Meta description: Explore cedar roofing shingle prices in the U.S., including material and installation ranges, tear-off costs, cedar shake comparisons, and ways to estimate a roof replacement.
Cedar roofing shingle prices depend on the wood grade, shingle thickness, roof design, labor rates, and whether the old roof must be removed. As a broad U.S. planning range, professionally installed cedar shingles often cost about $6 to $12 per square foot, or roughly $600 to $1,200 per roofing square—a square covers 100 square feet. Premium materials, complex roofs, and local labor costs can push a project higher. Understanding what each estimate includes helps homeowners compare bids and avoid surprises.
Typical Cedar Roofing Shingle Prices
Cedar shingles are thin, sawn pieces of wood installed in overlapping courses. Their price is commonly quoted by the square, by the bundle, or as a total installed cost. A roofing square equals 100 square feet of roof surface, not 100 square feet of the home’s floor area. Roof slope, overhangs, dormers, and valleys increase the roof’s actual surface area.
The ranges below are general budgeting estimates, not guaranteed quotes. Material prices and contractor rates vary by region and can change with supply, season, and project conditions.
| Cost item | Typical U.S. planning range | What it may include |
|---|---|---|
| Cedar shingle materials | $3–$7 per square foot | Shingles only; grade and exposure affect price |
| Professional installation | $3–$6 per square foot | Labor and standard installation supplies |
| Installed cedar shingle roof | $6–$12 per square foot | Materials and labor; verify included work |
| Roof tear-off and disposal | About $1–$3 per square foot | Removing and disposing of existing roofing |
These figures are useful for an initial comparison, but they are not a substitute for an on-site assessment. Some estimates bundle underlayment, flashing, ventilation, and disposal into one price; others list them separately. Homeowners should ask contractors to identify inclusions and exclusions before comparing totals.
Estimated Cost by Roof Size
Roofing estimates are based on measured roof area. A home with 2,000 square feet of living space may have substantially more than 2,000 square feet of roof, depending on its footprint, pitch, and overhangs. The following examples use roof surface area and the broad installed range above.
| Roof area | Approximate installed cost | With possible tear-off |
|---|---|---|
| 1,500 sq. ft. | $9,000–$18,000 | $10,500–$22,500 |
| 2,000 sq. ft. | $12,000–$24,000 | $14,000–$30,000 |
| 2,500 sq. ft. | $15,000–$30,000 | $17,500–$37,500 |
| 3,000 sq. ft. | $18,000–$36,000 | $21,000–$45,000 |
These examples are rough budgets. They assume the roof can be covered with standard cedar shingles and do not account for extensive sheathing repair, unusual access, premium details, or local permit requirements. A contractor’s measured takeoff is more reliable than an estimate based on the home’s interior square footage.
Cedar Shingles Versus Cedar Shakes
“Cedar roofing” can refer to shingles or shakes, but the products are different. Cedar shingles are sawn on both faces, so they tend to have a more uniform thickness and appearance. Shakes are typically split or sawn more heavily on one side and are often thicker, creating a rougher, more textured look. Product specifications vary, so the label alone does not determine quality or price.
Cedar shakes often cost more to install than shingles because they may require more careful fitting, thicker materials, or specialized installation. A shake roof can run roughly $8 to $15 or more per square foot installed in some markets. This is a broad comparison rather than a fixed national rate; grade, thickness, exposure, and roof complexity can shift either product’s cost.
When comparing bids, homeowners should confirm whether the estimate is for cedar shingles or shakes, the species and grade, the required exposure, and the installation method. A lower price for a thinner or lower-grade product is not directly comparable to a quote for a thicker premium product.
What Affects Cedar Roofing Shingle Prices?
Wood species, grade, and quality
Western red cedar is widely used for roofing, while other cedar species may be available depending on the region and supplier. Price and performance can differ by species, grading rules, and product quality. Premium, clear-grade shingles generally have fewer visible defects than lower grades and may cost more. Buyers should request the manufacturer’s product specifications rather than relying only on a sales description.
Shingle thickness and exposure
Exposure is the portion of each shingle left visible after the next course is installed. A smaller exposure generally means more courses and more material per roof area. Thicker shingles and products designed for a distinctive appearance may also raise material and labor costs. The appropriate exposure depends on the shingle specifications, roof pitch, and local building requirements.
Roof pitch, shape, and access
Steep roofs require additional fall protection and can take longer to work on. Numerous hips, valleys, dormers, skylights, chimneys, and roof penetrations mean more cutting and flashing detail. Limited access for equipment or material delivery may add labor. These factors explain why two homes with similar roof area can receive very different estimates.
Underlayment, ventilation, and flashing
A cedar roof system includes more than visible shingles. Underlayment, flashing around chimneys and valleys, edge details, and adequate ventilation all affect project cost and durability. Some cedar assemblies use specific ventilation or spacing details; the contractor should follow the shingle manufacturer’s instructions and applicable building codes. Replacing deteriorated flashing or improving ventilation can increase the initial bill but may address underlying roof problems.
Removal and deck repairs
Removing the old roof adds labor and disposal costs. Once roofing is removed, damaged or rotten sheathing may need repair or replacement. The extent is often not fully known until tear-off begins, so estimates may include a per-sheet or per-square-foot repair rate. The contract should explain how hidden damage will be documented and approved before extra work proceeds.
Location and season
Contractor availability, wages, disposal fees, local code requirements, and access to cedar products vary across the United States. Prices can also differ between urban and rural areas. Seasonal demand may affect scheduling and bids, but the best timing depends on local weather and the roofer’s workload. Several local quotes provide a more useful comparison than a national average.
Additional Costs to Include in a Budget
- Old roof removal: Ask whether tear-off, hauling, and disposal are included, and whether multiple existing layers change the price.
- Decking repairs: Damaged roof sheathing, rafters, or fascia may require additional labor and materials.
- Flashing and ventilation: New metal flashing, ridge details, vents, or intake improvements can be necessary for a complete roofing system.
- Permits and inspections: Requirements and fees depend on the local building department and project scope.
- Access equipment: Scaffolding, lifts, or special protection may be needed for tall or difficult-to-reach roofs.
- Protective treatments: Any treatment should be compatible with the roofing product and applied according to its instructions. Ask about product cost, maintenance, and warranty implications.
- Gutters and related work: Gutter removal or replacement may be separate from the roofing contract.
A contingency can help cover concealed damage, especially on older roofs. Rather than accepting a vague allowance, homeowners can ask for unit prices for common repairs and a written approval process for costs beyond the original contract.
How to Estimate Cedar Shingle Roof Cost
- Get a measured roof area. Request the contractor’s square footage or roofing-square calculation, including waste allowance and the method used to measure.
- Specify the product. Record species, grade, thickness, exposure, and whether the roof uses shingles or shakes.
- Separate major cost items. Ask for materials, labor, tear-off, disposal, underlayment, flashing, ventilation, and deck repairs as individual line items where possible.
- Check installation details. Confirm that the proposed fastening, spacing, underlayment, and ventilation follow product instructions and local code.
- Compare complete bids. Evaluate the same roof area, product quality, scope, cleanup, payment schedule, and warranty—not just the total price.
For a simple preliminary calculation, multiply the measured roof area by an installed price range. For example, a 2,000-square-foot roof at $6–$12 per square foot produces a rough installed estimate of $12,000–$24,000 before any separately priced tear-off or repairs. The calculation is only as accurate as the area and assumptions used.
How to Compare Contractor Quotes
Homeowners should request at least three written estimates from contractors experienced with wood roofing. Each quote should identify the product and scope, including tear-off, disposal, underlayment, flashing, ventilation, cleanup, permits, and likely repair charges. A quote that says only “cedar roof” may leave too much room for different interpretations.
Ask whether the contractor carries the insurance and licensing required in the area, and request references for comparable cedar projects. Confirm who obtains permits, how the site will be protected, and what happens if weather delays installation. A detailed contract should state the payment schedule, change-order process, workmanship warranty, and manufacturer warranty terms.
Homeowners should also check the warranty carefully. Coverage may differ for the roofing product and the contractor’s workmanship, and maintenance or installation requirements can affect eligibility. No warranty should be assumed to cover every leak, appearance change, or maintenance issue. The written terms control.
Maintenance and Long-Term Value
Cedar is a natural roofing material whose appearance changes with exposure to weather. Its service life depends on product quality, installation, roof design, ventilation, climate, and maintenance. A well-designed roof with proper drainage and airflow can perform differently from one exposed to persistent moisture or debris buildup. Cedar should not be selected on purchase price alone.
Routine care can include keeping gutters clear, removing accumulated leaves and branches, and arranging periodic inspections by a qualified roofing professional. Moss, algae, or persistent dampness may indicate conditions that need attention. Cleaning methods and chemical treatments should be compatible with the roofing manufacturer’s guidance; aggressive pressure washing can damage wood and shorten the roof’s useful life.
When comparing cedar with asphalt shingles, metal, or synthetic roofing, homeowners should consider expected maintenance, repairability, appearance, fire requirements, and replacement timing as well as initial price. Local building codes, insurance rules, and wildfire exposure may influence whether a particular cedar product is permitted or practical. The Cedar Shake & Shingle Bureau provides product and installation resources, while local building departments can clarify applicable code requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cedar Roofing Shingle Prices
How much does a cedar shingle roof cost on a 2,000-square-foot roof?
Using a broad installed range of $6–$12 per square foot, a 2,000-square-foot roof could cost about $12,000–$24,000 before separately billed tear-off, disposal, repairs, or upgrades. The actual roof area should be measured; home floor area is not a reliable substitute.
Are cedar shingles more expensive than asphalt shingles?
Cedar shingles generally have a higher initial installed cost than many standard asphalt shingle systems. However, exact comparisons depend on product grade, installation scope, local prices, maintenance, and replacement intervals. A complete life-cycle comparison should use local quotes and realistic maintenance assumptions.
Do cedar shakes cost more than cedar shingles?
They often do, but not in every case. Thickness, product grade, installation requirements, and roof complexity determine the final price. Quotes should state clearly whether the material is a sawn shingle or a shake product.
What is the biggest hidden cost in a cedar roof replacement?
Damaged roof decking discovered during tear-off is a common source of extra cost. Flashing, ventilation corrections, and disposal can also change the final bill if they were excluded from the original estimate. A written repair rate and change-order procedure help make these costs more manageable.