Timber roof shingles have been used for centuries as a reliable, sustainable, and visually striking roofing material. From ancient civilisations to modern eco-conscious architecture, these natural wooden tiles have provided protection, insulation, and aesthetic appeal to buildings around the world. Today, timber shingles remain a popular choice for both traditional and contemporary projects, blending heritage craftsmanship with modern durability.
In this blog, we explore the origins of timber roof shingles, their evolution over time, and their place in modern architecture.
The Origins of Timber Roof Shingles
Timber shingles have a rich history dating back thousands of years. Some of the earliest evidence of wooden roofing can be traced to European and North American settlements, where timber was widely available and relatively easy to shape into small, overlapping pieces. Unlike thatched roofs, which were highly flammable, wooden shingles offered improved durability and better protection against the elements.
Timber Shingles in Medieval Europe
During the Middle Ages, timber roof shingles became a common sight across Northern and Central Europe. Buildings in Scandinavia, Germany, and the UK often featured hand-split wooden shingles made from oak, larch, and cedar, known for their strength and weather resistance. These shingles were typically cleaved from logs and hand-shaped using traditional tools like froes and mallets.
One of the best examples of medieval wooden shingle roofing still in existence is found in Norwegian stave churches, which date back to the 12th century. Many of these buildings have been preserved thanks to the naturally rot-resistant properties of slow-grown timber.
Colonial America and Timber Shingles
When European settlers arrived in North America during the 17th century, they brought their knowledge of timber roofing with them. With vast forests available, settlers quickly adopted wooden shingles as a practical and accessible roofing material.
Cedar shingles, in particular, became widely used due to their lightweight nature, insect resistance, and long lifespan. Many historic homes and barns in New England still feature original cedar shingle roofs, demonstrating the longevity of this traditional material.
The Evolution of Timber Roof Shingles
Over the centuries, timber roof shingles evolved from a hand-split, labour-intensive product into a refined and precision-cut material available in a variety of timber species.
Industrial Advancements in Shingle Production
By the 19th century, sawmills and mechanised production methods allowed for uniformly cut timber shingles, improving their affordability and accessibility. Rather than being individually hand-split, shingles could now be mass-produced with consistent thickness and dimensions, making them more practical for widespread use.
During this period, fire resistance treatments also became more common. Early fire-retardant solutions were applied to timber shingles to reduce flammability, increasing their use in urban settings where stricter building regulations were being introduced.
20th-Century Decline and Revival
By the mid-20th century, timber shingles saw a decline in favour of modern materials such as asphalt, slate, and metal roofing. These alternatives were often perceived as lower maintenance and easier to install. However, as interest in sustainable and natural building materials grew, timber shingles experienced a resurgence.
Architects and builders recognised that properly maintained wooden shingles could outlast many synthetic alternatives while also offering superior insulation and aesthetic appeal.
Timber Roof Shingles in Contemporary Architecture
Today, timber roof shingles are widely used in both heritage restoration projects and modern eco-friendly designs. Their natural charm, sustainability, and versatility make them a sought-after roofing choice for homes, commercial properties, and outdoor structures.
Sustainability and Eco-Friendliness
One of the biggest reasons for the continued use of timber shingles is their low carbon footprint. Sourced from FSC® (FSC-C134890) certified forests, timber shingles provide a renewable roofing solution that absorbs carbon dioxide throughout its lifecycle.
Compared to materials like concrete tiles or metal sheets, timber shingles require less energy-intensive manufacturing. Additionally, at the end of their lifespan, they can be recycled or naturally decompose, minimising waste.
Architectural Applications
Timber shingles are found in a variety of settings, from luxury countryside retreats to modern minimalist buildings. Some key applications include:
- Heritage conservation – Restoring historic homes, churches, and barns to their original condition
- Sustainable new builds – Eco-conscious projects incorporating natural materials
- Garden rooms and outbuildings – Adding character to sheds, summerhouses, and outdoor living spaces
- Coastal and rural homes – Blending into the landscape with a natural, weathered aesthetic
Types of Timber Used for Roof Shingles
Modern timber shingles are available in a variety of species, each with unique benefits:
- Larch – Naturally durable, strong, and rich in natural resins for weather resistance
- Cedar – Lightweight, highly resistant to insects, and ages beautifully with a silver-grey patina
- Douglas Fir – Strong and dense, offering excellent structural support
Why Choose Timber Roof Shingles?
Timber roof shingles continue to be a top choice for architects, designers, and homeowners looking for a roofing material that is:
- Sustainable and eco-friendly
- Naturally insulating and energy-efficient
- Durable with proper maintenance
- Visually stunning with a timeless appeal
- Able to blend with both traditional and modern architecture
Why Choose The Larch Cladding Company?
At The Larch Cladding Company, we are proud to supply premium-quality larch, cedar, and Douglas fir shingles for a wide range of projects. Our shingles are sourced from FSC® (FSC-C134890) certified forests, ensuring responsible forestry practices while delivering a durable, beautiful, and sustainable roofing solution.
We offer:
- Expert guidance on selecting the right timber shingles for your project
- Bespoke cutting services for tailored sizes and specifications
- Nationwide delivery across the UK
- Sustainably sourced timber with excellent durability
Contact Us
Whether you’re restoring a historic building or working on a contemporary project, we have the right timber shingles to suit your needs. Call us at 01352 746293 or email info@thelarchcladdingcompany.co.uk