How Much Does a Cedar Shake Roof Cost? [2024 Data]
Normal range: $10,200 - $25,500
A cedar shake roof can cost anywhere from $10,200 to $25,500, with an average price around $17,850, depending on the roof size, material, labor costs, and your roof design.
Cedar shake roofs cost $17,850 for an average-sized roof, with a typical range between $10,200 and $25,500. The price depends on labor, roofing materials, and other factors. You can also estimate the cost using square footage; cedar shake roofs cost about $6 to $15 per square foot.
While wood shakes are pricier than regular shingles, their longevity and beauty make them well worth the cost. Cedar shake roofs are especially popular, as they’re less expensive than other varieties, with plenty of rustic charm to boot.
- Average
- $17,850
- Low end
- $9,000
- high end
- $52,500
Cedar Shake Roof Cost Breakdown
Your cedar shake roof costs will vary based on materials, labor, and other costs. Below is a breakdown of your installation expenses.
Roof Size
You can get your approximate roof size by multiplying your home’s square footage by 1.5. This will help you get an idea of how much you can expect to pay for your new cedar shake roof, which costs approximately $6 to $15 per square foot.
| Roof Size (Square Feet) | Average Price Range |
|---|---|
| 1,500 | $9,000 – $22,500 |
| 2,000 | $12,000 – $30,000 |
| 2,500 | $15,000 – $37,500 |
| 3,000 | $18,000 – $45,000 |
| 3,500 | $21,000 – $52,500 |
Wood Grade
There are different varieties of cedar shakes on the market, all with varying costs. If you want your roof to last, you'll have to pay 30% to 50% more for top-grade cedar. It might be a pricier choice, but it’s less prone to cupping and curling. It also offers better insulation, which might save you on energy costs down the road.
Skilled Labor Costs
Look for roofers who focus on cedar projects. They may cost more, but they’ll know more about what kinds of fasteners and grain to use. This will increase the longevity of your cedar shake roof, so it’s worth the extra investment.
Safety and Access Factors
Depending on your roof’s setup, there may be additional fees for safety and access. For example, a job that requires roofers to work on steep inclines or use a safety harness will cost more. The same is true if they need to install around fixtures, such as vents or chimney stacks.
Old Roof Removal
Getting your old roof removed will average $1 to $5 per square foot. Workers will remove all of the existing shingles and underlayment and dispose of them properly for you.
Underlayment
The most common underlayment types for cedar shake roofs are felt or synthetic. You can expect installation to range between $1 and $4 per square foot. Felt underlayment is the traditional option; however, synthetic underlayment weighs less and is easier to install.
Usually, roofing companies include the underlayment costs in the overall costs of your cedar shake roof installation, but ask your roofer to be sure.
Flashing
Your roof flashing installation costs around $15 to $25 per linear foot. Proper flashing helps all the rainwater drain properly off your roof and into your gutters. It’s necessary to prevent costly water damage to your roof and home.
Drip Edge
Drip edges aren't absolutely necessary on cedar shake roofs, but they are highly recommended. Drip edges protect your house from water damage because they keep moisture from getting under the cedar shake shingles. Without a drip edge, your risk water seeping under the wood and rotting the roof decking and fascia, potentially leading to leaks and mold. Adding a drip edge to an existing cedar shake roof will cost $5 to $9 per linear foot, depending on the material you use. Most drip edges are made from aluminum or other metals. If you're building a roof on a new home, you'll pay less—$1.50 to $3 per linear foot—because the drip edge is wrapped into the overall roof construction.
Weatherproofing
Depending on the climate you live in, installing specific types of roof sealant will help with extra waterproofing against severe weather. For your cedar shake roof, look for wood-specific sealers, which are usually polyurethane-based. These roof sealants cost $2 to $5 per square foot on average.
Local Fees and Permits
Building permits usually cost between $400 and $1,700. These typically come into play if you’re doing a major rebuild or adding additional rooms. If the latter applies, you might also need a land survey to make sure you're inside the property line. Other local fees may apply to your roofing project at the state and city level.
Cedar Shake Roof Cost by Wood Grade
If you have a budget in mind for your new cedar shake roof, one of the most important considerations will be the grade of shakes you choose. The costs below include both materials and labor.
| Cedar Shakes Grade | Average Price (Per Square Foot) |
|---|---|
| Common | $5 – $8 |
| Select | $6.50 – $11 |
| Straight-Grain | $8 – $15 |
Common-Grade Cedar Shakes
Common-grade shakes are the most budget-friendly option. These cost about $5 to $8 per square foot. As long as you get common-grade shakes that the manufacturer labels for use on roofs, it’ll get the job done. However, you may notice these crack easier and don’t last as long as higher-grade shakes.
Select-Grade Cedar Shakes
Select-grade cedar shakes cost $6.50 to $11 per square foot on average. They’re typically a mixture of 20%-to-80% of common-grade and straight-grade shakes. These shakes may have some knots and defects that you wouldn’t see in straight-grain shakes.
Straight-Grain Cedar Shakes
If you want the best of the best, go with straight-grain cedar shakes. These cost around $8 to $15 per square foot and are usually hand-split. The advantage of a straight-grain shake is that it lies flat on your roof, so you’re less likely to deal with curling. It’s also more durable and less prone to cracking or other forms of damage. Overall, you’ll end up with a longer-lasting roof that’s more visually pleasing.
Ongoing Costs of Cedar Shake Roofs
Now that you’ve figured out the basic costs of installing a cedar shake roof, consider these ongoing costs that you’ll want to keep in mind.
| Cedar Shake Roof Maintenance | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Replacing shakes | $365 – $750 |
| Annual roof inspection | $230 |
| Cleaning gutters | $160 per visit |
| Regular roof cleaning | $0.20 – $0.60 per square foot |
| Deep roof cleaning | $0.50 – $1 per square foot |
Repairs
The most common repair you may run into with cedar shake roofs is replacing shakes. This roof repair costs $365 to $750 on average, although actual costs will depend on factors like repair size, what the damage is, and the grade of shakes you need.
When it comes to wood shakes—or shingles—the biggest issue you may see is water damage or rot. Other signs you need shake replacement include splitting, curling, and holes in the shakes.
Maintenance
Proper cedar shake roof maintenance is important to keeping your home in good shape. Here are some things you should do:
Keep branches trimmed so they don’t hit your shakes
Remove any leaf or needle build-up regularly
Get an annual roof inspection, which averages $230
Get your gutters cleaned twice a year for $160 per visit
Roof Cleaning
For the best results, you should hire a roof cleaning company with experience in cleaning cedar shakes.
Get a regular cleaning once or twice a year, which costs about $0.20 to $0.60 per square foot. And every five to seven years, call in a company to do a deep clean for about $0.50 to $1 per square foot.
During the cleaning, workers will remove any algae and moss growth. To preserve the shakes, workers will use a soft-wash process, which usually means they use a regular garden hose. Typically, companies will use a cleaning solution that’s nonabrasive to your shakes.
Installing Cedar Shakes Yourself vs. Hiring a Pro
Cedar shake roofs—or any roofs for that matter—don’t make for a safe DIY. In addition to the safety risks involved, mistakes could cause leaks or disastrous structural damage. Wood shakes require specialized expertise to install in order to get the most from their life span.
Protect your roof and your investment—go with a local roofing contractor instead. Paying a roofer around $6 to $15 per square foot in labor fees for installation is a sound investment, considering that your cedar shake roof can last 30 years.
How to Save Monday on Cedar Shake Roof Costs
While DIY is out as a money-saving option, there are a few ways you can cut costs on your cedar shake roof.
Choose a lower-grade cedar as opposed to the pricier 100% straight-grain option.
Shop around and get at least three quotes from professional roofers in your area.
Ask your contractor if they offer lower pricing to work in their slow or “off” season.
Offer to clean up any roof waste after the project.
Use cedar shingles as an accent on part of your house instead of the entire roof.
Alison Kasch contributed to this piece.
Frequently Asked Questions
Though cedar shakes often get confused with shingles, there are a few key differences between wood shakes and wood shingles. For one, cedar shingles prices are lower, although shingles are less durable than wood shakes. Cedar shakes are thicker than shingles (shingles range from about 3/8 to 1/2 inches thick, compared to 1/2 to 3/4 inches thick for shakes). Wood shakes are handmade, while shingles are usually machine-made. Also, wood shakes work on steeper roofs than shingles do. So while the cost of cedar shingles is more budget-friendly, there are many great reasons to choose shakes.
When installed properly, a cedar shake roof should last up to six decades. High winds will damage your roof and it will have a shorter lifespan if: the roofer didn't use top-grade material; the roofer didn’t have cedar shake expertise; your roof doesn’t have the proper ventilation; or it's secured with staples instead of nails. Keeping up with maintenance will help it last longer. It’s also a good idea to get roof inspections on a regular basis to help spot repairs before they become major issues.
Look for certified local roofing contractors with plenty of experience working with cedar. There are also several important roofing questions to ask before choosing a roofer, including whether they are licensed, bonded, and insured. Once you’ve rounded up a few good candidates, compare estimates and hire whoever gives you the best bang for your buck.