Cedar shakes carry a distinct look and durable feel, but the total cost depends on material quality, roof size, and installation details. This article outlines the cost to install cedar shakes, including typical price ranges, per-unit rates, and what drives price variability. Expect to see both material and labor components broken down for a clear budgeting view.
Cost ranges below reflect common U.S. market pricing for cedar shakes and standard roof replacement projects.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Material (cedar shakes) | $1.50-$3.00 per sq ft | $2.50-$4.50 per sq ft | $4.50-$6.50 per sq ft | Clear grade to rustic options; includes underlayment grade |
| Labor (installation) | $4.50-$7.50 per sq ft | $5.50-$9.50 per sq ft | $9.00-$12.50 per sq ft | Includes removal of existing roofing |
| Delivery/Disposal | $0.75-$1.50 per sq ft | $1.00-$2.50 per sq ft | $2.50-$3.50 per sq ft | Depends on access and debris handling |
| Permits & Inspections | $0.00-$0.40 per sq ft | $0.10-$0.75 per sq ft | $1.00 per sq ft | varies by city and project scope |
| Total Installed (per sq ft) | $6.00-$9.50 | $8.50-$14.00 | $14.00-$22.00 | For standard 3:12 pitch roof, 10-20% contingency |
Cedar Shake Roofing Price: Typical Total And Per-Foot Costs
Buyers usually pay a combined material and labor price per square foot for cedar shakes that ranges from $8.50 to $14.00 on average. The total per-square-foot cost translates to roughly $850-$1,400 per 100 sq ft, with higher ends tied to premium stock, thicker shakes, or steeper roof pitches. Material choices strongly steer price; higher-grade cedar and longer shakes raise both material and installation time. A standard 1,500 sq ft roof commonly lands in the $12,750-$21,000 range installed, depending on pitch, attic access, and disposal needs.
Assumptions: Midwest labor rates, standard underlayment, normal roof access, and a typical 3:12 to 6:12 pitch.
Major Cost Components In Cedar Shake Installations
Understanding the quote requires breaking down the four to six major cost components that appear in most bids. The following table outlines the common parts of the cedar shake price.
| Component | Low | Average | High | Typical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials (cedar shakes) | $1.50-$3.00/ sq ft | $2.50-$4.50/ sq ft | $4.50-$6.50/ sq ft | Quality rating and thickness drive material cost |
| Labor | $4.50-$7.50/ sq ft | $5.50-$9.50/ sq ft | $9.00-$12.50/ sq ft | Labor hours depend on roof complexity |
| Delivery/Disposal | $0.75-$1.50/ sq ft | $1.00-$2.50/ sq ft | $2.50-$3.50/ sq ft | Waste handling and crew setup |
| Permits & Inspections | $0.00-$0.40/ sq ft | $0.10-$0.75/ sq ft | $1.00/ sq ft | Regional permit rules vary |
| Warranty & Overhead | $0.25-$0.75/ sq ft | $0.50-$1.50/ sq ft | $2.00/ sq ft | Manufacturer warranties plus contractor markup |
Formula example: If a job requires 120 labor hours at $40/hour, the labor portion would be 120 × 40 = $4,800 before regional adjustments.
Key Variables That Change Cedar Shake Pricing
The final cedar shake price can swing due to several niche factors. The most influential variables include roof size and pitch, wood grade, and installation complexity.
Roof size in square feet and pitch level are top drivers; steeper roofs and larger areas raise both material waste and labor time.
The second major driver is wood grade. Clear or knot-free shakes cost more but offer longer life and a uniform appearance. Another driver is roof accessibility: limited access or multiple levels demands more equipment and time, pushing costs higher.
Regional Price Differences For Cedar Shakes Across The U.S.
Prices vary by region due to labor markets, transport, and local code requirements. Coastal areas and regions with higher timber costs tend to land at the high end, while rural zones with lower labor rates can see the low end.
Midwest markets often report mid-range pricing, while the West Coast and Northeast may trend higher due to stricter building codes and higher labor costs.
Labor Rates For Cedar Shake Installations By Region
Labor is frequently the largest variable in the total price. Regional hourly rates for installation crews typically range from $40 to $90 per hour, depending on crew size, demand, and certifications.
Expect more hours on complex roofs and when specialty installation methods are required, such as avoiding nail-throughs on soft cedar.
Material Options Within Cedar Shakes: Clear Grade vs Rustic
Material choice affects both aesthetics and price. Clear or select grades command higher prices, while rustic grades offer a warm look at reduced cost and potential for minor color variation.
Clear grade shakes may cost up to 50% more than rustic grades per square foot, impacting the total installed price.
Budget Scenarios For Small, Medium, And Large Roofs
Size-based budgeting helps buyers compare quotes. A small home with a 1,000 sq ft roof typically lands in a lower band, while a larger 2,500 sq ft roof sits in the upper range.
For a 1,000 sq ft roof with average conditions, expect about $8,500-$14,000 installed; for 2,500 sq ft, $21,000-$40,000 are plausible figures.
Ways To Reduce Cedar Shake Costs Without Sacrificing Quality
Cost control comes from scope management and material choices. Options include choosing a smaller shake size or reducing underlayment, selecting a more affordable grade, or scheduling during off-peak demand windows.
Bundling replacements with other roof projects can lower per-unit costs, while delaying minor repairs that do not affect the roof’s integrity may cut upfront expenses.
Regional Quotes And Substitutes To Consider
When comparing bids, consider substitutes like engineered wood shakes or asphalt alternatives. They may offer lower upfront costs but differ in longevity and appearance.
Three example quotes show how price scales with roof size, shake grade, and labor hours, illustrating practical budgeting contrasts.