Homeowners typically see labor costs for cedar shake siding range from about $2.50 to $6.50 per square foot, depending on coating, shake thickness, and roof pitch. Higher labor rates occur in tight urban markets or with complex installations. This article breaks down the labor portion, shows local variations, and offers budget-saving strategies.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Labor | $2.50/sq ft | $4.50/sq ft | $6.50/sq ft | Excludes materials; assumes standard 6-12 inch cedar shakes, basic starter trim |
| Materials | N/A | N/A | N/A | Not included in this table; billed separately |
| Equipment | $0.10-$0.50/sq ft | $0.20-$0.60/sq ft | $0.80/sq ft | Includes scaffolding, safety gear, nail guns |
| Permits | $0 | $50 | $300 | Depends on local rules |
| Delivery/Disposal | $0.05-$0.50/sq ft | $0.15-$0.40/sq ft | $0.60/sq ft | Packaging waste and scrap cedar |
| Contingency | 5% | 10% | 15% | For weather-related delays or errors |
Assumptions: region, shakes, starter log, wall area, and crew size.
Overview Of Costs
Labor-driven pricing for cedar shake siding typically combines skilled carpenters’ time and setup. The total project cost often equals the wall area times the labor rate plus minor equipment and permit charges. For planning, expect a per-square-foot range that scales with wall complexity, height, and access. The per-hour approach is less common for full-wall installs but can be helpful for intricate sections.
Cost Breakdown
Labor-driven expense details average sales commonly present ranges by square foot. The table above shows the shared components that influence total pricing. The labor portion is the primary driver; equipment and permits add modest increments in most residential jobs. For projects with steep pitches or multiple stories, crews may require additional safety measures and longer setup times.
What Drives Price
Key factors affecting cedar shake siding labor cost include shake thickness and type (clear vs. knotty), installation pattern (random, sight line, or channel), wall height, roof overhangs, and existing sheathing condition. Narrow walls, tight corners, or high-rise sections increase crew hours. Regional wage differences also shift the overall labor rate by roughly ±15% to ±25% from national averages.
Ways To Save
Practical cost-saving approaches include choosing milled shakes with simpler profile, scheduling in off-peak seasons for calmer labor markets, and ensuring walls are prepped to minimize delays. Ordering pre-cut starter trim in bulk and coordinating delivery windows can reduce on-site downtime. Pre-sealing or priming shakes off-site sometimes lowers on-site coating time, depending on product specs.
Regional Price Differences
Three-region comparison shows notable variance in labor rates. In the Northeast, expect higher rates due to urban labor costs and tighter schedules (+10% to +25%). The Midwest often falls near the national average, while the South and West may see moderate disparities driven by housing stock and climate considerations. Overall, regional demand and crew availability create ±10% to ±20% price swings.
Labor, Hours & Rates
Install time and crew costs are influenced by wall size, pitch, and whether replacement sheathing is required. A typical single-story, 1,500 sq ft exterior may require 1.5 to 3.5 labor days for a two-person crew, depending on weather and access. A rough hour-based framing for planning: 10–12 hours per 1,000 sq ft for standard installs, with higher hours for complex patterns or steep angles. data-formula=”labor_hours × hourly_rate”>
Real-World Pricing Examples
Scenario snapshots illustrate how labor costs translate into quotes. Each scenario assumes standard cedar shakes and no major structural changes.
Basic
Wall area: 1,200 sq ft; Setup and cleanup included; Basic starter trim. Labor: 2 workers, 9 hours/day over 6 days.
Assumed: $2.50–$3.50 per sq ft labor; Equipment and permits modest. Total labor: $3,000–$5,000. Per-sq-ft estimate: $2.50–$3.50.
Mid-Range
Wall area: 2,000 sq ft; Complex pattern with random-width shakes; One 9 ft height on most walls.
Assumed: $3.50–$5.50 per sq ft labor; Additional time for trim and corners. Total labor: $7,000–$11,000. Per-sq-ft estimate: $3.50–$5.50.
Premium
Wall area: 2,500 sq ft; Steep roof pitch; Clear cedar, tight-grain options; Full starter and flashings included.
Assumed: $5.50–$6.50 per sq ft labor; Extra safety and equipment. Total labor: $13,750–$16,250. Per-sq-ft estimate: $5.50–$6.50.
