With over a dozen colors, more than 30 standard sizes, and a variety of thicknesses, natural roofing slate offers an amazing range of design possibilities.

These are a few different styles, some quite traditional and some very unique. We are here to help you work thought the possibilities- give us a call!

Single Size and Random Width

The two most common installation styles are Single Size and Random Width. As the name implies, a Single Size slate roof has slate of only one length and width.

 

Single Width

Single Width

 A Random Width slate roof has a variety of widths, all of the same length. Typically the narrowest slate width is one half the length. For instance a 10" width would be the narrowest slate in a 20" tall by Random Width mix, and an 8" width would be the narrowest slate in a 16" tall by Random Width mix. The widest standard width is typically 12", but depending on the quarry, 14" wide slates may be available as well.

Random Width

Random Width

Graduated Length and Thickness

Graduated slate roofs are very traditional and attractive. In a Graduated Length slate roof, the length of the slates decreases from the drip edge to the ridge. A full graduation would start with a 24" tall slate at the drip edge that exposes 10.5" and include 22", 20", 18", 16" and 14" slates, finishing with a 12" tall slate at the ridge, exposing 4.5". Typically Graduated roofs are random width, but single width can be done. Additionally the thickness of the slate can be graduated, with thicker slates at the bottom moving to thinner slates near the ridge. The Graduated Thickness slate roof can be done with Single Width or Random Width roofs, or for maximum affect it can be combined with Graduated Length slates for a truly impressive roof. For both the Graduated Length and Graduated Thickness roof options, there are no hard rules on what sizes or thicknesses should be used. Depending on the project, only 3 or 4 lengths can be included in the graduation with as many different thicknesses, or all 7 standard lengths can be employed with only one or two thicknesses. The combinations are plentiful- please give us a call, we’d be happy to discuss the options with you.

Graduated Slate Roof

Hang Downs

A less traditional but highly effective style is that of the "hang downs". Simply, a number of longer slates are installed among the standard field slates creating a textured, irregular look. This effect can be accentuated by using different thickness slates in conjunction with the longer hang down pieces.

Hang Down Pattern

Hang Down Pattern

Hang Down Pattern

Color Mixes

The various colors of slate can be blended in any proportions imaginable to create distinctive roofs that become the centerpiece of the building. We are happy to propose a blend for your project, or often we’ll develop a custom blend based on photographs supplied by the customer. We are always happy to send samples of our slate as there is no substitute for seeing and feeling the slate in person. See more mixed color slate roofs in our photo gallery.

Hudson Valley Mix

St. Charles Blend

Yacht Club Mix

Bayou Blend

Indy Mix

Dates and Patterns

By installing slates of contrasting colors or by cutting the exposed portion of the slate into special shapes it is possible to create numbers, letters, patterns and stripes on a slate roof. We custom cut pointed, rounded and clipped corner slates in our shop to meet your specification, and are always happy to help layout patterns or dates for your roof project.  

Random Random

Finally, a truly unique roof consisting of completely random shaped slate pieces. Installed by a very patient and conscientious craftsman, this roof really accentuates the natural beauty of slate.