Cedar Shake Roof Cost Calculator
Get an instant free estimate for a cedar shake or shingle roof based on roof size, material grade, and pitch.
How is Cedar Shake Roof Cost Calculated?
Cedar roofing is priced per square foot of roof surface. Installed rates range from $7/sq ft for sawn cedar shingles to $15.50+/sq ft for premium Blue Label hand-split shakes, including materials and labor. Roof pitch and tear-off of the existing roof are the two biggest adjustments. A typical 2,000 sq ft cedar roof at the popular medium-shake grade runs $24,000–$32,000 before tear-off and add-ons.
Estimate Your Project Cost
Project Location
Enter your state and zip code for a localized estimate.
Roof Size
Enter the total roof surface area in square feet. This is larger than your home's footprint — multiply footprint by 1.3–1.5 to account for pitch and overhangs.
Cedar Material:
Roof Pitch:
Tear-Off:
Additional Services:
Key Factors Influencing Cedar Roof Rates
Material Grade
The grade of cedar is the single largest cost driver. Sawn shingles are the most affordable and offer a clean, uniform look. Hand-split shakes cost more and deliver the textured, dimensional appearance cedar is known for, with thicker shakes commanding higher prices for their durability and deep shadow lines. Premium grades like #1 Blue Label use the clearest, most vertical-grain wood for maximum longevity.
Pitch and Tear-Off
- Pitch: Steeper roofs require fall protection and staging and slow the crew down — adding 10% to 45% to the labor portion of the job.
- Tear-Off: Removing an existing roof adds roughly $1.50/sq ft for one layer or $2.75/sq ft for two, covering removal, disposal, and deck inspection.
- Ventilation: Cedar requires a ventilated assembly (spaced sheathing or a ventilation mat) to prevent rot — a critical detail that affects both cost and lifespan.
Average Cedar Roof Cost by Material
| Material | Rate per Sq Ft | 2,000 Sq Ft Roof | Appearance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cedar Shingles | $6 – $8 | $12,000 – $16,000 | Smooth, uniform, tailored |
| Medium Shakes | $8 – $11 | $16,000 – $22,000 | Textured, popular choice |
| Heavy Shakes | $11 – $14 | $22,000 – $28,000 | Thick, rustic, deep shadows |
| Premium Grade | $14 – $18 | $28,000 – $36,000 | #1 Blue Label, longest life |
Common Add-On Costs
| Add-On | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Premium Underlayment | $0.75/sq ft | Synthetic breathable underlayment or ventilation mat for cedar. |
| Fire Treatment | $1.25/sq ft | Class B/C fire-retardant treated cedar; required in many fire zones. |
| Cedar Ridge & Hip Caps | ~$600 | Pre-formed cedar caps for a finished ridge and hip line. |
| New Flashing Package | ~$850 | Step and valley flashing at chimneys, walls, and valleys. |
| New Gutters | ~$1,500 | New gutters and downspouts installed with the roof. |
How to Estimate Cedar Shake Roof Cost Manually
Cedar roofing is priced per square foot of roof surface (or per 100 sq ft "square"). The material grade is the biggest cost driver, with pitch and tear-off as the main adjustments.
Step 1: Measure Roof Surface Area
The roof surface is larger than your home's footprint. Multiply your ground-floor square footage by a pitch factor: 1.2 for a low slope, 1.3 for moderate, 1.4–1.5 for steep. A 1,500 sq ft footprint with a moderate roof is roughly 2,000 sq ft of roof. Roofers count in "squares" — 2,000 sq ft = 20 squares.
Step 2: Select Material Grade
Cedar roofing comes in distinct grades, each with a different installed rate per sq ft:
- Cedar Shingles: $6–$8/sq ft — machine-sawn, thinner, smooth, uniform appearance
- Medium Shakes: $8–$11/sq ft — hand-split on one side, textured, the most popular choice
- Heavy Shakes: $11–$14/sq ft — thick #1 hand-split, deep shadow lines, rustic look
- Premium Grade: $14–$18/sq ft — #1 Blue Label, tapersawn, or specialty profiles
Step 3: Adjust for Pitch and Tear-Off
Multiply your material rate by the pitch factor (low 1.0×, medium 1.1×, steep 1.25×, very steep 1.45×). Then add tear-off costs if replacing an existing roof: about $1.50/sq ft for one layer or $2.75/sq ft for two layers, which covers removal, disposal, and deck inspection.
Step 4: Apply the Formula
Roof Sq Ft × (Material Rate × Pitch) + Tear-Off + Add-ons = Total
Example: 2,000 sq ft medium shakes ($9.50/sq ft), medium pitch (×1.10), one tear-off layer (+$1.50/sq ft): 2,000 × $10.45 + 2,000 × $1.50 = $20,900 + $3,000 = $23,900.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between cedar shingles and cedar shakes?
Cedar shingles are machine-sawn on both sides, producing a thinner, smoother, and more uniform product with a refined, tailored appearance. Cedar shakes are split (traditionally by hand, now often with a hydraulic press) on at least one face, giving them a thicker, rougher, more textured and rustic look with deep shadow lines. Shakes are generally thicker (1/2" to 3/4" at the butt versus 3/8" to 1/2" for shingles), more durable, and more expensive. Shingles lay flatter and are favored for a cleaner, traditional New England look; shakes are favored for a rugged, dimensional appearance.
How much does a cedar shake roof cost in 2026?
A cedar shake roof typically costs $12–$20 per square foot installed in 2026, including materials, labor, underlayment, and standard accessories. For a typical 2,000 sq ft roof, expect $24,000–$40,000 depending on the grade of cedar, roof complexity, and your region. Cedar shingles (the entry-level option) start around $6–$8/sq ft, while premium hand-split shakes and Blue Label grades reach $15–$18/sq ft. Cedar is significantly more expensive than asphalt shingles ($4–$7/sq ft) but offers superior aesthetics, longevity, and insulation value.
How long does a cedar shake roof last?
A properly installed and maintained cedar shake roof lasts 30–40 years, and premium grades in favorable climates can exceed 50 years. Lifespan depends heavily on: the grade of cedar (No. 1 Blue Label is the highest grade and lasts longest); the climate (cedar performs best in dry climates with good airflow; humid or heavily shaded roofs are prone to moss and rot); installation quality (proper spacing and a ventilated underlayment system are critical); and maintenance (periodic cleaning, treatment, and replacement of damaged shakes). Without maintenance, cedar roofs may only last 20–25 years.
What maintenance does a cedar roof require?
Cedar roofs require more maintenance than asphalt or metal. Recommended maintenance includes: annual inspection for cracked, curled, or missing shakes; periodic cleaning to remove moss, algae, leaves, and debris (every 2–4 years, more often in humid or shaded conditions); applying a cedar preservative or fungicide treatment every 4–6 years to prevent rot and UV degradation; keeping gutters clear and trimming overhanging branches to improve airflow and reduce shade; and prompt replacement of damaged individual shakes to prevent leaks. Neglected cedar roofs deteriorate quickly, so factor ongoing maintenance into your decision.
Is a cedar shake roof worth the higher cost?
Cedar shake roofs offer compelling benefits that justify the cost for many homeowners: outstanding natural beauty and curb appeal that increases home value; excellent natural insulation (about twice the R-value of asphalt), reducing energy costs; wind resistance up to 245 mph when properly installed; and a long lifespan with proper care. The trade-offs are the high upfront cost, ongoing maintenance requirements, and fire considerations. Cedar is most worth it for higher-end homes, historic or architectural styles where appearance is paramount, and homeowners in dry climates willing to maintain the roof. In wildfire-prone areas or for budget-conscious projects, alternatives may be more practical.
Are cedar shake roofs a fire risk?
Untreated cedar is combustible, which is a legitimate concern, especially in wildfire-prone regions. However, fire-retardant treated (FRT) cedar shakes are available with Class B or Class C fire ratings (and Class A when installed over a fire-resistant underlayment assembly). Many jurisdictions in high-fire-risk areas require treated cedar or prohibit cedar roofing entirely — always check local building codes before specifying cedar. Pressure-impregnated fire-retardant treatment adds roughly $1.00–$1.50 per sq ft but is essential in many regions and may be required for insurance coverage. Some insurers charge higher premiums or decline coverage for untreated cedar roofs.
Can cedar shakes be installed over an existing roof?
It is strongly discouraged and often prohibited by code. Cedar shakes require a ventilated installation — they need airflow beneath them to dry out after rain and prevent rot. Installing them over an existing roof (especially asphalt) traps moisture, dramatically shortening their lifespan and voiding most manufacturer warranties. Proper cedar installation requires tearing off the old roof down to the deck, inspecting and repairing the decking, installing a breathable underlayment (or a batten/spaced-sheathing system for maximum ventilation), and then installing the shakes. Always budget for a full tear-off when replacing an existing roof with cedar.
What is spaced sheathing and do I need it for cedar?
Spaced sheathing (also called skip sheathing) is an installation method where 1x4 or 1x6 boards are nailed horizontally across the rafters with gaps between them, rather than using solid plywood decking. The gaps allow air to circulate behind the cedar shakes, helping them dry quickly after rain and significantly extending their lifespan. This is the traditional and preferred method for cedar in humid climates. An alternative for solid-deck installations is a ventilated underlayment mat (such as Cedar Breather) that creates an air gap between the solid deck and the shakes. Either ventilation method is highly recommended; installing cedar directly on solid sheathing without a ventilation gap leads to premature rot.
How does cedar roofing compare to synthetic cedar alternatives?
Synthetic cedar shake products (made from polymer, composite, or rubber) mimic the look of real cedar at a lower lifetime cost. Synthetics cost $8–$14/sq ft installed — comparable to or slightly less than real cedar — but require virtually no maintenance, carry Class A fire ratings, resist insects and rot, and often come with 50-year warranties. The trade-off is authenticity: while modern synthetics are convincing, purists and historic-home owners prefer the genuine texture, aging patina, and natural variation of real cedar. For those who want the cedar look without the maintenance and fire concerns, synthetics are an increasingly popular choice worth comparing.
What affects the labor cost of a cedar roof installation?
Cedar roofing is labor-intensive and requires skilled installers, which is reflected in the cost. Key labor factors include: roof pitch (steep roofs require fall protection, staging, and slower work); roof complexity (hips, valleys, dormers, chimneys, and skylights all require careful flashing and custom cutting); the ventilation system (spaced sheathing or a ventilation mat adds labor versus solid decking); tear-off of the existing roof (removal and disposal of old materials); and regional labor rates and the availability of experienced cedar installers, who are increasingly specialized. Because cedar installation quality directly determines lifespan, hiring an experienced cedar roofer — not a general asphalt crew — is critical even if it costs more.