Before deciding on a roofing material for your outdoor structure, you should take into consideration the pitch of the roof as well as the roofing material used on your house.

The most common materials made from wood are:

Wood shingles
Before getting your heart set on the looks and endurance of wood shingles, check with your local building department to find out if they are permitted in your area due to their flammability. Wood shingles are usually Western red cedar; they come in lengths of 16, 18, and 24 inches.

Wood siding
Though siding is not a traditional roofing material, it can be acceptable for outdoor structures as long as the pitch of the roof is sufficient to allow for adequate runoff. As with any roof, it will need a layer of roofing felt underneath the siding, which should be sealed against the elements.

Redwood and cedar, because of their decay- and moisture-resistance, are popular choices. Horizontal-shiplap or beveled patterns will shed rain the way a shingled roof does. Siding boards come 3/4 inch thick, up to 20 feet long, and 4 to 12 inches wide.

Plywood can also be used as a roofing material. Sheets can be used for large areas, lapboards for smaller surfaces. Sheets come 4 by 8 feet, lapboards 6 to 12 inches in width and up to 16 feet in length. If the plywood has not been previously finished, it must be sealed before being installed.