Cedar Shake Cost & Types: Complete 2025 Guide

When considering a new roofing option, understanding Cedar Shake cost is essential for making a smart investment. Known for their timeless charm, natural durability, and excellent insulation, cedar shakes remain a popular roofing choice for homeowners seeking both style and performance. In this guide, we’ll break down the different types of cedar shakes, explore how pricing varies by material grade and property size, and review the key factors that influence overall installation costs — helping you plan your roofing project with confidence.

Cedar shake roofing has long been appreciated for its timeless beauty, resilience, and cost efficiency. When installing or replacing existing cedar shake roofs on new homes or alterations, understanding their costs are of vital importance – this guide explores all available cedar shake options as well as their effects on property size pricing factors to enable more informed decisions to be made about choosing them for yourself or replacing an old one with them.

What Is Cedar Shake?

Cedar shakes are roofing material created from split logs made of red or white cedar wood, most often red cedar. Their rustic yet charming appearance adds character and charm. Cedar shakes also possess natural insulation properties as well as resistance against insects and extreme weather conditions that makes them highly valued by many homeowners.

Cedar Shake Cost by Types:

Cost of cedar shakes varies considerably based on their type, grade and treatment, here is an outline:

1. Cedar Shingles vs. Cedar Shakes:

• Cedar Shingles: Cedar shingles can provide uniform surfaces at an estimated range from $4.00 per square foot up to $8.50.​
• Cedar Shakes: Hand-split for an authentic rustic appearance and with costs ranging between $6 and $15.50 per square foot, they make for an economical solution without incurring extra expenses per foot.​

2. Grades of Cedar Shakes:

• Number 1 Grade (“Blue Label”): Of highest quality made with straight grain heartwood costing $9.50-13.550 per square foot to install.
• Number 2 Grade (“Red Label”): Good quality with some imperfections that ranges between $5.75-$11.50 per square foot in cost; Black Label varieties tend to warp more, costing anywhere between $5.00-6.00.
• Number 3 Grade (“Black Label”): Lower quality material that’s more susceptible to warping; costs $5.50-6.00 per square foot.

3. Fire-Retardant Treated Shakes:

For areas prone to wildfires, treated shakes with Class A fire ratings might be available and typically cost around $15.15 per square foot in red cedar.

Cedar Shake Cost by Property Size:

Roof size is an influential factor when considering overall costs associated with any building project, such as installing cedar shake roof shingles. Here is an estimate based on roof size: The approximate costs depend upon roof size as follows.

Roof Size (sq. ft.)	Red Cedar Shakes Cost	Red Cedar Shingles Cost	White Cedar Shingles Cost
1,000	$13,450	$13,950	$9,950
1,500	$20,175	$20,925	$14,925
2,000	$26,900	$27,900	$19,900
2,500	$33,625	$34,875	$24,875
3,000	$40,350	$41,850	$29,850

Note: Material costs do apply towards Cedar Shake costs.

Factors Influencing Cedar Shake Cost:

Numerous elements can influence the cost of installing cedar shake roofs:

1. Material Quality:

Higher-grade cedar shake materials like Number 1 Grade shakes may cost more but offer superior durability and lifespan over less costly materials.

2. Roof Complexity:

Roofs that feature multiple angles, dormers or steep pitches require additional labor and materials which increase costs.

3. Removal of Existing Roof:

For any reason why an old roof needs to be taken down expect additional expenses of $1 to $3 per square foot of its removal costs.

4. Underlayment and Decking:

When considering costs related to these features of a new roof installation it should include underlayment as well.

5. Labor Costs:

Labor fees typically account for between 60-75% of overall project expenses, with installation rates depending on location and roof complexity.

6. Permits and Inspections:

Permits may also be necessary before beginning installation work depending on local regulations, their costs vary wildly from $100-500 depending upon where in the world your installation job will take place.

Conclusion:

Cedar shake roofing combines aesthetic appeal and long-term benefits into one desirable package, making it a top choice among homeowners. While its initial costs may be more costly compared to other materials, its long-term gains and unique aesthetic can more than justify any initial expense. By researching its types, sizes, pricing factors and influences you can make an informed decision that matches both your budget and value enhancement goals.

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