Cedar roof shingles have a distinct look and longevity that can influence pricing. Typical costs hinge on shingle grade, thickness, roof pitch, and installation complexity. This article provides practical price ranges in USD to help buyers form a budget and compare estimates.
Assumptions: region, roof size, and shingles grade affect the numbers.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shingles (materials) per square | $300 | $425 | $550 | 100 sq ft (1 square) |
| Labor & installation per square | $450 | $675 | $900 | Includes removal of old roofing if needed |
| Underlayment, fasteners, flashing | $50 | $100 | $150 | Per square |
| Total installed per square (100 sq ft) | $800 | $1,200 | $1,600 | Assumes average roof size and complexity |
| Per-square cost variance drivers | $ | Grade, thickness, pitch, attic access, and debris disposal | ||
Overview Of Costs
Cost at a glance for cedar shingles is commonly reported per square (100 sq ft). Nationally, the total installed price ranges roughly from $800 to $1,600 per square, with material costs of $300–$550 per square and labor adding $450–$900 per square. Higher grades, thicker shingles, steeper pitches, or complex roof geometries push the price toward the upper end.
Per-unit outlook often aligns with $3–$5 per installed linear foot for starter courses and $2–$4 per square foot for underlayment and flashing when counted separately. A typical 2,000 sq ft roof might run in the $16,000–$28,000 installed band, depending on factors described below.
Cost Breakdown
| Component | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $300 per square | $425 per square | $550 per square | Includes cedar shingles by grade |
| Labor | $450 per square | $675 per square | $900 per square | Crew wages, duration depends on roof complexity |
| Underlayment & fasteners | $50 per square | $100 per square | $150 per square | Includes starter strip and nails |
| Permits | $0 | $50 | $300 | Local code, permit fees where required |
| Disposal | $50 per square | $100 per square | $150 per square | Old shingles and debris disposal |
| Warranty & incidental | $20 per square | $40 per square | $80 per square | Material and workmanship coverage |
| Taxes & Overhead | $20 per square | $40 per square | $60 per square | Regional variations apply |
What Drives Price
Grade and thickness are primary drivers. Clear, tight-grained cedar costs more than traditional stock. Thicker shingles deliver longer life but cost more upfront. Cedar shingles also vary by species (e.g., Western Red Cedar vs. Mercury cedar) and by finish, which influences price and installation difficulty.
Assumptions: average slope under 8/12 and standard attic access; steeper slopes increase access challenges and labor time.
Roof pitch and layout affect installation time. Gable and simple rectangular roofs cost less than complex geometries with dormers, valleys, or multiple ridges. Pitch above 8/12 commonly requires extra gear and safety measures, pushing costs higher.
Roof size and removal needs influence material waste and disposal costs. If a previous roof needs removal, expect higher labor and disposal fees. Local disposal rates vary by region and landfill access.
Climate and warranty impact pricing. Areas with high sun exposure or heavy rainfall may emphasize better underlayment and more durable finishes, adding to the total. Longer warranties are priced into the materials and labor.
Ways To Save
Get multiple bids from licensed roofers to confirm expectations and negotiate bundled services, such as gutters or flashing upgrades, within the same contract.
Choose a mid-range cedar grade when possible. A balance between appearance and cost can yield good aesthetics with lower upfront prices.
Optimize installation timing scheduling during shoulder seasons can reduce labor costs due to lower demand and milder weather.
Prepare the site by clearing debris and ensuring easy access. This can shorten installation time and reduce labor hours.
Regional Price Differences
Prices shift across regions due to labor markets and material transport. In the Northeast, installed prices may trend higher due to denser housing stock and higher permitting costs. The Southeast often shows moderate pricing influenced by supply and climate considerations. The Midwest may present lower advertised labor rates but higher disposal fees in some markets. Expect regional deltas of roughly ±15–25% for total price per square depending on local conditions.
Labor & Installation Time
Typical cedar shingle installs require 1–2 workers per 100 sq ft for half-day to full-day projects, depending on roof complexity. A 2,000 sq ft roof might take 2–4 days. Labor hours and rates scale with pitch, attic access, and warranty requirements, affecting the final cost significantly.
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Real-World Pricing Examples
Basic roof: 1,000 sq ft, straightforward geometry, average cedar grade. Materials around $425 per square, labor $675 per square, underlayment and flashing $100 per square. Total per square about $1,000; 10 squares ≈ $10,000.
Mid-Range roof: 1,500 sq ft, mixed grades, small dormer. Materials $480 per square, labor $750 per square, extras $120 per square. Total per square ≈ $1,350; 15 squares ≈ $20,250.
Premium roof: 2,000 sq ft, premium cedar, steep pitch, extensive flashing. Materials $550 per square, labor $900 per square, disposal and permits add $180 per square. Total per square ≈ $1,630; 20 squares ≈ $32,600.
Assumptions: region, specs, labor hours.
