Abstract: A composite shingle, comprising a headlap portion, a buttlap portion, the thickness of the buttlap portion is approximately between ¼ inch and ¾ inch, tab cuts that extend completely through the buttlap portion to create separate tabs, the tab cuts disposed along the lower buttlap portion edge such that the width of the separate tab have random appearance; wherein after installation of a plurality of the composite shingles, each tab appears to be a separate shingle. A method of covering a surface with composite shingles comprising providing a plurality of composite shingles having a thickness approximating the thickness of a wood shingle, wherein the plurality of composite shingles each have a width of between approximately 2 inches and approximately 10 inches; and attaching the plurality of composite shingles to the surface in a fashion similar to and/or identical to attachment of a wood shingle to a surface.