Cedar shake siding costs vary widely by thickness, grade, and install complexity. The main cost drivers are material quality, labor for exterior cladding installation, and necessary underlayment, flashing, and finish. This article provides practical price ranges in USD to help builders and homeowners estimate a project budget and compare options based on cost.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cedar Shake Siding (material) | $3.50/sq ft | $6.50/sq ft | $10.50/sq ft | Board-and-batten or standard shakes; varies by grade |
| Labor & Installation | $4.00/sq ft | $8.50/sq ft | $14.00/sq ft | Rafter access, weather, and nailing pattern affect time |
| Underlayment & Flashing | $0.50-$1.50/sq ft | $1.50-$2.50/sq ft | $2.50-$4.00/sq ft | Waterproofing, starter strips |
| Finish & Sealant (stain/paint) | $0.75-$1.75/sq ft | $1.75-$3.50/sq ft | $3.50-$6.00/sq ft | Solid color or semi-transparent finishes |
| Removal of Old Siding | $1.00-$2.50/sq ft | $2.00-$3.50/sq ft | $3.50-$5.50/sq ft | Complex demographics add cost |
| Permits & Inspections | $50-$150 | $250-$500 | $500-$1,000 | Location dependent |
Overview Of Costs
Cost ranges reflect typical American homes with standard 1-by-4 inch cedar shakes, 3/12 roof pitch, and no custom profiles. Assumptions: exterior walls 1,500 sq ft, standard removal of old siding, moisture barrier, and 20-year finish warranty. Total project cost generally falls between $9,000 and $28,000, with per-square-foot ranges from $6.00 to $20.00 depending on shake type and labor rates. The low end represents economy shakes and DIY-friendly installations; the high end reflects premium shakes and complex installations. Assumptions: region, specs, labor hours.
Cost Breakdown
| Materials | Labor | Equipment | Permits | Delivery/Disposal | Warranty | Contingency | Taxes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $3.50–$10.50 / sq ft | $4.00–$14.00 / sq ft | $0.50–$1.50 / sq ft | $50–$1,000 | $0.50–$1.00 / sq ft | 5–20 years | 5–10% | 0–8% |
data-formula=”labor_hours × hourly_rate”> Labor time scales with roof pitch, accessibility, and weather. A steeper roof or tough access can raise hours by 15–40%.
What Drives Price
Material quality and shake profile are the largest price levers. Hand-split or lisenced graded shakes cost more than machine-cut profiles. Installation complexity includes roof pitch, wall angles, and penetrations for windows and doors. Cedar’s natural color and aging also influence finish costs due to staining or sealing requirements to maximize lifespan.
Regional Price Differences
Prices vary by region due to labor markets and material transport. In the Northeast, higher finished costs are common; the West Coast often has elevated labor rates; the Midwest tends to be more price-competitive. Expect regional deltas of approximately ±10–25% from national averages. Assumptions: region, specs, labor hours.
Ways To Save
Choose grade and profile carefully: select standard shakes rather than premium hand-split profiles. Bundle materials: buy underlayment, flashing, and finishes in a single order to reduce freight. Plan for weather windows: scheduling during dry seasons minimizes costly delays.
Regional Price Differences
Three typical U.S. regional scenarios illustrate price dispersion:
- Coastal Urban: high labor, premium shakes, total $14.00–$22.00 / sq ft.
- Suburban Mid:** moderate labor, mid-range shakes, total $9.50–$15.50 / sq ft.
- Rural: lower labor, value-grade shakes, total $6.00–$11.50 / sq ft.
Real-World Pricing Examples
Three scenario cards show how the math plays out in practice. Assumptions: 1,500 sq ft home, existing moisture barrier, standard trim.
Basic Scenario
Spec: pressure-treated sheathing, economy cedar shakes, standard finish. Labor hours: 110; Materials: $5,250; Labor: $13,000; Finish: $2,000. Per-unit: $6.50/sq ft; Total: about $20,000. Assumptions: region, specs, labor hours.
Mid-Range Scenario
Spec: select gradient shakes with stain, upgraded underlayment, basic flashing kit. Labor hours: 150; Materials: $9,000; Labor: $16,000; Finish: $3,000. Per-unit: $9.50–$12.00/sq ft; Total: about $28,000.
Premium Scenario
Spec: hand-split, beveled shakes, high-end finish, premium flashing, added venting. Labor hours: 210; Materials: $14,000; Labor: $25,000; Finish: $5,000. Per-unit: $14.00–$16.50/sq ft; Total: about $44,000.
Maintenance & Ownership Costs
Cedar requires periodic maintenance to sustain appearance and performance. Re-staining every 5–7 years and replacing failing boards are common, adding ongoing costs. A typical 20-year cost outlook includes initial installation plus two to three maintenance cycles, potentially adding $6,000–$14,000 in routine upkeep, depending on climate and exposure. Assumptions: climate, finish type.
Summary Of Pricing By Scenario
For quick planning, consider the three scenarios below. The ranges assume standard wall areas, typical climate, and 1,500 sq ft homes. Basic: $20,000–$25,000. Mid-Range: $28,000–$34,000. Premium: $40,000–$60,000.
