How much does a cedar shake roof cost?
How much does a cedar shake roof cost?
$12 – $20 cost per square foot installed (synthetic cedar shake)
$25 – $30 cost per square foot installed (real cedar shake)
Average cedar shake roof cost
A cedar shake roof costs $25 to $30 per square foot installed for a real wood shake roof, while synthetic cedar shake roofing costs $12 to $20 per square foot installed. The total project cost depends on your location, your home's roof size and complexity, and whether you choose synthetic or real wood materials.
| Roof size (square feet) |
Average total cost* (synthetic) |
Average total cost* (real cedar) |
|---|---|---|
| 1,000 | $12,000 – $20,000 | $25,000 – $30,000 |
| 1,500 | $18,000 – $30,000 | $37,500 – $45,000 |
| 2,000 | $24,000 – $40,000 | $50,000 – $60,000 |
| 2,500 | $30,000 – $50,000 | $62,500 – $75,000 |
| 3,000 | $36,000 – $60,000 | $75,000 – $90,000 |
| 3,500 | $42,000 – $70,000 | $87,500 – $105,000 |
*Including old roof tear-off, materials, and new roof installation.
Synthetic cedar shake
Synthetic cedar shake roofing costs $12 to $20 per square foot with installation. Synthetic cedar offers an affordable alternative to real wood while mimicking its appearance. Made from composite materials or recycled plastics, synthetic shakes provide durability, offer better fire resistance, and require less maintenance than their natural counterparts.
Real cedar shake
Natural cedar shake roofing costs $25 to $30 per square foot on average with installation and delivers authentic beauty with natural variations in color and texture. The higher cost reflects the premium quality of genuine Western Red Cedar, which naturally resists rot and insects while offering superior insulation properties.
However, real cedar shake roofs require frequent maintenance and aren't suitable for dry climates due to their increased fire hazard risk. Some states no longer allow real wood roofing like cedar shakes because of its flammable nature.
What affects the cost of a cedar shake roof?
Multiple factors influence your total roof installation cost beyond just the roof size and material choice:
Roof pitch & complexity
Steeper roofs require additional safety equipment and take longer to install, increasing labor costs by 10% to 20%. Roof designs with multiple angles, valleys, or dormers add complexity that translates to higher prices.
Number of penetrations
Each chimney, skylight, vent, or pipe requires custom cutting and flashing installation. Each of these penetrations adds $150 to $500 per opening to the total cedar shake roof price.
Number of stories
Single-story homes are easier and safer to work on than multi-story structures. Expect to pay 15% to 25% more for two-story homes and even higher premiums for three-story buildings due to the additional scaffolding needs.
Accessibility
Contractors charge more when roof access is difficult or limited. Prices are typically $1,000 to $3,000 higher for homes surrounded by landscaping, tight spaces, or lacking nearby driveway access for equipment.
Wood grade
Cedar shakes come in three main quality grades that significantly impact both appearance and price.
| Grade | Cost per square foot installed | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Common grade | $20 – $25 | Includes knots, sapwood streaks, and natural character marks; authentic rustic charm |
| Select-grade | $25 – $30 | Contains 80% straight grain and 20% common grade; limited knots and more consistent coloring; maintains natural wood character |
| 100% Straight grain | $30 – $35 | Clear, vertical grain patterns with minimal to no knots or defects; refined, upscale appearance |
Shakes vs. shingles
Cedar shakes are thicker, hand-split pieces with rustic texture, while shingles are thinner and machine-cut for uniformity. Shakes typically cost $2 to $5 more per square foot than shingles but offer enhanced dimension and character.
Labor
Professional installation accounts for 40% to 60% of the total project cost. Experienced cedar shake specialists may charge premium rates, but they also deliver superior craftsmanship that ensures longevity.
Geographic location
Regional labor rates and material availability significantly impact costs. Contractors in urban areas with higher living costs often charge 20% to 40% more than rural regions for the same installation.
Additional costs
Beyond the basic material and labor costs, several other expenses contribute to your final bill. These essential components ensure your roof performs properly and lasts for decades. Ask your roofing contractor which of these items is included in the estimate and which ones cost extra.
Roof decking: Damaged or outdated decking requires replacement at $2 to $5 per square foot before new shakes can be installed.
Underlayment: Installing a waterproof barrier beneath the roofing costs $0.75 to $4.00 per square foot and protects against moisture infiltration.
Flashing: Metal flashing around penetrations, valleys, and edges runs $10 to $30 per linear foot.
Sealing / weatherproofing: Protective treatments to extend the roof's lifespan add $500 to $2,000 depending on the roof size.
Old roof removal: Tear-off and disposal of your existing roofing adds $1 to $5 per square foot to the project.
Permits: Building permits range from $150 to $500 depending on local requirements.
Finishing: Ridge caps, hip treatments, and decorative elements often add $500 to $2,500.
Maintenance
Cedar shakes require periodic maintenance to maximize their lifespan. Annual inspections, debris removal, moss or mildew treatment, and reapplication of wood preservatives every 3 to 5 years keep cedar shakes in optimal condition.
An annual roof inspection costs $100 to $400.
Periodic wood treatments cost $500 to $1,500.
Roof cleaning costs $250 to $600.
Pros and cons of cedar shake roofing
A cedar shake roof offers unique benefits but also comes with distinct challenges. The table below outlines all these factors to help you determine if this roofing style fits your home and lifestyle.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
|
Cedar shake roof price vs. other materials
Cedar shake roofing is just one of many options available today. Each material offers distinct advantages in cost, longevity, and aesthetic appeal.
| Roof material | Average total cost | Typical lifespan (years) | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cedar shake | $25 – $30 | 30 – 50 | Energy efficient; naturally rot resistant; sustainable |
| Asphalt shingles | $5 – $9 | 15 – 20+ | Most affordable option; wide variety of colors and styles |
| Clay tile roof | $10 – $25 | 50 – 100+ | Excellent for Mediterranean or Spanish-style homes; very heavy |
| Concrete roofing | $10 – $18 | 40 – 75 | Durable and fire-resistant; limited aesthetic versatility |
| Flat roof | $8 – $11 | 5 – 80 | Various materials available; requires proper drainage |
| Metal roof | $5 – $25 | 30 – 80 | Energy-efficient and low-maintenance; modern appearance |
| Rubber roof | $7 – $14 | 10 – 30 | Best for flat or low-slope roofs; not ideal for steep pitches |
| Slate roof | $15 – $30 | 50 – 200 | Premium natural stone; extremely heavy and expensive |
| Solar shingles | $21 – $40 | 25 – 30 | Generates electricity; high upfront cost with long-term savings |
| Tin roof | $10 – $20 | 40 – 50 | Lightweight and rust-resistant; vintage aesthetic |
| Zinc roof | $10 – $20 | 80 – 100 | Self-healing patina; exceptionally long-lasting |
Cedar shake roofing FAQs
How long does a cedar shake roof last?
Real cedar shake roofs last 30 to 50 years with proper maintenance, while synthetic versions can last 40 to 60 years. Longevity depends on climate conditions, installation quality, and maintenance frequency. Homes in dry climates often see the longest lifespan, while humid or rainy regions require more frequent upkeep.
Does a cedar shake roof increase home value?
Cedar shake roofing can increase home value due to its premium appearance and curb appeal. Buyers often appreciate the natural aesthetic and quality craftsmanship. However, the exact value boost depends on your local market and whether surrounding homes feature similar high-end materials.
Are cedar shakes energy efficient?
Yes, cedar provides natural insulation with an R-value nearly double that of asphalt shingles. This thermal resistance helps regulate attic temperatures, reducing heating and cooling costs by 10% to 15% compared to standard roofing materials.
Can cedar shakes be installed over existing shingles?
While sometimes possible, roofing experts recommend removing old shingles before installing cedar shakes. Installing over existing materials can trap moisture, hide deck damage, and void warranties. The additional weight also stresses the roof structure unnecessarily.
Do cedar shakes need to be treated for fire resistance?
Building codes in many areas require fire-retardant treatment for cedar shakes, especially in wildfire-prone regions. Class A fire-rated treatments add to your installation cost but significantly improve safety.
Getting estimates for cedar shake roofing
When searching for a cedar shake roofing contractor near you for you, be sure to:
Get in-person estimates from at least three licensed roofing contractors.
Confirm the contractor has experience installing cedar shake roofs specifically.
Compare not just the price but also the scope of work, materials specified, warranty coverage, and project timeline.
Look for a roofing contractor who is a member of the Cedar Shake and Shingle Bureau (CSSB).
Verify their credentials through your state's licensing board and the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA).
Check out roofing contractor reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Choose licensed and insured companies that have been in business for several years.
Get a detailed written estimate, contract, and warranty before work begins.
Beware of extremely low estimates that could indicate low quality or lack of experience.
Don't pay in full until the installation is complete.
Questions to ask a roofing contractor
Ask these essential questions before signing any contract to ensure you're working with a qualified professional:
Are you licensed and insured to install roofing in this area?
How many years of experience do you have specifically with cedar shake installation?
Can you provide references from recent cedar shake roofing projects?
What grade and species of cedar do you recommend for my climate?
Is the tear-off and disposal of my existing roof included in the quote?
What type of underlayment and flashing will you use?
Do you handle permits, or is that my responsibility?
What warranty do you offer on labor, and what does the manufacturer's warranty cover?
What is the estimated timeline from start to completion?
How do you protect my landscaping and property during the project?
What happens if you discover underlying deck damage during tear-off?
Do you offer maintenance plans or annual inspection services?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.