Homeowners typically pay for roofing by the installed cost per square foot plus materials and labor. The main cost drivers are material price, roof complexity, and installation time. This article compares synthetic cedar shake and asphalt roofing costs in dollars, highlighting price ranges, drivers, and savings opportunities. Cost and price considerations matter when choosing between synthetic cedar shake and asphalt roofing.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total project cost (new roof) | 8,000 | 12,500 | 24,000 | Synthetic cedar typically higher than asphalt |
| Per sq ft installed | synthetic 8-12 | synthetic 9-14 | synthetic 12-18 | Asphalt 3.50-5.50;synthetic higher |
| Per sq ft material only | 2.50-4 | 3-5 | 5-6.50 | Includes underlayment and shingles |
| Labor | 2,500 | 4,000 | 8,000 | Complex roofs raise labor |
| Permits | 100 | 400 | 1,200 | Local rules apply |
| Delivery/Disposal | 200 | 500 | 1,000 | Waste from old roof handled |
| Warranty | 300 | 600 | 1,200 | Material and labor coverage |
| Contingency | 400 | 1,000 | 2,000 | Budget cushion for surprises |
Assumptions: region, roof size, pitch, and crew hours
Overview Of Costs
Typical cost ranges split by roofing type reveal a clear contrast between synthetic cedar shake and asphalt shingles. For a standard 2,000 square foot roof, asphalt shingles generally run from 7,000 to 11,000 for basic installation and up to 18,000 for premium jobs. Synthetic cedar shake typically spans from 12,000 to 22,000, with high end projects exceeding 28,000 for complex structures. These ranges reflect material quality, underlayment, and the labor intensity of each option. Prices assume mid western to southern markets and a standard 6/12 roof pitch.
Per-unit pricing helps compare options quickly with asphalt at roughly 3.50–5.50 per square foot installed, while synthetic cedar shake commonly falls in the 8–14 per square foot installed range. For a 2,000 square foot roof, this translates to 7,000–11,000 for asphalt versus 16,000–28,000 for synthetic cedar depending on the product line and installation complexity.
Cost Breakdown
| Category | Synthetic Cedar Shake | Asphalt Shingles | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | 6,000–12,000 | 3,000–6,000 | Includes underlayment and starter strips |
| Labor | 3,000–8,000 | 2,500–5,500 | Labors slower with cedar look-alikes |
| Equipment | 500–1,500 | 400–1,000 | Scaffolding and safety gear |
| Permits | 100–1,000 | 100–800 | Local permit requirements vary |
| Delivery/Disposal | 200–1,000 | 150–600 | Waste disposal cost depends on old roof |
| Warranty | 300–1,000 | 300–900 | Labors may extend warranty needs |
| Overhead & Contingency | 1,000–3,000 | 800–2,000 | Includes project management |
Regional price differences affect both materials and labor, with coastal markets typically higher than inland areas due to shipping and demand fluctuations. See the regional section for more detail.
What Drives Price
Material quality and system design drive most of the delta between synthetic cedar shake and asphalt. Cedar look-alike synthetics must simulate real cedar grain, offer color stability, and resist wind uplift, which adds to material cost. Asphalt shingles depend on granule quality, fiberglass or organic mats, and dimensional accuracy. Roofing complexity, including roof pitch, number of penetrations, and skylights, adds labor time and equipment needs. Pitch, roof size, and product line are major price levers.
Ways To Save
One cost saver is selecting architectural asphalt shingles instead of basic strips, which improves durability and aesthetics at a modest premium. For synthetic cedar, evaluating lower maintenance options such as no maintenance coatings or limited lifetime warranties can reduce long term costs. Consider combining drip edge, ridge vent, and proper underlayment to minimize future repairs. Planning replacing underlayment and ventilation together lowers total project risk.
Regional Price Differences
Prices vary by location and market size. In the Northeast urban markets, installed costs tend to be higher due to labor scarcity and material availability. The Midwest often shows moderate pricing, while the South and Southwest may feature lower overall costs but higher heat-related considerations. For the same roof, synthetic cedar can be 10–25 higher per sq ft in dense metro areas versus rural markets. Local market conditions significantly impact final price.
Labor & Installation Time
Labor costs reflect crew size, experience, and time to complete the job. Asphalt shingles typically require fewer hours than synthetic cedar shake when installing straight runs on simple roofs. For complex shapes, multiple layers, or detailed edging, synthetic cedar projects can add 20–40 percent more labor hours. A reasonable estimate is 1.0–1.5 days for asphalt on a moderate roof versus 2.0–3.0 days for synthetic cedar on a similar roof. Installation time translates directly to labor cost.
Cost Compared To Alternatives
Compared to basic asphalt, synthetic cedar shake offers a wood-like appearance and longer color stability in some lines, but with higher upfront costs. If curb appeal and a long service life are priorities, synthetic options may justify the premium. Conversely, asphalt remains the most economical option with solid durability and a wide range of price tiers. Consider climate, HOA rules, and resale value when weighing the choice. Cost and value considerations vary by project goals.
Real World Pricing Examples
Scenario cards provide three common project profiles with variable specs and totals.
Basic — 1,800 sq ft roof, simple rectangle, asphalt, standard 3-tab shingles, standard underlayment, basic disposal. Labor hours: 2.8 days. Total: 7,000–9,000; asphalt 3.50–5.00 per sq ft installed.
Mid-Range — 2,000 sq ft roof, asphalt architectural shingles, upgraded underlayment, venting, and improved fasteners. Labor hours: 3.0–3.5 days. Total: 9,000–13,000; asphalt 4.50–5.75 per sq ft installed.
Premium — 2,200 sq ft roof, synthetic cedar shake, high-end color, premium underlayment, integrated ventilation, and edge detailing. Labor hours: 4.0–5.0 days. Total: 16,000–28,000; synthetic cedar 8.00–14.00 per sq ft installed.
Assumptions: region, roof size, pitch, and crew hours