Cedar Shake Siding Cost Per Square Foot: Price Ranges, Drivers, and Savings 2026
Cedar shake siding pricing typically runs from $5.50 to $12.50 per square foot installed, with common jobs landing around $8.50 to $10.50. The exact cost depends on wood grade, profile, thickness, site access, and the installation method. This article breaks down price drivers, components, regional differences, and practical ways to manage the bill for U.S. homes.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Installed price per sq ft | $5.50 | $9.50 | $12.50 | Labor, material, prep included |
| Per square (100 sq ft) total | $550 | $950 | $1,250 | Scaled by area |
| Material cost per sq ft (wood only) | $2.50 | $4.50 | $6.50 | Includes trim but not labor |
| Labor cost per sq ft | $2.50 | $4.50 | $5.50 | Install, nails, wrap, and finishing |
| Prep/repair per sq ft | $0.50 | $1.50 | $3.00 | Weatherproofing, substrate repair |
Assumptions: Midwest labor rates, standard cedar, normal access, typical repair needed only at edges and corners.
What Cedar Shake Siding Price Per Square Foot Usually Covers
Typical total price includes materials, labor, and basic prep. For a standard 1,000 sq ft project, expect a range of $7,000 to $10,500 installed, with higher-end jobs over $12,000 for premium shakes and complex regions. The main cost drivers are wood grade, shake size, and the complexity of the rake, corner trim, and weatherproofing systems.
Assumptions include standard weather exposure in a single-story home with good access and no major substrate repairs. Projects with existing siding removal, extensive rot, or custom profiles will push costs higher.
Major Quote Components For Cedar Shake Siding Projects
Understanding the quote line items helps compare bids accurately. A typical cedar shake job breaks into Materials, Labor, and Prep/Finish. A representative table shows how costs stack and where negotiable levers exist.
| Component | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $2.50 | $4.50 | $6.50 | Shake type, grade, and thickness |
| Labor | $2.50 | $4.50 | $5.50 | Installation time and crew size |
| Prep/Repair | $0.50 | $1.50 | $3.00 | Substrate prep and moisture barriers |
| Delivery/Removal | $0.50 | $1.00 | $2.00 | Disposal of old siding |
| Finish/Trim | $0.50 | $1.00 | $1.50 | Head trim, corner boards, and sealing |
Assumptions: Typical suburban installer, standard 1-story home, normal access, no permits beyond local code.
Labor And Install Time: How Hours And Crew Size Shape The Price
Labor is often the largest variable, especially with square footage and climate. A two-person crew may install roughly 60-90 sq ft per day, while a larger crew can reach 120-180 sq ft daily on smooth substrates. Labor rates vary by region and demand, commonly $40-$80 per hour per worker, with a crew lead at the higher end. Expect per-sq-ft labor ranges of $2.50-$5.50 depending on complexity.
When a project requires extensive rot repair or substrate removal, labor spikes due to additional decking work and moisture barriers.
Regional Variations In Cedar Shake Siding Costs
Coastal areas and regions with higher living costs tend to push up prices. In the Northeast and West Coast, installed rates commonly run toward the upper end of the range, $9.50-$12.50 per sq ft. The Midwest and South often land in the $6.50-$10.50 per sq ft band, depending on accessibility and weather exposure. Regional supply chain nuances can swing prices by 10-20% up or down.
Material Types And Their Effect On Cost Per Square Foot
Choosing a profile and grade directly changes the bottom line. Kiln-dried, tight-grain grades with a tight shingle face cost more than standard, loose-grain boards. Common options include sawed shakes, taper-sawn shakes, and shingled edge profiles. Per-square-foot material costs typically range from $2.50 to $6.50, with premium heartwood or hand-split profiles at the upper end.
Common Job Scenarios That Shape The Final Cost
Scenario size and scope have a material impact on pricing. A small, single-story home with 600-800 sq ft of siding will trend toward the lower end, roughly $4,000-$7,000 installed. A larger, multi-story home with 2,000 sq ft or more, plus trim and window wrap, commonly lands between $18,000 and $28,000. For homes with significant rot or waterproofing upgrades, expect higher costs and longer timelines.
Ways To Cut Cedar Shake Siding Costs Without Sacrificing Quality
Simple scope controls can trim the price without reducing durability. Consider limiting to essential walls, choosing standard-grade shakes, avoiding premium profiles, and matching existing trim instead of full replacement. Schedule outside peak seasons, obtain multiple quotes, and compare bundling options (siding plus gutters or trim). Replacing only damaged sections rather than a full wrap can also reduce total spend significantly.
Optional Real-World Quote Scenarios And The Numbers
Realistic quotes help set expectations and benchmark bids. For a 1,200 sq ft siding replacement with mid-grade shakes in a regional market, a typical quote might show Materials $4.50/sq ft, Labor $3.75/sq ft, Prep $1.00/sq ft, totaling about $9.25 per sq ft or $11,100. For a premium install on a 1,800 sq ft home with detailed trim and moisture barriers, expect Materials $5.50, Labor $4.75, Prep $1.50 for a total near $11.75 per sq ft or $21,150. These figures assume standard access and no major rot repairs.
Cost-saving tip: If you can defer premium trim or choose stock profiles, you can reduce totals by 10-20% on many projects. Always verify warranty terms and confirm that the quoted per-square-foot price accounts for disposal and permit fees when applicable.