Cedar shakes are generally more expensive than basic asphalt shingles, both to buy and to install. Their natural appearance, insulation properties, and potential service life can make the higher upfront price worthwhile for some homeowners, but the final cost depends on roof size, cedar grade, labor, tear-off, and local conditions. A realistic comparison includes installation and ongoing maintenance—not just the price per roofing square.
How Much Do Cedar Shakes Cost?
In the United States, a professionally installed cedar shake roof commonly costs about $8 to $16 per square foot, with premium materials or complex projects sometimes exceeding that range. For a roof measuring 2,000 square feet, that works out to roughly $16,000 to $32,000 before any unusual structural repairs or major upgrades. Local quotes can vary substantially, so these figures are planning estimates, not a guaranteed price.
Roofing estimates often use a “square,” meaning 100 square feet of roof surface. At $8 to $16 per square foot, a basic calculation is approximately $800 to $1,600 per roofing square installed. Contractors calculate the actual roof surface—not the home’s floor area—and typically include additional material for cuts, overlaps, and waste.
That distinction matters because a 2,000-square-foot house does not necessarily have a 2,000-square-foot roof. Roof pitch, overhangs, dormers, valleys, and additions can increase the surface area. A steep, complicated roof can also cost more to work on than a simple roof of the same size.
Are Cedar Shakes More Expensive Than Other Roofing?
Usually, yes. Cedar shakes are a premium roofing choice compared with common three-tab or architectural asphalt shingles. They generally require more expensive materials and more specialized installation. However, the comparison changes when cedar is measured against premium synthetic products, slate, or certain metal roofing systems, which may have similarly high or higher installed costs.
| Roofing material | Typical installed cost per square foot | General cost position |
|---|---|---|
| Basic asphalt shingles | About $4–$8 | Usually the lower-cost option |
| Architectural asphalt shingles | About $5–$10 | Often less expensive than cedar |
| Cedar shakes | About $8–$16 or more | Typically a premium option |
| Metal roofing | About $8–$20 or more | Can overlap with cedar pricing |
| Slate roofing | About $15–$30 or more | Often among the most expensive options |
These ranges are broad and reflect different product grades, installation requirements, and regional labor costs. They should not be treated as direct, like-for-like bids. For example, metal roofing includes several systems with very different prices, while slate may require additional structural support. Angi’s roofing cost guide and similar cost references can provide a useful starting point, but local written estimates are more relevant to a specific home.
What Makes Cedar Shake Roofing Cost More?
Material grade and shake type
Cedar products vary in thickness, appearance, cut, and quality. Hand-split shakes tend to have a more textured, rustic surface than sawn products and may cost more. Premium cedar selected for appearance or durability can also raise the materials budget. The species, grade, and product specifications should be identified in the estimate rather than described only as “cedar.”
Installation labor
Cedar shakes are installed in overlapping courses, and correct spacing and fastening are important to performance. The work can be more labor-intensive than installing many asphalt shingle systems. Experienced crews may charge more, but a lower bid from a contractor unfamiliar with cedar can create costly problems if the roof is installed incorrectly.
Roof design and access
Steep slopes, multiple roof planes, skylights, chimneys, valleys, and limited access can increase labor and material waste. Homes with complex geometry take longer to roof and require more detailed flashing work. A contractor may also price for scaffolding, fall protection, or other equipment when site conditions call for it.
Removal and underlying repairs
Replacing an existing roof may require tearing off one or more layers, hauling debris, and repairing damaged roof decking. Once the old roofing is removed, hidden water damage or rot may become visible. Those repairs are difficult to price accurately before inspection, so estimates should explain how extra work will be approved and billed.
Underlayment, flashing, and ventilation
A roof’s cost is not just the visible shakes. Underlayment, flashing, drip edges, ridge details, and ventilation components all affect the project total. Cedar roofs need an assembly designed for the product and the local climate. A quote that omits key components may look cheaper while shifting necessary costs to a later change order.
How Long Does A Cedar Shake Roof Last?
A cedar roof’s service life depends on material quality, installation, climate, maintenance, and ventilation. A commonly cited planning range is about 20 to 40 years, but this is not a guarantee. Exposure to prolonged moisture, poor airflow, heavy debris, or neglected repairs can shorten the roof’s life. Some products and well-maintained roofs may perform longer, while difficult conditions can lead to earlier replacement.
The Cedar Shake & Shingle Bureau provides product and maintenance information for cedar roofing, but the expected life of a particular roof should be discussed with the installer and tied to the manufacturer’s specifications. Homeowners should also ask what a warranty covers, how long it lasts, and whether it depends on installation or maintenance requirements.
Longevity affects value, but it does not automatically make cedar less expensive over time. A useful comparison considers the expected installed cost, maintenance, repair likelihood, and replacement timing for each material. Those factors are uncertain, so a long projected service life should not be treated as a guaranteed financial return.
What Ongoing Costs Should Homeowners Expect?
Cedar shakes need periodic inspection and upkeep. Maintenance may include clearing leaves and branches, checking flashing and roof penetrations, replacing damaged shakes, and addressing conditions that keep the roof damp. The cost varies with roof accessibility, labor rates, and the amount of repair work. Homeowners should request a maintenance plan and estimate from a contractor experienced with cedar.
Some cedar roofs may be treated with products intended to limit moss or fungal growth, but treatments should be compatible with the roofing manufacturer’s guidance. Pressure washing can damage shakes and should not be assumed to be an appropriate cleaning method. The roof’s condition and the product specifications should guide maintenance decisions.
Insurance and code requirements can also affect ownership costs. In some areas, insurers may impose conditions on wood roofing because of wildfire exposure or other risks. Fire-retardant treatments and local building requirements vary, and a treatment does not necessarily make a roof fireproof. Homeowners should verify requirements with their local building department and insurer before choosing cedar.
Does Cedar Roofing Add Value To A Home?
Cedar can add visual character and may appeal to buyers who value natural materials and a distinctive exterior. It can also complement certain architectural styles. However, there is no universal resale premium that offsets the installation cost. Buyer preferences, local housing conditions, roof age, maintenance records, and insurance availability all influence how a cedar roof is perceived.
Energy performance should also be considered carefully. Wood has insulating properties, but the overall effect on heating and cooling bills depends on the complete roof assembly, ventilation, attic insulation, air sealing, and local climate. A cedar roof alone does not guarantee lower utility costs. For energy improvements, homeowners can compare the roof assembly and insulation recommendations for the home as a whole.
How To Get An Accurate Cedar Shake Roof Estimate
For a dependable comparison, homeowners should obtain at least three detailed bids from contractors who have completed cedar shake installations. Ask each contractor to specify the product, grade, thickness, underlayment, flashing, ventilation details, tear-off, disposal, and warranty. The bids should use the same scope and roof measurements whenever possible.
- Request proof of licensing, insurance, and relevant local credentials.
- Ask for references and examples of completed cedar shake projects.
- Confirm whether the estimate includes tear-off, disposal, decking repairs, and permits.
- Check how the contractor handles concealed damage and change orders.
- Ask which maintenance practices the product requires and which could void its warranty.
- Confirm that the proposed roof meets local building and fire-safety requirements.
Homeowners can use the Cedar Shake & Shingle Bureau for product information and guidance on choosing and caring for cedar roofing. Local building departments can clarify permitting and code rules. For wildfire-related questions, the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s wildfire preparedness guidance offers broader home-protection information, while local authorities can explain region-specific standards.
When Cedar Shakes May Be Worth The Cost
Cedar shakes may be worth considering when their appearance is important, the home’s design suits wood roofing, and the owner is prepared for inspection and maintenance. They may be a poor fit when the budget is tight, the roof receives persistent shade and moisture, wildfire restrictions are stringent, or insurance options are limited. In those cases, a lower-maintenance material or a cedar-look synthetic product may be worth comparing.
Bottom line: Cedar shakes are usually expensive relative to asphalt shingles, with installed costs often falling around $8 to $16 per square foot and rising for premium or difficult projects. Their value depends on more than the initial price: material grade, installation quality, climate, upkeep, local rules, and the homeowner’s priorities all matter. A detailed local bid and a realistic maintenance plan are the best basis for deciding whether cedar fits the project.