Wood shake shingles price and installation costs vary by wood type, thickness, exposure, and roof size. The typical cost to replace a roof with wood shakes includes materials, labor, removal, and disposal, with regional price differences playing a big role. This guide shows the cost ranges, per-unit pricing, and practical ways to budget for wood shake shingles.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Material cost (1 sq ft) | $5.50 | $7.50 | $9.50 | West Coast premium species may push higher |
| Installed price per sq ft | $8.50 | $12.50 | $18.00 | Includes underlayment, starter, and nails |
| Roof area (1,000 sq ft) | $8,500 | $12,500 | $18,000 | Without site complications |
| Removal and disposal per sq ft | $0.80 | $1.50 | $2.50 | Depends on disposal fees |
| Labor for removal per hour | $60 | $90 | $120 | Skilled crew rate varies by region |
| Permits (flat) | $100 | $400 | $1,000 | Code and inspection requirements apply |
Material Cost Drivers for Wood Shake Shingles
Material choice drives most of the price swing, with cedar shakes generally costing more than southern yellow pine. Expect lower-cost options around $5.50 per sq ft while premium cedar or redwood can push toward $9.50 per sq ft for the shakes alone. Regional availability and grade (A vs B) further shift the numbers. Assumptions: standard 3/8-inch to 1/2-inch thick shakes, weather-exposed installations, no exotic tropical species.
| Shingle Type | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cedar bark-cut shakes | $5.50 | $7.50 | $9.50 | Classic look, natural aging |
| Cedar sawn shakes | $6.00 | $8.50 | $11.00 | More uniform thickness |
| Other softwoods | $4.50 | $6.50 | $8.50 | Lower cost, variable longevity |
Formula: material cost per 1,000 sq ft = price per sq ft × 1,000
Labor and Installation Time for Wood Shakes
Labor often sets the installed price per sq ft. A typical crew of 3-4 workers takes 2-4 days for 1,000 sq ft on a simple roof. Labor rates range from about $60 to $120 per hour depending on region and experience. Expect installed rates around $12.50 per sq ft on average. Shorter projects in flat, accessible roofs may cost less, while steep pitches or bundles requiring extra safety measures increase the price.
| Labor Parameter | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crew size | 2–3 | 3–4 | 5+ | Steep or complex roofs require more hands |
| Installation Time (per 1,000 sq ft) | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Time to install | 1.5 days | 2.5 days | 4 days | Includes tear-off and underlayment |
Removal and Prep Work Budget for Wood Shakes
Old shingles must be removed and the roof deck inspected. Removal and disposal can add $0.80 to $2.50 per sq ft. If decking needs replacement or repair, add further costs. Proper prep reduces future maintenance costs. Regions with high recycling or landfill fees may see higher disposal charges.
Regional Price Variations Across the United States
Prices differ by climate, labor markets, and logistics. The West Coast and Northeast often show higher installed rates by $1.00–$3.00 per sq ft compared with the Midwest. A 1,000 sq ft job could range from about $9,000 to $18,000 depending on region, pitch, and waste hauling. Regional deltas matter when budgeting a full roof replacement.
System Type and Underlayment Impacts on Total Cost
The roofing system includes underlayment, starter courses, and fasteners. A synthetic underlayment plus a standard starter strip adds roughly $0.50–$1.50 per sq ft to material costs, while high-grade underlayments or integrated breathable systems push the per-sq-ft price up. Assumptions: standard drip edge, asphalt felt substitute optional in some regions.
Permits, Inspections, and Code Considerations
Many jurisdictions require permits for roof work. Permits can range from $100 to $1,000 depending on city and scope. Inspections add time and possible minor adjustments. Always verify local requirements early in planning.
Maintenance Outlook and Replacement Cycles
Wood shakes typically last 20–40 years with proper maintenance. Annual inspections and staining or sealing every 5–7 years can influence long-term costs. If shakes fail or weathering accelerates, replacement costs may occur sooner than expected. Assumptions: typical climate, standard maintenance schedule.
Cost-Saving Tactics Without Compromising Durability
Choose a regional wood source with good grade and plan an efficient tear-off to minimize disposal. Bundling projects with neighboring homes can reduce crew mobilization costs. Careful scope definition and timing can shave several thousand dollars off a mid-size install.
Private-Label or Substitution Scenarios
Some homeowners consider alternatives like engineered wood shakes or high-quality shingles with similar aesthetics. These substitutes may price at $4.50–$8.50 per sq ft materials, with installed prices ranging up to $14–$20 per sq ft depending on finish and warranty. Note: aesthetics and longevity differ from genuine shakes.
Real-World Quote Ranges: Example Scenarios
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Scenario A: 1,200 sq ft home, cedar shakes, flat roof, Midwest. Materials $6.50 per sq ft, installed $12.00 per sq ft, removal $1.20 per sq ft. Total range: $16,800–$22,440. Assumes standard access and normal weather.
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Scenario B: 2,000 sq ft home, premium cedar, steep pitch, West region. Materials $9.00 per sq ft, installed $16.50 per sq ft, removal $1.80 per sq ft. Total range: $33,600–$56,000. Includes higher crew safety measures and waste handling.
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Scenario C: 1,500 sq ft ranch, pine shakes, asphalt roof deck, Southeast. Materials $5.00 per sq ft, installed $11.50 per sq ft, removal $1.00 per sq ft. Total range: $17,250–$26,250. Regionally sensitive labor costs apply.
Labor hours × hourly rate can help validate quotes: for a typical 1,000 sq ft job with a 3-person crew at $90/hour, expect about 24–40 labor hours, influencing the final price.
