bobber, We considered using these on our build. Certainteed's website is horrible, but I think what you are referring to are the Cedar Impressions (link below). There are high resolution photos of these shingles. My husband and I are contractors (plumbing) and I used our business information to get some sample boards ordered direct from the company. IMHO, they LOOK really nice stained. However, if you are concerned with how they FEEL, they are almost plastic-like vs. cement-like. I was disappointed in their color choices and found that there are companies out there that will paint/stain ANY color you want, same warranty, for much less than it would cost to paint. If you are looking for what WE were looking for, it was the two-tone stain, correct? You will NOT find this with the Certainteed product. They use a cedar mold to make the contour/shape appear wood-like, but they only use one stain color to my knowledge. Also, the Perfection Shingles/Cedar Impressions are NOT fiber cement! They are a polymer... and quite obviously so when you see them up close. Just my 2 cents. :) Here is a link that might be useful: Certainteed Cedar Impressions

Actually, I have a related question: can any of the paint pros on this site judge how the Masons Select solid stain product ranks in comparison to paint, based on the Masons Select specs (eg solids content, pigments) on the website I provided? For the average DIYer like me, this product seems to further confuse the distinction between paint and solid colour stain, and which one to choose.

My girlfriend had to have all her Certainteed fiber cement siding replaced last year. It was less than 4 years after install. It actually started cracking and shrinking within the first two years. She was compensated by Certainteed but it was a hassle to get them to do so and an even bigger hassle to have it all ripped off and redone. She found out that there was a class action lawsuit because of issues with the product. They say the have corrected those issues but I suggest you check into it carefully. My Hardi plank siding as been up for several years with no problems

I would definately not remove the shutters, they give your home character! As for the shingle colour, I wish I could be of some help, my DH and I keep going back and forth on colours, it's ridiculous! We've decided black is just TOO black, so it won't work! I'm waiting from our roofer to get sample boards of: Max Def Georgetown Gray Max Def Colonial Grey we have driftwood, and next to our greige looking stone (it's a combination of grey and pinkish brick) it looks too brown, moire black looks like tar paper, and regular georgetown grey is really green looking (and it's my FAVOURITE of their shingles, so nice in person, on the right house!)! My suggestion, is get more sample boards, it's a HUGE investment! BUT having said all that, our houses look completely different! so my experience with certain shingles, won't be the same as yours!