6 Stunning Weathered Wood Shingle Colors to Accent Your Home
Weathered wood shingles have become a hugely popular roofing material choice for modern homeowners. With their rugged, textured look and natural, earthy wood tones, these dimensional composite shingles impart a sense of rustic charm and authenticity to any home exterior. If you're looking to accent your house with the beauty of wood without the cost and maintenance of real wood shakes, weathered wood shingles provide an affordable, durable, and stylish alternative.
Whether you're aiming for a cozy farmhouse vibe or modern industrial edge, you're sure to find a weathered wood tone to complement your home's aesthetic.
What Are Weathered Wood Shingles?
Weathered wood shingles refer to composite asphalt shingles engineered to closely replicate the texture and color variation of real wood shakes and shingles. Made from fiberglass materials, these dimensional shingles are designed to emulate the shape, shadows, and organic patina of natural wood roofing.
While not as authentic looking as real wood, weathered wood shingles offer important advantages when it comes to cost, durability, and ease of maintenance. They are significantly more affordable than real cedar or redwood shakes. They also hold up better to wind, rain, hail, and fire with a lifespan of 15-30 years. And they don't require the same level of maintenance like treating and sealing that natural wood does.
On the downside, weathered wood shingles are not as environmentally friendly or recyclable as natural materials. Their composite makeup also means they lack the depth, subtlety, and variation that real wood offers. But for most homeowners looking for the visual appeal of wood on a budget, weathered wood shingles provide the ideal solution.
Color Option 1: Classic Brown
For homeowners who want a traditional, timeless look, rich brown weathered wood shingles are a perfect choice. Ranging from chocolate to chestnut hues, deep brown weathered wood shingles pair beautifully with white, cream, or light gray exterior walls. Their dark warmth provides pleasing contrast against these lighter backgrounds. Classic brown shingles also lend themselves well to homes with black or dark gray accents like window trims, shutters, and doors.
Color Option 2: Warm Tan
For those seeking a lighter, brighter weathered wood look, warm tan shingles offer subtle elegance. Softer tan hues add an approachable, inviting vibe to any home exterior. These shingles complement a diverse range of color schemes from crisp white to light gray to deeper beiges. Tan weathered wood shingles give off a more coastal, relaxed sensibility compared to their darker brown counterparts.
Color Option 3: Weathered Gray
Weathered gray shingles present homeowners with the best of both worlds - gray's modern appeal coupled with wood's rustic charm. These sophisticated shingles feature variegated gray tones marked by subtle brown undertones. The result is a dimensional look that contrasts beautifully against bright white exteriors or deeper charcoal gray walls. For contemporary farmhouse, industrial, or cottage styles, weathered gray adds a touch of ruggedness.
Color Option 4: Driftwood Blend
For raw, organic texture, driftwood blend shingles incorporate an artful mix of grays, browns, and tans to mimic reclaimed wood's varied weathering. The multidimensional look brings depth and uniqueness to the roof. Well-suited for Craftsman, cottage, and bohemian inspired homes, driftwood weathered wood shingles lend a cozy, welcoming vibe to residential exteriors.
Color Option 5: Coastal Cedar
Homeowners dreaming of a beach house look will appreciate the light tan hues of coastal cedar shingles. Meant to emulate the weathered finish of coastal cedar shakes, these shingles feature soft tans and bleached grays perfect for seaside cottages. Pair your coastal cedar shingles with crisp white trims and accents for a laidback, beachy aesthetic. For tropical inspired designs, use with deeper navy or forest green shutters.
Color Option 6: Charcoal Black
On the other end of the color spectrum, charcoal black weathered wood shingles make a dramatic visual statement. The inky blackish-gray tone provides bold contrast against light exteriors. For contemporary homes with white or cream siding, black weathered wood shingles lend modern sophistication and dimension. Pair charcoal shingles with dark window trims and accents for a cohesive, polished look.
Tips for Choosing Colors
When selecting weathered wood shingle colors, it's important to consider your home's existing exterior finishes. If your siding and trim are neutral, eye-catching shingle colors can really make them pop. Weathered grays, driftwood blends, or black shades contrast beautifully against white or cream exteriors and black trims. If you have brightly colored siding or paint, more neutral roof options like brown help ground the look.
If you're unsure what color to pick, classic brown is a safe default that complements most color schemes. You can also order color samples from manufacturers to get a better sense of how a particular shade will look against the rest of your home before finalizing your selection.
Coordinate With Other Exterior Finishes
To create a cohesive exterior style, it helps to carry your weathered wood shingle color onto other finishes. Use shingles in brown, gray, tan, or black hues on garage doors or backyard fencing to visually tie elements together. Paint your front door in a shade that complements your shingle color. Incorporate weathered wood tones into outdoor furniture, planter boxes, or landscaping stones.
Unifying roofing, siding, trim, and ornamental features through color creates polished, professorial exteriors. It adds character and depth to your curb appeal.
Weathered wood shingles infuse roofing with rustic warmth and dimensional style. When searching for the perfect weathered wood color, keep your home's existing palette and target aesthetic in mind. Cool grays lend modern farmhouse character, while bold blacks create contemporary edge against bright backdrops. For traditional charm, opt for deep warm browns or tans with subtle gray undertones. Whatever color you choose, weathered wood shingles bring natural beauty to residential roofing in an affordable, low-maintenance composite form.