Cedar shake roof replacement cost typically ranges from $24,000 to $60,000 for a 2,000-square-foot roof, with an average near $38,000. Roof size and pitch, cedar grade, tear-off work, and hidden deck damage have the strongest effect on the final quote.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Installed cedar shake roof | $12 per sq ft | $19 per sq ft | $30 per sq ft | Materials and installation; scope varies |
| 2,000-sq-ft roof replacement | $24,000 | $38,000 | $60,000 | Typical tear-off and replacement range |
| Old roofing removal | $1 per sq ft | $2 per sq ft | $4 per sq ft | More for multiple layers or difficult disposal |
| Roof decking repair | $3 per sq ft | $5 per sq ft | $8 per sq ft | Applies to affected areas, not necessarily the whole roof |
What a typical cedar shake roof costs by roof size
Installed pricing commonly falls between $12 and $30 per square foot, including standard underlayment, flashing, and labor. A basic estimate for a 1,500-square-foot roof is $18,000-$45,000; a 2,500-square-foot roof may run $30,000-$75,000. Roof area means the sloped surface, which is usually larger than the home’s floor area.
Lower estimates generally assume accessible roof planes, standard-grade cedar, and limited repairs. Premium split shakes, steep pitches, complex valleys, or extensive decking replacement can push the price upward. Assumptions: U.S. contractor pricing, standard tear-off, normal access, and no major structural repairs. For early budgeting, $19 per square foot is a reasonable midpoint, not a guaranteed quote.
How cedar, labor, and tear-off appear in the quote
Contractors may price cedar by the roofing square, equal to 100 square feet, or by square foot. Quotes should identify the cedar type, exposure, underlayment, flashing, ventilation work, and disposal rather than listing one unexplained total.
| Quote component | Low | Average | High | Pricing basis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cedar shakes and accessories | $5 | $9 | $15 | Per sq ft; grade and thickness matter |
| Installation labor | $4 | $7 | $11 | Per sq ft; pitch and layout affect rate |
| Tear-off and disposal | $1 | $2 | $4 | Per sq ft; layers and landfill fees vary |
| Underlayment and flashing | $1 | $2 | $4 | Per sq ft equivalent; details vary |
| Decking and carpentry allowance | $0 | $2 | $6 | Per sq ft equivalent; repair scope varies |
These component ranges overlap and should not be added mechanically; contractors may bundle labor, materials, and waste handling. A written line-item estimate makes it easier to compare the same work across bids.
Why roof pitch and shake grade change the price
Pitch is a major labor driver: a roof steeper than 6:12 often needs extra fall protection, staging, and slower installation, adding roughly 10%-25% compared with an accessible low-slope roof. Multiple dormers, hips, valleys, and skylights also increase cuts and flashing labor.
Premium hand-split shakes can cost substantially more than sawn shakes, while thicker products may require specific installation details. Exposure—the visible portion of each course—affects how much material covers a roof. For example, reducing exposure from about 10 inches to 7 inches increases the number of courses and material required. Ask each bidder to specify cedar grade, thickness, and exposure so product quotes are comparable.
How long installation takes and what crews charge
A typical 2,000-square-foot roof may take a crew of four or five about 5-10 working days, including tear-off and ordinary cleanup. Complex roofs, rain delays, or deck repairs can extend the schedule. Roofing labor rates often equate to about $50-$100 per worker-hour, although most residential quotes are fixed-price rather than hourly.
Labor can account for roughly $8,000-$22,000 on a standard-sized project, depending on access and detail work. A contractor may also have a minimum charge for a small roof or detached structure. Confirm whether the schedule includes tear-off, flashing, cleanup, and weather-related delays.
When removal, decking, or ventilation adds extra charges
Removing one layer of asphalt shingles is usually less expensive than stripping multiple layers or an existing cedar roof. Rotten sheathing discovered after tear-off can add about $3-$8 per square foot of replaced decking, plus carpentry or framing repairs if damage extends beyond the panels.
New ridge vents, intake vents, or code-required upgrades may add $500-$2,500 or more, depending on roof length and existing conditions. Permit charges vary by municipality, often from $100 to $800 for a residential reroof. Request unit prices for unexpected decking replacement before work begins, along with a photo record of concealed damage.
How cedar roof prices vary across U.S. regions
Local labor and material access can shift bids meaningfully. High-cost coastal metros and remote locations may run 10%-25% above a national midpoint, while some lower-cost rural markets may come in 5%-15% below it. These are broad comparisons, not fixed regional rates; steep roofs, local disposal fees, and contractor availability can outweigh location.
In areas with frequent rain, wind, or wildfire restrictions, underlayment, fastening, or approved materials may add to the quote. Cedar supply and delivery distance also matter, especially for specialty grades. Compare local bids using the same roof measurements, product specifications, and removal scope.
Cedar shakes versus asphalt shingles and synthetic roofing
Architectural asphalt shingles commonly cost about $5-$10 per square foot installed, while synthetic shake-look roofing often costs $8-$16 per square foot. Cedar’s higher initial price reflects natural material, specialized installation, and maintenance needs. A lower-cost replacement may be practical where budget matters more than the traditional cedar appearance.
Repair can be less expensive when damage is limited to a small, matching area, but widespread brittleness, leaks, or failed underlayment can make full replacement more practical. Get a repair quote alongside replacement pricing when damage affects less than a few isolated roof areas.
Ways to trim a cedar shake replacement estimate
Keep the existing roof shape where possible, avoid unnecessary skylight or dormer changes, and choose a clearly specified standard cedar grade rather than paying for premium shakes without a performance need. Scheduling outside a local contractor rush may improve availability, though weather and material supply still control timing.
Compare at least three licensed, insured roofers and check that each includes the same tear-off layers, underlayment, flashing, disposal, and workmanship warranty. Homeowners can clear driveway access and move patio items, but should leave roof tear-off and cedar installation to trained crews. The most reliable savings come from controlling scope and comparing equivalent written bids, not omitting ventilation or waterproofing details.