Prices for cedar shingles per bundle vary by grade, thickness, and style, with main cost drivers including material quality, regional lumber markets, and installation requirements. This guide covers typical costs, per-unit pricing, and practical tips to estimate a Cedar Shingles project accurately.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shingles (bundle) | $25 | $40 | $70 | Includes grade options: 3/8″–1/2″ thickness; 18″–24″ coverage per bundle |
| Underlayment | $0.25/sq ft | $0.50/sq ft | $0.85/sq ft | Various synthetic or felt options |
| Labor (installation) | $2.50/sq ft | $4.50/sq ft | $8.00/sq ft | Includes nailing and starter courses; assumes mid-skill crew |
| Fasteners & Accessories | $0.15–$0.20 | $0.25–$0.40 | $0.60 | Stainless or copper nails, starter strips, clips |
| Waste/Overage | 0% | 5–10% | 15% | Area trim and cuts add to waste; assume 10% |
| Permits / Inspections | $0 | $100 | $400 | Depends on city and project size |
Assumptions: region, cedar grade, roof area, square footage, and labor hours.
Overview Of Costs
Estimated total project ranges for a standard cedar shingle roof replacement are commonly $4,800-$9,600 depending on roof size, shingle grade, and labor rates. For scope clarity, consider per-square costs: cedar shingles commonly run $400-$700 per square (100 sq ft) including materials and installation, with higher-end, clear-grade options at the top end of that range. Per-bundle pricing typically falls in the $25-$70 band, while a full roof often requires 35–60 bundles for a 1,000–1,800 sq ft home, depending on waste and layout.
Among the main cost drivers are shingle grade (graded A or clear vs. #2 and select), thickness, style (shingle vs. taper-sawn or drop-in shakes), roof complexity, local labor rates, and disposal needs. Seasonal demand can shift costs by 5–15%, especially in markets with high contractor competition or lumber supply fluctuations.
Cost Breakdown
| Materials | Labor | Equipment | Permits | Delivery/Disposal | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $/bundle: $25-$70 | $2.50-$8.00/sq ft | $200-$600 | $0-$400 | $150-$400 | $0-$500 |
Key niche drivers include shingle grade and roofing pitch. For example, a steep-pitch roof (8/12 or higher) and larger deck areas raise labor time and specialized hardware needs, potentially pushing costs toward the higher end of the ranges.
What Drives Price
Price is influenced by cedar species selection, grade, and the market value of cedar. Grade and thickness affect both bundle count and per-unit cost, while roof complexity (multiple ridges, valleys, and penetrations) increases labor and material waste. Regional timber availability also shifts delivered price, especially in areas with limited cedar supply.
Ways To Save
Shop by region to compare contractor bids and material quotes. Consider mid-grade cedar over premium clear grades if budget is tight, balancing aesthetics with durability. Efficient installation—pre-cut starter strips and systematic nailing patterns—reduces labor hours and per-square costs. Look for bundled offers that include underlayment and fasteners to avoid separate markups.
Regional Price Differences
Pricing varies by region due to timber availability, labor markets, and transportation costs. In the Northeast, expect higher material premiums and labor rates, while the Southwest may show a broader spread due to climate-driven demand. In the Midwest, prices often settle in the middle range with moderate variation. Typical regional delta is ±10%–20% on material and labor correspondingly.
Labor, Hours & Rates
Labor contributions commonly make up 40%–60% of total costs on cedar shingle installations. Typical crew rates range from $40–$85 per hour per skilled carpenter, with a crew of 2–4 for residential roofing. Installation time scales with roof complexity and pitch, and higher-grade cedar can require more careful nailing and alignment, extending project duration.
Real-World Pricing Examples
Three scenario cards illustrate common project scales. Assumptions include single-story home, standard gable roof, and typical 8/12 pitch.
Basic Scenario
Roof area: 1,000 sq ft; Shingle: standard cedar shake, grade select. Materials: $4,000; Underlayment: $500; Fasteners/Accessories: $100; Disposal: $200. Labor: 2 workers × 6 hours at $45/hr = $540. Permits: $0. Total: around $5,340. Per-square: $534; per-bundle: $28–$40 depending on bundle yield.
Mid-Range Scenario
Roof area: 1,500 sq ft; Shingle: clear grade, 5/8″ thickness. Materials: $7,800; Underlayment: $800; Fasteners: $180; Delivery: $250. Labor: 3 workers × 8 hours at $55/hr = $1,320. Permits: $150. Total: about $11,000. Per-square: $733; per-bundle: $34–$60 with waste accounted.
Premium Scenario
Roof area: 2,000 sq ft; Shingle: premium cedar with tight grain, 3/8″–1/2″ thickness. Materials: $12,000; Underlayment: $1,000; Fasteners: $260; Delivery: $350. Labor: 4 workers × 10 hours at $70/hr = $2,800. Permits: $400. Total: around $16,810. Per-square: $840; per-bundle: $40–$75 depending on batch.
Assumptions: region, specs, labor hours.
Additional & Hidden Costs
Hidden costs may include edge trimming, gutter protection removal, debris container rental, and potential roof decking repair if moisture damage is found. Consider a contingency of 5%–10% for unexpected decking or weather-related delays. Accurate bids often include a pre-inspection to flag hidden issues.
Price By Region
Regional examples show differences among Urban, Suburban, and Rural markets. Urban markets typically display higher material and labor costs due to overhead, while Rural markets may have lower labor rates but higher delivery charges if supply is far away. Urban vs Rural deltas can reach ±15%–25% depending on supply chains and contractor availability.
FAQs / Common Price Questions
How many bundles cover 100 sq ft? Approximately 4–5 bundles cover 100 sq ft for cedar shingles, depending on thickness and exposure; verify with the shingle manufacturer’s coverage chart.
Is cedar more expensive than asphalt shingles? Generally yes; cedar per square installed runs higher due to material cost and installation complexity, with a typical premium of 2–3x compared to asphalt shingles.
Do I need permits for cedar siding or roof work? Permit needs vary by jurisdiction; some projects require roof replacement permits, which can add $50–$400 in typical fees.