Cedar shakes carry a distinct look and long lifespan, but the price can vary widely by grade, shake size, and installation specifics. This guide outlines the cost of cedar shakes in the U.S., highlighting typical total prices, per-square-foot ranges, and key drivers that affect the final bill.
Assumptions: Midwest to Northeast labor rates, standard 5/8-inch thickness, hand-split or sawn grades, normal attic access, standard house with compliant framing.
Material Cost Per Square Foot and Per Bundle
Typical material costs range from $2.50 to $6.50 per sq ft installed, depending on grade, profile, and whether shakes are hand-split or sawn. For a 1,000 sq ft roof, expect $2,500–$6,500 for cedar shakes alone before labor. Per bundle pricing usually falls around $60–$120 per bundle, with 20–25 bundles needed per 1,000 sq ft roof depending on exposure and spacing.
Material cost is influenced by shake type (hand-split vs. sawn), thickness, and cedar source. Premium grades and longer exposure patterns push price toward the high end.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cedar shakes per sq ft (material only) | $2.50 | $4.00 | $6.50 | Includes basic grade, standard 5/8″ thickness |
| Bundles per 1,000 sq ft | 28 | 34 | 46 | Depends on exposure, stagger, and gauge |
| Bundles price (per bundle) | $60 | $90 | $120 | Typical range for common grades |
Labor and Installation Rates by Region
Labor costs for cedar shakes typically run $4–$9 per sq ft installed, with regional variation. In the Southeast and Midwest, rates tend to be toward the lower end, while the West Coast and Northeast can be higher due to crew demand and costs of living. A mid-sized 1,500 sq ft roof often totals $6,000–$13,500 for installed cedar shakes, including labor and wastage.
Labor time depends on roof pitch, complexity, and existing roof conditions. Steeper pitches and complex valleys significantly raise labor hours.
| Region | Labor per sq ft | Estimated total (1,000 sq ft) | Typical crew size | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Midwest | $4.50 | $4,500–$9,000 | 3–4 workers | Average installation pace |
| Northeast | $7.00 | $7,000–$14,000 | 3–5 workers | Higher labor costs |
| West | $8.50 | $8,500–$17,000 | 3–5 workers | Site access and permits may add |
| South | $5.00 | $5,000–$10,000 | 3–4 workers | Generally favorable weather window |
System Type and How It Impacts Price
Hand-split cedar shakes cost more than sawn metrics due to material work and appearance, often adding 15–40% to material cost. A hand-split installation can add $0.50–$1.50 per sq ft in labor. For a 1,200 sq ft roof, expect roughly $3,000–$7,000 more if choosing hand-split over sawn, depending on local rates.
Premium profiles, tight exposure, and longer spans also raise price. Safer underlayment and faster install with standard profiles keeps a tighter budget.
| System Type | Material Premium | Labor Premium | Typical Installed Range (1,200 sq ft) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sawn cedar | Base | Base | $5,000–$11,000 |
| Hand-split cedar | +$0.75–$1.25/sq ft | +$0.20–$0.80/sq ft | $8,000–$18,000 |
Additional Costs: Underlayment, Ventilation, and Flashing
Underlayment, moisture barrier, and flashing add several hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on roof size and complexity. For a typical 1,000–1,500 sq ft roof, these ancillary items commonly range from $800 to $2,800.
Ventilation and ridge courses may add 5–15% to the project, particularly on larger or steeper roofs. Ensure proper drip edge and starter strip installation to prevent future leaks.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Underlayment and flashing | $400 | $1,400 | $2,800 | Includes starter strip and drip edge |
| Ventilation adjustments | $0 | $400 | $900 | Based on roof area and existing system |
Removal and Disposal of Old Roofing Material
Removal and disposal can add $1.50–$3.00 per sq ft on average, depending on existing nails, deck condition, and disposal fees in the region. For a 1,200 sq ft roof, plan roughly $1,800–$3,600 for teardown, haul-away, and disposal labor.
Consider whether old shakes can be salvaged or repurposed; recycling may reduce some costs where allowed. Discarding hazardous debris or contaminated materials adds to the total.
| Step | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Removal | $1.50/sq ft | $2.25/sq ft | $3.00/sq ft | Labor-intensive on steep or broken roofs |
| Disposal | $0.50/sq ft | $0.75/sq ft | $1.50/sq ft | Landfill or recycling fees |
Regional Price Variations and Climate Impacts
Prices shift with climate and market demand; coastal regions often show higher installed costs, due to material transport, higher labor rates, and permitting overhead. In sunnier, drier regions, longer installation windows can reduce scheduling costs but not material pricing.
For budgeting, compare neighboring markets within the same climate band. Estimate a ±15% delta when moving from one metro area to another.
| Region Pair | Typical Delta | Notes | Impact on Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coastal vs Inland | +10% to +20% | Transport, labor demand | Higher total on coast |
| Urban vs Rural | +5% to +15% | Overhead and access | Urban often pricier |
Estimate Scenarios: Size, Scope, and Timing
Small job around 800–1,000 sq ft with standard width shakes and straightforward valleys typically lands in the $4,000–$9,500 range for installed cedar shakes. A mid-size 1,500–2,000 sq ft project with hand-split shakes and full detailing commonly runs $9,000–$20,000. For large, complex roofs over 3,000 sq ft, including premium materials and extensive flashing, expect $20,000–$40,000.
Scheduling effects: delayed start due to weather or crew availability can push costs up, while packing multiple small repairs with the same crew can reduce per-job overhead.
| Scenario | Roof Size | System Type | Installed Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small home, standard pitch | 800–1,000 sq ft | Sawn | $4,000–$9,500 | Basic color and profile |
| Mid-size home, hand-split | 1,500–2,000 sq ft | Hand-split | $9,000–$20,000 | Premium appearance |
| Large estate, complex roof | 3,000+ sq ft | Hand-split or mixed | $20,000–$40,000 | High-detail workmanship |
Practical Ways to Reduce Cedar Shake Costs
Sticking with standard exposure and opting for sawn profiles lowers both material and labor costs. Choose mid-grade cedar and plan replacement rather than a mix of repairs. Bundle work such as re-roofing with gutter work to save on mobilization.
Compare quotes from multiple crews and consider timing around shoulder seasons when demand is lower. A DIY-friendly scope that avoids premium shakes can cut costs further, but framing and ventilation should be professional.
| Reduction Strategy | Expected Effect | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard profile, sawn shakes | −15% to −25% | Material and labor savings |
| Limit add-ons (ventilation, premium flashing) | −5% to −12% | Keep essential components only |
| Bundle services (gutter, repairs) | −8% to −15% | Shared mobilization |