Cedar Shake Roofing Cost Guide
Cedar shake roofing costs $600–$1,200 per square installed for hand-split shakes and $500–$900 per square for machine-cut cedar shingles. Material costs run $250–$600 per square depending on grade and cut. Labor averages $150–$350 per square. A typical 25-square residential cedar roof costs $15,000–$30,000 installed. Premium grades like CertainTeed Presidential Shake or DaVinci Roofscapes composite alternatives run $400–$800 per square for materials.
Cedar shake roofing occupies a premium niche that rewards contractors with specialized knowledge and craftsmanship. Popular in the Pacific Northwest, New England, and upscale neighborhoods nationwide, cedar roofs command top pricing and attract homeowners who value natural aesthetics and are willing to invest in quality. For roofing contractors, cedar work delivers high per-job revenue with margins that justify the slower installation pace.
Cedar Shakes vs. Cedar Shingles: Cost Comparison
Cedar shakes and cedar shingles are different products with different price points. Hand-split cedar shakes have a rough, textured surface and are thicker (3/4 to 1-1/4 inch at the butt) — they cost $300–$600 per square for materials depending on grade. Taper-sawn shakes (machine-cut on one side, hand-split on the other) run $250–$450 per square. Cedar shingles are machine-cut on both sides, creating a smooth, uniform appearance, and cost $200–$400 per square. The Cedar Shake and Shingle Bureau (CSSB) grades both products: #1 Blue Label (premium, 100% edge grain, no defects) costs 30–50% more than #2 Red Label (some flat grain and minor defects allowed). For residential roofing, specify #1 Blue Label for maximum lifespan and appearance. Source materials from reputable mills — quality varies significantly, and inferior cedar can fail in 10–15 years versus 30–40 years for premium grades.
Labor Rates and Installation Productivity
Cedar shake installation is significantly slower than asphalt shingles, which is reflected in higher labor rates. A skilled 3-person crew can install 4–8 squares of cedar shakes per day compared to 15–25 squares for shingles. Labor runs $150–$350 per square for cedar shakes — the hand-sorting, individual nailing, and precise spacing required for each shake adds time. Cedar shingles install slightly faster at $120–$280 per square because of their uniform dimensions. Key installation factors affecting productivity: each shake must be offset from joints in the course below and the course two below (no joints within 1.5 inches), shakes require 3/8 to 5/8 inch spacing between pieces for expansion, and interlayment (18-inch strips of #30 felt between each course) is required for shakes in most jurisdictions. Double coursing at the starter course and careful valley and hip work add additional labor. Pay experienced cedar installers $25–$45 per hour — this is specialty work that commands premium wages.
Underlayment and Ventilation Requirements
Cedar roofs require specific underlayment and ventilation systems to perform correctly. Unlike asphalt shingles, cedar needs to breathe — trapped moisture causes premature rot and cupping. Standard practice is #30 felt interlayment between shake courses, extending from the butt line to a point twice the exposure length. This costs $50–$100 per square in additional materials. Over the roof deck, install a breathable synthetic underlayment (not a vapor barrier) — products like Cedar Breather from Benjamin Obdyke ($100–$200 per square) create an air space between the deck and the shakes, dramatically improving cedar lifespan. Skip sheathing (spaced 1x4 or 1x6 boards instead of solid plywood) is the traditional installation method that provides excellent airflow, but is less common in new construction due to code requirements for solid decking in many jurisdictions. Attic ventilation is critical: balanced intake and exhaust ventilation per the 1/150 rule prevents moisture buildup that destroys cedar from below.
Cedar Treatment and Maintenance Revenue
Cedar shake maintenance creates recurring revenue opportunities. New cedar shakes should be treated with a preservative (oil-based or water-based) within the first year and retreated every 3–5 years. Cedar treatment products from brands like Cabot, Olympic, and TWP cost $40–$80 per gallon, covering 150–250 square feet per gallon. Treatment application runs $1.50–$3.00 per square foot installed — a 25-square roof treatment costs $3,750–$7,500. Fire retardant treatment is required by code in many fire-prone areas: Class A or B fire retardant treatment adds $100–$300 per square to the initial installation cost. Products from Exterior Fire Protection or SimplyTimber provide fire resistance while preserving the cedar appearance. Offer treatment packages to your cedar roof customers: a 5-year treatment plan at $3,500–$5,000 provides recurring revenue and keeps the customer relationship active for future repair and replacement work.
Composite Cedar Shake Alternatives
Composite and synthetic cedar shake alternatives have gained market share, offering cedar aesthetics with reduced maintenance. DaVinci Roofscapes polymer shakes cost $400–$700 per square for materials and install at similar labor rates to real cedar. CertainTeed Presidential Shake (a heavy asphalt shingle mimicking shake appearance) costs $200–$400 per square for materials. Boral composite shakes run $350–$600 per square. These products offer Class A fire rating (versus Class C for untreated cedar), 50-year warranties, and zero maintenance — compelling selling points in fire-prone areas and for homeowners who want the look without the upkeep. Installation labor for composites is often slightly faster than real cedar because of uniform dimensions and lighter weight. Present composite options alongside real cedar in your proposals — some customers will pay the premium for authentic cedar, while others will prefer the lower lifetime cost of composites.
Pricing and Market Positioning
Cedar roofing contractors serve a premium market and should price accordingly. Target 40–50% gross margin on cedar installations — the specialized skill set and slower production justify premium pricing. A 25-square cedar shake roof with #1 Blue Label shakes, Cedar Breather underlayment, and professional installation prices at $18,000–$30,000, yielding $7,200–$15,000 in gross profit. Present your proposals with detailed material specifications: shake grade, exposure, treatment plan, and warranty details. Include a maintenance schedule in your proposal to demonstrate long-term commitment. Cedar roofing customers are typically affluent and value craftsmanship — emphasize your experience, certifications (CSSB certified installer), and portfolio of completed cedar projects. Photography of your cedar installations is essential marketing material. Offer a 10–15 year workmanship warranty to complement the natural lifespan of properly maintained cedar.
Frequently Asked Questions
A properly installed and maintained cedar shake roof lasts 30–40 years, with some premium installations exceeding 50 years. The key factors are material grade (#1 Blue Label lasts longest), proper ventilation (moisture is the primary enemy), regular treatment (every 3–5 years with preservative), and prompt repair of damaged shakes. Untreated or poorly ventilated cedar roofs can fail in as little as 10–15 years.
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