Timber Roof Shingles in the UK – A Simple Guide
Timber roof shingles have been used for centuries and are still a popular roofing choice today. They are often used on homes, garden rooms, barn conversions and other timber buildings where a natural appearance is preferred.
Unlike manufactured roofing materials, timber shingles weather naturally over time and develop a soft silver-grey colour. This gives buildings a character that many modern roofing materials cannot match.
At Little Silver Wood, we produce handcrafted timber roof shingles at our sawmill in North Devon and supply customers across the UK.
What Are Timber Roof Shingles?
Roof shingles are thin pieces of timber that are laid in overlapping rows to form a waterproof roof covering.
Each row overlaps the row beneath it, which allows rainwater to run off the roof while protecting the timber underneath. When installed correctly, this layered structure creates a durable and weather-resistant roof.
Timber shingles are commonly used on:
Houses
Garden rooms
Barn conversions
Sheds and outbuildings
Gazebos and open structures
They are particularly popular on projects where a natural, traditional look is desired.
What Timber Is Used for Roof Shingles?
Several types of timber can be used for shingles, each with slightly different characteristics.
Some of the most common timbers include:
Western Red Cedar
One of the most widely used woods for shingles. Cedar is naturally resistant to decay and weathers well over time.
Sweet Chestnut
A traditional British timber that has been used on buildings for many years. It is durable and develops a distinctive appearance as it ages.
Douglas Fir
A strong softwood that can also be used for shingles depending on the project.
At our Devon sawmill we work with a range of timbers and can advise on the most suitable option depending on the building and the look you want to achieve.
How Long Do Timber Roof Shingles Last?
When installed correctly, timber roof shingles can last for many decades.
Western Red Cedar roofs can often last 40–60 years, while Sweet Chestnut can sometimes last even longer depending on the conditions and installation.
The lifespan of a timber roof depends on several factors, including:
the type of timber used
the roof pitch
the amount of ventilation beneath the roof
correct installation
Over time, most timber shingles weather naturally and turn a silver-grey colour. This is a normal process and does not affect their performance.
Are Timber Roof Shingles Suitable for the UK Climate?
Yes. Timber shingles have been used in wet climates around the world for hundreds of years.
When installed with the correct overlap and roof pitch, shingles shed water very effectively. The layered structure of the roof allows rain to run off while protecting the timber underneath.
This makes them well suited to the UK climate when installed correctly.
How Much Do Timber Roof Shingles Cost?
The price of timber shingles varies depending on the timber used and the coverage required.
At Little Silver Wood, our shingles typically range from around £12 to £16 per square metre of shingles supplied, depending on the type of wood.
Because shingles are installed with an overlap, the amount required for a roof will usually be greater than the visible roof area.
For this reason it is often easiest to calculate the exact quantity once the roof dimensions are known.
How Many Shingles Do You Need for a Roof?
The number of shingles required depends on:
the size of the roof
the shingle length
the amount of overlap used during installation
Two common installation styles are half cover and third cover, which determine how much of each shingle is visible once installed.
If you are unsure how many shingles you need, the simplest approach is to send the roof dimensions or drawings and we can help calculate the quantity required.
Why People Choose Timber Shingles
There are several reasons why timber shingles remain a popular choice for roofing.
They offer:
A natural appearance that improves with age
A traditional style that suits many buildings
Renewable and sustainable materials
Long lifespan when installed properly
For many homeowners and self-builders, they provide a balance between practicality and appearance that is difficult to achieve with other roofing materials.
Planning a Roof Shingle Project?
At Little Silver Wood, we cut timber roof shingles at our sawmill in North Devon and supply customers throughout the UK.
If you are planning a project and would like advice or a quote, feel free to get in touch.
If you can send the roof size or drawings, we can help calculate the quantity of shingles required and advise on the most suitable option.
Contact us to request a quote.