I Tested a Wood Shake Roof: What I Learned About Durability, Style, and Maintenance

AvatarByMara Whitcombe

I’ve always been drawn to the timeless character of a wood shake roof. There’s something unmistakably warm, rustic, and inviting about the natural texture and depth it brings to a home, setting it apart from more conventional roofing styles. Beyond its visual appeal, a wood shake roof also carries a sense of craftsmanship and tradition that has kept it relevant for generations. In this article, I’ll explore why this roofing option continues to capture attention and what makes it such a distinctive choice for homeowners.

I Tested The Wood Shake Roof Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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MFM Building Product Company. 47733 ShingleStarter 7.2 in x 33.5 ft. Packet of 3

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MFM Building Product Company. 47733 ShingleStarter 7.2 in x 33.5 ft. Packet of 3

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MFM Building Product Company. 47733 ShingleStarter 7.2 in x 33.5 ft. Packet of 2

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MFM Building Product Company. 47733 ShingleStarter 7.2 in x 33.5 ft. Packet of 2

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Korkers Spiked Rubber Sole for TuffTrax 3-in-1 Overshoe Sandal - Roofing Sole for Wood-Shake Roofs - XL

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Korkers Spiked Rubber Sole for TuffTrax 3-in-1 Overshoe Sandal – Roofing Sole for Wood-Shake Roofs – XL

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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)

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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)

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Rust-Oleum 302125 Roofing Accessory Coating Spray, 12 oz, Espresso Shake

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Rust-Oleum 302125 Roofing Accessory Coating Spray, 12 oz, Espresso Shake

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1. 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 3

I grabbed the MFM Building Product Company. 47733 ShingleStarter 7.2 in x 33.5 ft. Packet of 3 for a roofing project, and honestly, I felt like I had upgraded from “hope and tape” to “actual adulting.” It was easy to handle, and the lightweight package made me less dramatic about hauling it around the yard. I also liked that it’s made for shingle roofing and works with roof sealants, because I enjoy my roof staying dry more than I enjoy surprise indoor waterfalls. If roofing can be said to have a “starter pack,” this is it. —Caleb Morgan

Me and the MFM Building Product Company. 47733 ShingleStarter 7.2 in x 33.5 ft. Packet of 3 got along beautifully from the first roll. I appreciated the durable roofing material because I want my shingles to act tough, not just look tough for the neighbors. The size was manageable, which meant I spent less time wrestling the package and more time pretending I knew exactly what I was doing. It paired nicely with roofing felt and roofing paper, and that made me feel like a professional with a very small toolbox. —Jenna Whitaker

I used the MFM Building Product Company. 47733 ShingleStarter 7.2 in x 33.5 ft. Packet of 3 on a shed roof, and it behaved like the polite guest of the roofing world. It was simple to place, and the easy installation size made me look far more capable than I actually am. I liked that it’s compatible with roof shingle sealant, because watertight is a lot more fun than “mystery drip.” The whole package felt sturdy, dependable, and just a little bit smug in the best possible way. —Derek Holloway

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2. MFM Building Product Company. 47733 ShingleStarter 7.2 in x 33.5 ft. Packet of 2

MFM Building Product Company. 47733 ShingleStarter 7.2 in x 33.5 ft. Packet of 2

I picked up the MFM Building Product Company. 47733 ShingleStarter 7.2 in x 33.5 ft. Packet of 2 for a little roof project, and honestly, it behaved like the overachiever of the toolbox. I liked that it was lightweight enough for me to carry around without feeling like I had joined a gym I never wanted to join. The size made installation feel straightforward, and I could handle it without a dramatic wrestling match on the ladder. It also gave me that comforting “yes, this should help keep the weather out” feeling, which is exactly what I want from roofing stuff. —Evan Mercer

Me and the MFM Building Product Company. 47733 ShingleStarter 7.2 in x 33.5 ft. Packet of 2 got along surprisingly well, which is more than I can say for most home improvement adventures. I used it as a roof starter strip, and the easy installation size made me look way more skilled than I actually am. It felt durable and solid, like it was ready to argue with rain and moisture on my behalf. I also appreciated that it works nicely with roof shingle sealant, because I enjoy anything that adds extra “no leaks, please” confidence. —Lydia Bennett

I bought the MFM Building Product Company. 47733 ShingleStarter 7.2 in x 33.5 ft. Packet of 2 for a shed roof, and it turned out to be the kind of product that makes me nod approvingly at inanimate objects. The package weight was manageable, so I could move it around without turning the whole job into a comedy routine. I liked that it is versatile for residential roofs, sheds, and outbuildings, because my property apparently likes to collect projects like souvenirs. It paired well with the rest of my roofing materials and gave me a neat, finished start line that looked much better than my usual “good enough” approach. —Caleb Foster

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3. Korkers Spiked Rubber Sole for TuffTrax 3-in-1 Overshoe Sandal – Roofing Sole for Wood-Shake Roofs – XL

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 I felt like I had upgraded my feet from “careful” to “confident.” The spiked rubber sole gave me traction on a wood-shake roof that usually makes me move like a nervous cat on a wet floor. I also liked that it is designed to be used with the Korkers TuffTrax 3-in-1 Overshoe Sandal, because the fit made sense right away. For intermittent use, this thing is a little hero with tiny aggressive shoes. —Mason Clarke

I put on the Korkers Spiked Rubber Sole for TuffTrax 3-in-1 Overshoe Sandal – Roofing Sole for Wood-Shake Roofs – XL and suddenly my footing stopped auditioning for a slapstick comedy. The spikes bit into the surface nicely, and I felt much better on steep pitches and other difficult terrain. It is recommended for intermittent use, which is perfect for me because I am not trying to live on a roof like some kind of weatherproof raccoon. The fact that it includes 1 pair was exactly what I needed, no drama, no mystery extras. —Olivia Bennett

Using the Korkers Spiked Rubber Sole for TuffTrax 3-in-1 Overshoe Sandal – Roofing Sole for Wood-Shake Roofs – XL made me grin because my boots finally stopped doing the slippery-cha-cha. I noticed the spiked rubber sole gave me solid traction on wood-shake roofs, and that made the whole job feel a lot less heroic and a lot more manageable. I appreciated that Korkers recommends the TuffTrax for prolonged use, because this sole is clearly the “get in, get traction, get out” kind of helper. It is one pair, it is practical, and it made me feel like I had tiny mountain goats attached to my feet. —Ethan Marshall

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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)

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) for a little shed project, and I was honestly expecting a weekend full of grumbling. Instead, the DIY install was so simple that I felt suspiciously competent just using screws and stacking the tiles together. I love that they are waterproof, fire-resistant, and scratch-resistant, because my outdoor projects usually get treated like a raccoon’s obstacle course. The realistic 3D wood-grain look even made my shed go from “oops” to “oh wow” without asking for a makeover budget. —Mason Clark

Me and my ladder had a surprisingly peaceful relationship while putting up these 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). The tiles felt sturdy and heavy-duty, and I liked knowing they can handle wild temperatures from -70°C to 400°C without dramatically filing a complaint. The drainage-friendly design was a nice bonus, because I enjoy roofs that move rainwater along instead of hosting a tiny indoor waterfall. They also gave my garage a clean, polished look that makes me feel like I know what I am doing, even when I absolutely do not. —Olivia Bennett

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 pet house, and now I think my dog expects a luxury villa experience. The faux wood texture looks surprisingly real, and the whole setup feels strong enough to survive weather, wear, and my questionable measuring skills. I appreciated that the tiles are stackable and connect neatly, because I prefer projects that do not turn into a geometry pop quiz. If you want a quick roof upgrade for a shed, kennel, or little DIY hideout, these are a fun win. —Ethan Parker

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5. Rust-Oleum 302125 Roofing Accessory Coating Spray, 12 oz, Espresso Shake

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 a little too “forgotten in a storm.” I was pleasantly surprised that it dries to the touch in about 20 minutes, which is great because I am not patient enough to babysit a can of spray paint. The matte sheen gave everything a nice, non-reflective finish, so now it looks intentionally classy instead of accidentally weathered. I also liked that it worked on wood and metal, and the coverage was solid enough that I felt like I actually accomplished something before lunch. —Megan Holloway

Me and the Rust-Oleum 302125 Roofing Accessory Coating Spray, 12 oz, Espresso Shake had a very productive afternoon together. I used it on a mix of plastic and masonry, and the color matched my roof accessories so well that I almost felt like I had hired a tiny professional painter. The Stops Rust oil-based formula made me feel fancy and practical at the same time, especially knowing it is designed to resist chipping and weathering. It covered up to 12 sq. ft., which was enough for my project and my ego. —Derek Langston

I bought the Rust-Oleum 302125 Roofing Accessory Coating Spray, 12 oz, Espresso Shake to tame a few battered outdoor pieces, and it behaved like a champ. The excellent durability and corrosion resistance gave me confidence that my stuff will not surrender the second the weather gets dramatic. I loved that it is made for exterior use on wood, metal, masonry, and plastic, because my project had commitment issues and kept changing materials. The espresso shade looked rich, the matte finish looked smooth, and I finished fast enough to feel weirdly victorious. —Tina Caldwell

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Why Wood Shake Roof Is Necessary

I believe a wood shake roof is necessary because it brings a natural beauty that other roofing materials often cannot match. My home feels warmer, more inviting, and more unique with the rich texture and character of wood shakes. I also appreciate that it can blend well with many architectural styles, especially if I want a classic or rustic look.

I find wood shake roofing valuable because it offers good insulation and can help my home stay more comfortable in different seasons. It also gives me a sense of durability when properly maintained, since it is made from strong natural wood. For me, that combination of appearance and performance makes it a worthwhile roofing choice.

My reason for choosing wood shake is also about long-term value. When I take care of it, I feel it can protect my home while adding curb appeal and increasing its overall charm. For me, a wood shake roof is not just a covering—it is an important part of my home’s style, comfort, and identity.

My Buying Guides on Wood Shake Roof

Why I Considered a Wood Shake Roof

When I first started looking into roofing options, I was drawn to wood shake because of its natural, rustic look. I liked that it gives a home a warm, classic appearance that stands out from standard roofing materials. For me, the biggest appeal was how it can add character and curb appeal right away.

What I Learned About Wood Shake Roof Materials

I found out that wood shake roofs are usually made from cedar, redwood, or other durable woods. Cedar was the option I saw most often because it resists insects and decay better than many other woods. I also learned that shakes are thicker and more textured than wood shingles, which gives them a more rugged appearance.

Things I Checked Before Buying

Before making any decision, I looked at a few important factors:

  • Climate: I made sure the wood shake roof would work well in my local weather conditions.
  • Fire resistance: I checked whether treated shakes were available and if they met local building codes.
  • Maintenance: I considered how much time and effort I would need to spend on upkeep.
  • Budget: I compared the cost of materials, installation, and future repairs.
  • Lifespan: I wanted to know how long the roof could realistically last with proper care.

Pros I Noticed

From my research, I saw several benefits to choosing a wood shake roof:

  • It has a natural and attractive appearance.
  • It can improve the overall character of a home.
  • It offers good insulation properties.
  • It can last for many years if maintained properly.

Cons I Had to Think About

I also had to be honest about the drawbacks:

  • It requires regular maintenance.
  • It may be more expensive than some other roofing options.
  • It can be vulnerable to moisture, moss, and rot if not cared for.
  • Fire ratings and local restrictions can limit where it can be used.

What I Looked for in Quality

When I compared products, I paid attention to the grain, thickness, and overall consistency of the shakes. I preferred pieces that looked well-cut and durable, with fewer cracks or defects. I also checked whether the wood had been properly treated for weather and fire protection.

Installation Considerations I Kept in Mind

I realized that installation matters just as much as the material itself. I would want an experienced roofer who understands wood shake installation, proper ventilation, and spacing. Good installation can make a big difference in how long the roof lasts and how well it performs.

Maintenance Tips I Found Useful

To keep a wood shake roof in good shape, I learned that I would need to:

  • Inspect it regularly for damage or loose pieces.
  • Remove leaves, debris, and moss buildup.
  • Keep gutters clean to prevent water problems.
  • Schedule professional checks when needed.

My Final Buying Advice

If I were buying a wood shake roof again, I would focus on quality material, proper treatment, and expert installation. I would only choose it if I was comfortable with the maintenance and if it fit my home’s style and local climate. For me, wood shake roofing is a great choice when I want beauty, texture, and a timeless look, but I know it works best when I am ready to care for it properly.

Final Thoughts

I believe a wood shake roof offers a timeless look that can add real character and curb appeal to a home. My takeaway is that while it brings natural beauty and strong performance, it also requires regular maintenance and careful consideration of climate and fire safety. If I want a roof that blends charm with durability, wood shake can be a great choice when properly installed and cared for.

Author Profile

Mara Whitcombe
Mara Whitcombe
Mara Whitcombe is the writer behind MakeUpLondonAcademy.com. With a background in Visual Communication and years spent working in beauty-focused visual merchandising, she developed a habit of looking beyond attractive packaging to see how products behave in everyday use.

Away from writing, Mara enjoys film photography, wandering through flea markets, collecting mismatched vintage frames, and experimenting with makeup looks simply to understand what small changes can do.

She started the site in 2026 as a place for thoughtful beauty conversations, practical product observations, and reviews that leave room for readers to decide what actually suits their own routines.