When it comes to protecting your shed, summerhouse, log cabin or garden workshop, the right roof covering makes all the difference. Two of the most popular options in the UK are bitumen roof shingles and traditional shed felt. Both offer weather resistance, insulation and a tidy finish, but which one is right for your outdoor building?
In this guide, we’ll break down the pros and cons of each material, helping you choose the most suitable option based on durability, budget, installation, and appearance.
What Is Shed Roofing Felt?
Shed roofing felt is a traditional waterproof material typically sold in rolls, designed to be nailed or stapled to timber roof decks. It’s one of the most affordable ways to weatherproof a garden building and is widely used across the UK for sheds and smaller structures.
Pros:
- Very cost-effective
- Quick and easy to install
- Ideal for temporary or low-budget projects
- Readily available in different roll lengths and colours
Best suited for:
Budget-friendly sheds, tool stores, bike shelters, and smaller garden buildings with simple pitched roofs.
Explore our full range of shed roofing felt rolls available in 8m and 10m lengths.
What Are Bitumen Felt Roof Shingles?
Bitumen shingles are a more decorative and durable roofing option for outdoor buildings. Made from fibreglass-reinforced bitumen, they’re shaped into strips with overlapping tabs to resemble classic roof tiles. Unlike plain felt rolls, felt shingles for sheds and summerhouses add a premium, tile-like finish to any garden roof.
Pros:
- Much longer lifespan (typically up to 15 years)
- More attractive appearance with tile-effect design
- Greater weather resistance and durability
- Lightweight and easy to transport
Best suited for:
Log cabins, summerhouses, garden offices, playhouses, and premium sheds that deserve a smarter, longer-lasting finish.
Take a look at our bitumen roof shingles collection – available in red, green, black and grey with different shapes to suit your roof.
Bitumen Shingles vs Shed Felt: Key Differences
| Feature | Shed Felt Rolls | Bitumen Roof Shingles |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Lower upfront cost | Slightly higher, long-term value |
| Lifespan | 5–8 years (average) | Up to 15 years |
| Appearance | Plain finish | Attractive tile effect |
| Installation | Quicker for large areas | More involved but not difficult |
| Ideal Use | Budget sheds & workshops | Premium sheds, cabins & summerhouses |
Which Roofing Option Should You Choose?
If you’re re-roofing a simple garden shed or building on a tight budget, shed felt is a perfectly practical solution. It’s quick to install and offers decent weather protection for several years.
But if you want a longer-lasting, better-looking solution for a log cabin, summerhouse or premium workshop, felt shingles for garden buildings are the way to go. They look fantastic, stand up to the UK weather, and offer peace of mind for well over a decade when installed correctly.
Need Help Choosing?
We stock a wide selection of both shed roofing felt rolls and cost-effective bitumen roof shingles – ideal for sheds, cabins, garages and more. All available with fast UK delivery and trusted trade pricing.
Why Choose Trusted Building Supplies?
- Fast, reliable UK-wide delivery
- Only high-quality roofing materials you can count on
- Competitive prices for trade and DIY
- Helpful advice and honest customer support
Final Thoughts
Whether you're after a quick fix for a garden shed or a durable tile-effect finish for your summerhouse, we’ve got the right roofing material for you. Browse our full range today and give your garden building the protection it deserves.
👉 Ready to get started? Shop roofing materials for sheds and garden buildings now.