Estimating cedar shake roof cost involves understanding material quality, installation labor, and regional price differences. Buyers typically pay a wide range depending on crawl space access, roof pitch, and underlayment choices. This article presents practical price ranges in USD and how to tighten a budget without sacrificing durability.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Installed cedar shake roof (per sq ft) | $8 | $11 | $15 | Typical asphalt alternative note: cedar is higher. |
| Per square (100 sq ft) installed | $800 | $1,100 | $1,500 | Includes materials and labor. |
| Material cost only (per sq ft) | $4 | $6 | $9 | Excludes labor and underlayment upgrades. |
| Underlayment and flashing upgrades | $0.50 | $2.50 | $6 | High-wind regions may require better underlayment. |
| Removal of existing roof | $1,000 | $2,500 | $5,000 | Dependent on roof size and accessibility. |
| Permits and codes compliance | $150 | $800 | $3,000 | Varies by city and utility requirements. |
Assumptions: Midwest labor rates, standard cedar shakes, normal roof access, no major structural prep.
Typical Cedar Shake Roof Pricing by Size and Region
Size and region drive most of the price. For a 1,800–2,000 sq ft home, installed cedar shakes typically run $14,400–$26,000 in the Midwest and $18,000–$34,000 on the West Coast. A smaller 1,200 sq ft roof often lands in the $9,600–$19,000 range, depending on access and pitch. Expect higher costs in coastal, windy, or wildfire-prone areas due to higher labor demands and upgraded underlayment.
Assumptions: standard 3/12 to 6/12 pitch, plywood deck present, basic 3-tab cedar shake, typical color grading.
Formula:
Major Cost Components in Cedar Shake Roof Install
Understanding the quote’s four to six parts helps compare bids accurately. The largest shares usually come from materials and labor, with additional charges for removal, permits, and waste disposal. A typical breakdown shows: Materials $6–$9 per sq ft, Labor $3–$6 per sq ft, Removal $1–$3 per sq ft, Underlayment and flashing $0.50–$2 per sq ft, Permits $150–$1,000+, and Disposal $0.50–$1 per sq ft. In a table, a common summary might look like this for 1,800 sq ft:
| Cost Component | Low | Average | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $7,200 | $10,000 | $16,200 |
| Labor | $5,400 | $9,000 | $13,500 |
| Removal | $1,800 | $3,000 | $4,800 |
| Underlayment/Flashing | $900 | $2,000 | $3,600 |
| Permits/Fees | $150 | $800 | $3,000 |
| Disposal | $900 | $1,800 | $2,700 |
Variables That Strongly Change the Final Cedar Shake Quote
Two numeric drivers commonly swing price. First, roof pitch matters: a steep 6/12–8/12 pitch may require more safety equipment and staging, adding roughly 15–30% to labor. Second, shake thickness and tapering: premium, thicker shakes with tighter stagger costs can add 10–25% versus standard profiles. Regional labor rates and access quality also alter the total by 5–20% depending on city and contractor availability.
Regional Price Differences For Cedar Roofing Installations
Coastal markets tend to be higher. In coastal California or Pacific Northwest cities, expect installed costs toward the upper end of the range, $12–$15 per sq ft. In inland Midwest markets, $8–$11 per sq ft is more typical. Rural areas may drop to $7–$9 per sq ft if crews travel minimal distances and there is straightforward access. Regional supply chain conditions and permit costs contribute meaningfully to the spread.
Ways To Lower Cedar Shake Roof Costs Without Sacrificing Quality
Smart scope control and material choices cut price without skimping strength. Consider using standard-width shakes rather than premium cedar, omit decorative edge work on the rake, schedule installation in milder seasons to avoid surge pricing, and bundle removal with replacement to save on disposal. If the structure is sound, you can defer high-end underlayment upgrades or attic ventilation upgrades to a later budget cycle. Get multiple bids to identify overlaps in labor and material line items.
Common Add‑Ons And How They Drive Price
Some extras push total costs higher quickly. Add-ons like upgraded underlayment for wildfire zones, copper flashings, skylight flashing, or extensive ridge caps can raise per sq ft costs by $1–$4. Specialty colors or texture finishes may add $0.50–$2 per sq ft. If an old roof requires extensive repair of damaged decking, expect higher costs and longer install times. Waste removal services are often charged per load and can add a few hundred dollars on difficult jobs.
Replacement Or Repair: How Cedar Shake Decisions Affect Price
Replacement usually costs more upfront but may extend life and warranty. If the existing deck is sound, some contractors offer a roof-over or partial overlay option at a reduced pace, which can shave several thousand dollars off a full tear-off. Conversely, repairing localized sections of cedar shakes is feasible when damage is limited to a few areas, keeping costs near the lower end of the installed range. A mid-range project often falls between full replacement and targeted repair estimates.