Cedar shake roofing or siding projects typically run from a modest figure to a premium price, driven by cedar grade, shake thickness, and installation complexity. The price per square foot combines material quality, labor intensity, and regional labor rates. This article provides cost ranges in USD and practical buying guidance focused on price and budgeting.
Assumptions: region, cedar grade, shake thickness, layout complexity, and labor availability.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Installed cost per square foot | $6.50 | $9.50 | $14.50 | Includes materials, labor, and basic preparation |
| Material cost per sq ft (cedar shakes) | $1.50 | $3.50 | $6.00 | Grade A or B; rough sawn vs smooth |
| Labor cost per sq ft | $3.50 | $4.50 | $6.50 | Labor intensity and crew size |
| Installation time | 1–2 hours/sq ft | 2–3 hours/sq ft | 3–4 hours/sq ft | Varies by pitch and substrate |
| Delivery/Disposal | $0.25 | $0.60 | $1.20 | Disposal of waste and debris |
Overview Of Costs
Typical price ranges reflect installed cedar shake work, with total project costs varying by surface area, substrate condition, and local labor markets. Cost per square foot usually spans from $6.50 to $14.50, with material-only ranges from about $1.50 to $6.00 per sq ft. For a standard 1,000 sq ft roof or siding area, expect a total in the $6,500–$14,500 band before add-ons. data-formula=”labor_hours × hourly_rate”>
Cost Breakdown
Materials cover cedar shakes, fasteners, and underlayment. Premium grades and thicker shakes push the upper end. Assumptions: mid-grade cedar, standard exposure, no pattern complexity.
| Category | Low | Average | High | Notes | Per-Unit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $1.50 | $3.50 | $6.00 | Cedar shakes, sealant, underlayment | $0.60–$1.20/sq ft |
| Labor | $3.50 | $4.50 | $6.50 | Crew wages; complexity adds hours | $3–$9/hr |
| Equipment | $0.50 | $0.70 | $1.50 | Ladders, rental, safety gear | Included in daily rate |
| Permits | $100 | $350 | $1,000 | Local permit requirements | $0.10–$0.25/sq ft |
| Delivery/Disposal | $0.25 | $0.60 | $1.20 | Waste removal fees | $0.10–$0.25/sq ft |
| Contingency | $0.50 | $1.00 | $2.50 | Unforeseen issues | Not per sq ft |
Factors That Affect Price
Material grade and exposure directly impact cost. Higher-grade cedar, longer shakes, and tighter exposure (more rows per run) raise both material and labor demands. Geographic variance means labor rates and material sourcing differ by region. The pitch of the surface also matters: steep roofs require more safety measures and longer install times. Assumptions: standard gable roof, no complex patterns.
What Drives Price
Key drivers include cedar species (Western red cedar commonly used), shake thickness, square footage, substrate preparation, weather exposure, and fastener type. Longer runs and steeper slopes add time and risk, nudging costs up. Seasonal demand and supplier stock can shift material pricing by several dollars per sq ft during peak months. Assumptions: dry, accessible site with standard substrate.
Ways To Save
Shop for bulk material pricing and compare multiple cedar suppliers. Consider mid-grade shakes if budget is tight or opt for a predefined pattern to reduce waste. Scheduling work in moderate weather and aligning with a skilled crew can shorten install time, lowering labor costs. Assumptions: mid-range project with typical waste factors.
Regional Price Differences
Prices vary across markets. In the Northeast, expect higher labor rates and possible stricter codes, while the Midwest may balance material costs with moderate labor. The West often features robust cedar supply but higher freight, pushing both materials and delivery costs upward. In rural areas, lower labor rates can offset transportation or availability constraints. Estimate deltas: +/- 15–25% across regions.
Labor, Hours & Rates
Labor is a major portion of the installed cost. A typical cedar shake crew consists of 2–4 installers over 1–3 days for a 1,000 sq ft area, depending on pitch and complexity. Higher hourly rates or longer timelines raise the overall figure. Effective framing prep and underlayment quality influence final hours, so accurate site assessment matters. Assumptions: standard 6/12 pitch or gentler.
Real-World Pricing Examples
Three scenario cards illustrate common outcomes with cedar shakes. These snapshots use reasonable assumptions for size, grade, and labor.
Basic: 800 sq ft, mid-grade shakes, standard slope
Materials: $1.60/sq ft; Labor: $4.30/sq ft; Permits: $200; Delivery: $0.60/sq ft; Total: $6,700–$7,800 installed
Assumptions: 1,040 sq ft roof area equivalent; 2025 market patterns; no add-ons.
Mid-Range: 1,200 sq ft, premium shakes, moderate slope
Materials: $3.00/sq ft; Labor: $4.60/sq ft; Permits: $300; Delivery: $0.90/sq ft; Total: $15,000–$20,000 installed
Premium: 2,000 sq ft, thick premium shakes, complex pattern
Materials: $5.00/sq ft; Labor: $6.00/sq ft; Permits: $800; Delivery: $1.20/sq ft; Total: $28,000–$40,000 installed
Assumptions: region, specs, labor hours.