Vermont Farmhouse Jr. Assembly | Part 6: Exterior Finishing Roof Shingles, Windows, Trim, and Front Door

With the structure complete, colors selected, and exterior details taking shape, this phase is all about bringing texture and depth to the home, starting with the roof. Shingling is one of the most repetitive steps, but also one of the most transformative. It adds dimension, realism, and that finished look that makes the entire piece come together.

Click here for my shingle bulk dye tutorial.

Shingling the Roof

Begin by creating a strong foundation for your shingle pattern.

Cut a ¼ shingle for the starter row at the bottom of the roof
This slight offset adds dimension, preventing the roof from looking completely flat
For the first full row, glue shingles down following the 1” guidelines drawn on the roof
Start the second row with a half shingle to create an offset pattern
Continue this pattern (full row, offset row) as you work your way up to the top

When you reach the area where the gable meets the front roof:

Measure and cut shingles at an angle
Keep your rows aligned so the pattern remains consistent

Repeat this same method for the porch roof, maintaining the alternating row pattern throughout.

Finishing the Roof

I had gaps in my roofline where the gable met the roof and resolved that issue by filling them in with wood putty. If you have the same issue, here’s what I did:

Use wood putty in a color that matches your stain – I used Varathane Wood Putty – Dark Walnut
Fill in any small gaps between shingles for a more seamless, finished look

Final Exterior Details

With the roof complete, you can move into final exterior assembly:

Glue in your window and shutter combinations (see previous post for how I customized mine with hinges)
Attach the front door

Note: I intentionally did not glue the porch posts yet, as I plan to install coach lights and canned lighting. If you are not adding lighting and your build is complete, you can go ahead and secure the posts now.

Installing the Porch Ceiling

Return the house to an upright position. At this stage, you can use the side railing as a temporary guide to help align the porch posts. (I personally chose not to use the side railing, but if you plan to include it, now is the time to glue it in place.)

Glue the porch posts between the triangle spacers and the porch floor, ensuring they are straight and evenly spaced.

Final Thoughts

This is the moment where it all comes together. Take a step back and really look at what you’ve built, from the structure to the smallest details. It’s a process that requires patience, but the result is something truly special!

And yes… admire it, but also let everything dry overnight.