Cedar shakes are a classic choice for siding and roofing, offering natural insulation and a distinctive look. This guide covers typical price ranges for cedar shake projects in the United States, highlighting major cost drivers and practical budgeting insights. The focus is on cost and price, with clear low–average–high ranges to help buyers prepare.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Material (Cedar shakes, siding) | $0.60 | $1.50 | $3.50 | Shingles only; varies by grade and thickness |
| Material (Cedar shakes, roofing) | $0.80 | $1.80 | $3.80 | Includes starter strips and standard thickness |
| Labor (Installation) | $3.00 | $6.50 | $9.50 | Per sq ft; higher if tear-out or repair needed |
| Removal & Prep | $1.00 | $2.50 | $5.00 | Old material disposal and surface preparation |
| Permits | $50 | $300 | $1,000 | Depends on local codes and project scope |
| Delivery / Dumpster | $0 | $150 | $600 | Location and project size dependent |
| Warranty / Extras | $0 | $300 | $1,200 | Labor warranty and material coverage |
Assumptions: region, siding vs roofing specs, labor hours.
Overview Of Costs
Cedar shakes cost is driven by material type, project scope, and local labor rates. For siding, total installed price typically ranges from $6 to $12 per square foot, with complete projects often landing in the $8,000 to $25,000 band for standard homes. For cedar shake roofing, installed pricing generally falls in the $9 to $16 per square foot range, translating to roughly $8,000 to $25,000 for an average roof. Assumptions: region, shakes thickness, and roof or wall area.
Cost Breakdown
| Component | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $0.60/sq ft | $1.50/sq ft | $3.50/sq ft | Grade selection affects price |
| Labor | $3.00/sq ft | $6.50/sq ft | $9.50/sq ft | Complexities raise costs (inset windows, curves) |
| Removal & Prep | $1.00/sq ft | $2.50/sq ft | $5.00/sq ft | Includes disposal charges |
| Permits | $50 | $300 | $1,000 | Varies by locality |
| Delivery / Disposal | $0 | $150 | $600 | Distance and tonnage affect pricing |
| Warranty | $0 | $300 | $1,200 | Material and labor coverage |
What Drives Price
Material grade and thickness heavily influence cost. Higher-grade cedar with tighter knots or thicker shakes costs more upfront and may wear longer. The project’s scale matters: larger homes need more material and labor, increasing both per-square-foot and total costs. In roofing, pitch (steeper roofs) and complexity (many ridges) raise labor time and safety requirements, driving up the price. Regional supply and demand also shift regional pricing, with coastal regions often showing higher install costs due to material transport and specialized crews.
Cost Drivers and Pricing Variables
Labor rates vary by region; framing or roof complexity adds hours. Typical installers charge by square foot or by the job. Per-square-foot estimates mix materials, labor, and disposal, while per-project quotes factor in tear-out, waste management, and access limitations. Cedar shakes require specialized fasteners and weatherproofing; premium fasteners and sealants can add to the bill. For roofing, underlayment, flashings, and waterproofing contribute to the total price.
Ways To Save
Shop around for bids and ask about material substitutions. Savings opportunities include choosing lower-cost grades without compromising performance, timing the project to off-peak seasons, and bundling delivery or removal services with the contractor. Taking care of simple prep tasks yourself (e.g., removing debris) can reduce labor time. When feasible, selecting standard profiles over custom shakes and minimizing roof pitch complexity also lowers costs.
Regional Price Differences
Prices vary by U.S. region due to labor markets and material availability. In the Northeast, installed cedar shakes tend to be higher because of dense labor markets and higher permitting costs. The Midwest generally shows mid-range pricing, while the South and Southwest can be lower due to lower labor rates and shorter installation times. Expect regional deltas of roughly ±10% to ±25% compared to national averages, depending on project scope and local supply chains.
Labor & Installation Time
Installation speed affects overall cost more than material price alone. A standard siding project might require 2–3 days for a modest home, while a roof can take 3–5 days with a crew. Labor hours increase with roof complexity, existing substrate issues, and accessibility. A full tear-out plus new cedar shakes project can add 20–40% to the labor portion if substructure repair is needed.
Real-World Pricing Examples
Three scenario cards provide practical guidance on typical quotes.
Basic: Siding Upgrade On a Small Home
Specs: 1,200 sq ft siding area, standard grade shakes, no additional repairs. Labor friendly site access. Total: $9,000–$14,000. Per sq ft: $7.50–$11.50. Assumptions: region, no major repairs.
Mid-Range: Moderate House With Minor Repairs
Specs: 1,800 sq ft, mid-grade shakes, minor tear-out and surface prep. Labor-intensive sections due to windows. Total: $16,500–$28,000. Per sq ft: $9–$15. Assumptions: region, some disposal and minor repairs.
Premium: Complex Roof Reface Or Large Siding Project
Specs: 2,500 sq ft siding or roof area, premium shakes, full tear-out, new substructure prep, high-grade fasteners. Total: $34,000–$60,000. Per sq ft: $13.60–$24. Labor hours: 60–120. Assumptions: region, complex geometry and permits.
