Cedar roof shingles pricing typically depends on material quality, roof size, pitch, and installation complexity. The cost ranges below reflect common U.S. market rates for materials and professional installation. The main cost drivers are shingle grade, local labor rates, underlayment, and roof geometry.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Material (cedar shingles or shakes) | $2.00/sq ft | $4.00/sq ft | $6.50/sq ft | Includes true cedar shakes or split shingles; premium grades higher |
| Installed price per sq ft | $8.00 | $11.00 | $15.00 | Includes labor, minor underlayment, flashing, nails |
| Per square (100 sq ft) installed | $800 | $1,100 | $1,500 | Typical range; depends on roof complexity |
| Underlayment & flashing | $0.50/sq ft | $1.50/sq ft | $2.50/sq ft | Usually included in min install price but itemized in high complexity jobs |
| Permits & inspections | $0 | $100 | $500 | Location dependent |
| Delivery & waste disposal | $50 | $200 | $500 | Size of job and location affect freight |
Overview Of Costs
Cost range for cedar roof shingles installed generally spans from about $8.00 to $15.00 per square foot, translating to roughly $800 to $1,500 per square (100 sq ft). A typical home with a 1,500 to 2,000 sq ft roof will see total installed prices in the $12,000 to $28,000 band, depending on roof complexity and local labor rates. The main driver is the installed price per square foot, which blends material quality with labor intensity. Assumptions: standard 6/12 pitch, single-story roof, typical access.
Cost Breakdown
| Category | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $0.60 | $2.50 | $3.50 | Per sq ft material cost for cedar shingles |
| Labor | $5.50 | $7.50 | $9.50 | Includes removal of old roof in some cases |
| Equipment | $0.50 | $1.50 | $2.00 | Scaffolding, lifts, safety gear |
| Permits | $0 | $100 | $500 | Varies by jurisdiction |
| Delivery/Disposal | $20 | $120 | $380 | Crates, waste removal |
| Subtotal | $6.60 | $11.20 | $15.80 | Per sq ft. Estimated |
| Tax | $0 | $0 | $0 | Local sales tax where applicable |
| Total | $6.60 | $11.20 | $15.80 | Total installed price per sq ft |
What Drives Price
Key price variables include shingle grade and thickness, roof pitch, roof area, and installation complexity. Higher-grade cedar shingles create better durability and a longer life but push per sq ft costs higher. A steeper pitch or complex roof layout increases installation labor and time. Local labor rates vary widely across markets, with urban areas typically higher than rural zones.
Cost Drivers
- Shingle quality and type: cedar straight grain vs with rustic curl or split shingles
- Roof pitch and complexity: steeper roofs require more time and safety measures
- Underlayment and flashing: heavier underlayment or premium flashing adds cost
- Old roof removal: whether existing shingles are removed or layered over
- Deck and attic access: limited access raises labor hours
- Regional material availability: some regions pay more for cedar materials
Ways To Save
Shop for certified installers who offer written warranties and inspect the roof plan for efficient layout. Consider mid grade cedar shingles if the home’s exposure and climate are moderate. Use cost estimates with a defined scope and get at least three quotes. Plan for permit costs and potential disposal fees to avoid surprises.
Regional Price Differences
Prices can vary by region due to labor markets and material sourcing. In the Northeast, installed cedar can run higher because of shorter building seasons and higher labor costs, with a typical delta around ±12–18% versus the national average. The Southeast often shows lower installed per sq ft costs due to milder weather windows and stronger supply chains, with ±6–12% differences. Rural markets may be 10–20% cheaper than urban cores due to lower labor rates and freight costs. Regional variations impact the final price more than most other factors.
Labor, Time & Installation
Labor charges are the largest portion of the installed cost. Typical installation takes 2–5 days for a standard house, depending on crew size and roof complexity. A crew of three to five workers is common on mid sized roofs. Estimate labor hours and hourly rates for a tighter budget; a common rule is labor hours × hourly rate equals the labor portion of the price.
Additional & Hidden Costs
Hidden costs can include roof deck repair, pest treatment, and additional venting or skylights. Cedar shingles may require extra maintenance or coatings to preserve appearance and longevity. Always account for contingencies of 5–10% of the total.
Real-World Pricing Examples
Three scenario cards illustrate typical outcomes without a summary conclusion. Assumptions: region, roof size, pitch, and access.
Basic
Roof size: 1,200 sq ft; pitch 6/12; access standard. Materials: low grade cedar; Work: 2 installers, medium pace. Total installed: about $9,600-$12,000; materials $2,400-$4,200; labor $6,000-$7,800.
Mid-Range
Roof size: 1,800 sq ft; pitch 6/12; access good. Materials: mid grade cedar; Work: 3 installers with lift. Total installed: about $20,000-$28,000; materials $7,200-$12,600; labor $12,800-$15,400.
Premium
Roof size: 2,400 sq ft; pitch 8/12; access limited. Materials: premium cedar with basic shake profile; Work: 4 installers, crane/advanced safety. Total installed: about $40,000-$54,000; materials $9,600-$16,800; labor $28,000-$37,200.
Assumptions: region, specs, labor hours.