Cedar Shake Roof Cost: Price Ranges, Drivers, and Ways to Save 2026
Homeowners typically pay for cedar shake roofing with total costs ranging widely based on roof size, complexity, labor, and material grade. This article breaks down the Cedar Shake Roof cost, including low, average, and high estimates, plus concrete cost drivers and practical savings.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Installed Cedar Shake Roof (1000 sq ft) | $9,000 | $12,000 | $18,000 | Includes underlayment, flashing, and basic removal |
| Cost per sq ft (installed) | $9.00 | $12.00 | $18.00 | Average range widely by region |
| Material (Cedar Shakes, architectural grade) | $2.50/sq ft | $3.50/sq ft | $5.50/sq ft | Differs by shake thickness and species |
| Labor (installation) | $5,000 | $7,500 | $12,000 | Plus removal of old roof if needed |
Typical Cedar Shake Roof Cost by Project Size
Costs usually range from $9,000 to $18,000 for a standard 1,000-square-foot roof depending on the shake grade, roof pitch, and whether a tear-off is required. A low-budget scenario uses economy shakes and minimal waste; the high end reflects premium cedar, extra underlayment, and more complex flashing. Assumptions: Midwest labor rates, standard 5-in-12 to 8-in-12 pitch, no major structural work.
Major Cost Components in Cedar Shake Roof Installation
Understanding the quote parts helps compare bids. The main cost blocks are Materials, Labor, and Permits/Disposal. Materials drive the per-square-foot price most strongly, while labor scales with roof complexity.
| Component | Low | Average | High | What to expect |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials (cedar shakes, underlayment, flashings) | $2.50/sq ft | $3.50/sq ft | $5.50/sq ft | Grade and thickness matter |
| Labor (installation) | $5,000 | $7,500 | $12,000 | Includes removal of old roof |
| Permits & inspections | $150 | $500 | $1,000 | Depends on city rules |
| Removal/ disposal | $1,000 | $2,000 | $4,000 | Depends on tear-off needs |
| Flashing, nails, attachments | $300 | $800 | $1,400 | Quality affects longevity |
| Warranty/overhead | $0 | $600 | $1,200 | Typically included or added |
Key Variables That Change Cedar Shake Quotes
Final pricing responds to roof size in square feet, pitch, and cedar grade, plus site access and existing roof condition. Assumptions: single-story home, standard access, residential-grade shakes.
How Roof Pitch, Size, And Climate Impact The Price
Pitch affects installation time and material waste; steeper roofs cost more for safety and labor. For a 1,200–1,400 sq ft roof, expect a higher price per sq ft than a flatter 800–1,000 sq ft roof. Region and climate zone also shift both material options and labor rates.
Regional Variations In Cedar Shake Roof Pricing
Coastal regions and areas with higher labor costs typically see higher installed rates. In the West, prices often skew toward the upper end of the range; the Midwest can be closer to the average. Estimate spreads by region help avoid surprises when comparing bids.
Labor Time, Crew Size, And Hourly Rates
Typical crews range from 2–4 workers with hourly rates around $65–$125 per hour per crew. A full install on a standard home usually takes 2–4 days. Formula: labor hours × hourly rate. Longer jobs equal higher totals, even with identical materials.
Per-Unit And Per-Sq-Ft Pricing To Compare Bids
Look at both per-sq-ft and total project price. Cedar shakes commonly price at $9–$18 per sq ft installed depending on grade and complexity. A 1,500 sq ft roof might range from $13,500 to $27,000 installed. For apples-to-apples quotes, ensure the same shake grade and underlayment are included.
Regional Delivery, Waste, And Disposal Impacts
Disposal fees and material delivery can add to the bill. In some markets, removal of old roofing and disposal may add $1,000–$4,000. Assumptions: standard municipal disposal, no hazardous waste. Ask for a separate line item for disposal so you can compare bids clearly.
Practical Ways To Reduce Cedar Shake Roof Costs
Control scope and timing to curb price spikes. Consider combining repairs, selecting mid-range shakes, scheduling during slower seasons, and repurposing previously salvaged components when feasible. Budget for minor maintenance over the life of the roof to avoid premature replacement costs.
Important Considerations: Permits, Warranties, And Longevity
Permits typically add a small percentage to the overall price, and warranties vary by installer. Cedar shakes have natural longevity but require maintenance to maximize life. Factor 5–7% extra for potential warranty work or future maintenance.
Three Real-World Quote Scenarios For Cedar Shake Roofs
- Scenario A: 1,000 sq ft, economy grade shakes, Midwest, standard removal, no dormers. Materials $2.50/sq ft, Labor $7,000 total, Permits $300. Range: $9,000–$12,000.
- Scenario B: 1,300 sq ft, premium shakes, West, high pitch, complex flashing. Materials $4.50/sq ft, Labor $8,500, Disposal $1,500, Permits $800. Range: $16,000–$22,000.
- Scenario C: 1,600 sq ft, architectural shakes, Southeast, tear-off included, flat roof segments. Materials $3.75/sq ft, Labor $11,000, Disposal $2,000, Permits $600. Range: $20,000–$28,000.
| Scenario | Size (sq ft) | Material Type | Labor (range) | Total (range) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scenario A | 1,000 | Economy Cedar | $6,000–$7,500 | $9,000–$12,000 |
| Scenario B | 1,300 | Premium Cedar | $8,000–$9,500 | $16,000–$22,000 |
| Scenario C | 1,600 | Architectural Cedar | $11,000–$12,000 | $20,000–$28,000 |