Timber Shakes

Understanding Timber Shakes

First things first – what is the difference between timber shakes and shingles? They may both be used in roofing and cladding, but the difference lies in their manufacturing. Timber shingles are sawn on both sides and are tapered for ease of installation. Shakes are hand-split on one or both sides, with a textured finish.

Wood shakes have been used for centuries, certainly dating back to Greek and Roman times. In the UK, they have traditionally been used for church spires and roofs, but in recent years they have increasingly been used for innovative new buildings.

WL West Timber are the sole UK distributor for Harald Rapold Schindelheimat® timber shake products. Harald Rapold Schindelheimat® is a family-run business based in Bavaria, close to the Austrian border. They pride themselves on producing top-quality handmade shakes using their near century of experience. Today’s technology allows for a variety of sizes, finishes and styles – resulting in a range of timber shakes to suit all applications.

What are the features of timber shakes?

A natural and renewable resource, shakes are one of the most environmentally friendly and sustainable roofing or cladding materials. They also have good insulating properties – with the potential to have a positive impact on energy consumption at a property, reducing the carbon footprint.

Timber is responsibly sourced. Good straight-grained trees are selected, cut to required length and hand cleft into various widths. As shakes are radially split along the grain, the process retains the integrity of the cells, improving the product’s stability, durability and longevity.

Wood shakes add a rugged, uneven charm to projects. This emphasises natural beauty, ideal for restoration projects where the goal is to preserve the rustic look of the building. They are low maintenance and the gaps between shakes make them a very `breathable’ roofing option, as the air circulation means water vapour can escape.

We offer a variety of timber shakes, including: larch, oak, spruce, western red cedar, yellow cedar and robinia (robinia available on special request only).

  • Durable, fragrance-free, golden softwood, requires no treatment, insulating.

  • Traditional; insulating; durable; extremely weather-resistant, highly textured, particularly good for ecclesiastical projects. One of the most well-known steeplejacks in the South of England is Peter Harknett. So revered by Harald Rapold is he that he has trademarked a Peter Harknett Oak Shake©. This product is based on historic British oak shakes. It is slightly thicker for greater longevity and is ideal for use on church spires.

  • Lightweight; insulating; environmentally friendly.

  • Lightweight; insulating; environmentally friendly.

  • Distinctive yellow colour, highly textured surface, durable, insulating.

  • Extremely hard and durable, it resists rot and the weather like no other.

Our Range of Timber Shakes

Larch Shakes

Oak Shakes

Robinia Shakes

Spruce Shakes

Western Red Cedar Shakes

Yellow Cedar Shakes

All images on this page are credited to © Rapold GmbH

Do you require timber shakes for your next project?

We are a leading UK timber merchant & machinist, supplying trade, commercial & retail.

From providing high quality timber shakes to timber shingles, we can help with your project needs. With over 155 years experience, timber is what we do. Get in touch with our Sales Team to get your timber shakes or shingles quote.