Hi folks, I'm a longtime Woodmizer owner and sawed over 2 million BF while I was in business with it.  I've got the clapboard/shingle attachment that I've used a lot for pine clapboards, but I've got a cedar shingle roof that needs replacing and looking at the prices of cedar shingles at over $200/bundle (yes, per bundle, not per square!) I thought of making my own shingles.  My question is, what species?  I was thinking White Oak.  I've got some on  my property that are straight enough to make it worthwhile.  I've heard that Maine has some sizeable white cedar.  Any opinions?  I have some old SYP beams that I thought I might cut up, but I've also got a woodstove, so flammability is an issue.  

Welcome aboard Mike, glad to have you here.

I've no experience with wood shingles to answer your questions, but we may have someone with experience to help out.

Welcome to The Patriot Woodworker Mike. Great to have you here and hope to have you become a regular.

 

Ouch at $600/sq. My only experiences with cedar shingles has been to remove them. No experience making any nor access to equipment to do so.

 

Have to ask though, aside from the cost & aesthetic appearance of wood any reasons you wouldn't consider more conventional materials? With architectural composites and now with some of the steel options the longevity, durability, appearance and ease of application seems the more cost effective approach.

 

Wouldn't codes require you to treat wood shingles with fire retardant if you have a wood burner? I'd check with your insurance company as well? My $.02. 

Welcome Mike.  Don't have any answers for you.  I am interested to see what you come up with.

Welcome to the forum. I have no direct experience with wood shingles but have seen them used on This Old House. I would think cedar would be a better choice and white oak is a water resistant species. I think the thickness of the shingle is tapered. how to install wood shingles