The cost to replace cedar shake siding varies by material quality, home size, and installation specifics. Typical total prices reflect the cedar shake type, removal of old siding, disposal, ancillary work, and labor. Buyers should expect material costs to range alongside labor, with regional wage differences driving the final quote. This article presents practical price ranges and clear drivers behind cedar shake replacement costs.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total project price | $9,600 | $16,000 | $34,000 | Assumes single-story 1,500 sq ft home, standard cedar shakes, basic prep |
| Material cost (cedar shakes) | $2.50/sq ft | $5.50/sq ft | $9.50/sq ft | Includes primed or unfinished shakes |
| Labor and installation | $4.00/sq ft | $7.00/sq ft | $12.50/sq ft | Finishing, caulking, painting not included |
| Removal & disposal | $1,000 | $2,200 | $4,000 | Depends on debris volume and disposal fees |
| Primer/paint (optional) | $1,000 | $2,200 | $4,000 | Per coating scheme and color choices |
Average Price Range for Cedar Shake Siding Replacement
Typical total costs for replacing cedar shake siding on a standard 1,500 sq ft house fall in the range of $12,000 to $26,000, with higher-end projects reaching $32,000 to $40,000. These figures assume full removal of existing siding, proper moisture barrier work, and a complete install of premium cedar shakes. The per-square-foot range commonly cited is $8 to $18 for installed cedar shakes, depending on shake thickness and profile. Assumptions: Midwest or suburban labor rates, standard moisture barrier, 1,500 sq ft façade, and standard color finish.
Cost Components in a Cedar Shake Replacement Quote
The price is driven by four to six key parts in a typical quote. Material cost covers cedar shakes and any backing or moisture barrier. Labor accounts for removal, surface prep, installation, and finishing. Removal and disposal handles debris and old siding. Permits and inspections may apply in some jurisdictions. A compact view follows:
| Component | Typical Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Materials (cedar shakes) | $2.50-$9.50 per sq ft | Quality and profile vary |
| Labor and installation | $4.00-$12.50 per sq ft | Includes basic finishing |
| Removal & disposal | $1,000-$4,000 | Depends on debris volume |
| Primer/paint if needed | $1,000-$4,000 | Color and number of coats |
| Permits | $100-$1,200 | Varies by city and scope |
| Warranty | $0-$2,000 | Often included in higher bids |
Strong Drivers That Change the Final Quote
The strongest variables are the overall siding area in square feet and the shake thickness and profile. A 2,000 sq ft house can raise costs by roughly 25% to 40% vs. 1,200 sq ft. Cedar shakes with a heavy-duty nominal thickness or rustic/split profiles add material and labor time, pushing per-sq-ft prices higher. Regional climate considerations also influence moisture barrier needs and staining requirements, shifting the price by 5% to 15% in some markets.
Regional Price Variations Across the United States
Prices commonly diverge by region due to labor markets and material sourcing. West Coast projects often run higher due to labor costs and disposal fees, while the Midwest may sit toward the lower end. On the East Coast, city-center projects can push costs upward, particularly if scaffolding and access are limited. A practical delta is roughly ±15% between high-cost metro areas and regional averages. Assumptions: Typical urban-rural mix, standard access, and normal lead times.
Labor and Crew Size Factors for Siding Replacement
Labor costs scale with crew size and time. A typical 3-person crew may complete 1,200–1,600 sq ft per week, depending on weather and complexity. Per-hour rates commonly range from $60 to $90, with scheduled work or overtime adding 10%–25% premiums. Expect longer timelines and higher costs in areas with steep roofs, tall facades, or difficult access.
Size of Home and Siding Area Driving Total Costs
Home size is a primary price driver. A single-story ranch under 1,500 sq ft tends toward the lower end, while two-story or multi-section homes over 3,000 sq ft move toward the high end. Siding areas differ when wings, porches, or complex gables are present, increasing trim, cut, and waste. For planning, use a per-sq-ft approach but validate with a formal quote that accounts for all surfaces, including windows, doors, and trim joints.
Ways to Lower Cedar Shake Replacement Costs
Cost-conscious options focus on scope control and material choices. Consider reducing scope by limiting to essential replacement, scheduling in off-peak seasons, choosing standard cedar shakes instead of premium grades, and combining the project with related exterior work to achieve bundling discounts. Prepping properly—clearing vegetation, repairing sheathing, and ensuring moisture barriers—can prevent rework later, saving money over time. When possible, request quotes that itemize labor hours and material types to compare fairly.
Add-Ons and Their Impact on Price
Some projects include optional add-ons that affect total costs. These can include replacement of underlying sheathing, flashing upgrades for water intrusion prevention, and updated trim around doors and windows. If a contractor recommends air-sealing or insulation improvements, costs can rise by 5% to 15% but may improve long-term energy savings. A careful assessment of local climate and home envelope performance helps decide which add-ons are necessary.
Estimate Validation: Quick Quote Scenarios
Four example scenarios help frame expectations. Scenario A assumes 1,400 sq ft of standard cedar shakes with basic finish; Scenario B adds a full moisture barrier and priming; Scenario C handles a two-story 2,300 sq ft home with premium shakes; Scenario D covers a rural home with straightforward access and DIY-ready prep. Each includes materials, labor, and disposal with realistic ranges to compare against bids.
Scenario A: 1,400 sq ft Single-Story Home
Material: $2.75-$7.00 per sq ft; Labor: $4.50-$9.50 per sq ft; Disposal: $1,000-$2,000; Paint: not included. Total typically $14,000-$26,000.
Scenario B: Full System Upgrade with Barrier
Material: $4.00-$9.50 per sq ft; Labor: $6.00-$11.50 per sq ft; Barrier: $1,000-$3,000; Disposal: $1,000-$2,500. Total typically $18,000-$34,000.
Scenario C: Two-Story, 2,300 sq ft, Premium Shakes
Material: $6.00-$12.00 per sq ft; Labor: $8.50-$13.50 per sq ft; Finishing: $1,000-$3,500. Total typically $40,000-$70,000.
Scenario D: Rural Home with Easy Access
Material: $2.50-$6.50 per sq ft; Labor: $4.00-$8.00 per sq ft; Disposal: $800-$1,800. Total typically $12,000-$22,000.
The figures above reflect typical U.S. pricing patterns for cedar shake siding replacement and are not quotes. For an actionable estimate, contact local contractors who will inspect the home and provide a written, itemized quote that reflects the specifics of the project.