How to Make Panels for a Roof

Making panels for a roof is a simple do-it-yourself task if you have the correct tools and materials. An essential element to homemade roof panels is using straight-grained woods, like lumber from a cedar or fir tree. Straight-grained woods allow you to split the timber easily and are durable in harsh outdoor conditions. Locate your 24-by-36-inch sections of tree trunk by inquiring at hardwood stores and local lumber sites.

24-by-36-inch sections of tree trunk
Hammer
Wedge
Measuring tape
Pencil
Froe, 8 to 12 inches
Wooden mallet

Instructions

- 1
  Measure the surface area of your roof to determine how many panels you need.
- 2
  Take your block of wood and place it on one end. Hammer a wedge into the wood to create a shallow line across the block's diameter.
- 3
  Place the wedge firmly in the shallow line you created. Bring your hammer down with force to split the log into two.
- 4
  Use your hammer and wedge to remove the outer bark of your sections. Place the wedge where the rough bark begins, and hammer the wedge to separate the bark from the inner wood.
- 5
  Measure and mark the round part of your wood halves into ¼-inch thick sections. These sections will be your wood panels.
- 6
  Pound your froe into the wood halves with a wooden mallet along the lines you have marked. Continue pounding the froe into the wood until your froe is flush with the block of wood.
- 7
  Grab the handle of the froe and pull the froe toward you. Your motion will split the wood, creating the roof panel.
- 8
  Repeat placing the froe into the wood to create as many roof panels as needed.

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