How to Make Scalloped Shingle Siding

By Robert Robillard on Uncategorized

how to make scalloped shingle siding

Photo:  Scalloped shingles on porch roof side wall.

Replacing Scalloped Shingle Siding

I have a job coming up that necessitates us to replace approx 175 scalloped cedar shingles, this article details how to make scalloped shingle siding.

Scalloped shingles are also called Fish scale, or circle siding – siding shaped like the round overlapping scales of a fish. This type of siding is often rounded or segmental-shaped.

how to make scalloped shingle siding
Photo: Scalloped shingles on third floor dormer side wall.


The starter course [first course of shingles] is a “saw tooth” pattern. We needed approximately 50 of these. [See below]

how to make scalloped shingle siding

We took a sample off the house and proceeded to clean them up with a razor blade ad sander. Once they were clean of paint drips and chipped paint we traced them onto a piece of 1/2″ plywood to make a tracing template.

Make a Template

Templates are important to keep repetitive multiple piece production accurate and error free.

how to make scalloped shingle siding

Below is out template.

how to make scalloped shingle siding

We traced the template onto a Western Red Cedar shingle and cut four shingles at a time.

Small strips of shims were inserted at the shingles narrow section to even the taper of the shingle and eliminate the tendency of a beveled cut on the shingles.

how to make scalloped shingle siding

We used a jig saw to make these cuts. Cutting four shingles at a time.

how to make scalloped shingle siding Add Image

This photo shows the shingle, our template and the new Scalloped shingles.

how to make scalloped shingle siding

A stationary belt sander to fine tune and smooth the scalloped shingles.

how to make scalloped shingle siding

Finished product boxed and ready for the painter to dip them in primer.

how to make scalloped shingle siding

Back at the job site we stripped off the old shingles. Stripping off the old shingles.

how to make scalloped shingle siding

The old tin flashing under the sawtooth shingles was badly worn and had started to deteriorate. Not bad for 100 years.

how to make scalloped shingle siding

We made new copper drip edge to match the sloped trim board under the saw toothed shingles.

how to make scalloped shingle siding

All of the shingles were dipped in primer and then in a finish coat for maximum weather and moisture resistance.

Below is the starter course that goes under the saw tooth shingles.

how to make scalloped shingle siding

Most of the shingles in this section had angles on the top portion of the shingle. While many of the angles are covered by successive shingles some are not covered and need a tight fitting angle cut.

Instead of measuring and cutting each shingle separately it is much faster to develop a system to cut them all at once.

TIP: below: the shingle on the far left was individually measure and cut. Next line up all of the shingles in that course row and transfer the lines across them and cut them on a miter or table saw.

You can then install the entire row at one time.

how to make scalloped shingle siding

The scalloped shingles went on and look great.

how to make scalloped shingle siding

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About the author

Robert Robillard

Carpenter / Remodeler / Editor

Rob Robillard is “The Concord Carpenter” Rob is a builder, general contractor, carpenter, woodworker, and editor of Concord Carpenter and ToolBoxBuzz As a General Contractor and carpenter, Rob owns and operates Concord Carpenter LLC. A full-service remodeling and construction company. Rob is a recognized leader in home building best practices and a source for how-to information for building professionals. On this website, Rob covers all aspects of home construction, building science, home improvement, woodworking, remodeling, and some of the best product and tool reviews. Rob is in charge of our Tool and Product Review series - Concord Carpenter Videos where we post all of our tool reviews and video tutorials. Rob approaches remodeling and building construction with a pragmatic and problem-solving approach. He enjoys using his knowledge and experience to help and educate building professionals as well as DIYers on best practices in the construction and remodeling industry. He's a strong advocate for "raising the bar" in the construction trades and promoting the trades to youth. #BeAMentor #Green2Great Craftsmanship, quality, and pride guide his journey on this channel The Concord Carpenter's motto: "Well done is better than well said!" : Read more about Rob

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