CSSB Trade Show & AGM 2026
October
14-15, 2026
Chicago, IL
Product Grades
Overview
Grade tells you what a bundle of Certi-label® shakes or shingles will actually give you before it goes on a roof or wall: how much of each piece is clear heartwood, how much flat grain is allowed, and where the product belongs on a building. We set every grade out in writing in our grading rules, and every Certi-label® bundle carries that grade only after independent, third-party inspection confirms it, not after a mill decides on its own that a bundle qualifies
Choosing the Right Grade for Roof and Sidewall Applications
Roofs and sidewalls place different demands on cedar, and grade selection should follow that. A roof is exposed to weather at a pitch and needs to shed water reliably over its full service life, so Premium and No. 1 grades, with their higher edge-grain content and longer clear faces, are the standard choice on primary roofs. No. 2 and No. 3 grades still perform, but they carry more flat grain and shorter clear lengths, which is why we recommend them for secondary structures, utility buildings, or as an economical starter course rather than a full primary roof.
Sidewalls have more flexibility because they aren’t shedding water at a pitch the way a roof does. This is where R&R shingles and No. 2 grade products get used deliberately, for a staggered-butt or more textured look, rather than as a compromise. Whatever the application, the grading rule for that specific product spells out the exact requirements, so it’s worth reading the full rule rather than relying on the grade name alone.
Explore Grading Rules by Product
Each product below has its own detailed grading-rule page covering exact dimensions, clear-face requirements, and packaging standards:
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Certi-label® certification actually confirm?
It confirms that an independent, third-party inspector has checked the bundle against the written grading rule for that specific product and grade, covering grain, clear length, thickness, and freedom from defects. A bundle only carries the Certi-label® mark and grade designation once it passes that inspection.
What's the difference between Certi-Split® and Certi-Sawn® shakes?
Certi-Split® shakes (Handsplit & Resawn, Straight-Split, and Tapersplit) are split rather than sawn on their exposed face, giving a heavier, more rustic texture. Certi-Sawn® shakes are tapersawn on both faces, giving a smoother, more uniform appearance. Both come in Premium and lower grades under their own grading rules.
Which grade should I use on a primary roof?
Premium or No. 1 grade, in either Certigrade® shingles or Certi-Split®/Certi-Sawn® shakes, is the standard recommendation for a primary roof because of the higher edge-grain content and longer clear face those grades require.
Can No. 2 or No. 3 grade products go on a main roof?
They can be used on secondary structures, sheds, or as a starter course, but we recommend Premium or No. 1 grade for a primary roof given the shorter clear lengths and higher flat-grain allowance in the lower grades.
Do Certi-Guard® and Certi-Last® treated products carry these same grades?
Yes. Pressure treatment for fire retardance (Certi-Guard®) or preservative protection (Certi-Last®) is applied to shakes and shingles that are already graded under these same rules; treatment doesn’t change the underlying grade.
Who do I contact about a grading question specific to my project?
For a project-specific question, such as how a grade applies to a particular job-site condition, reach out to a Member Manufacturer or Member Contractor/Installer through our Find-a-Member directory, or contact our office directly and we’ll point you to the right resource.
