Pricing for synthetic cedar shake roofing versus asphalt shingles hinges on material quality, roof size, labor, and regional costs. This article lays out cost ranges, per-unit prices, and practical budgeting tips to compare the two options accurately.
Assumptions: standard residential roof, 1,500-2,500 sq ft, Midwest labor rates, standard underlayment, normal pitch, and access.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Material (synthetic cedar shake) | $2.50/sq ft | $4.50/sq ft | $7.00/sq ft | Per sq ft installed |
| Material (asphalt shingle) | $1.50/sq ft | $3.50/sq ft | $5.50/sq ft | Architectural grade common |
| Roof Installation (synthetic) | $2.00/sq ft | $3.50/sq ft | $5.00/sq ft | Labor and fasteners |
| Roof Installation (asphalt) | $1.50/sq ft | $3.00/sq ft | $4.50/sq ft | Labor and shingle scope |
| Total Installed (synthetic cedar shake) | $4.50/sq ft | $8.00/sq ft | $12.00/sq ft | Mixed material, labor, waste |
| Total Installed (asphalt) | $3.00/sq ft | $6.50/sq ft | $10.00/sq ft | Includes underlayment |
Formula note:
Synthetic Cedar Shake Roofing: Typical Cost Breakdown Versus Asphalt
Expect synthetic cedar shake to run higher than asphalt due to material complexity and appearance targets. The average total installed price for synthetic cedar shake commonly falls in the $6.50-$9.50 per sq ft range, while asphalt averages $3.50-$6.50 per sq ft. The per-square-foot costs include both materials and labor, with synthetic shakes needing more precise installation and closer alignment with product profiles.
| Component | Synthetic Cedar Shake | Asphalt Shingle |
|---|---|---|
| Materials | $2.50-$7.00 / sq ft | $1.50-$5.50 / sq ft |
| Labor | $2.00-$5.00 / sq ft | $1.50-$4.50 / sq ft |
| Underlayment & Flashing | $0.50-$1.50 / sq ft | $0.50-$1.50 / sq ft |
| Waste & Disposal | $0.20-$0.80 / sq ft | $0.15-$0.60 / sq ft |
Assumptions: standard 3-tab header flashing for both options, 30-year synthetic warranty vs 25-year asphalt lifespan.
Material Costs By Type: Simulated Cedar vs Asphalt Shingle Options
Material quality drives a large share of the price gap between synthetic cedar and asphalt. Basic synthetic cedar shakes are typically $2.50-$4.50 per sq ft for the board, with premium textures rising to $5.50-$7.00. By comparison, asphalt shingles range from $1.50-$3.50 per sq ft for the sheet and $0.50-$1.50 more per sq ft for higher-end architectural variants installed.
- Economy cedar-look options: $2.50-$3.50 / sq ft material
- Mid-range synthetic cedar: $3.50-$5.50 / sq ft material
- Architectural asphalt shingles: $3.00-$4.50 / sq ft material
- Premium asphalt (multi-layer, unusually long warranty): $4.50-$5.50 / sq ft material
Labor Hours, Crew Size, And Installation Time Impacting Price
Labor dominates regional price variability for both materials. Synthetic cedar shakes generally require 0.6-0.9 hours per square foot for a two-person crew on standard pitches, while asphalt can be installed in the 0.4-0.7 hours per sq ft range. For a 2,000 sq ft roof, expect synthetic cedar labor to add roughly $1,200-$3,600 more than asphalt, depending on access and complex flashing.
Regional Variations And Roof Size Drivers
Prices shift with region, roof complexity, and access. In the Northeast and West Coast, higher labor rates and permit costs push installed prices up by 10-20% versus the Midwest. A smaller 1,200 sq ft roof may see tighter per-square-foot spreads, while larger 2,500-3,000 sq ft roofs amplify the total difference between synthetic cedar and asphalt.
Unit Pricing And Total Estimates: Per Sq Ft And Per Roof
Use both per-square-foot pricing and total roof cost for budgeting clarity. For synthetic cedar shake, use commonly cited ranges of $4.50-$9.50 per sq ft installed. Asphalt shingles typically range from $3.00-$6.50 per sq ft installed. A 2,000 sq ft roof would thus run roughly $9,000-$19,000 for synthetic cedar and $6,000-$13,000 for asphalt, before any removals or upgrades.
| Roof Size | Synthetic Cedar Shake (Low) | Synthetic Cedar Shake (Average) | Asphalt Shingle (Low) | Asphalt Shingle (Average) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1,200 sq ft | $5,400 | $10,800 | $3,600 | $7,800 |
| 2,000 sq ft | $9,000 | $16,000 | $6,000 | $13,000 |
| 2,500 sq ft | $11,250 | $22,500 | $7,500 | $16,250 |
Cost-Reduction Tactics: Practical Ways To Lower The Roof Price
Control scope and timing to secure better pricing. If feasible, fix the scope to avoid upgrades, choose standard colorways, and schedule in shoulder seasons when crews are available. Bundling replacement of flashing, underlayment, and vents with the roof project often reduces overall labor, while delaying premium underlayment or decorative trims can trim costs. For asphalt, consider replacing only damaged sections if possible to save on labor and disposal.
Add-Ons, Permits, And Disposal: What Often Goes On The Final Bill
Disposal fees and permit costs vary by municipality and roof size. Typical disposal runs $0.20-$0.80 per sq ft for synthetic and $0.15-$0.60 per sq ft for asphalt. Permits can range from $100-$1,000 depending on city and scope. Warranties, ventilation upgrades, and code-required upgrades add further value but raise the price.
Three example quotes show how size, region, and material choice alter totals. Scenario A: 1,600 sq ft roof in a Midwest suburb, basic synthetic cedar shake with standard underlayment — $9,000-$14,000. Scenario B: 2,400 sq ft roof in a coastal city using architectural asphalt — $9,000-$15,500. Scenario C: 3,000 sq ft roof in the Pacific Northwest with premium synthetic shakes and upgraded flashing — $22,000-$32,000.
Climates with higher demand or stricter building codes push costs up. In sunny or rainy coastal regions, expect higher labor and permit rates. Rural markets may offer lower per-square-foot costs but could raise disposal or travel fees. Compare quotes from at least three local contractors to capture regional deltas.