Everyone loves a cedar roof in its first year. Then the moss moves in, the boards start to cup, and the woodpeckers find it. Wood grain metal shingles give you that same warm, natural look on a diamond shingle that will not rot, split or invite pests. At Spengler Industries, we fabricate them in our Salt Lake City shop for roofs, walls and the tricky shapes in between.
Why so many people are searching for a cedar shake alternative
Fall is planning season. Homeowners, architects and builders are choosing spring materials right now, and many of them start with the same question: how do I get the look of wood without the upkeep?
There are good reasons behind that question. First, real wood needs regular staining and sealing to stay handsome. Second, it absorbs water, so it can rot, warp and grow moss. Third, in wildfire country, wood roofing makes owners, insurers and building officials nervous. Steel does not burn, which is why more people now look for a metal roof that looks like wood.
What are wood grain metal shingles?
They are steel diamond shingles with a factory-applied wood grain finish. From the street, they read as warm, natural timber. Up close, they behave like metal. Each shingle overlaps its neighbors, so the fasteners stay hidden and water runs off the diamond points and away from the seams.
The diamond shingle is not a new idea. In fact, craftsmen in Germany have used metal diamonds on roofs and towers for generations. We work in that Spenglermeister tradition, and our shop is run by a German master craftsman who trains our team every day.
A full range of wood tones
As the photo shows, our wood grain finishes run from pale honey and golden oak through cherry and russet to deep walnut. You can use one tone for a calm, uniform surface. Alternatively, you can blend several tones into a patchwork that looks like hand-split shakes gathered over decades.
We are happy to send samples, because a finish always looks different in your own light. Ask us for the tones you are considering and hold them up against your stone, brick or trim before you decide.
Wood grain metal shingles for roofs, walls and difficult shapes
Our diamond shingles work on pitched roofs, and they make striking wall cladding as well. Because each piece is small, the system follows curves that large panels cannot. That makes it a natural fit for turrets, dormers, bay windows, domes and towers.
Complex shapes are our specialty. We are a one-stop shop for the metal building envelope, with both standard and custom options. So if your architect has drawn something that makes other suppliers go quiet, send it to us.
Wood grain metal vs. real cedar shakes
| Real cedar shakes | Wood grain metal shingles | |
|---|---|---|
| Look | Warm, natural, weathers to gray | Warm, natural, holds its color |
| Maintenance | Regular cleaning, staining and sealing | Occasional rinse |
| Moisture | Can rot, cup, split and grow moss | Does not absorb water |
| Pests | Attracts insects and woodpeckers | Nothing to chew or nest in |
| Fire | Combustible unless treated | Steel does not burn |
| Weight | Moderate | Lightweight |
Of course, real cedar still has its admirers, and we understand why. However, if you love the look more than the chores, metal is the easier long-term choice.
Who chooses a metal roof that looks like wood?
- Mountain and cabin owners who want a rustic look that stands up to snow, sun and fire risk.
- Timber frame builders who want a roof that matches the warmth of the frame.
- Architects who need a wood look on a project where real wood is not allowed or not practical.
- Resorts, clubs and hospitality projects that want a memorable facade with little upkeep.
- Historic-style homes that call for a traditional diamond pattern.
Frequently asked questions
Do wood grain metal shingles look fake? From normal viewing distance, they read as wood. Up close, you can see that the surface is metal. Most of our clients like that honesty: it looks like wood, and it is clearly built to last.
Can I use them on walls as well as roofs? Yes. The diamond shingle works as wall cladding too, and many projects use it on both.
Do you install them? We fabricate the shingles and support your installer with project-specific details. On large or complex jobs, we can also provide on-site guidance.
Can I get samples? Absolutely. Contact us and tell us which tones you would like to see.
Start your project
Wood grain metal shingles give you the warmth of wood and the lasting strength of steel, shaped by craftsmen who care about the details. Whether you are planning a cabin roof, a turret or a full facade, we would love to help.
Request samples or a quote or call us at 801-462-5264. You can also browse our metal shingles page and our metal shingle roofing gallery.