This article explains cedar shingle siding cost, including typical price ranges, and the main drivers that affect the total. Buyers will see per-square-foot and per-unit figures to help budget accurately.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Installed price per sq ft | $4.00 | $6.50 | $9.00 | Includes materials and labor |
| Material cost per sq ft (shingles only) | $2.50 | $4.00 | $6.50 | Clear or select grades vary |
| Labor cost per sq ft | $1.50 | $2.75 | $3.50 | Roofer or siding crew rates |
| Delivery/Handling per bundle | $5 | $12 | $25 | Depends on location |
| Prep work (sheathing, moisture barrier) | $1,000 | $3,000 | $5,000 | Per project scope |
| Region adjustment factor | 0.90 | 1.00 | 1.15 | Regional labor and material variation |
Assumptions: Midwest or general suburban markets, standard 6-inch exposure shingles, full-sided exterior, typical two-story home, standard weather barrier, no major repairs.
Cedar Shingle Siding Price by Size and Exposure
Expect price mainly driven by total wall area and the shingles’ exposure pattern. Installed cost typically ranges $4.00-$9.00 per sq ft, depending on grade, profile, and complexity. For a 1,500 sq ft facade, the installed range is commonly $6,000-$13,500, with higher-end premium shingles and intricate detailing pushing above $15,000.
Different exposure styles change coverage:
- Standard 5-inch exposure: average cost around $5.50-$7.50 per sq ft installed.
- 6-inch exposure: about $6.50-$9.00 per sq ft installed.
- Shingle panel or fan pattern accents add $1,000-$3,000 for labor and materials.
| Scenario | Wall Area | Shingle Type | Installed Price Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1,200 sq ft, 5″ exposure | 1,200 | Standard cedar | $6,600-$9,000 | Includes install and flashing |
| 1,800 sq ft, 6″ exposure | 1,800 | Premium clear cedar | $12,000-$16,500 | Higher labor due to detailing |
| As-built, uneven surfaces | variable | Any | $2,000-$6,000 extra | Prep and repair work included |
Major Cost Components in Cedar Siding Quotes
Breakdown helps compare bids on a like-for-like basis. The quote typically splits into materials, labor, and prep/finish. In many markets, permits and disposal are separate line items that can shift totals by 5-15%.
| Component | Typical Range | What influences it | Per-unit example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Materials (shingles) | $2.50-$6.50 per sq ft | Grade, width, exposure | $2,500-$6,500 for 1,000 sq ft |
| Labor | $1.50-$3.50 per sq ft | Crew size, access, weather | $1,500-$3,500 per 1,000 sq ft |
| Preparation | $5,000-$10,000 | Moisture barrier, sheathing repair | Fixed project cost |
| Delivery/Disposal | $5-$25 per bundle | Location; debris management | $300-$1,500 total |
| Permits | $100-$1,500 | Local rules, inspections | Variable |
Assumptions: standard single-story with straightforward access; no lead abatement or special weatherproofing beyond typical code.
Variables That Most Influence Cedar Siding Quotes
Size and system type are the top price levers. A few key thresholds shift bids: wall area above 2,000 sq ft tends to require larger crews and longer timelines; selecting high-grade cedar or custom profiles adds 20-40% to material costs. Climate zone affects sealants, coatings, and warranty terms.
- House size and wall area in square feet
- Exposure pattern and shingle width
- Grade and species of cedar used
- Existing sheathing condition and moisture barrier
- Local labor rates and permit requirements
What Drives Labor Time for Cedar Siding Install
Labor hours scale with wall height, complexity, and weather windows. Typical installation runs 10-12 hours per 1,000 sq ft on flat surfaces, while multi-story adds 20-40% more time. Scheduling during dry seasons reduces delays and keeps bids closer to initial estimates.
Labor example: a 1,500 sq ft job often falls in the $2,250-$5,250 range for labor alone, depending on crew size and access. Per-hour rates commonly range $75-$125.
Regional Price Variation Across the United States
Prices differ by state and metro area due to labor and material costs. In the Northeast, installed cedar siding can run higher; the Southeast may be closer to the lower end, while the Pacific Northwest sometimes skews higher due to demand for high-grade cedar. A midwest suburban project often sits near the national average.
Material Options: Cedar Grades And Finishes
Material choice strongly influences both initial cost and long-term upkeep. Clear cedar is the most expensive, offering minimal knots and higher durability; knotty or rustic grades are cheaper but may require more maintenance sealing. Expect per-square-foot material premiums of roughly $1.50-$3.50 for premium grades over economy grades.
Maintenance Costs And Life-Cycle Outlook
Factor in coating, sealing, and eventual repainting when budgeting long term. Cedar siding typically requires re-sealing every 3-7 years, depending on climate and finish quality. A mid-range maintenance cycle might add $0.50-$1.50 per sq ft every year averaged over a 20-year horizon.
Strategies To Cut Cedar Siding Costs Without Compromising Quality
Controlled scope and smart material choices save money. Consider options like reducing total wall area, choosing standard exposure, selecting ready-to-install panels, batching orders to minimize waste, and scheduling during off-peak contractor times. Bundling projects like gutters or trim replacement can unlock labor efficiencies.
Three Real-World Quote Scenarios
Concrete examples help set expectations for price ranges.
| Scenario | Area | Material | Labor | Other Costs | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small home, 1,000 sq ft, 5″ exposure | 1,000 | Standard cedar | $2,000 | $1,000 permits & disposal | $5,500-$7,500 |
| Mid-size home, 1,500 sq ft, 6″ exposure | 1,500 | Premium cedar | $3,000 | $1,200 packaging & delivery | $9,000-$12,000 |
| Large remodel, 2,200 sq ft, mixed profiles | 2,200 | Clear cedar | $4,000 | $1,800 permits & disposal | $14,000-$18,000 |
Assumptions And Terms For Cedar Siding Pricing
Assumptions: standard two-story home, good access, no severe rot or structural repairs, local code-compliant moisture barrier, and typical contractor margins.