Cedar shake siding cost varies by thickness, grade, installation method, and regional labor rates. This article breaks down exact price ranges, per-square-foot estimates, and common components that drive total expense for U.S. homes.
Assumptions: standard 8″ shake, 1,500 sq ft exterior, average climate, mid-range labor, regional differences noted.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Material price per sq ft installed | $9.00 | $12.00 | $16.50 | Includes cedar shake panels and underlayment |
| Total material cost for 1,500 sq ft | $13,500 | $18,000 | $24,750 | Assumes standard 8″ exposure |
| Labor cost per sq ft | $3.50 | $5.00 | $7.50 | Installation, nailing, prep |
| Total labor for 1,500 sq ft | $5,250 | $7,500 | $11,250 | Depending on site access |
| Removal of old siding | $1,000 | $2,500 | $5,000 | Varies by existing material |
| Disposal and haul-away | $600 | $1,000 | $2,000 | Per load, regional landfills |
| Finishes and caulking | $300 | $800 | $1,500 | Stain sealant optional |
| Permits and inspections | $100 | $300 | $900 | Depends on locality |
Material Options That Drive Cedar Shake Price
Material grade and grade consistency have the largest impact on price per square foot. Clear-grain, tight knots, and 100% Western red cedar will command higher prices, while mixed-grain or pressure-treated alternatives reduce upfront cost but may affect longevity. Expect raw material costs to range from $4.50 to $8.50 per sq ft for boards before finishing and installation. When installation is added, total installed material typically lands between $9.00 and $16.50 per sq ft.
Labor Intensity and Crew Size as Price Levers
Labor cost scales with crew size and job duration. A two-person crew may deliver faster turnaround on smaller homes but can increase per-unit labor time on complex elevations. Typical labor ranges are $3.50 to $7.50 per sq ft installed, translating to about $5,250 to $11,250 for a 1,500 sq ft exterior. Site access and weather windows are major modifiers that can push costs higher or lower.
Regional Variations in Cedar Shake Pricing
Coastal and high-cost metro markets trend toward higher installed prices, while rural or colder inland areas may show modestly lower figures. In the Northeast and West Coast, expect the upper end of ranges; in the Midwest and South, the average may sit closer to the middle. For a 1,500 sq ft home, regional deltas can swing total cost by roughly 10% to 25% above or below the national average.
Scope of Work: What Affects the Total Bill
Beyond the shakes themselves, the scope—removal of old siding, underlayment replacement, flashing, and trim—adds cost. If existing sheathing requires replacement or rot repair, budget more. A typical removal and disposal charge sits around $1,600 for a 1,500 sq ft project, with higher figures on larger homes or poor access sites. Finishes such as stain or sealant add ongoing maintenance costs and may be quoted separately from installation.
System Type Differences That Change Price
Criss-cross or staggered shake patterns require different fasteners and underlayment. Split-shake installations may use more material and labor than traditional straight-lay patterns, nudging costs upward by about 10% to 20%. So, a home using a more intricate pattern could move from $12 per sq ft average to closer to $14 or $15 per sq ft installed.
Per-Unit Cost Drivers: Size, Exposure, and Pattern
Per-unit pricing is common when discussing cedar shakes by the square foot, but some contractors price by exposure width or panel length. An 8″ exposure tends to align with standard install pricing, while larger exposures (e.g., 9″ or 10″) can require more precise cutting and wasted material, marginally increasing cost. For budgeting, assume $9-$14 per sq ft installed for typical patterns, with higher numbers for premium patterns or defect-prone batches.
Maintenance and Long-Term Cost Considerations
Cedar shakes require periodic maintenance to preserve appearance and performance. Staining every 3–7 years and replacing selectively damaged boards are common ongoing costs. Expect maintenance intervals to influence long-term ownership cost by several thousand dollars over a decade, depending on climate, color retention requirements, and stain quality. Annual maintenance budgets should be planned alongside initial installation.
Warranty and Protection: What You Get for the Price
Warranties for cedar shake siding typically cover material defects and workmanship for 20–40 years, with wood finish warranties often shorter. The presence of a robust warranty can affect upfront price; a longer or more comprehensive warranty usually adds 5–15% to the installed price but lowers risk over time.
What a Typical Cedar Shake Quote Looks Like
A representative quote for 1,500 sq ft includes material ranges of $13,500 to $24,750, labor between $5,250 and $11,250, and additional charges for removal, disposal, and permits totaling $2,000 to $5,000. Always compare a full scope quote rather than just per-sq-ft price to avoid hidden costs in trims and flashing.
| Cost Component | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials (cedar shakes) | $9,000 | $14,000 | $22,000 | Includes standard underlayment |
| Labor | $3,500 | $7,500 | $11,250 | Two-person crew, typical access |
| Removal & Disposal | $1,600 | $2,400 | $4,500 | Depends on old siding type |
| Permits & Inspections | $100 | $350 | $900 | Local variance matters |
| Finishes (stain/sealant) | $300 | $800 | $1,500 | Optional |
How to Cut Cedar Shake Costs Without Compromising Quality
Scope control is the strongest lever for lowering price. Limit the scope to essential replacement, avoid premium patterns, and select standard 8″ exposure shakes. Choose mid-range stain options and schedule work in shoulder seasons to reduce labor costs. If a retrofit includes rot repair, tackle that only for the affected area to avoid a full-wall replacement. Bundling multiple exterior projects with one contractor can secure a modest discount, typically 5% to 12% on labor and disposal.
Regional Price Comparisons You Can Use When Quoting
In the Northeast, installs for cedar shakes tend to land in the upper average range due to material sourcing and labor costs. The South and Midwest commonly sit in the mid-range. West Coast markets may be higher still because of climate-related prep and sealing requirements. For budgeting, apply a regional delta of roughly +/- 10% to 25% on the base per-sq-ft installed price, depending on access and local permit costs.
Concrete Example Quotes for a Typical House
Real-world quotes help buyers compare apples to apples. Example A uses standard 8″ shakes, no rot repair, and basic stain finish for a 1,500 sq ft home in a mid-sized metro: materials $12,000, labor $6,000, removal $2,000, permits $300, finish $600, total around $20,900. Example B uses premium clear cedar and a more intricate staggered pattern in a coastal city: materials $22,000, labor $10,000, removal $2,800, permits $700, finish $1,000, total around $36,500. Always request itemized quotes with scope notes.
Summary: Cedar Shake Siding Price Snapshot
For 1,500 sq ft installed, cedar shake siding ranges from roughly $18,000 on the low end to $36,000+ on the high end, with typical middle-ground projects around $24,000 to $28,000. Material-only costs usually span $9 to $16 per sq ft, while installed costs incorporate labor, removal, and disposal. Use these ranges to estimate a realistic budget and compare quotes that include rot repair, flashing, and post-install maintenance plans.
| Cost Area | Low Range | Average Range | High Range | What It Covers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Installed price per sq ft | $9.00 | $12.00 | $16.50 | Material + labor + basic underlayment |
| 1,500 sq ft total | $13,500 | $18,000 | $24,750 | Typical home in moderate market |
| Remove prior siding | $1,000 | $2,500 | $5,000 | rot repair may push higher |
