Homeowners often see cedar shake siding costs vary by size, grade, and installation method. This article breaks down the price, including per-square-foot ranges and regional differences, so buyers can budget accurately for cedar siding projects.
Assumptions: Midwest to coastal labor markets, standard 5-inch exposure shakes, inset windows, and standard gate access.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Material (cedar shakes, 5″ exposure) | $2.50/sq ft | $4.50/sq ft | $7.50+/sq ft | Grade varies by recovery and species |
| Labor (installation, not scaffold) | $3.50/sq ft | $6.00/sq ft | $9.50+/sq ft | Includes nailing, lining, sealing |
| Roof edge & Furring (if needed) | $0.50/sq ft | $1.50/sq ft | $3.00/sq ft | Dependent on framing condition |
| Prep & Paint/Stain (optional) | $1.00/sq ft | $2.00/sq ft | $4.00/sq ft | primer, topcoat, maintenance |
| Disposal & Cleanup | $0.20/sq ft | $0.50/sq ft | $1.00+/sq ft | Depends on waste volume |
Assumptions: 1,500 sq ft siding area, standard elevation, good access.
Actual Cedar Shake Siding Price Ranges by Size and Grade
Typical totals for a 1,500 square-foot installation span from $7,500 to $15,000. Per-square-foot ranges are commonly $4.50 to $9.50, with higher end reflecting premium clear grades and longer lead times. A mid-grade project usually lands around $6,000 to $10,000 before trim, staining, and warranties.
Regional factors and the age of the existing structure can shift totals by as much as 20% above or below the average.
Major Cost Components in a Cedar Shake Siding Project
Understanding the parts of the quote helps compare bids accurately. A typical breakdown includes materials, labor, preparation, and disposal, with smaller categories for permits or warranty depending on local rules.
| Category | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $2.50-$4.50/sq ft | $4.00-$6.50/sq ft | $7.50+/sq ft | Shakes, match grade, sealant |
| Labor | $3.50-$5.50/sq ft | $5.50-$7.50/sq ft | $9.00+/sq ft | Roof edge, flashing, nailing |
| Prep Work | $0.50-$1.50/sq ft | $1.00-$2.50/sq ft | $3.50/sq ft | Removal of old siding may add cost |
| Disposal | $0.20-$0.50/sq ft | $0.50-$1.00/sq ft | $1.50/sq ft | Dump fees, hauling |
| Warranty & Extras | $0.10-$0.60/sq ft | $0.25-$0.60/sq ft | $1.00+/sq ft | Labor warranty, finish |
How Labor Rates Shape Cedar Shake Siding Quotes
Labor is often the largest variable in cedar siding pricing. Regional wage differences, crew size, and job duration drive the total. Typical crews range from two to four workers, with hourly rates from $60 to $125 depending on experience and region.
For a 1,500 sq ft job, expect 6–10 days of labor with a smaller crew in mild climates, or longer in rough terrain or tall elevations. The helps illustrate a mid-$9,000 range when rates are at $6.00 per sq ft for labor combined with average material costs.
Regional Variations That Affect Cedar Shake Pricing
Coastal markets often have higher material costs and lead times. The Northeast and West Coast typically push totals higher than the Midwest or South due to crane/scaffold needs and higher labor demand. Expect a 10–25% spread between regions for similar homes and exposure.
In rural markets, savings can occur through reduced permitting, while urban projects may incur higher disposal or scaffold fees. A mid-range project in a coastal city might run $9.00–$13.50 per sq ft, whereas inland markets could see $5.50–$9.50 per sq ft.
Material Choices: Cedar Grades and Alternatives
Clear and knot-free cedar commands a premium. Common options include standard #1 grade, clear, and heartwood-grade shakes. Per-square-foot material costs typically range from $2.50 to $6.50 for most grades, with premium clear or long-lasting stock exceeding $6.50/sq ft.
Alternatives like engineered cedar-look siding can be cheaper upfront but may affect resale value and maintenance needs. For a 1,500 sq ft job, the material delta between mid-grade cedar and clear stock could be $2,000–$4,000.
Installation Scope: Full Siding Replacement vs Patch Repairs
Full-wall replacement has a higher upfront cost but better long-term performance. Patching damaged sections is cheaper but can lead to inconsistent aesthetics and recurring maintenance. A full installation often includes new trim, flashing, and a refreshed sealant system, driving up cost but improving longevity.
Patch repairs might run $2.50–$5.50 per sq ft, while full replacement can reach $7.00–$9.50 per sq ft for complete wrap with minimal waste.
Seasonal Timing and Scheduling Impacts on Cedar Shake Costs
Prices shift with demand and weather windows. Spring and fall are typically busy, potentially raising bids by 5–15% due to contractor availability. Winter work can see lower demand but higher weather-related risk, sometimes increasing costs for protective measures and scheduling flexibility.
Delays due to rain or humidity add days to the project, indirectly inflating total labor costs. If a project can be scheduled in shoulder seasons, the overall price may trend toward the lower end of the range.
Practical Ways to Reduce Cedar Shake Costs Without Sacrificing Quality
Scope control and material choices are the strongest levers for price. Consider installing a mid-grade cedar, blend stain instead of top-tier finishes, or limit extras like premium trim and multiple color coats. Bundling tasks such as gutter work or minor repairs in the same crew can lower per-task overhead, and scheduling in a non-peak window often yields discounts.
Request quotes that separate materials and labor, compare equivalent warranty terms, and avoid unnecessary upgrades like ornate trim where a simpler profile suffices.
How to Read a Cedar Shake Siding Quote Precisely
Look for a consistent per-square-foot rate across all line items. Ensure material specifications (grade, species, exposure), fastener type, underlayment, flashing, and finish are included. A clear quote will show a total for siding, along with separate lines for prep, disposal, and coatings.
Ask for a 1,500 sq ft example with three scenarios: economy, mid-range, and premium, detailing the same scope so you can compare apples-to-apples. A carefully constructed quote helps avoid surprise charges after work begins.
Cost ranges and figures are estimates based on common market conditions in the United States. Actual pricing varies by region, home size, existing structure conditions, and chosen materials.