Cedar Shake Roof Cost Calculator
Estimate the cost of a cedar shake roof — enter your roof size and pitch to get a low-to-high installed price, the cost per square, and a materials-versus-labor breakdown. A cedar shake roof typically runs $7–$14 per square foot installed.
United States — national average · 2026 prices
Material only unless stated as installed. Excludes tax, permits and local labour. Verify with local suppliers — see how we calculate.
How this calculator works
Every figure above comes from the formula below, applied to the assumptions listed. Nothing is looked up from a hidden table — you can reproduce the result by hand.
Formula
sloped area = footprint × slope factor, where slope factor = √(rise² + 144) ÷ 12
base cost = sloped area × material rate per sq ft (installed)
tear-off adds sloped area × $1–$2 per sq ft
total = (base + tear-off) × complexity multiplier
Assumptions & limits
- Cedar shakes and shingles are costed at $7–$14 per sq ft installed, depending on grade (taper-sawn vs hand-split) and whether the product is fire-treated.
- Many jurisdictions restrict or prohibit untreated wood roofing in wildfire-prone areas, and fire-retardant-treated material costs more — check local code before budgeting.
- Cedar needs periodic maintenance that asphalt does not, so the 25–40 year life assumes upkeep rather than fit-and-forget.
- Installed rates per sq ft of roof surface: asphalt shingles $4.50–$11, cedar shake $7–$14, flat membrane $5–$12, metal standing seam $9–$16, tile $12–$25, slate $15–$30. These are 2026 national ranges covering material and labour.
- Tear-off and disposal adds $1–$2 per sq ft and is assumed to be a single existing layer. A second or third layer costs more.
- The complexity multiplier is 1.0 simple, 1.1 moderate, 1.25 complex, standing in for hips, valleys, dormers, chimneys and steep-slope access.
- The split shown is roughly 42% materials, with the rest labour and disposal. Real splits vary by market and by how tight the roofing labour supply is.
- This is a budgeting range, not a bid. It excludes deck replacement, structural repair, gutters, skylights and permit fees — sheathing rot found after tear-off is the most common overrun.
Worked example
A 40 × 30 ft footprint at 6:12 pitch, cedar shake, moderate complexity, tear-off included
- Sloped area = 1,200 × 1.1180 = 1,342 sq ft → 13.4 squares
- Material and labour = 1,342 × $7 to $14 = $9,394 to $18,788
- Tear-off = 1,342 × $1 to $2 = $1,342 to $2,683
- Moderate complexity × 1.1 → $11,810 to $23,619
Result:About $11,810 to $23,619 installed for a cedar shake roof of this size. Get three itemised local bids.
Built and maintained by Christoph Ballmer, Honeygoat GmbH
Method and constants last checked against the calculator code on August 17, 2026. Independent trade review is not yet in place for this calculator — see how we handle review.
Read the site-wide calculation methodology · estimate vs. quote and safety limits
How much does a cedar shake roof cost?
Cedar shakes and shingles give a natural wood look that weathers to silver-gray. They cost more than asphalt and need more upkeep, and some areas restrict them for fire reasons, but they remain popular for traditional and rustic homes.
As an installed all-in figure, a cedar shake roof typically runs $7–$14 per square foot. On a 1,957 sq ft roof (about a 1,750 sq ft home at a 6:12 pitch) that is roughly $13,500–$27,500 before any unusual features. The estimate above lets you set your exact roof size, pitch, complexity and tear-off to tighten the range.
cost = roof area × $7–$14/sq ft (× complexity) + tear-off · roof area = footprint × slope factor
Typical service life for cedar shake is 25–40 years. Once you have a target number, compare it against real local quotes before you commit — and if you're sizing materials for a DIY job, the roofing material calculator gives you squares, bundles and a shopping list.
New roof cost by material
Compare the installed cost of other roofing materials:
Frequently asked questions
How much does a cedar shake roof cost?
A cedar shake roof typically runs $7–$14 per square foot installed, all-in. On a 1,957 sq ft roof that works out to roughly $13,500–$27,500. Cedar shakes and shingles give a natural wood look that weathers to silver-gray. Enter your own roof size and pitch above for an estimate.
How long does a cedar shake roof last?
A cedar shake roof has a typical service life of about 25–40 years, depending on the product grade, your climate and how well it is installed and maintained. You're paying for natural appearance, good insulation.
What drives the cost of a cedar shake roof?
The main factors are roof size, pitch, complexity (hips, valleys, dormers and skylights), and whether the old roof is torn off — tear-off and disposal add about $1–$2 per square foot. Steeper and more complex roofs cost more because the work is slower and needs more safety equipment.
Is cedar allowed where I live?
Check before you budget. Many wildfire-prone jurisdictions restrict or prohibit untreated wood roofing outright, and some insurers price it punitively or decline it. Fire-retardant-treated (Class A or B) cedar is available and satisfies most of those codes, but it costs more than the untreated material assumed at the lower end of the $7–$14 per sq ft range.
Shakes or shingles, what is the difference?
Cedar shingles are sawn on both faces, so they are thinner, smoother and lay flatter. Shakes are split or taper-sawn, thicker and more textured, giving the rustic look most people picture. Shakes cost more and need a slightly different underlayment detail; shingles are cheaper and neater. Both sit inside the same installed range, with hand-split shakes at the top.
How much maintenance does a cedar roof need?
Real maintenance, unlike asphalt. Expect periodic clearing of moss and debris, keeping branches back so the roof dries, and treatment every few years in damp climates. The 25–40 year service life assumes that upkeep happens; a neglected cedar roof fails considerably sooner, which is the main reason owners move away from it.
Will my homeowners insurance pay for a new roof?
Insurance generally covers roof replacement when the damage comes from a sudden covered peril — a storm, hail, fallen tree or fire — minus your deductible, and often pro-rated for the roof's age on older policies. It typically will not pay to replace a roof that has simply worn out from age or lack of maintenance. Document storm damage with photos and get a contractor's inspection before filing a claim.