Wood shake roof cost typically ranges from $8 to $16 per square foot installed, with many U.S. projects near $12 per square foot. Roof size, cedar grade, tear-off needs, roof pitch, and local labor rates drive the final quote.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Installed roofing | $8 per sq ft | $12 per sq ft | $16 per sq ft | Materials and installation |
| 2,000-sq-ft roof | $16,000 | $24,000 | $32,000 | Before major repairs or upgrades |
| Tear-off and disposal | $1,000 | $2,000 | $4,000 | Varies with layers and access |
Installed cedar shake prices for common roof sizes
For a typical asphalt-free cedar shake installation, expect about $8-$16 per square foot of roof area, or roughly $16,000-$32,000 for 2,000 square feet. A practical midpoint is $24,000. These estimates assume standard-grade cedar, ordinary access, and no extensive deck replacement. Premium hand-split shakes, complex rooflines, and high-cost labor markets can exceed the range.
Roof area is not the same as the home’s floor area. A 2,000-square-foot house may have a roof covering 2,200-2,800 square feet, depending on pitch, overhangs, and layout. Assumptions: U.S. dollars, standard cedar shakes, professional installation, and normal site access. Confirm that each quote uses measured roof area, not the home’s interior square footage.
What cedar, installation labor, and removal add to the quote
Materials and labor usually make up most of a shake-roof estimate. Underlayment, flashing, ridge pieces, disposal, and equipment can add substantial amounts, especially when the old roof must be removed or the decking needs repair.
| Quote component | Low | Average | High | Typical scope |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cedar shakes and accessories | $4 per sq ft | $6 per sq ft | $9 per sq ft | Shakes, underlayment, flashing, and ridge material |
| Installation labor | $3 per sq ft | $5 per sq ft | $7 per sq ft | Layout, fastening, and finishing |
| Tear-off and disposal | $1 per sq ft | $2 per sq ft | $4 per sq ft | Existing roof removal and haul-away |
| Decking repairs | $75 per sheet | $100 per sheet | $150 per sheet | Replacement plywood or roof sheathing |
Component ranges vary and should not be added mechanically; some contractor estimates bundle materials, labor, and basic accessories. Ask whether the estimate includes tear-off, disposal, flashing, and a stated allowance for hidden deck damage.
How roof pitch, shake grade, and area change the price
Roof geometry and material selection can move the quote outside the basic per-square-foot range. A steep pitch, dormers, valleys, skylights, and several roof planes slow installation and increase cutting waste. Roofs steeper than 8:12 may require added safety measures and more labor; contractors may price especially difficult access separately.
Shake thickness and finish also matter. Lower-cost sawn shakes generally cost less than premium hand-split products, while thicker shakes require careful installation and may carry a higher material price. A roof under 1,000 square feet can have a higher unit rate because setup and delivery costs are spread over fewer squares. Get the proposed shake type, thickness, grade, and waste allowance in writing.
Regional cedar roofing rates from coastal cities to rural areas
Labor availability, transportation, permitting, and local demand affect U.S. pricing. Major coastal metro areas can run about 15%-30% above a national midpoint, while some rural markets may be 5%-15% below it. These are planning comparisons, not guaranteed local discounts; remote delivery or limited contractor availability can reverse the difference.
Climate and local rules can affect the choice of wood and installation details. Some jurisdictions restrict wood roofing in wildfire-prone areas or require fire-resistant treatment, which can add $1-$3 per square foot or make the material ineligible. Check local fire codes and insurance requirements before comparing cedar bids.
How long a shake roof takes and what crews charge
A straightforward 2,000-square-foot roof may take a crew of 4-6 roofers about 5-10 working days, including removal and cleanup. Complex layouts, rain delays, steep slopes, and decking repairs can extend the schedule. Labor is commonly represented in the installed rate, but separate hourly charges for repair work may fall around $50-$100 per worker-hour.
Ask how the contractor handles weather protection if work pauses between shifts. A quote should also state whether setup, cleanup, and final disposal are included. Compare the planned crew size and job duration alongside the total price.
When tear-off, flashing, and deck repairs raise the total
Removing one existing layer often adds about $1-$2 per square foot; multiple layers, difficult access, or heavy materials can push removal toward $4 per square foot. New flashing around chimneys and roof intersections may add $300-$1,500, depending on quantity and metal type. Replacing damaged sheathing is commonly charged by sheet, and widespread rot may require a written change order.
Some estimates also include delivery, dumpster rental, and permit fees; others list them separately. Permit charges vary by city and project scope, so a local quote is more reliable than a national allowance. Separate known add-ons from contingency funds so the base bid remains comparable.
Cedar shakes versus shingles and other roofing materials
Cedar shingles are thinner and more uniform than shakes and may cost about $7-$13 per square foot installed. Asphalt shingles often range from $4-$8 per square foot, while metal roofing commonly falls around $8-$16 per square foot. Actual prices depend on product quality, roof shape, and removal work.
Shake roofs require periodic inspection and maintenance, including attention to moss, damaged pieces, and ventilation. Their appearance and material may suit some homes, but a less expensive substitute can reduce the initial investment. Compare installed prices and expected upkeep, not material prices alone.
Ways to lower a wood shake roof estimate without cutting corners
Keep the roof design and project scope clear before requesting bids. Replacing only the existing covering, where code and roof condition allow, may avoid unnecessary structural work; however, covering an old roof is not appropriate when the deck is damaged or local rules require removal. Choose a standard shake grade rather than a premium hand-split product if appearance and specifications permit.
Request at least three itemized estimates using the same roof measurements and materials. Scheduling outside peak demand may help where contractors have more availability, but weather protection and crew experience remain important. Control upgrades, verify allowances, and compare the same scope line by line.