Homeowners typically pay a wide range for cedar shake roofs, driven by roof size, shake quality, underlayment, and installation complexity. The price guide below covers cost estimates and what influences pricing, with clear low–average–high ranges and per-unit figures where relevant.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total project cost | $8,000 | $14,000 | $28,000 | Based on a 1,500 sq ft roof; includes demolition of existing roof, materials, and installation |
| Cost per square foot | $5.50 | $9.50 | $18.50 | Installed price; varies with material grade and complexity |
| Material cost (cedar shakes) | $2.50–$5.00 | $3.75–$7.00 | $8.00–$12.00 | Shakes by grade; premium grades cost more |
| Labor | $3,000 | $6,500 | $14,000 | Crew costs and hours depend on roof pitch and size |
| Underlayment & flashing | $400 | $1,100 | $2,400 | Quality underlayment affects longevity |
| Repairs & disposal | $600 | $1,800 | $4,000 | Old roof removal and waste disposal included |
| Permits & inspections | $100 | $400 | $1,000 | Local requirements vary by jurisdiction |
Assumptions: region, roof size, shake grade, pitch, underlayment, and crew hours.
Typical Cost Range
Overview: Project ranges and per-unit estimates This section presents totals for common residential roofs and the corresponding price per square foot. For a 1,200–1,800 sq ft roof, expect a broad band from the low $9,000 to the high $28,000 or more, depending on material grade and roof complexity. A typical installation lands in the mid-range, around $12,000–$20,000. Per-square-foot pricing commonly falls in the $7–$16 range, with premium shakes increasing the upper bound.
Notes: Assumptions include standard eave lines, no major structural work, and typical attic access.
Cost Breakdown
Key components and how they contribute to price A cedar shake roof blends materials, labor, and ancillary costs. The following table shows major cost categories and their typical ranges. Assumptions: region, specs, labor hours.
| Materials | Labor | Equipment | Permits | Delivery/Disposal | Warranty | Contingency | Taxes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $3.75–$7.00 per sq ft | $2.50–$6.50 per sq ft | $0.50–$1.50 per sq ft | $100–$600 | $0.50–$1.50 per sq ft | 10–30 years | 5–10% of project | Varies by state |
What Drives Price
Two niche-specific drivers commonly shape cedar shake pricing The first is roof pitch: steeper slopes require more time and safety measures, often pushing costs higher. The second is shake grade: premium clear heartwood shakes cost substantially more than standard stock shakes and deliver longer service life. Other influential factors include roof size, existing surface condition, and local labor rates.
Labor, Hours & Rates
Labor intensity and crew composition determine a large share of the installed price Typical labor rates vary by region and project complexity. A standard crew might include 2–4 installers and a supervisor, with installation times rising for steep pitches, complex layouts, or extensive detailing. For budgeting, plan a range of 10–14 hours per 100 sq ft on average for mid-grade shakes, plus time for removal and cleanup.
Regional Price Differences
Prices can differ across regions The West Coast and Northeast often see higher installed costs due to material availability, local codes, and wage levels. The Midwest tends to be more moderate, while parts of the South and rural areas may offer lower rates due to lower labor costs. Expect regional deltas of roughly 10–25% between high-cost and mid-cost markets.
Local Market Variations
Urban vs Suburban vs Rural Urban markets show elevated pricing for labor and disposal, while suburban markets are typically mid-range. Rural areas may offer lower overall costs but longer lead times for materials and specialist crews. Per-square-foot differences commonly align with these market types.
Real-World Pricing Examples
Three scenario snapshots show how specs affect totals
Basic 1,200 sq ft roof with standard grade shakes, standard underlayment, no major repairs; 2 installers, 1 supervisor; 12 hours per 100 sq ft. Total: $9,200. Materials $4,000; Labor $3,900; Permits $150; Disposal $350; Delivery $200.
Mid-Range 1,500 sq ft roof with mid-grade shakes, upgraded underlayment, minor repairs; 3 installers, 1 supervisor; 12–14 hours per 100 sq ft. Total: $16,000. Materials $6,500; Labor $7,000; Permits $350; Disposal $700; Delivery $400.
Premium 1,700 sq ft roof with premium clear shakes, high-end underlayment, extensive detailing, minor structural adjustments; 4 installers, 1 supervisor; 14–16 hours per 100 sq ft. Total: $28,000. Materials $11,000; Labor $12,000; Permits $600; Disposal $1,500; Delivery $900.
Additional & Hidden Costs
Expect surprises in certain projects In addition to the base price, potential extras include structural repairs, additional venting or flashing upgrades, mold remediation if present, and higher disposal fees for old structures with hazardous materials. Seasonal weather can affect installation timing and may add short-term labor premiums.
Maintenance & Ownership Costs
Owning a cedar shake roof entails ongoing maintenance Plan for periodic cleaning, treatment with preserving sealants every few years, and re-sealing damaged shakes. Typical maintenance budgets run 1–2% of initial project cost annually, with a major replacement cycle every 25–40 years depending on climate and exposure.
Sample Quotes Snapshot
Quote framing helps compare bids When reviewing, look for similar shake grade, underlayment, and warranty terms. Make sure bids include underlayment, flashing, disposal, and permit-related fees to avoid misaligned apples-to-apples comparisons.
