep them in mind. Thank you for all your helpful information about caring for cedar shingles and applying them properly.
It wasn’t the roof that we restored, but the cedar siding as an FYI. I’m so glad you liked it though! Thanks for stopping by!
What manufacturer/color roof do you have? I need to replace my roof and am struggling with choosing a manufacturer and color! We have the same exterior as yours, which looks beautiful, BTW! Great job!
We used to have cedar shakes on the roof, but my dad replaced it about 10 years ago with asphalt shingles. I don’t know the exact color but they are like a gray to light black. I hope this helps… I have no idea about the manufacturer, unfortunately.
Thank you. Love the home. Looking for information as we have a cedar shake home and it requires some attention. We are in Ontario,Canada,and the cedar shakes have been stained twice since the build in 1971. We would like to stain dark this time around. Any information, knowledge or useful tips would be greatly appreciated. Again thank you for the blog and info.
Thanks for stopping by Alison. Everything I know I put into this blog post. We didn’t have any stain on our shakes to strip, just the weather from over the years. Best of luck to you my friend!