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How much does a cedar shake roof cost?
By Heather Dauterive
Last updated Fri, Dec 13
On average, a cedar shake roof costs between $43,526-$51,552 for a 2,500-square-foot roof. For a 1,000-square-foot roof, average installation costs range from $17,410-$20,620. These cost estimates include labor and material.
Cedar roof shake cost.
| National average cost | $47,237 |
| Average cost range | $43,526-$51,552 |
| Low-end cost range | $35,256-$41,757 |
| High-end cost range | $49,619-$58,770 |
*All figures represent estimated costs for a 2,500-square-foot roof.
The cost of your new cedar shake roof will depend on its size, labor costs in your area, the type of cedar material you choose and many other factors. Keep reading to see how you can keep your costs low and still enjoy the benefits of a durable and gorgeous cedar shake roof. If you want to receive personalized quotes, get in touch with the top-rated roofing contractors near you.
What's in this cost guide?
- Cedar roof shake cost.
- What is a cedar shake roof and how does it differ from shingles?
- Material and labor costs for cedar shake roofs.
- Cedar shake roof price per square foot.
- Why are cedar shake shingles so expensive?
- Cedar shake roofing cost factors.
- 4 ways to save on your cedar shake roof.
- DIY vs. hiring a pro to install your cedar shake roof.
- How long do cedar shake roofs last?
- What are the pros and cons of installing a cedar shake roof?
- Is a cedar roof worth it?
- Get a free estimate from local roofers.
What is a cedar shake roof and how does it differ from shingles?
Before we dive into the installation, labor and material costs for cedar shake roofs, let’s make sure you understand this roofing material and how it differs from its counterpart: cedar shingles.
Wood shingles and shakes differ by appearance and how they’re made. Cedar wood shakes are often split and thicker than shingles. They provide a more rustic appearance for your home and typically cost more than shingles. Wood shingles are thinner than shakes, sawn from blocks of wood, lay flat and have a smoother, more uniform appearance.
Material and labor costs for cedar shake roofs.
Material and labor are two major cost factors when considering the best type of roof for your home. When it comes to cedar shakes and wood shingles, that cost is higher than most other types of materials.
Labor is $5.08-$5.29 average cost per square foot, while material costs $12.33-$15.32 per square foot.
Labor cost:
| Average cost per square foot | Average total labor cost* |
| $5.08-$5.29 | $12,701-$13,241 |
Material cost:
| Average cost per square foot | Average total material cost* |
| $12.33-$15.32 | $30,813-$38,293 |
*Total average material cost is for a 2,500-square-foot roof.
Cedar shake roof price per square foot.
The size of your home is different from the size of your roof. Your roof's surface is calculated in roofing squares, with one roofing square equaling 100 square feet. This makes sense because your home's surface is generally flat, whereas your roof may have a steep slope or contain gables.
The average cost per square foot to install cedar shake ranges from $17.41-$20.62.
| Roof size | Estimated average cost* |
| 1,000 sq. ft. | $17,410-$20,620 |
| 1,500 sq. ft. | $26,115-$30,930 |
| 2,000 sq. ft. | $34,820-$41,240 |
| 2,500 sq. ft. | $43,526-$51,552 |
| 3,000 sq. ft. | $52,230-$61,860 |
Why are cedar shake shingles so expensive?
Cedar shake and wood shingles can be expensive — but for a good reason. Cedar has properties that make it valuable, like natural insulation and oils that repel certain pests. The grading, cut and choice of wood may also influence the cost. For example, the western red cedar and yellow cedars used for wood shakes are a higher quality wood than the white cedar and other wood used for shingles.
Roof installation may be complex for high-end roofing materials, adding to the overall cost. Like the weight-bearing requirements of slate roofs and the added 5% to 7% budgeting for metal roofing, there are similar recommendations for cedar shake and shingles from the Cedar Shake & Shingle Bureau (CSSB). For example, you should use permeable sheathing to keep moisture from building up and exact spacing to prevent buckling during temperature swings.
In short, cedar wood shakes and shingles are a beautiful, premium roofing type. They’re unique and provide curb appeal, strength and longevity.
Cedar shake roofing cost factors.
If you’re considering cedar shakes or shingles, a few other cost factors may influence your decision. Let's take a look.
Roof size.
The size of your roof is one of the main cost factors for cedar shake roofs, determining the material and labor needed. A 1,000-square-foot roof can start at $17,410, on average, while a 3,000-square-foot roof can cost as much as $61,860, on average.
Removing the existing roof.
Roof replacement isn’t cheap. Your costs may increase or decrease depending on the type of roof that’s being removed. Typically, asphalt shingles are cheaper to remove than slate or tile.
Roof damage.
Roof repair can be an unexpected cost, regardless of whether you're replacing the roof. There may be damage missed by the initial inspection once the shingles or tiles have been removed that must be fixed before your new cedar roof can be installed.
Design, slope and pitch.
All three of these often determine which type of cedar shake or shingle can be used. Cedar shakes are preferred for a steeply sloped roof, also known as a Mansard roof. The CSSB recommends a minimum slope of 4:12 for cedar shakes and 3:1 for cedar shingles.
Grades and grains.
Cedar has two main types of grains — edge (or vertical) grain and flat grain. Typically, edge-grain shakes and shingles perform better than flat-grain. Usually, the higher the grade and the price, the longer your roof will last.
Protective treatments.
While cedar shakes and shingles come with factory-impregnated fire retardants, several other protective treatments are available that may raise the price of your cedar roof. UV inhibitors, water repellents and preservative treatments (if not factory impregnated) should be factored in to increase longevity.
Shingle and shake finishes.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Services describes several types of finishes for cedar roofing material. New cedar shakes and shingles can be stained or painted. Semi-transparent stains, solid-color stains and paint will change the aesthetic of the cedar wood and possibly increase the price. Chat with your contractor to find out.
Maintenance and repair costs.
When choosing the right type of roofing material for your home, be sure you not only consider the installation costs – but also the ongoing repair and maintenance costs.
Wood roofing often requires more maintenance than other roofing materials. This includes regular roof cleanings, inspections to check for damage, annual applications of protective treatments, and immediate snow clearing to prevent mold and mildew.
4 ways to save on your cedar shake roof.
Love the look of cedar shake but want to make sure you don't go over budget. We have four tips that may help you reduce the overall cedar shake roof cost and increase the value of your investment.
- Change the shake grading. Western red and yellow cedar are offered in Number 1 Grade, which costs less than Premium Grade.
- Choose a cedar shingle over a shake. Wood shingles are typically cheaper because they are made from cut blocks rather than lumber log.
- Shop around. Roofing contractors in your area may all have different rates for labor, and some may even get a better deal on materials.
- Keep your roof clean. Like any wood product in your home, cleaning your cedar shakes regularly can help keep them free of debris and minimize repairs.
DIY vs. hiring a pro to install your cedar shake roof.
DIY (do-it-yourself) is a great way to save money on many home projects. While there are many projects you can tackle without calling a professional, installing a cedar shake or shingle roof isn’t one of them.
Why should you hire a roofing contractor or company to install your cedar shake roof? Improper installation can compromise your roof’s lifespan and strength, especially for cedar shakes. Also, the manufacturer's warranty may be voided if installation isn’t done correctly. If you decide to try to save on labor costs by installing your cedar shake roof and there’s a problem with the material while under warranty, you may end up paying for repairs out of your pocket.
The bottom line: Think twice before DIY-ing a roof installation – especially a cedar shake roof.
How long do cedar shake roofs last?
Cedar shake roofs can last up to 25 years on average, according to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (NACHI).
Over time, cedar shakes and shingles will weather, split and curl. Most of this is normal wear and tear as the roof ages. You can buy preservation-treated cedar shakes and shingles in climates prone to humidity, rain, and other moisture. The CSSB also recommends water repellents, UV inhibitors and EPA-registered wood preservatives to help extend the life of your cedar roof.
What are the pros and cons of installing a cedar shake roof?
There are both pros and cons to installing a cedar shake roof. Below is a breakdown of the pros and cons based on common homeowner concerns.
Cedar shake roof pros:
- Eco-friendly. Cedar shakes and shingles utilize wood fiber from salvaged wood that would otherwise be left on the forest floor.
- Recyclable. Once removed, you can grind cedar shakes and shingles into mulch or repurpose them for other home improvement projects.
- Energy-efficient. Wood is a natural insulator, absorbing light, heat and sound.
- Wind resistant. During wind uplift tests, some cedar shakes have remained stable in wind speeds of up to 245 mph.
- Hail resistant. Certified cedar shakes are available in Class 3 and Class 4 impact resistance, meaning they can withstand hailstones up to 2 inches in diameter.
- Repairable. Depending on the hail, wind or other age-related damage, you can easily swap out shakes or shingles without replacing large sections.
Cedar shake roof cons:
- Material. Cedar shake roofs cost more than the popular 3-tab asphalt shingles.
- Maintenance. Along with annual protective treatment applications and regular roof inspections, you may need to cut back trees. This may help minimize debris, which must be cleared regularly to prevent water from stagnating.
- Susceptible to weather conditions. If you live in humid climates or areas that experience frequent rain or heavy snow, cedar shakes and shingles may fail sooner than the expected 25 to 30 years.
- Installation requirements. Cedar shakes need to breathe, so you must hire a certified installer who knows how to properly place and ventilate the roof to prevent moisture from being trapped.
- Fire hazard. You’ll want to make sure that your cedar shakes have been treated with fire-resistant chemicals. But if you value peace of mind, you may want to install a more durable roof type, such as metal or slate.
Is a cedar roof worth it?
If you have the budget, a cedar roof may be worth the investment. Not only does it offer homeowners that "wow" factor, but cedar shakes (and shingles) are durable, naturally water-resistant and energy-efficient. With climate control top of mind for many people, you can rest easy knowing a cedar roof is eco-friendly and recyclable.
They offer a luxurious or rustic look depending on the style and may increase your home's curb appeal and value. The cost to install may be higher than other types of roof shingles, but if you are an avid DIYer, you can repair damaged shakes or shingles to save money in the long run.
Get a free estimate from local roofers.
If you're ready to add a durable, unique and energy-efficient cedar shake roof to your home, Thumbtack can connect you with the best local roofers near you. Many contractors offer free estimates and on-site consultations. Simply sign up for Thumbtack, answer a few questions about your home and your roofing needs, and a nearby roofing company will contact you to set up an appointment.
*All project cost estimates included in this article were provided by Xactware’s pricing data (unless otherwise noted). For more information, visit Xactware’s pricing methodology page.
FAQs
How much does it cost to replace 1,000-sq-ft of a roof?
It costs between $17,410 and $20,620, on average, to replace a 1,000-square-foot cedar shake roof. The quality of cedar shakes and labor may increase or decrease the total price. Check with a local roofing professional for the best price.
Is it okay to walk on a cedar shake roof?
It is okay to walk on a properly installed cedar shake roof, though it's not recommended. While some roofing materials like slate and clay can crack or asphalt shingles can lose granules, you may gently walk on a cedar shake roof without breaking or cracking the shake.
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