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Sweet Chestnut
Sweet Chestnut is a naturally durable hardwood with a warm tone and clean, elegant grain. Precision finger-jointed boards offer a smooth, consistent finish with minimal waste.
PEFC® & FSC® Shingles & Shakes
Timber shingles and shakes have long been used on distinctive buildings, from heritage landmarks to contemporary garden structures. Traditionally associated with prestigious and historic architecture, they are now equally valued for their natural beauty, durability and lightweight performance across roofs and façades.
Oak Shakes
Oak shakes offer a bold, traditional cladding solution, valued for their strength, longevity and distinctive texture. Often associated with heritage and landmark buildings, oak shakes bring depth and character to roofs and façades, developing a rich, weathered patina over time.
- Heritage-led applications
Commonly specified for historic buildings, church spires, bell towers and conservation projects. - Exceptional durability
Naturally robust hardwood that performs well in exposed conditions. - Distinctive appearance
Hand-split texture creates depth, shadow and a strong architectural presence. - Long service life
When detailed and installed correctly, oak shakes can deliver decades of reliable performance. - Naturally insulating
Dense timber construction helps support thermal performance. - Responsibly sourced
Produced from sustainably managed oak, suitable for heritage and conservation-led projects.
Western Red Cedar Shingles
Western Red Cedar shingles are a lightweight, eco-friendly solution for roofing and cladding that combines timeless style with exceptional durability. Perfect for summer houses, gazebos, stables and even heritage projects, these shingles offer a premium finish that stands the test of time.
- Versatile applications
Ideal for roofs, side walls, garden buildings and conservation projects. - Outstanding weather resistance
Performs brilliantly in exposed conditions.1 - Flexible installation
Suitable for roof pitches as low as 14 degrees, with pre-formed hip and ridge cappings available - Long life span
When installed and maintained correctly, shingles can last 30 to 50+ years. - Natural insulation
Excellent thermal properties for energy efficiency. - Eco-friendly choice
PEFC sourced responsibly.
Oak and Chestnut Shakes
Oak shakes are a popular choice for high-end and heritage-style projects, appreciated for their warm cream colour and naturally soft grain. Their timeless appearance and proven durability make them especially well suited to traditional buildings, including church spires and bell towers.
Made from the heartwood of English oak, with the sapwood carefully removed, Benchmark Timbers oak shakes offer excellent stability and long-lasting performance. The dense heartwood helps reduce movement over time, giving homeowners confidence in the finished result.
As a hardwood alternative to Western Red Cedar shingles and shakes, oak requires no additional treatment thanks to its naturally high durability. In many settings, oak shakes can last significantly longer than sawn cedar, making them an attractive, low-maintenance option for exterior roofing and cladding projects.
Species
For more detailed information on the species, check out the pages, below.
European Oak
European Oak is a naturally durable hardwood with timeless appeal, offering exceptional longevity and a rich, classic finish for exterior cladding.
Canadian Western Red Cedar
Freshly cut Canadian Western Red Cedar reveals a beautiful mix of deep chocolate-brown and soft salmon pink tones, adding natural warmth and character to your cladding.
Projects
Frequently Asked Questions
What are timber shingles and shakes typically used for?
Wood shingles and shakes are typically used on heritage or prestige projects, including traditional roofs, church spires and decorative features on historic buildings. They are also a popular choice for garden structures like summer houses, stables and gazebos, adding a natural, traditional look. Made from quality timber, they offer a durable and attractive finish for a wide range of outdoor projects.
Why choose wood shingles and shakes for your project?
Wood shingles and shakes provide natural insulation, helping garden rooms, seating areas and small outdoor buildings retain warmth year-round. Their timeless, rustic appearance works well on roofs and traditional structures. Durable and versatile, they’re ideal for heritage projects, summer houses and gazebos.
How do shakes differ from shingles?
Shakes and shingles differ mainly in how they are made and the look they create. Shingles are sawn on both sides, giving a neat, uniform finish, while shakes are split on one side, making them thicker with a more textured, rustic appearance. Both are durable options for roofs and outdoor structures and work well for traditional or heritage style projects.
Can shingles and shakes be painted?
Yes, Cedar shingles and shakes can be painted using a specially formulated water-based paint for long-lasting protection and colour. For added convenience, Benchmark Timber can factory-paint them before delivery, ensuring a flawless finish and saving you time on site.
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