Shingles are sawn on both sides from a block of cedar. The cedar block is moved through the path of an upright saw creating angled cuts with each stroke. After being cut from cedar log the shingles are then trimmed to create the right kind of square corners. Shakes, on the other hand, are still manufactured by hand and are split straight from a single block of wood. The shakes are then sawn end to end at an angle creating a shake that is sawn on one side and split at the other giving it a much rougher look with lots more character.

There are so many factors that will determine the lifespan of any roof let alone wood. Some of the factors include age, quality of installation, care, maintenance and of course environment. The lifespan goal of a cedar roof is approximately 30-40 years. Climate, exposure and proximity to certain elements like salt water may also affect the lifespan of a cedar roof. Generally the lifespan of a shake roof is slightly longer because they are hand cut split from a log and thicker than a shingle.