Cedar Shake Roof Cost: Installation and Maintenance (2026)
💰 Cost Breakdown
| Item | Low | Average | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cedar Shake Installation (Hand-Split) Thick, rustic-textured hand-split shakes installed with stainless steel nails on skip sheathing or solid deck with breathable underlayment. Premium look with 40–50 year lifespan. | $16,000 | $24,000 | $35,000 |
| Cedar Shingle Installation (Machine-Cut) Thinner, uniform machine-cut cedar shingles. Smoother appearance, easier to install, and 15–25% less expensive than hand-split shakes. 30–40 year lifespan. | $12,000 | $18,000 | $26,000 |
| Tear-Off of Existing Roof Removing old roofing material down to the deck. Required for most cedar installations since skip sheathing or specialized underlayment is needed. | $1,500 | $2,500 | $4,000 |
| Preservative Treatment (New Installation) Factory-applied or on-site brush-applied preservative with UV inhibitor and fungicide. Extends lifespan 10–15 years. Some manufacturers sell pre-treated shakes at a premium. | $500 | $1,200 | $2,000 |
| Ongoing Maintenance — Cleaning and Treatment (Every 3–5 Years) Pressure washing or soft washing to remove moss, lichen, and debris, followed by re-application of preservative. Essential for preventing premature decay. | $600 | $1,200 | $2,200 |
| Cedar Shake Repair (Per Section) Replacing cracked, split, or curled shakes in a localized area. Includes matching wood grade and stain. Most cedar roofs need spot repairs starting around year 15. | $300 | $800 | $1,800 |
| Fire-Retardant Treatment Class A fire-retardant treatment required by building codes in wildfire-prone areas (California, Colorado, parts of Oregon and Washington). Applied at the factory or on-site. | $800 | $1,500 | $2,500 |
Cedar Shake Installation (Hand-Split)
Thick, rustic-textured hand-split shakes installed with stainless steel nails on skip sheathing or solid deck with breathable underlayment. Premium look with 40–50 year lifespan.
Cedar Shingle Installation (Machine-Cut)
Thinner, uniform machine-cut cedar shingles. Smoother appearance, easier to install, and 15–25% less expensive than hand-split shakes. 30–40 year lifespan.
Tear-Off of Existing Roof
Removing old roofing material down to the deck. Required for most cedar installations since skip sheathing or specialized underlayment is needed.
Preservative Treatment (New Installation)
Factory-applied or on-site brush-applied preservative with UV inhibitor and fungicide. Extends lifespan 10–15 years. Some manufacturers sell pre-treated shakes at a premium.
Ongoing Maintenance — Cleaning and Treatment (Every 3–5 Years)
Pressure washing or soft washing to remove moss, lichen, and debris, followed by re-application of preservative. Essential for preventing premature decay.
Cedar Shake Repair (Per Section)
Replacing cracked, split, or curled shakes in a localized area. Includes matching wood grade and stain. Most cedar roofs need spot repairs starting around year 15.
Fire-Retardant Treatment
Class A fire-retardant treatment required by building codes in wildfire-prone areas (California, Colorado, parts of Oregon and Washington). Applied at the factory or on-site.
📊 Factors That Impact Cost
Shake vs. Shingle Grade
High ImpactHand-split shakes are 20–40% more expensive than machine-cut shingles due to thicker material and slower installation. Premium grades (100% edge grain, no sapwood) add another 10–20% over standard grades.
Roof Size and Complexity
High ImpactCedar installation is slower than asphalt — each shake is individually placed. Complex rooflines with dormers, valleys, and hips add 20–40% in labor compared to a simple gable roof.
Wood Species and Source
Medium ImpactWestern red cedar from British Columbia is the industry standard. Alaskan yellow cedar is denser and more decay-resistant but costs 15–25% more. Eastern white cedar is cheaper but has a shorter lifespan.
Local Fire Code Requirements
Medium ImpactSome jurisdictions ban untreated wood roofing entirely. Others require Class A fire-rated shakes, which cost $800–$2,500 for factory treatment. Check local codes before committing to cedar.
Climate and Maintenance Commitment
Medium ImpactCedar performs best in dry climates. In humid or heavily shaded environments, moss and rot develop faster, requiring more frequent maintenance. Homeowners who skip maintenance may see their cedar roof fail in 20 years instead of 40.
Underlayment and Ventilation
Low ImpactCedar needs airflow to dry properly. Skip sheathing (spaced boards) or synthetic breathable underlayment on solid deck adds $500–$1,500 but is essential for longevity. Cutting corners here shortens the roof's life.
💡 Money-Saving Tips
Choose machine-cut shingles over hand-split shakes
Machine-cut cedar shingles cost 15–25% less than hand-split shakes and still deliver the natural wood look. The smoother texture is actually preferred in some architectural styles.
Buy pre-treated shakes to skip on-site treatment
Factory-treated shakes cost slightly more per unit but eliminate the on-site treatment step, saving $300–$800 in labor. Factory treatment is also more consistent and thorough.
Maintain on schedule to avoid early replacement
A $1,200 cleaning and treatment every 4 years costs $12,000 over 40 years but keeps the roof performing for its full lifespan. Skipping maintenance leads to a $20,000+ replacement 15 years early.
Get quotes in late fall or winter
Cedar installation season peaks in late spring through early fall. Off-season scheduling can save 5–15% on labor as crews look for work to fill the calendar.