Diamond-shaped wooden shingles for models, nativity & decor

The nativity scene is set up. The little model house is taking shape. Only the roof still looks bare. With these diamond-shaped wooden shingles, you cover it row by row. The result is a real scale pattern, just like on old shingle roofs. They are precisely laser-cut from 3 mm poplar plywood. That makes them just right for your next craft project – a nativity scene, a Christmas pyramid or a birdhouse.

What changes for you

• Your model roof looks genuinely handcrafted. Laid overlapping, the diamond-shaped shingles create the typical scale pattern.
• You will find the right size for every project, from a miniature nativity scene to a large decorative house. Choose from 28 sizes, from 15 x 7.5 mm to 150 x 75 mm.
• You save yourself tedious cutting and finishing. Each shingle is precisely laser-cut after you order and has smooth edges.
• You can design freely to suit your idea. The untreated wood can be glued, painted, coated or oiled.
• You order exactly the quantity you need. Thanks to the size and quantity options, there is hardly any waste.

Why these wooden shingles make a real difference

A roof often decides whether a model looks like a craft project or a small piece of handiwork. When the shingles sit neatly in rows, the nativity scene under the Christmas tree gains depth and detail. People take a closer look. A simple shell becomes a piece you like to show, year after year.

Material & finish

The shingles are made of poplar plywood about 3 mm thick. It is light enough for delicate models and keeps its shape when glued. Laser cutting gives smooth edges with the typical brown rim. This gives the roof an almost weathered tone. The wood is untreated, neither varnished nor glazed. It takes paint, glue and oil well. Wood is a natural material, so brightness and grain vary slightly from piece to piece. Small knots are part of it. This makes every roof one of a kind. The shingles are made in our own production in Pößneck, Thuringia.

Dimensions & technical details

• Material: poplar plywood, untreated
• Material thickness: approx. 3 mm
• Shape: diamond cut
• Sizes: from 15 x 7.5 mm to 150 x 75 mm, available in 28 sizes
• Cut: laser-cut, smooth edges with typical brown rim
• Production: made precisely to order, manufactured in Thuringia, Germany
• Use: indoors in natural form; for outdoor use the wood must be treated, e.g. oiled

How to use the shingles

• On a Christmas pyramid: lay the shingles row by row, overlapping. The roof gets the classic diamond pattern, which looks clearly three-dimensional in candlelight.
• For a nativity scene: cover the stable with small shingles. The scene instantly looks more rustic and lovingly made.
• In model making: roofs of houses, towers or birdhouses get a true-to-scale finish with the diamond shingles. With 28 sizes, there is one to match your scale.
• For painting and decorating: paint the shingles in your chosen colour before laying them. This way you can create colourful roofs or subtly aged surfaces.
• For displays in shops or at Christmas markets: covered display houses and miniature roofs draw attention to the counter. They are quick to set up and can be used again every year.

Good to know about shingles

Shingles are among the oldest forms of roof and wall cladding. Laid overlapping, they drain water layer by layer and create the typical scale pattern. This very pattern makes the diamond shape so popular in model making. A roof covered with it instantly looks like a scaled-down version of a real shingle roof.

Care & durability

There is not much you need to do. Indoors, you can use the shingles untreated, and they will keep their shape for a long time. If your project is going outside, such as a birdhouse, treat the wood first. Oil, for example, helps it withstand moisture. Avoid constant wetness on untreated wood.

Options & what's included

• 28 sizes available: from 15 x 7.5 mm to 150 x 75 mm
• Choose any quantity using the quantity selection
• Contents: shingles in the selected pack size
• Note: the wood is supplied in natural form, without varnish or glaze

Frequently asked questions

Can I paint or oil the shingles? Yes. The wood is untreated and can be covered, painted, decorated or oiled.

Are the shingles suitable for outdoor use? In their natural form, for indoor use only. For outdoor use, the wood needs to be treated, for example by oiling it.

Why do the shingles vary in brightness? Wood is a purely natural material with varying grain, brightness and small knots. This is not a defect. It makes every piece one of a kind.

Where does the brown rim on the edges come from? It forms during laser cutting and is typical of laser-cut plywood. The edges are still smooth and clean.

The best part is the moment you glue the last row of shingles and step back. Suddenly your model has a proper roof over its head. Simply choose the size and quantity to suit your project.