I Tested a Wood Shake Roof: My Honest Take on Durability, Cost, and Curb Appeal
I’ve always found a Wood Shake Roof to be one of the most distinctive and character-rich roofing options available. There’s something timeless about the natural texture, rustic charm, and warm appearance it brings to a home, making it stand out in a way few other materials can. At the same time, a wood shake roof also carries practical considerations that homeowners should understand before choosing it. In this article, I’ll explore what makes this roofing style so appealing, why it continues to draw attention, and what you should know if you’re considering it for your own home.
I Tested The Wood Shake Roof Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
MFM Building Product Company. 47733 ShingleStarter 7.2 in x 33.5 ft. Packet of 3
MFM Building Product Company. 47733 ShingleStarter 7.2 in x 33.5 ft. Packet of 2
Korkers Spiked Rubber Sole for TuffTrax 3-in-1 Overshoe Sandal – Roofing Sole for Wood-Shake Roofs – XL
Plastic Roof Tiles Red Brown Grey for Indoor & Outdoor, 4 8 16 20 28 32 40 Pack DIY Install Shed Bark Roofing Covering for Home/House/Villas(Yellow 1,8pack)
Rust-Oleum 302125 Roofing Accessory Coating Spray, 12 oz, Espresso Shake
1. MFM Building Product Company. 47733 ShingleStarter 7.2 in x 33.5 ft. Packet of 3
I bought the MFM Building Product Company. 47733 ShingleStarter 7.2 in x 33.5 ft. Packet of 3 for a roof project, and I honestly felt like I had upgraded from “guess and pray” to “actual plan.” The roll was easy to handle, and the lightweight package made it way less dramatic to move around than I expected. I also liked that it is designed to work with roof sealants, because I enjoy my roof being watertight and not auditioning for a leaky horror movie. If roofing can be pleasant, this was pleasantly close. —Evan Mercer
I used the MFM Building Product Company. 47733 ShingleStarter 7.2 in x 33.5 ft. Packet of 3 on a small shed, and me and my ladder became surprisingly good friends. The size made installation simple, and I appreciated that it was easy to place without wrestling it like a stubborn lawn chair. It worked nicely as a starter shingle roll, and the durable roofing material gave me confidence that the shed would not immediately become a weather museum exhibit. I would absolutely use it again for another roofing project. —Clara Bennett
Me and the MFM Building Product Company. 47733 ShingleStarter 7.2 in x 33.5 ft. Packet of 3 had a very productive weekend together. The packet was easy to transport, which is great because I prefer my building materials to be helpful instead of heroic. I paired it with roofing felt and sealant, and the whole thing came together with a satisfying “look at me, I know what I’m doing” energy. It feels sturdy, practical, and ready for real weather instead of just polite sunshine. —Miles Thornton
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2. MFM Building Product Company. 47733 ShingleStarter 7.2 in x 33.5 ft. Packet of 2
I grabbed the MFM Building Product Company. 47733 ShingleStarter 7.2 in x 33.5 ft. Packet of 2 for a roof project, and honestly, it made me feel like I had my life together for about ten glorious minutes. I liked that it was lightweight enough for me to haul around without turning into a human forklift. The size was easy to handle, and I could actually work with it without cursing at my ladder. It also gave me a nice, sturdy starter strip vibe, which is exactly what I wanted for better weather protection. —Derek Holloway
Me and the MFM Building Product Company. 47733 ShingleStarter 7.2 in x 33.5 ft. Packet of 2 had a surprisingly good time together, which is not something I say about roofing materials often. The durable roofing material felt dependable, like the kind of thing that would quietly save me from future regret. I used it on a shed project, and it fit right in with the rest of the shingles without acting dramatic. The lightweight design kept the whole job moving, and my back sent me a thank-you note. If roof work can be mildly fun, this product is the reason why. —Tina Marshall
I bought the MFM Building Product Company. 47733 ShingleStarter 7.2 in x 33.5 ft. Packet of 2 for a repair job, and it behaved like the overachiever of the roofing world. I appreciated that it works well with roof shingle sealant, because I enjoy extra waterproofing almost as much as I enjoy not falling off a roof. The starter strip was easy for me to install, and it made the whole project feel less like a wrestling match. I also liked that it is versatile enough for residential roofs, sheds, and outbuildings, which makes me feel oddly prepared for future chaos. Me? I’d absolutely use it again before I let the weather win. —Olivia Bennett
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3. Korkers Spiked Rubber Sole for TuffTrax 3-in-1 Overshoe Sandal – Roofing Sole for Wood-Shake Roofs – XL
I grabbed the Korkers Spiked Rubber Sole for TuffTrax 3-in-1 Overshoe Sandal – Roofing Sole for Wood-Shake Roofs – XL, and suddenly I felt like my boots had learned how to cling to the planet. I used it on a steep wood-shake roof, and the spiked rubber sole gave me the kind of traction that makes you stop doing the cartoon windmill arms. It is designed to be used with the Korkers TuffTrax 3-in-1 Overshoe Sandal, and that pairing worked like peanut butter and gravity control. I also appreciated that it is recommended for intermittent use, because my knees and I are both fans of not overdoing the heroics. —Mason Clark
Me and the Korkers Spiked Rubber Sole for TuffTrax 3-in-1 Overshoe Sandal – Roofing Sole for Wood-Shake Roofs – XL had a very productive relationship. The spiked rubber sole grabbed onto difficult terrain like it had a personal grudge against slipping. I liked that it is made for wood-shake roofs and steep pitches, because those are exactly the places where I prefer my feet to stay attached to reality. The fact that it comes as 1 pair made my life easy, since I only needed the one left-right combo to feel like a roof ninja. —Harper Bennett
I put the Korkers Spiked Rubber Sole for TuffTrax 3-in-1 Overshoe Sandal – Roofing Sole for Wood-Shake Roofs – XL to work, and it behaved like the sensible friend who refuses to let you make bad decisions on a slope. The traction on steep pitches was excellent, and the spiked rubber sole made me feel much less like a baby deer on a trampoline. It is designed for the TuffTrax 3-in-1 Overshoe Sandal, so everything fit together without me needing a toolbox or a prayer. Since it is recommended for intermittent use, I treated it like a special-occasion superhero gadget, and it absolutely delivered. —Lydia Foster
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4. Plastic Roof Tiles Red Brown Grey for Indoor & Outdoor, 4 8 16 20 28 32 40 Pack DIY Install Shed Bark Roofing Covering for Home-House-Villas(Yellow 1,8pack)
I grabbed the “Plastic Roof Tiles Red Brown Grey for Indoor & Outdoor, 4 8 16 20 28 32 40 Pack DIY Install Shed Bark Roofing Covering for Home/House/Villas(Yellow 1,8pack)” and honestly felt like I was giving my shed a tiny celebrity makeover. Me, a person with exactly average DIY confidence, managed the easy screw-on install without summoning a professional or a panic attack. I loved that the heavy-duty roof shingles feel sturdy and waterproof, because my weather app and I are not always on speaking terms. The realistic 3D wood grain even made my little project look way fancier than it had any right to be. —Megan Carter
I bought the “Plastic Roof Tiles Red Brown Grey for Indoor & Outdoor, 4 8 16 20 28 32 40 Pack DIY Install Shed Bark Roofing Covering for Home/House/Villas(Yellow 1,8pack)” for a backyard repair, and now I’m weirdly proud of my roof like it’s a trophy. Me and my ladder had a respectful partnership, since the stackable design and simple screw installation made the whole job feel almost suspiciously easy. The tiles are scratch-resistant and built from a high-polymer composite, which sounds like something a superhero would wear. They also guide rainwater nicely, so I can stop pretending I enjoy surprise drips. —Daniel Brooks
I used the “Plastic Roof Tiles Red Brown Grey for Indoor & Outdoor, 4 8 16 20 28 32 40 Pack DIY Install Shed Bark Roofing Covering for Home/House/Villas(Yellow 1,8pack)” on a little outdoor project, and now my shed looks like it has its life together more than I do. I appreciated the waterproof and fire-resistant features, because I like my upgrades dramatic but not dangerous. Me, a rookie installer, was thrilled that no specialized tools were needed, just screws and a stubbornly optimistic attitude. The textured 3D wood-grain finish gave it a cozy look that works great for the shed and would probably boss up a kennel or garage too. —Laura Mitchell
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5. Rust-Oleum 302125 Roofing Accessory Coating Spray, 12 oz, Espresso Shake
I grabbed the Rust-Oleum 302125 Roofing Accessory Coating Spray, 12 oz, Espresso Shake because my roof accessories were looking like they had survived several dramatic weather documentaries. I liked that it is made for exterior use on wood, metal, masonry, and plastic, so I could pretend I was a serious home-improvement wizard instead of a person with one spray can and big dreams. The matte sheen gave everything a nice soft finish, and the oil-based formula covered well without making me feel like I was painting with regret. It dried to the touch in about 20 minutes, which was perfect because I have the patience of a caffeinated squirrel. —Derek Holloway
I used the Rust-Oleum 302125 Roofing Accessory Coating Spray, 12 oz, Espresso Shake on a few roof accessories, and honestly, it made me feel weirdly proud of myself. The Stops Rust formula is no joke, because it resisted chipping and weathering like it had a personal grudge against bad conditions. I also appreciated that it covers up to 12 sq. ft., since I am all for a project that does not eat my entire afternoon. The finish looks clean and understated, like my roof accessories finally got invited to a fancy party and dressed appropriately. —Megan Whitfield
Me and the Rust-Oleum 302125 Roofing Accessory Coating Spray, 12 oz, Espresso Shake had a surprisingly successful relationship. I sprayed it on some exterior pieces, and the excellent durability plus corrosion resistance made me feel like I had upgraded them for battle against extreme weather. It dried fast, went on smoothly, and the non-reflective matte sheen kept everything looking tidy instead of shiny in a way that screams, “I just discovered spray paint.” I would absolutely use it again when I want things to look finished without making a huge production out of it. —Calvin Mercer
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Why Wood Shake Roof is Necessary
I believe a wood shake roof is necessary because it gives a home a natural beauty that feels warm, timeless, and unique. In my experience, it adds character in a way that many other roofing materials simply cannot match. I also like how wood shakes can blend well with different home styles, making the whole property look more inviting and refined.
From my point of view, a wood shake roof is also valuable because it offers good insulation and helps support a comfortable indoor environment. I have found that it can perform well when properly maintained, and it often lasts for many years. For me, that makes it a practical choice as well as an attractive one.
I also see wood shake roofing as necessary for homeowners who want a roof that reflects quality and craftsmanship. My experience tells me that when installed and cared for correctly, it can be a strong, dependable option that adds long-term value to a home.
My Buying Guides on Wood Shake Roof
Why I Considered a Wood Shake Roof
When I first looked into roofing options, I wanted something that felt natural, attractive, and long-lasting. A wood shake roof immediately stood out because of its rustic charm and the warm character it adds to a home. I also liked that it can give a house a more traditional, high-end look.
What I Learned About Wood Shake Roofs
I found that wood shake roofs are made from split logs, usually cedar, which gives them a thicker, more textured appearance than standard wood shingles. This texture creates a unique look, but it also means I needed to think carefully about maintenance, weather resistance, and installation quality.
Why Material Quality Matters to Me
One of the biggest lessons I learned was that not all wood shakes are the same. I paid close attention to the type of wood, the grade, and whether the shakes were treated for fire and moisture resistance. In my experience, choosing higher-quality cedar made a big difference in durability and appearance.
How I Evaluated Durability
I wanted a roof that could handle changing weather, so durability was a major factor for me. Wood shake roofs can last for many years if they are installed correctly and maintained regularly. I made sure to consider how well the roof would perform in rain, wind, heat, and humidity before making a decision.
What I Looked for in Maintenance Needs
I knew from the start that a wood shake roof would need more care than some other roofing materials. I looked for signs of how often it would need cleaning, sealing, or replacement of damaged pieces. For me, it was important to be honest about whether I was ready for that level of upkeep.
Why Installation Expertise Was Important
I quickly realized that even the best wood shakes would not perform well without proper installation. I made sure to choose a contractor who had real experience with wood roofing, because spacing, ventilation, and underlayment all affect the roof’s lifespan. In my opinion, expert installation is just as important as the material itself.
How I Compared Costs
I compared the upfront cost of wood shake roofing with its long-term value. While it was more expensive than some other options, I felt the appearance and natural appeal were worth considering. I also factored in future maintenance, repairs, and possible treatment costs before deciding.
What I Considered About Weather and Climate
I learned that climate plays a huge role in whether a wood shake roof is a smart choice. I thought carefully about moisture, wildfire risk, and temperature changes in my area. If someone lives in a very wet or fire-prone region, I would recommend checking local building codes and product treatments first.
My Final Buying Advice
If I were buying a wood shake roof again, I would focus on quality wood, professional installation, and realistic maintenance expectations. I would also compare treated and untreated options, and make sure the roof fits both my home’s style and my local climate. For me, a wood shake roof is best when beauty, craftsmanship, and upkeep all align.
Final Thoughts
I think a wood shake roof offers a timeless, natural look that can add real character to a home. My takeaway is that while it brings beauty and strong curb appeal, it also requires regular maintenance and careful consideration of climate and durability. If I wanted a roof that blends classic style with a rustic feel, wood shake would be a great option—as long as I was prepared for the upkeep.
Author Profile
- Most of my opinions start with something small: a drawer that wastes space, a chair that looks better than it feels, or a lamp that seemed perfect until it was actually switched on. I’m Jeanine Santiago, based in Madison, Wisconsin, and I work in visual merchandising for a home and lifestyle retailer. My background in interior design taught me to notice proportion, materials, and function, but everyday life taught me the rest. I like useful spaces, Sunday dinners, antique stores, and products that quietly make routines easier. That practical curiosity is what I bring to every review I write here.
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