Prices for Western Red Cedar Shakes depend on material grade, shake size, region, and labor. The question of cost or price is central to budgeting a cedar siding or roofing project, with key drivers including material quality, installation complexity, and waste factor. This article presents typical price ranges in USD and practical breakdowns to help buyers plan.

Typical Costs For Western Red Cedar Shakes by Project Size

Assumptions: standard 7/16-inch thick shakes, 3:12 pitch roof or vertical siding, standard access, Midwest or Southern labor rates, Grade A or select clears. Prices assume ready-to-run installation with basic flashing and underlayment. Assumptions: Midwest labor rates, standard materials, normal access.

For a 1,000–2,000 sq ft roof or wall area, installed costs typically range from $5.50 to $9.50 per sq ft, with higher ends reflecting steeper pitches, difficult access, or premium grades. A 2,000 sq ft project often lands between $11,000 and $19,000 installed. Per-unit pricing can help compare quotes more clearly, especially when installers quote by square or by linear foot for edge details.

Major Cost Components In Cedar Shake Pricing

Repair or new installation splits into several concrete cost blocks. The table below shows common components and sample ranges.

Labor hours are driven by roof pitch, exposure, and nailing method. Typical installation rates fall in the 1.8–3.2 hours per 100 sq ft for simple layouts, increasing with complex edge work or irregular layouts.

Variables That Move Cedar Shake Prices

Several live factors can swing the final quote. Two numeric thresholds commonly shift pricing bands: roof pitch and shake thickness. A 4:12 pitch or steeper often adds 10–25% to labor time, while shakes thicker than 5/8 inch can raise material costs by 15–25% due to reduced yield and handling.

Region matters too: coastal zones with higher labor costs and longer lead times may push installed rates up by 10–20% compared with Inland markets. Regional supply also affects material availability and waste costs, widening the low-to-high spread.

Ways To Cut Cedar Shake Costs Without Sacrificing Quality

Cost-conscious choices focus on scope management and material options. Consider sizing down to standard 7/16-inch shakes, optimizing layout to minimize waste, and selecting Grade A selects instead of premium grades when appearance tolerates minor blemishes. Timely scheduling and avoiding rush requests also lowers labor premiums. Bundling delivery and on-site disposal can reduce transport costs by consolidating trips.

Regional Price Variations In Cedar Shake Installations

Prices differ across U.S. markets. In the Pacific Northwest, supply familiarity and local crews may narrow the installed range to $6.75–$9.50 per sq ft, while the Southeast might fall between $5.75–$9.00 per sq ft due to weather-related installation challenges. Rural inland areas often see the low end around $5.00 per sq ft, with suburban markets averaging $7.50–$9.00 per sq ft.

Edge Details, Gutters, and Flashing As Separate Line Items

Edge trim, eaves, rake detailing, and flashing can add $0.60–$1.40 per sq ft. If a project includes roof edging or specialty gutter integration, expect an additional $600–$2,000 in total depending on linear footage and metal choice. Flashings are critical for long-term performance and should be priced separately to avoid masking labor complexity.

Material Grades And Their Price Impact

Western Red Cedar shakes come in select, Grade A, and standard grades. Select or Grade A shakes command a premium of roughly 20–40% over standard grades because of tighter grain and fewer checks. For a 2,000 sq ft installation, material-only costs may range from $5,000 to $12,000 depending on grade and bundle yield, with higher grades increasing waste due to strict sizing requirements.

Three Realistic Quote Scenarios For 1,500–2,500 Sq Ft Projects

Scenario A involves simple siding on a single-story residence with standard 7/16-inch shakes and average access. Scenario B covers a roof replacement with 7/16-inch shakes on a moderate pitch and limited access. Scenario C represents a steep-pitch roof with complex edge work and higher waste. Each scenario presents a different mix of materials and labor, illustrating how quotes can diverge even for similar project sizes.

Scenario A range: Installed $6.50–$9.50 per sq ft; Scenario B range: $7.00–$9.75 per sq ft; Scenario C range: $8.50–$12.00 per sq ft. Assumptions: Midwest region, standard tools, no major site complications.

Substitutes: When To Consider Alternatives To Cedar Shakes

Engineered wood shakes or fiber cement alternatives may offer lower long-term maintenance costs and more consistent pricing, often ranging from $3.50–$7.50 per sq ft installed. Replacement cycles can be shorter for some fiber cement products, which affects the 5–15 year ownership cost comparison. Contractors may provide hybrid options that mix cedar with other materials to balance price and look.

For projects where cedar is desired for aesthetic reasons but budget is tight, presenting a mix of cedar accents with alternative siding on lower exposures can preserve curb appeal while controlling total costs. Ask for a per-square-foot comparison that includes materials, labor, and waste.