Timber shakes and shingles may be a centuries old roofing and cladding material, but these traditional products are being used in new and innovative ways. In this blog, we'll explore the difference between shakes and shingles, highlighting five key distinctions that will help you make an informed decision for your next roofing or cladding project.

In recent years, shakes and shingles have come into their own as a favoured cladding for a huge range of commercial and residential buildings, applied to roofs and walls alike.

But before we investigate the reasons for their rise in popularity, a quick reminder of the difference between the two products.

What are the differences between wood shingles and shakes?

When it comes to wooden roofing materials, timber shakes and shingles are often mentioned interchangeably. While they share similarities, particularly being crafted from timber such as cedar, there are distinct differences between the two. Understanding these differences can help homeowners and builders make informed decisions when choosing the best option for their roofing project.

Manufacturing Process

One of the key differences between timber shakes and shingles lies in how they are manufactured:

• Timber Shingles: Shingles are sawn on both sides, giving them a smooth and uniform appearance. This precision-cut nature results in a more refined, consistent look, which many homeowners prefer for a sleek, finished roof.

• Timber Shakes: Shakes, on the other hand, are split from logs rather than sawn. This gives them a more textured, rougher surface with irregularities, making shakes a more rustic option. Depending on how the shakes are split (either hand-split or taper-sawn), they can have a varying thickness, adding to the rustic appeal.

Appearance and Aesthetic

The manufacturing process directly affects the appearance:

• Shingles: Since timber shingles are sawn on both sides, they have a smooth, flat appearance with a uniform thickness. This gives the roof a clean, structured look. Timber shingles are ideal if you want a polished, even surface.

• Shakes: Due to their splitting process, timber shakes have a more rugged and textured appearance. The irregularity in their thickness and surface creates a more natural, rustic look, making them suitable for buildings that aim for a handcrafted or traditional style.

Take a look at our work for Archer + Braun Architects, using black painted timber shakes for a contemporary finish to their studio.

Durability and Lifespan

Both timber shakes and shingles are durable options, but their longevity can vary:

• Shingles: Because shingles are thinner and more uniform, they tend to lie flatter against the roof. This tight fit can offer better resistance to wind and rain penetration. However, their thinner profile may wear down faster than shakes, especially in harsher climates.

• Shakes: Timber shakes, being thicker, are generally more durable than shingles. Their thicker profile offers better insulation and can withstand rough weather conditions more effectively. This makes shakes more durable in areas prone to extreme weather, but they may also require more maintenance to prevent moisture build-up.

Cost Differences

Cost is always a factor when choosing roofing materials, and there is a distinction between shakes and shingles in terms of price:

• Shingles: Since shingles are more uniform and involve less manual labour in production, they are typically less expensive than shakes. Their easier installation can also help reduce labour costs.

• Shakes: Due to the more labour-intensive manufacturing process and the use of thicker wood, shakes tend to be more expensive. However, their rugged look and greater durability can justify the higher cost for those seeking a long-term investment.

Read our story about  the rising prices of Cedar Shingles vs. Larch Shakes here.

Installation Method

The installation process also differs between the two:

• Shingles: Timber shingles are relatively easier to install because of their uniform shape and size. This consistency allows roofers to install them more quickly and with less effort, reducing installation time.

• Shakes: The irregular thickness and surface of shakes make them a bit more challenging to install. Roofers need to be more careful to ensure proper alignment and spacing, which can take longer and require more experience.

Weather Resistance

Both materials offer protection from the elements, but in slightly different ways:

• Shingles: Due to their tighter fit, shingles generally provide better resistance to water penetration and wind uplift. This makes them an excellent choice for areas with heavy rainfall or strong winds.

• Shakes: The thicker profile of shakes offers better insulation, which can be beneficial in extreme climates. However, because they don’t fit as tightly as shingles, there is a higher chance of water getting underneath, so proper underlayment is critical.

Properties of Timber Shakes & Shingles

Personality

Having been used for centuries, timber shakes and shingles have a history and personality matched by few other building materials. Changing individually over time, they are one of the best products for adding texture and visual interest to a building. Their differing appearance allows clients and architects to achieve the unique mood and style they are after.

Variety

Available in a range of timbers, from Oak and Larch to Western Red or Eastern White Cedar, shakes and shingles can be left untreated in their natural form or painted/stained (depending on the timber). Natural shakes and shingles show their organic colours and beautiful wood grain. They work especially well for rustic and cottage style properties and blend seamlessly with the natural environment around them. If a more uniform appearance or hues that doesn’t occur naturally are preferred, then paints and stains easily fill the gap.

They also come in different shapes and can be laid out in a plethora of patterns to great decorative effect. Though traditionally installed in even rows, shakes and shingles may also appear in undulating waves, as vertically staggered, or even in a random-seeming “drunken weave” configuration.

Further explore Oak, Larch & Cedar shakes and shingles roofing options here.

Versatility

The versatility of wood shakes and shingles means they are suitable for many different building styles. Stripped-down modernity is probably not what first springs to mind when you imagine a shingled structure, yet plenty of architects have employed the covering in distinctly non-traditional settings.

Although shakes and shingles were originally used externally, a contemporary approach is to have a shingled [outside] wall enter the interior space of the building - particularly eye-catching where there are floor-to-ceiling glass walls that show off the connection between interior and exterior.

Thermal insulation

Shingles and shakes are good thermal insulators. Their thermal properties are far superior to brick, concrete and steel and their low thermal conductivity helps to keep buildings at optimum temperatures, resulting in reduced energy usage for heating or cooling.

Sustainability

At WL West Timber we source our shakes and shingles from a responsible and ethical supplier in Bavaria. Timber is a renewable and environmentally friendly raw material that is also reusable and biodegradable. It is widely recognised as a sustainable resource in comparison to other materials used for roofing and cladding, such as tiles or metals.

Shingles and shakes are also a lightweight cladding/roofing solution. Not only does this mean a reduction in transport costs, but more importantly the elimination of heavy masonry walls and roof tiling can result in substantial weight savings, allowing foundation depths/widths to be reduced, with significant savings in below-ground costs.

Timber Shakes & Timber Shingles

The use of timber for building envelope solutions is becoming increasingly popular in both commercial and residential sectors due to the environmental benefits over alternative materials and their ability to be used to create buildings with spectacular visual impact. As you can see, there’s nothing at all antiquated about this historic building material!

By understanding the difference between shakes and shingles, you can choose the roofing material that best fits your home’s design and environmental needs. Whether you prefer the clean, polished look of shingles or the rugged charm of shakes, both options offer timeless beauty and lasting performance.

Not sure whether to use shakes or shingles for your project? Take a look at our guide to help you make your decision.

For personalised advice contact our team of experts.