In the market for COLORBOND steel roofing? If so, there are a great range of different colour profiles available. With so many options on offer, the question becomes which one best suits your property, preferences, and personal style.
In this article, we’re going to highlight Basalt, Monument, Night Sky, which are three of the most popular mid and deep tone swatches. We’ll cover everything from their technical specifications to suitability, subtle differences, and more.
Let’s jump into it.
Why We Recommend COLORBOND
COLORBOND has become Australia’s favourite steel roofing, and there’s a good reason why. It combines a durable BlueScope steel substrate with excellent thermal performance, strong weather resistance, and styles designed to suit both residential and commercial properties.
In terms of colour, there’s everything from classic neutrals, to earthy tones, deep greys and lighter shades, along with selected colours available in a Matt finish. These colours all pair perfectly with the Australian environment, as well as a variety of architectural styles.
Of course, there are practical benefits beyond appearance, too. Depending on the colour selected, Thermatech solar reflective technology can help reflect more of the sun’s heat, while the steel itself is lightweight and relatively straightforward to maintain.
From here, you even have the option to pair it with COLORBOND guttering and fascia systems.
What to Consider When Choosing a Colour
You’re going to be looking at your roof almost every day, and this is why selecting the right colour is a big decision. A small colour sample can look very different once the same shade covers an entire roof, particularly when it’s being viewed in direct sunlight.
Before settling on a colour, consider:
- The existing exterior: Look at your brickwork, wall cladding, windows, timber, gutters and downpipes together. Your roof needs to work with all of these elements.
- The architectural style: Some colours naturally lend themselves to contemporary homes, while earthy and softer shades can work particularly well with traditional or rural properties.
- The surrounding landscape: Consider the colours already present around your property, including gardens, trees, paving and retaining walls.
- Sun exposure: Darker colours generally absorb more solar energy than lighter colours, which is worth considering for a roof that receives substantial direct sunlight.
- The finish: Some colours are available in the standard COLORBOND finish, while selected shades can also be purchased in Matt.
- The actual colour: Don’t rely entirely on a screen. We recommend looking at physical colour samples in natural light before making your final decision.
Be sure to check out the Inspired Homes brochure for a more detailed look at the options available!
A Guide to Different Shades
There are plenty of COLORBOND colours to choose from, ranging from soft neutrals through to deep charcoal and darker tones. While there are plenty of options outside the three features below, Basalt, Monument and Night Sky are particularly popular choices for homeowners wanting a darker roof.
Here’s how they compare.
Basalt (Mid-Tone)
Basalt is a deep, cool grey inspired by the mineral tones of natural rock. As one of the most popular options in the mid-tone range, it has plenty of depth without feeling quite as dominant as the darkest colours in the range, making it an adaptable choice for a variety of exterior styles.
The colour works particularly well with natural and neutral materials such as:
- Greyed timber
- Recycled brick
- Concrete
- Green landscaping
Basalt can provide a strong foundation for the exterior without competing with other architectural features. It is available in the standard COLORBOND range as well as the Matt finish, giving you the choice of a traditional low-sheen appearance or a softer, more muted look.
Monument (Deep Tone)
Monument is a deep grey inspired by the dark tones of volcanic rock formations along Australia’s southern coastline. Its strong, confident appearance makes it a natural fit for modern homes and properties where the roof is intended to make a statement.
It works particularly well alongside contrasting and natural materials, including:
- Rich timber
- Crisp white finishes
- Silver-grey tones
- Contemporary landscaping
The colour is also available in the COLORBOND Matt range. The Matt version has a softer appearance, which may suit properties where you want the darker tone without quite as much visual sharpness.
Night Sky (Deep Tone)
Night Sky is one of the darkest colours in the COLORBOND range. Its almost-black appearance creates a strong contrast against lighter exterior finishes, making it particularly well suited to contemporary properties.
It can work particularly well alongside:
- White: Creates a crisp, high-contrast exterior.
- Light grey: Keeps the overall colour scheme contemporary without being quite as stark.
- Natural timber: Adds warmth and breaks up the darker roof colour.
- Lighter cladding: Allows the roof to become a strong visual feature without making the entire exterior feel dark.
Night Sky does not feature Thermatech solar reflective technology. Its darker surface, however, has a higher solar absorption than lighter shades, so consider the amount of direct sunlight your roof receives before settling on this colour.
Technical Specs
Basalt
- CMYK: 51 / 43 / 40 / 32
- RGB: 109 / 108 / 110
- HEX: #6D6C6E
- Solar absorptance: 67
- Solar Reflectance Index (SRI): 35
Monument
- CMYK: 24 / 18 / 14 / 90
- RGB: 50 / 50 / 51
- HEX: #323233
- Solar absorptance: 73
- Solar Reflectance Index (SRI): 27
Night Sky
- Closest match: Dulux® COLORBOND® Night Sky® C25
- CMYK: 75 / 65 / 40 / 100
- RGB: 0 / 0 / 0
- HEX: #000000
- Solar absorptance: 95
- Solar Reflectance Index (SRI): -1
- Available in: COLORBOND® steel and COLORBOND® Ultra steel
Classic or Matt: Which Finish Should You Choose?
The colour itself isn’t the only decision. Selected COLORBOND colours are available in different finishes, giving you another way to change the appearance of your roof.
The standard COLORBOND finish has a low-sheen appearance, while the Matt range provides a softer, more diffused look.
The Matt range includes:
- Basalt
- Dune
- Monument
- Shale Grey
- Surfmist
The difference can be subtle when looking at a small sample, but it becomes more noticeable across a large roof surface. If you’re deciding between standard and Matt, we’d recommend comparing physical samples in natural light before ordering.
How Do You Choose the Right COLORBOND Colour?
If you’re stuck between two or three options, start by looking at the materials that are already part of your property.
Ask yourself:
- Does the roof need to contrast with the walls, or blend into the overall exterior?
- Are your existing materials warm, cool or neutral?
- Will the roof sit against trees, gardens or other natural landscaping?
- How much direct sunlight does the roof receive?
- Do you prefer a traditional low-sheen finish or the softer appearance of Matt?
- Will you be using the same colour for gutters, fascias, garage doors or other metalwork?
Most importantly, look at physical samples. Computer and phone screens can display colours differently, while natural light can change how a shade appears throughout the day.
Roofing Options: The Go-to Destination for COLORBOND Roofing in Melbourne
Still deciding between Basalt, Monument, Night Sky or another COLORBOND colour?
At Roofing Options Centre, you’ll find a full range of high-quality COLORBOND steel roofing products in Melbourne. We’ve got a great selection for homeowners, businesses, builders, contractors and DIY projects. Along with roofing sheets and panels, we can supply custom flashings, downpipes, DIY kits, and everything you need to bring the roofing project together.
You can explore the COLORBOND range online , visit one of our stores in Campbellfield or Clyde North, or call our team for expert advice!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Basalt or Monument darker?
Both are deep grey colours, but they have a different appearance. Monument has a stronger, more dramatic character, while Basalt has a slightly more natural and mineral-inspired look. The best way to compare them is to view physical samples beside your home’s existing exterior.
Is Night Sky a good colour for my roof?
Night Sky can work particularly well when you want a very dark roof that contrasts strongly with lighter walls and finishes. It is worth remembering that Night Sky does not feature Thermatech solar reflective technology and has a higher solar absorptance than lighter COLORBOND shades.
Which COLORBOND colours are available in Matt?
The Matt range includes Basalt, Dune, Monument, Shale Grey and Surfmist. Matt has a softer, more diffused appearance than the standard COLORBOND finish, so it’s worth comparing both finishes if you’re considering one of these colours.
Do darker COLORBOND roofs fade?
COLORBOND steel is manufactured with a protective coating system designed to provide durability and colour performance in Australian conditions. Like any exterior material, its appearance can be affected by its environment and exposure over time, which is why choosing the appropriate product for the property’s location is important.
Should I choose my roof colour from a colour chart?
A colour chart is a useful starting point, but we wouldn’t make the final decision from a small printed sample or a screen image. Take physical samples outside and look at them alongside your brickwork, cladding, windows and other exterior finishes in natural light.
