First, what Is a Cedar Shake Roof?

Cedar shakes are essentially wooden planks that give your house a warm, natural look that sets it apart. Unlike other roof materials each cedar shake has its own unique pattern. Our love for cedar and everything wood related is why we’ve been working in this space for over 25 years!

They don’t just look good – a well-installed cedar roof can last 30-50 years and handle tough weather. They work great in most climates and have a lot of other benefits, including curb appeal and insulation value. Click here to learn more about the benefits!

How to Tell If Your Cedar Roof Needs Work:

Already have a cedar roof? Here’s when you might need some help:

• Leaks or water damage
• Shakes that are warping or curling
• Cracks or splits
• Moss or mold growth
• Missing shingles and other damage

If your roof is under 15-20 years old, you might just need repairs. For older roofs, or roofs that were improperly installed, replacing the whole thing may be the better route.

Breaking Down Cedar Roof Costs:

The Materials

Cedar shakes come in different options:

• Different brands: Some are better than others
• Different grades:
  
  • Common-grade: The cheapest option
  • Select-grade: Middle-of-the-road quality
  • 100% straight grain: The fancy stuff
• Different styles:
  
  • Hand-split: More rustic looking
  • Taper-sawn: Smoother looking

Installation

Installing cedar takes a lot of know-how. The whole job usually includes:

• Taking off the old roof
• Getting permits
• Putting down underlayment
• Adding flashing
• Installing drip edge
• Weatherproofing
• Applying a preservative

Cedar Roof Cost: What You’ll Really Pay in 2025

Let’s cut to the chase – wondering about cedar shake roof costs? For a fresh install (no removal of old roof material) most homes will run about $14-$18 per square foot. 

Cedar roofs are an investment, but they look amazing, last an extremely long time, and have other major benefits!

Looking for a ballpark figure? Try this:

1. Take your home’s square footage
2. Multiply by 1.12
3. Multiply by $16

Example: For a 2,000 sq ft home: 2,000 × 1.12 × $16 = $35,840

Remember, this is just  and estimate for the installation price, removal of old materials will play a big factor in final pricing.
Contact us for a more accurate estimate! Click here.

What Impacts Cedar Roof Costs:

A few things can change your expected costs:

1. How Complicated Your Structure Is

Things that can add to the cost:

• Steeper pitch roofs
• Lots of peaks and valleys
• Dormers
• Chimneys and skylights

All these make the job require more skill and finesse.

2. What Grade of Cedar You Pick

Your choices are:

• Common grade: Cheaper but won’t last as long
• Select grade: Better quality that lasts longer
• 100% straight grain: Top quality, longest lasting

Where your cedar comes from matters too – some places produce better wood.
We will assist in making the best choice for your specific location, style, and application.

3. Taking Off Your Old Roof

If we need to remove your current roof, that adds to the cost. It depends on:

• What kind of roof you have now
• How many layers there are
• How easy it is to access

4. The Shape of you Sheathing

If the wood under your shingles needs fixing, our team is trained and ready to deal with it so that your cedar roof is built on a strong foundation, and lasts as long as possible.

Taking Care of Your Cedar Roof:

Cedar needs some ongoing maintenance:

• Regular cleaning keeps it looking good
• Treatments and preservatives help it last longer
• Yearly or bi-yearly inspections to ensure small issues are dealt with early on

With proper care, your cedar roof will keep looking great for decades.

Cedar vs. Other Roofing Options:

When comparing roofs, here’s how they stack up:

Asphalt Shingles

Cheaper upfront, but they don’t look as nice or last as long as cedar. They’re okay if you’re on a budget, but they won’t make your house stand out, nor can they last as long as cedar.

Cedar Shakes

More expensive, but they look amazing and actually get better with age. They help insulate your house too. Cedar makes your home look special and high-end.

Metal Roofing

Lasts a long time, but doesn’t have that warm, natural look of cedar, nor is it as eco-friendly. Metal can be noisy when it rains and just doesn’t have the same charm, while still requiring maintenance.

Cedar simply looks better than manufactured materials – it’s that simple.

Getting It Installed Right:

Good installation makes a huge difference. Professional installers:

• Know all the tricks of the trade
• Pay attention to the details
• Work safely
• Offer warranties
• Use quality materials

This makes sure your roof lasts as long as possible.

Why Cedar May Be Your Best Choice:

The Benefits of Cedar

• Adds a classy, timeless look to any house
• Lasts 30-50 years with proper care (learn more here)
• Insulates better than other roofing materials
• Eco-friendly roofing option
• Stands up well to bad weather
• Can lower your energy bills

Next Steps

A cedar roof makes your house look great while protecting it for decades. Think about your local weather, what style you like, and how long you plan to stay in your home.

When you’re ready, let us know! Our team will assist you every step of the way.

Cedar doesn’t just give your house amazing protection – it gives your home a major upgrade that people will notice for years to come.