Homeowners typically pay for cedar shake by square foot or by project scope, with cost driven by grade, thickness, and installation complexity. The main pricing levers are material quality, labor time, surface area, and whether staining or sealing is included. Estimate ranges below cover common siding uses and assume standard exposure shakes installed over new sheathing.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cedar Shake Siding (materials) | $1.60 | $2.50 | $4.00 | Per sq ft, 1–1.25″ thickness; clear or heartwood grades cost more |
| Labor (installation) | $2.50 | $4.50 | $7.50 | Includes nailing, sealing, and minor repairs |
| Underlayment & Fasteners | $0.20 | $0.50 | $1.20 | Stainless or copper fasteners may cost more |
| Finish/Sealant (optional) | $0.15 | $0.40 | $1.00 | Stain or sealant applied after install |
| Permits & Disposal | $0.05 | $0.15 | $0.40 | Depends on locality and debris volume |
Assumptions: region, cedar grade, house size, and labor availability vary by project.
Overview Of Costs
Cost ranges combine materials and labor for typical cedar shake siding projects. The total price per square foot reflects installed cost, while per-unit estimates show materials or labor separately. A standard 1,500 sq ft siding job often falls in the mid-range unless structural prep or extensive repairs are needed. data-formula=”labor_hours × hourly_rate”>
Cost Breakdown
| Category | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $1.60 | $2.50 | $4.00 | Includes shakes and optional priming components |
| Labor | $2.50 | $4.50 | $7.50 | Crew size and pitch affect hours |
| Equipment | $0.20 | $0.50 | $1.20 | Ladders, nail guns, staging |
| Permits | $0.05 | $0.15 | $0.40 | Local code requirements |
| Delivery/Disposal | $0.10 | $0.25 | $0.60 | Distance from supplier and debris disposal |
| Warranty & Overhead | $0.05 | $0.25 | $0.60 | Project management costs |
| Taxes | $0.03 | $0.10 | $0.25 | State and local rates apply |
Cost Drivers
Grade and thickness are key drivers for cedar shakes. Heartwood, deep grain, and longer shakes raise material costs. The roof or wall surface area, the degree of surface prep, and whether the job includes vented rain-screen or moisture barriers also shift pricing. For example, steeper pitches add hours and safety measures, while hidden fasteners can affect finish quality and labor time.
What Drives Price
Materials quality, labor efficiency, and project scope set the baseline. Custom milling, pre-finished colors, and longer warranty terms increase costs. Larger homes or multi-story work typically incur higher labor rates due to access, safety, and staging needs. data-formula=”area_in_sq_ft × material_cost_per_sq_ft”>
Ways To Save
Careful planning and material choices can reduce upfront costs. Opting for standard grade cedar and a simpler profile lowers material costs. Scheduling work in mild weather and coordinating with other exterior projects can reduce mobilization fees. A staged approach,repairing only damaged sections, may limit total exposure and waste.
Regional Price Differences
Prices vary by region due to labor markets and material availability. In the Northeast, labor tends to run higher, while the Southeast may benefit from milder winters and faster install times. Rural areas often have lower labor rates but higher delivery costs, compared to urban centers with established crews. The table below shows typical delta ranges.
- Urban: +10% to +20% vs national average
- Suburban: ±0% to +10%
- Rural: -5% to -15% vs national average
Labor, Hours & Rates
Labor hours depend on pitch, surface prep, and staging needs. A standard 2,000 sq ft wall area on a moderate pitch may require more crew-hours than a single-story home. Use the formula data-formula=”labor_hours × hourly_rate”> to estimate total labor costs. Typical hourly rates for cedar shake installation range from $40 to $70 per hour per worker, depending on locale and crew experience.
Real-World Pricing Examples
Three scenario cards illustrate common project scales.
- Basic — 1,200 sq ft of standard cedar shake siding, moderate pitch, no staining. Materials: $1.60–$2.00; Labor: $2.50–$4.00; Total installed per sq ft: $4.10–$6.60; Estimated project total: $4,920–$7,920. Assumptions: region, no special finishes, standard overlaps.
- Mid-Range — 1,500 sq ft with heartwood shakes, stained finish, and minor repairs. Materials: $2.20–$2.80; Labor: $3.50–$5.50; Total per sq ft: $6.00–$9.20; Project total: $9,000–$13,800. Assumptions: moderate slope, two‑day install window.
- Premium — 2,000 sq ft with top-grade cedar, factory finish, enhanced warranty, and lifted labor due to complex geometry. Materials: $3.50–$4.00; Labor: $5.00–$7.50; Total per sq ft: $9.00–$11.50; Project total: $18,000–$23,000. Assumptions: steep pitch, complex detailing.
Assumptions: region, specs, labor hours.
