Picking the wrong shingle color can haunt you for decades. I get it – you’re staring at CertainTeed landmark driftwood vs weathered wood samples, and they look almost identical.
These two shades can make your house look completely different depending on your home’s style and surroundings.
I’ve seen Driftwood make a colonial look classy while Weathered Wood gave the same house a tired, washed-out appearance. The difference isn’t just about personal preference – it’s about how these colors interact with your siding, trim, and landscape.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the key differences between these popular shades so you can make the right choice the first time.
What are CertainTeed Landmark Shingles?
CertainTeed Landmark shingles are architectural asphalt shingles that I consider the sweet spot for most homeowners. They’re built with two layers that create depth and texture, mimicking the look of expensive wood shakes without the hefty price tag.
These shingles come with a lifetime limited warranty and are designed to withstand winds up to 130 mph.
I’ve installed hundreds of these roofs, and they consistently perform well in harsh weather conditions. The Landmark series offers multiple color options, with Driftwood and Weathered Wood being two of the most popular neutral choices.
Your roof covers about 40% of your home’s visible exterior. That means the color you pick will dramatically impact your curb appeal and property value.
I’ve seen the wrong shade make a beautiful home look dated or clash with the neighborhood aesthetic.
At a Glance Comparison between CertainTeed Landmark Driftwood vs Weathered Wood
This is a quick side-by-side breakdown of the key differences I notice between these two popular shingle colors.
This table will help you spot the main distinctions before we get into the details.
| Feature | Driftwood | Weathered Wood |
|---|---|---|
| Undertones | Brown and tan hints | Blue-gray hints |
| Best For | Traditional, colonial homes | Modern, contemporary styles |
| Lighting Performance | Richer in sunlight | Better in shade |
| Fade Resistance | Good | Excellent |
| Popularity | Very popular | Extremely popular |
| Complements | Warm siding colors | Cool siding colors |
| Visual Weight | Medium | Light to medium |
In-Depth Feature Differences of Certainteed Landmark Driftwood vs Weathered Wood
Now let’s get into the specifics that matter when you’re making this decision.
I’ll break down the color profiles, construction differences, and warranty details that separate these two popular options.
Color Profiles
Driftwood brings a refined medium gray base with subtle greenish-blue undertones that I find particularly striking. The high-definition shadows between the shingle tabs create depth that mimics real wood shake texture.
When sunlight hits Driftwood, those undertones become more pronounced, giving your roof a rich, layered appearance.
Weathered Wood offers a lighter brownish-gray foundation with warm red hints woven throughout. I’ve noticed this color has a softer, more traditional feel that works beautifully with natural landscaping.
The red undertones become more visible during golden hour lighting, creating a warm glow that complements brick and stone exteriors perfectly.
Durability & Build
| Feature | Driftwood | Weathered Wood |
|---|---|---|
| Wind Resistance | 130 mph rating | 110 mph rating |
| Algae Resistance | StreakFighter® protection | StreakFighter® protection |
| UV Protection | Advanced ColorMax® technology | Advanced ColorMax® technology |
| Construction | Architectural laminate design | Architectural laminate design |
| Granule Adhesion | Superior bond strength | Superior bond strength |
| Thermal Performance | Excellent heat reflection | Excellent heat reflection |
Warranty and Longevity
Both Driftwood and Weathered Wood come with CertainTeed’s Limited Lifetime Warranty, which I consider one of the best in the industry.
The StreakFighter® algae-resistance technology keeps both colors looking fresh for years, even in humid climates where I’ve seen other brands struggle with black streaks and discoloration.
The wind protection coverage includes material and labor costs for repairs, giving you peace of mind during storm season.
Overall Budget Analysis of Driftwood vs Weathered Wood
The pricing for both CertainTeed Landmark Driftwood vs Weathered Wood is nearly identical since they’re from the same Landmark series.
Here’s what I typically see in real-world installations:
| Cost Factor | Driftwood | Weathered Wood |
|---|---|---|
| Material Cost per Sq Ft | $1.20 – $1.45 | $1.20 – $1.45 |
| Installation per Sq Ft | $3.50 – $5.00 | $3.50 – $5.00 |
| 1,500 Sq Ft Roof Total | $7,050 – $9,675 | $7,050 – $9,675 |
| 2,000 Sq Ft Roof Total | $9,400 – $12,900 | $9,400 – $12,900 |
| 2,500 Sq Ft Roof Total | $11,750 – $16,125 | $11,750 – $16,125 |
| Warranty Coverage | Lifetime Limited | Lifetime Limited |
| Maintenance Costs (10 years) | $200 – $400 | $200 – $400 |
Regional Price Variations: I’ve found that labor costs vary significantly by location. Urban areas typically run 20-30% higher than rural markets, but material costs stay consistent nationwide.
Both colors offer the same return on investment, so your decision should focus on which shade works better with your home’s style rather than cost differences.
Which One Should You Choose?
The decision comes down to your home’s style, location, and personal taste. I’ll help you figure out which color works best for your specific situation and exterior materials.
When To Choose Driftwood?
Pick Driftwood if you love modern, clean lines and prefer cooler gray tones. I recommend this color for contemporary homes, craftsman styles, and houses with white or light-colored trim. The greenish-blue undertones look fantastic against stark white siding.
Driftwood also works well if your neighborhood has a mix of architectural styles. It’s neutral enough to fit in but distinctive enough to stand out.
When To Choose Weathered Wood?
Choose Weathered Wood for a warmer, more traditional appearance. I suggest this color for colonial, ranch, and farmhouse-style homes where you want that classic, timeless look.
The red undertones in Weathered Wood complement warm exterior colors beautifully. If your home has earth-tone siding or natural materials, this is often the better choice.
Matching with Siding and Exterior Colors
- With Brick: Weathered Wood pairs naturally with red or brown brick, while Driftwood works better with gray or white brick exteriors.
- With Stone: Both colors complement stone, but I prefer Driftwood with lighter stones and Weathered Wood with warmer, earthier stone colors.
- With Wood Siding: Weathered Wood creates a cohesive look with natural wood exteriors. Driftwood offers a nice contrast against painted wood siding in whites or grays.
To Conclude
Both CertainTeed Landmark Driftwood and Weathered Wood offer excellent quality and lifetime warranties.
Your choice comes down to whether you prefer Driftwood’s modern gray-blue tones or Weathered Wood’s traditional warm browns.
I’ve helped hundreds of homeowners make this decision, and the right choice always becomes evident once you consider your home’s architectural style and existing exterior colors. Driftwood works best for contemporary homes, while Weathered Wood suits traditional styles perfectly.
Don’t rush this decision – you’ll live with it for decades. Take sample shingles home, hold them against your siding in different lighting, and trust your instincts. Your roof should make you smile every time you pull into your driveway.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the Most Popular Color of The Certain Teed Landmark?
Weathered Wood consistently ranks as the most popular CertainTeed Landmark color nationwide. I see it on about 30% of my installations. Its neutral brown-gray tone works with most home styles, making it the safe choice for many homeowners.
2. What Color Roof is Best for Resale?
Neutral colors like Weathered Wood, Driftwood, and Georgetown Gray offer the best resale value. I recommend avoiding bold colors that might turn off potential buyers. Stick with earth tones that complement various architectural styles and exterior colors.
3. Can You Mix Driftwood and Weathered Wood for a Custom Look?
I don’t recommend mixing these colors on the same roof plane. They’re too similar and create an unintentional patchwork effect. However, you could use one color on the main roof and another on dormers or additions for architectural interest.
