Wood shake and shingle roofing in the UK
Wood shake and shingle roofing offers a traditional, natural appearance that suits character properties and rural homes, delivering warmth, texture, and distinctive kerb appeal.
What it is
Wood shakes and shingles are natural roofing products made from split or sawn timber—most commonly Western Red Cedar—used to create a traditional, textured roof finish.
Best for
Well suited to properties where character and heritage matter.
Period homes, cottages, and rural properties
Buildings in well-ventilated environments
Homeowners seeking a natural, traditional aesthetic
Key features / benefits
Wood roofing combines aesthetics with natural performance.
Natural insulating properties
Lightweight compared to slate or tile
Develops a silver-grey patina as it ages
Renewable and biodegradable material
Excellent sound absorption during rainfall
Material composition
Manufactured from durable, naturally resistant timber.
Primarily Western Red Cedar
Available treated or untreated
Shakes are hand-split for a rustic finish; shingles are machine-sawn for uniformity
Estimated lifespan
Lifespan depends heavily on ventilation and maintenance.
Typically 20–30 years for cedar shakes
15–25 years for shingles
Proper airflow and treatment significantly extend service life
Cost range
Wood roofing is a premium aesthetic option.
£70–£120 per m² (materials and installation)
Pricing varies by timber grade, treatment, and detailing
Maintenance needs
Wood roofs require attentive maintenance.
Periodic inspections for moisture retention or decay
Occasional protective treatments
Clearing moss, leaves, and debris to ensure proper drying
Visual or texture style
Wood roofing delivers warmth and organic texture.
Shakes provide a rugged, traditional finish
Shingles offer a cleaner, more uniform look
Naturally weathers to a silver-grey patina
Warranty options
Warranty coverage varies by product and treatment.
Typically 20–30 years
Often conditional on correct installation and maintenance
Fire-retardant treatments may carry separate warranties
Installation time
Installation requires skilled workmanship.
Typically 5–8 days depending on roof size and detailing
Correct spacing and ventilation are critical
Environmental impact / recyclability
One of the most environmentally friendly roofing materials available.
Renewable and biodegradable
Can be recycled or repurposed
Lower embodied carbon than many synthetic materials
Fire or weather ratings
Performance depends on treatment and installation.
Fire performance improved with certified fire-retardant treatments
Suitable for UK wind conditions when correctly installed
Requires good ventilation to manage moisture
Available color or style options
Natural tones define the aesthetic.
Colours: Natural cedar, warm brown, or weathered grey
Styles: Hand-split shakes, taper-sawn shakes, or sawn shingles
Optional staining or treatment available