The wooden shingle roof is part of Finnish building heritage. In the 19th century, it was the most common roof type in Finland, and today wooden shingle roofs are restored on heritage buildings, museum buildings and traditional construction projects. The wooden shingle roof is an ecological and authentic choice that honours a building's history.
History of wooden shingle roofs
The wooden shingle roof was the most common roof type in Finland from the 18th to the 20th century. Shingles were split from aspen, spruce or pine into thin boards, approximately 5 mm thick. The shingles were laid overlapping and fastened with shingle nails. With industrialisation, wooden shingle roofs were replaced by metal and felt roofs, but the tradition has been preserved in restoration projects.
When is a wooden shingle roof the right choice?
A wooden shingle roof is the right choice when a building is protected and the National Board of Antiquities or building control requires a traditional roof type. It is also suitable for traditional building enthusiasts and the restoration of museum buildings. Today, wooden shingle roofs are also made for fences and outbuildings for a traditional appearance.
Wooden shingle roof installation
The price of a wooden shingle roof is typically 60–120 €/m². The price is influenced by the quality of the shingles, the amount of handwork and the difficulty of the project. Traditional craftsmanship is labour-intensive, which increases the price. For restoration projects, the price may be higher due to special requirements.
Wooden shingle roof price
A wooden shingle roof requires regular maintenance. Moss and lichen must be carefully removed, broken shingles replaced and roof ventilation ensured. We recommend an inspection every 3–5 years. A well-maintained wooden shingle roof can last up to 40 years.
| Feature | Wooden ShingleRecommended | Felt Roof | Tile Roof |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lifespan | 20–40 years | 15–25 years | 40–80 years |
| Price | 60–120 €/m² | 35–55 €/m² | 70–100 €/m² |
| Material | Natural wood (aspen) | Bitumen | Concrete/clay |
| Weight | Light (10–15 kg/m²) | Light (5–10 kg/m²) | Heavy (40–55 kg/m²) |
| Sustainability | Excellent | Moderate | Good |
| Restoration | Suitable for heritage buildings | Not authentic | Historical |
Wooden shingle roof maintenance
A wooden shingle roof requires regular maintenance. Moss and lichen must be carefully removed, broken shingles replaced and roof ventilation ensured. We recommend an inspection every 3–5 years. A well-maintained wooden shingle roof can last up to 40 years.
Content reviewed and verified
Updated: April 2026
