Homes sided in cedar shingles (also called "shakes") blend beautifully with wooded landscapes. Made of natural cedar, the shingles are usually stained browns, grays, or other earthen colors. Shakes offer the natural look of real wood, but usually require less maintenance than wood clapboard. By using stain rather than paint, you can minimize peeling.  Cedar Clapboards run horizontally with either a 4" or 5" vertical exposure and usually comes oil primed from the factory. For a superior installation we recommend that your painter gives a second oil priming before applying the finish paint with 2 coats of solid stain,  exterior latex or alkyd based paints.