Cedar shake siding cost varies by shake type, thickness, and installation scope. Typical price drivers include material grade, labor time, and local permit requirements. This guide provides cost ranges and clear pricing insights for U.S. buyers.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cedar Shake Siding (materials) | $3.50 | $6.50 | $9.50 | |
| Labor (installation) | $12,000 | $25,000 | $40,000 | |
| Installation Time | 5–7 days | 2–4 weeks | 1–2 months | |
| Total Project (typical) | $15,000 | $40,000 | $70,000 | |
| Per Sq Ft | $8–$12 | $15–$22 | $25–$32 |
Overview Of Costs
Cost ranges reflect different shake styles, species, and installation complexity. Cedar shakes come in various profiles, from much thinner stock to thick, hand-cut options. The main cost determinants are material grade, surface area, underlayment needs, and trim work. Assumptions: region, house size, and bid scope.
Cedar shake costs can be broken into two broad buckets: materials and labor, plus a modest share for accessories and disposal. The total typically includes removal of old siding, priming, and any required flashing upgrades. For each square foot installed, expect a spread that tightens with economy-grade material and expands with premium hand-split shakes.
Cost Breakdown
Material selection drives the big delta. Common options include standard cedar shingles, resawn shakes, and hand-split shakes with different thicknesses. The table shows key categories and typical allocations for a mid-size home (2,000–2,500 sq ft exterior).
| Category | Low | Mid | High | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $3.50/sq ft | $6.50/sq ft | $9.50/sq ft | |
| Labor | $12,000 | $25,000 | $40,000 | |
| Permits & Inspections | $1,000 | $2,500 | $5,000 | |
| Delivery/Disposal | $1,000 | $2,500 | $4,000 | |
| Accessories & Trim | $1,000 | $3,000 | $6,000 | |
| Warranty & Overhead | $1,000 | $3,000 | $5,000 | |
| Contingency | $1,000 | $3,000 | $6,000 |
data-formula=”labor_hours × hourly_rate”> Assuming standard 25–35 labor hours per 1,000 sq ft and regional wage variations, total costs adjust accordingly. A typical project includes removal of old siding, flashing upgrades, and a moisture barrier retrofit as needed.
What Drives Price
Regional labor rates and shake type are major price levers. Labor costs rise in dense urban areas and fall in rural markets. Hand-split shakes command a premium due to craftsmanship and slower install times, while machine-sawn shakes offer faster installation at a lower cost. The pitch and complexity of the house (gables, bays, and multi-story elevations) also influence crew hours.
Factors That Affect Price
Key price drivers include: shake profile (hand-split vs resawn vs plain sawn), thickness, moisture content, underlayment requirements, flashing upgrades, and existing substrate condition. Another driver is the perimeter trim material choice, which can add or subtract several thousand dollars depending on detail work and color coordination.
Ways To Save
Getting multiple quotes and timing projects to off-peak seasons can reduce costs. Saving strategies include opting for factory-finished coats, choosing standard widths, bundling replacement trim, and coordinating with other exterior upgrades to leverage contractor efficiency. Contractors may offer staged installation to spread cash flow and permit fees.
Regional Price Differences
Prices vary across the U.S. by region. In the table below, each region reflects typical +/- deltas from a national baseline. Regional spreads consider material sourcing, labor competition, and climate-related installation needs.
| Region | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northeast | $9.00/sq ft | $15.00/sq ft | $21.00/sq ft | |
| South | $7.50/sq ft | $12.50/sq ft | $18.50/sq ft | |
| West | $8.50/sq ft | $14.00/sq ft | $20.00/sq ft |
Labor, Hours & Rates
Labor is often the largest component of cedar shake siding cost. Crew size, experience, and local wage standards determine hourly rates and total hours. An efficient crew can complete smaller homes in under a week; larger or complex homes may require 2–4 weeks. The table below shows typical ranges by project scope and region.
- Small home (under 1,500 sq ft): 5–10 days, $8,000–$18,000 labor.
- Medium home (1,500–2,500 sq ft): 7–14 days, $15,000–$28,000 labor.
- Large home (over 2,500 sq ft): 12–28 days, $25,000–$40,000 labor.
Real-World Pricing Examples
Three scenario cards illustrate typical bids with varying materials and scope.
Basic — 2,100 sq ft, standard cedar shakes, 5/8″ thickness, basic trim, no specialty flashing. Materials: $3.75/sq ft; Labor: 18 days; Total: ≈ $22,000. Assumptions: region: suburban, standard substrate, no major repairs.
Mid-Range — 2,400 sq ft, resawn shakes, 1″ thick, upgraded trim, moisture barrier retrofit. Materials: $6.50/sq ft; Labor: 24 days; Total: ≈ $42,000. Assumptions: region: midsize city, permits included.
Premium — 3,000 sq ft, hand-split shakes, 1″ thick, custom cedar trim, advanced flashing, warranty add-ons. Materials: $9.00/sq ft; Labor: 32 days; Total: ≈ $70,000. Assumptions: region: coastal; complex elevations.
Seasonality & Price Trends
Prices tend to rise in spring and summer when bids surge. Off-peak windows in fall and winter may offer limited discounts but could face scheduling delays. Weather exposure and moisture concerns can trigger additional prep work, influencing both material orders and labor estimates.
Local Permits, Rebates & Codes
Local rules can add or save costs through permits and incentives. Some jurisdictions require building permits and inspections for exterior siding replacement, while others offer energy-related rebates for moisture barriers or advanced flashing systems. Budget for processing times and potential code upgrades.
What To Ask A Siding Contractor
Get clear quotes with scope, inclusions, and exclusions. Ask about shake profile, mill source, treatment options, warranty length, and maintenance requirements. Request a breakdown that mirrors the cost categories shown in the tables to compare apples-to-apples across bids.
Notes
Prices shown are typical ranges and depend on market conditions, site specifics, and contractor practices. Always obtain written estimates that specify materials grade, shake profile, underlayment, flashing, trim details, and disposal terms.