How Much Does a Cedar Shake Roof Cost in 2025?

This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.

A cedar shake roof costs around $21,000, on average, and most homeowners pay between $15,800 and $30,000, depending on the roof size, material, labor costs, and roof design. Prices can fall as low as $9,001 or climb up to $52,500, depending on roof size, job complexity, wood grade, and more. A shake is a wooden shingle that is split on one side and sawed on the other.

Cedar Shake Roofing Costs by Grade

When choosing cedar shakes for your roof, consider the following grades: common grade, Select grade, and Straight grain. Understanding the differences can help you decide which option best suits your needs and budget.

Common-grade cedar shakes are the most affordable option, costing up to 30% less than higher grades. However, they have a shorter lifespan of about 20 to 30 years. These shakes are the remnants and off-cuts from higher-grade shakes. While they save you money upfront, they may require more maintenance over time due to a tendency to warp and curl faster.

Select-grade cedar shakes offer a balance between cost and quality. They contain about 80% straight grain and 20% common-grade shakes. This mix is durable and can last between 30 and 50 years with proper maintenance. While they are more affordable than straight grain shakes, you may still need to perform some maintenance due to the common grade portion.

Straight-grain cedar shakes are the premium option, made from 100% straight grain. Each shake is carefully selected for quality and consistency, resulting in a more durable roof that resists warping and curling. Although the most expensive, straight grain shakes can last up to 60 years when properly installed and maintained, offering long-term value and less need for upkeep.

By choosing the right grade of cedar shakes, you can balance your upfront costs with the longevity and maintenance needs of your roof, ensuring it meets your expectations both now and in the future.

Cedar Shake Prices vs. Other Options

When planning your roofing project, it's helpful to compare cedar shakes to other materials to find the best fit for your home, style preferences, maintenance expectations, and budget. Here's how cedar shakes stack up against other options like other wood types and composite materials.

Cedar

Cost: Cedar shakes cost between $600 and $1,500 per square or around $240 per bundle.

Aesthetic Appeal: Cedar offers a timeless and natural look that enhances the beauty of your home. Its fine texture and rich color make it popular for those seeking a classic appearance.

Durability and Maintenance: Cedar is long-lasting, resistant to pests, and provides good insulation, helping to control heating and cooling costs. However, cedar can rot if it gets wet, so proper installation and maintenance are important to prevent moisture issues.

Environmental Impact: Cedar is a natural, renewable resource, but using old-growth cedar can raise environmental concerns. Choosing sustainably sourced cedar can help minimize environmental impact.

Other Wood Types

Cost: Other wood shakes, like cypress, redwood, or pine, cost about $525 per square or $175 per bundle.

Aesthetic Appeal: These wood types can offer a rustic look but may have a rougher grain and less refined appearance compared to cedar.

Durability and Maintenance: The lifespan varies—pine shakes can last around 20 years when properly maintained, while others may last up to 30 years. They may require more maintenance and may not be as resistant to pests or moisture as cedar.

Environmental Impact: Like cedar, responsibly sourcing wood shakes can reduce environmental concerns.

Composite

Cost: Composite shakes are the most budget-friendly option, costing about $365 per square or $120 per bundle.

Aesthetic Appeal: Composite materials can mimic the look of real wood but may lack the natural variation and charm of authentic shakes. They are available in various styles and colors.

Durability and Maintenance: Composite shakes are durable and require less maintenance than real wood. They are also less susceptible to rot, mildew, and mold, offering long-term savings on upkeep.

Environmental Impact: Because they are made from human-made materials, composites may not be biodegradable, but some are made from recycled content, potentially reducing their environmental impact.

When choosing between cedar, other wood types, and composite shakes, consider factors like your budget, desired look, willingness to perform maintenance, and environmental considerations. Cedar offers a premium, natural aesthetic with good durability but at a higher cost and with maintenance needs. Other wood types can be a mid-range option, while composites provide cost savings and low maintenance but may not offer the same natural appeal.

Labor Cost for Pros

When budgeting for your cedar shake roof, remember that about 50% to 60% of the total cost goes toward labor, which is between $10,500 and $12,600 for an average-sized roof. While this might seem substantial, investing in skilled professionals ensures that your roof is installed correctly, providing lasting protection for your home.

Factors like the size and complexity of your roof, the pitch, the type of materials used, and your location can affect labor costs. Experienced contractors have the expertise to handle these variables, leading to a durable, high-quality roof.

It's important to communicate openly with your contractor. Ask for a detailed breakdown of costs, including materials like underlayment, flashing, and caulk, which are sometimes charged separately. Understanding these details helps you know exactly what you're paying for and ensures no surprises later. If something isn't listed in the quote, don't hesitate to ask whether it's included and ensure it's noted in the final contract.

By investing in skilled professionals and maintaining clear communication, you can feel confident that your cedar shake roof will be installed to the highest standards, providing beauty and protection for years to come.

Getting a roof inspection before the replacement can help you decide whether a new roof is necessary. The inspection may reveal important details, such as the best materials for your home and any problem areas that might arise during the project.

Typically, roof replacement isn't required until the shakes have become weathered and deteriorated. You might notice cracks, missing shakes, or leaks in your home. Repairs may be a more cost-effective solution, with the cost to repair a cedar shake roof averaging around $750.

Cedar Shakes vs. Shingles

You may have heard the terms "shakes" and "shingles" used interchangeably, but they refer to two types of cedar roofing materials. Understanding the differences can help you choose the option that best fits your home's style, maintenance preferences, and budget.

Cost Differences

• Cedar Shingles: Less expensive, costing between $4.50 to $9 per square foot.

• Cedar Shakes: More expensive, ranging from $5.50 to $13.50 per square foot, including installation.

Aesthetic Styles

• Cedar Shingles: Machine-made with precise dimensions, giving a smooth, uniform appearance. They are evenly tapered toward one end, resulting in a flatter finish when installed. This option is great if you're looking for a clean, modern look.

• Cedar Shakes: Hand-split or sawed, offering a rustic and textured appearance. Each shake is unique, with natural variations and a deeper, more rugged texture. If you prefer a more traditional or rustic charm for your home, shakes might be the ideal choice.

Installation Process and Maintenance

• Cedar Shingles: Easier to install due to their uniform size and shape, which can reduce labor costs. They generally require less maintenance over time because of their smooth surface.

• Cedar Shakes: The installation is more labor-intensive because each shake may vary in size and thickness. Shakes may require more maintenance to keep them in good condition due to their textured surface, which can collect debris.

When choosing between cedar shakes and shingles, consider your budget, the style you want for your home, and how much maintenance you're willing to perform. Shingles offer a more affordable, clean-cut look with less upkeep, while shakes provide a unique, rustic aesthetic with the understanding that they may need more attention over time.

DIY vs. Hire a Pro

We understand that tackling home improvement projects yourself can be rewarding and cost-effective. However, installing a cedar shake roof is a complex task that requires specialized skills and experience. While it might be tempting to try a DIY approach, consider the potential risks and long-term costs.

Cedar shake roofing involves precise installation techniques to ensure the roof is watertight and durable. Mistakes during installation can lead to water leaks, structural damage, and even invalidate product warranties. Additionally, working on a roof poses safety concerns, especially without proper equipment and training.

By hiring a licensed professional, you benefit from their expertise, ensuring your roof is installed correctly and safely. Professionals have the knowledge to handle challenges that may arise and can provide warranties on their work, giving you peace of mind.

When looking for a contractor, it's a good idea to read reviews, verify licenses and insurance, contact references, and ask about their experience with cedar shakes. Since wood shake roofing is less common than asphalt shingles, finding a contractor with the right expertise may take some research. Consider meeting with at least three local professionals to discuss your project and ask questions about their process.

Remember, choosing the lowest bid isn't always the best option. Investing in a skilled professional may save you money in the long run by avoiding costly repairs due to improper installation. Ultimately, hiring a professional ensures that your cedar shake roof enhances your home and serves you well for years to come.

How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data

No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.