Ironsand, FlaxPod or Ebony?
| Ironsand | FlaxPod | Ebony | |
|---|---|---|---|
| NZ Steel's steer | Stronger brown-charcoal influence | Earthy charcoal with softened warmth | Deepest, black-toned statement |
| TSR (heat reflected) | 25% | 21% | 5% |
| LRV (how light it looks) | 8% | 7% | 5% |
| Finishes | Classic, Low Gloss | Classic, Low Gloss | Classic, Low Gloss |
How brown is Ironsand in real light?
The brown is what separates it from the cooler greys. NZ Steel suggests comparing physical samples beside your cladding and joinery. Beside cedar, brick or earthy weatherboards it usually looks settled; beside a cool white it can read closer to plain charcoal.
A west coast colour on a west coast house
If you actually live on the west coast, the colour is the easy part. NZ Steel's coastal categories reach further inland on that side: Very Severe runs from 50 m to 500 m from the coast, and Extremely Severe covers the first 50 m from the high-water line. MAXAM isn't recommended in Extremely Severe, where ALTIMATE, the marine-grade aluminium product, takes over.
Away from the sea, MAXAM covers most of the country. Near geothermal activity, NZ Steel asks you to talk to COLORSTEEL or your supplier before choosing.
How to settle on Ironsand
Get samples of all three
Ironsand, FlaxPod and Ebony side by side make the brown easy to spot.
Look outdoors, from the ground
Prop them against a wall in morning and late-day light. NZ Steel says screens show colour differently, so don't decide from a photo.
Check for colour rules
Some rural zones control roof colour. Queenstown Lakes District Council's colour guide lists Ironsand as usually appropriate in its rural zones.
Get it in writing
Ask for COLORSTEEL Ironsand by name in the quote, with the product, the finish and a copy of the warranty.
Our pick
If your house has warm materials such as timber, brick or stone, Ironsand is the dark colour we'd reach for ahead of a cool grey. Find My Roofer has no connection to New Zealand Steel and doesn't sell steel. Once you've chosen, tell us the job and your suburb and we'll pass it to one checked local roofer.
Want a roofer to take a look?
Tell us the job and your postcode. We match it with a Find My Roofer certified roofer who specialises in that kind of work, and they call you to quote. Your number goes to them alone.