Cedar shakes typically cost $12,000-$30,000 to install on a 2,000-square-foot roof, with an average near $20,000. Roof size and pitch, shake grade, tear-off needs, regional labor rates, and underlayment or ventilation upgrades have the largest effect on the final quote.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Installed cedar shakes | $6 per sq. ft. | $10 per sq. ft. | $15 per sq. ft. | Installed area; labor and materials vary by scope |
| 2,000-sq.-ft. roof | $12,000 | $20,000 | $30,000 | Standard access and typical shake installation |
| Cedar shake materials | $3 per sq. ft. | $5 per sq. ft. | $8 per sq. ft. | Grade, thickness, and product type affect price |
| Removal and disposal | $1 per sq. ft. | $2 per sq. ft. | $4 per sq. ft. | May cost more with multiple layers or difficult access |
Installed cedar shake prices for common roof sizes
Most homeowners pay about $6-$15 per square foot for a cedar shake roof, including shakes and installation. On a 1,500-square-foot roof, that works out to roughly $9,000-$22,500; on a 2,500-square-foot roof, the range is about $15,000-$37,500. These are roof-surface areas, not necessarily the home’s floor area.
A practical planning average is $10 per square foot, or about $20,000 for 2,000 square feet. The estimate assumes standard-grade cedar, a straightforward roof shape, typical U.S. labor rates, and no major structural repairs. Premium materials, steep pitches, complex valleys, and higher-cost metro areas can push totals above the typical high range.
Installed pricing usually includes the shakes, underlayment, fasteners, and roofing labor. It may not include old-roof removal, replacement of damaged sheathing, new flashing, gutters, permits, or upgraded ventilation. A quote should specify whether its square-foot rate applies to the actual sloped roof area and list exclusions separately.
Assumptions: Standard cedar shakes, ordinary access, sound roof decking, and no unusual code upgrades.
What shake materials, tear-off, and flashing add to the quote
Materials commonly account for a substantial share of the estimate, but labor and preparation can rival their cost. The ranges below are approximate per square foot of roof area. Contractors may bundle tasks into a single installed rate, so line items are most useful for comparing scope rather than adding every maximum together.
| Quote component | Low | Average | High | What changes the charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cedar shakes | $3 per sq. ft. | $5 per sq. ft. | $8 per sq. ft. | Grade, thickness, exposure, and supply |
| Installation labor | $3 per sq. ft. | $5 per sq. ft. | $8 per sq. ft. | Pitch, layout complexity, and local wages |
| Underlayment and fasteners | $0.50 per sq. ft. | $1 per sq. ft. | $2 per sq. ft. | Product specification and ventilation details |
| Tear-off and disposal | $1 per sq. ft. | $2 per sq. ft. | $4 per sq. ft. | Layer count, landfill fees, and roof access |
| Flashing and trim | $500 total | $1,200 total | $3,000 total | Chimneys, valleys, dormers, and material choice |
Ask whether the quote includes disposal, flashing, ridge caps, and underlayment before comparing totals. A low bid that excludes these items can end up costing more than a fully specified bid. Replacing damaged decking is often priced separately, commonly around $75-$150 per sheet installed, depending on wood prices and access.
How roof pitch, shake grade, and roof shape change cost
Roof geometry can change both material quantities and installation time. A simple gable roof generally costs less per square foot than one with many hips, valleys, dormers, or small sections. A steep roof also requires extra safety measures and slower handling. Some contractors add 10%-25% for steep or complex roofs, depending on the work involved.
Shake grade and thickness matter as well. Standard shakes may cost around $3-$5 per square foot for materials, while thicker or higher-grade products can reach $6-$8 or more. A premium product may have more consistent thickness or appearance, but installation instructions and local availability can affect the total just as much as the product label.
Roof area above 2,500 square feet, pitches steeper than 8:12, and numerous valleys can move a job toward the upper price range. A 2,000-square-foot roof with several dormers is not necessarily priced like a plain 2,000-square-foot roof. Measurements should account for slope and waste; a contractor may order roughly 10%-15% extra material, with higher waste on intricate layouts.
Existing roof conditions can create additional charges. One layer of asphalt shingles may be relatively straightforward to remove, while multiple layers, brittle materials, or difficult dumpster placement can increase labor and disposal. If the decking has soft or water-damaged areas, the contractor may need to replace sheathing before installing shakes, adding both material and crew time.
Regional labor rates and climate affect cedar shake bids
Roofing prices vary across the United States because wages, travel, disposal fees, and product availability differ. Compared with a national middle-market estimate, bids in expensive coastal metros may run 10%-25% higher. Rural areas with limited cedar supply or long contractor travel may also cost more, while markets with several competing roofers can sometimes come in 5%-15% below the middle range.
Climate can influence the specified assembly. In wet or humid locations, a contractor may recommend more attention to ventilation, underlayment, and moisture management. In areas with strict wind, fire, or building-code rules, approved products and installation details can raise the materials or labor line. A shake’s suitability and permitted use depend on local rules, so the quote should identify the product and applicable requirements.
Use local estimates rather than treating a national per-square-foot figure as a guaranteed bid. Get at least three written quotes from contractors who install cedar shakes in the area. Each should price the same roof area, material grade, tear-off scope, flashing work, and warranty terms; otherwise, the apparent regional price difference may simply reflect different job specifications.
How long cedar shake installation takes and what labor covers
A typical 2,000-square-foot roof may take a crew of three to five roofers about 4-8 working days, assuming ordinary weather and no extensive decking repairs. A complex roof or complete tear-off can extend the schedule. Labor commonly runs about $3-$8 per square foot, or approximately $75-$125 per worker-hour when estimated by time.
That labor charge covers more than nailing shakes in place. The crew may remove old roofing, inspect the deck, install underlayment and flashing, lay out courses, cut shakes around roof features, and clean the site. Detailed spacing and exposure requirements can make shake installation slower than installing large-format roofing materials.
Ask for the crew size, expected workdays, and repair authorization limits in writing. One way to evaluate a labor estimate is . For example, 120 crew-hours at an effective $90 per worker-hour equals $10,800 in labor. This calculation is a comparison tool, not a universal contractor billing method; many firms price the whole project.
Three cedar shake roof estimates for different homes
These examples show how size and scope can change a quote. They assume ordinary regional conditions and standard-to-midgrade materials; actual estimates depend on inspection and local rates. The per-square-foot figures include the listed work and should not be confused with the price of shakes alone.
| Example | Scope | Installed rate | Estimated total | Labor and schedule |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small, simple roof | 1,200 sq. ft.; new installation; standard shakes | $8-$10 per sq. ft. | $9,600-$12,000 | About 70-95 crew-hours; 3-5 days |
| Typical replacement | 2,000 sq. ft.; one-layer tear-off; moderate roof shape | $9-$12 per sq. ft. | $18,000-$24,000 | About 120-160 crew-hours; 4-8 days |
| Complex premium roof | 2,800 sq. ft.; steep pitch, dormers, premium shakes | $12-$16 per sq. ft. | $33,600-$44,800 | About 190-260 crew-hours; 7-12 days |
The middle example is a useful benchmark, not a standard price for every 2,000-square-foot home. The complex estimate reflects extra roof area, slower installation, and higher-grade material. If sheathing repairs are needed, they may add roughly $500-$2,500 or more, depending on the number of sheets and the extent of water damage.
When cedar shakes cost more than shingles or alternatives
Cedar shakes generally cost more than basic asphalt shingles. Asphalt shingle installation often falls around $4-$8 per square foot, while cedar shakes commonly run $6-$15 per square foot. That difference can add several thousand dollars to a full roof project, although the exact gap depends on both products’ grades and the same removal and flashing scope.
Cedar shingles are a related but different product. They are thinner and more uniform than shakes, and may cost about $6-$12 per square foot installed. Synthetic shake-look roofing can range roughly $7-$14 per square foot installed, depending on product and labor. These alternatives may reduce maintenance or meet certain local requirements more easily, but product warranties and appearance vary.
Compare complete installed systems rather than material prices alone. Include tear-off, underlayment, ventilation, trim, and expected upkeep in each bid. Cedar is a natural material that can weather and require periodic inspection; any projected lifespan depends on climate, installation quality, ventilation, and maintenance, so a long-term cost comparison should use product-specific warranty information rather than a blanket service-life promise.
How to lower a cedar shake quote without cutting corners
Start by controlling the scope. Ask whether the existing roof can remain under the new system only if local code and manufacturer requirements allow it; in many cases, removal is needed to inspect the deck and install the roof correctly. Do not omit necessary flashing, ventilation, or damaged-deck repairs simply to reach a lower bid, since water intrusion can create much larger expenses.
Choose a suitable standard grade instead of paying for premium thickness or appearance where it does not meet a specific need. Keep the roof design unchanged during a replacement, and coordinate roof work with other exterior projects so flashing or trim is not installed twice. Scheduling during a contractor’s less-busy period may improve availability, though weather and regional roofing seasons limit timing.
Compare at least three itemized bids with matching materials and work descriptions. Confirm licensing and insurance where required, cleanup and disposal terms, payment milestones, and warranty coverage. Ask how extra sheathing repairs will be approved and priced before work begins. A written change-order rate can prevent surprise charges if the crew uncovers hidden damage.
Before signing, verify the measured roof area, shake grade, exposure, underlayment, fastener type, flashing replacement, ridge details, permits, disposal, and ventilation. Request separate pricing for optional upgrades. This makes it easier to defer nonessential features while preserving the parts of the installation needed for weather protection and code compliance.