What is the waste percentage you should estimate for wood shingles?

When estimating waste percentages for wood shingles, a figure of 15% is commonly used within the industry. This percentage accounts for various factors associated with the installation process, such as cutting shingles to fit around edges and valleys, dealing with damaged materials, and ensuring a proper overlap for waterproofing.

Wood shingles, being a natural material, can vary in size and shape, which may lead to additional cutting waste. Given these considerations, a 15% estimate allows for sufficient coverage to address unutilized materials without being overly conservative, which could unnecessarily inflate the costs of the project.

In practice, using a figure like 15% helps in creating a more accurate budget and ensures that the installation process goes smoothly, reducing the likelihood of running short on materials.