Red cedar shingle siding remains a popular choice for homeowners seeking timeless curb appeal and natural weather resistance. Understanding the price landscape helps buyers budget accurately, compare installers, and choose between shingles and shakes, factory-primed options, or substitutes. This article explains the key cost factors, current national ranges, installation considerations, maintenance implications, and practical tools to estimate expenses for a U.S. project.
Key Factors Driving Red Cedar Shingle Siding Prices
Prices vary based on wood grade, diameter and growth rate of the cedar, shingle thickness, and the finish applied. Higher-grade red cedar, like tight-grain boards with fewer knots, commands premium pricing. The pattern—hand-cut shakes versus machine-cut shingles—also changes cost. Regional lumber costs, seasonal supply, and freight influence total project numbers. Labor remains a major component; skilled installers charge more for precise nailing patterns, consistent reveal, and detailing around windows and corners. Weather exposure, underlayment choices, and fastening hardware add to the overall bill.
Material choices matter: Ship from mills directly to save on middleman costs, or choose pre-stained or factory-primed options to reduce finishing labor on site. Selecting wider shingle widths may increase waste and cost but can improve appearance and installation speed in some homes.
National Price Ranges for Red Cedar Shingle Siding
Prices are typically quoted per square (100 square feet) or per square foot, including materials and installation. As a baseline, ungraded red cedar shingles generally range from $3.50 to $6.50 per square foot installed, with more premium grades or thicker, hand-split shakes rising to $8.00–$12.50 per square foot. A common residential project uses standard thickness shingles and mid-range cedar, landing around $5.00–$9.00 per square foot installed. For a 1,500-square-foot exterior, total costs commonly run roughly $7,500 to $22,500, with the midpoint representing typical mid-grade installations in many U.S. markets.
For quick planning, consider these ranges:
- Shingles (machine-cut, standard quality): $3.50–$6.50 per ft² installed
- Shakes (hand-cut or thicker): $6.50–$11.50 per ft² installed
- Premium grades, specialty cuts, or factory-finished options: $8.00–$12.50+ per ft² installed
These ranges can shift by region. The Pacific Northwest and Northeast often see higher labor costs and greater lumber demand, while the Southeast may offer more affordable labor but higher moisture considerations that affect installation practices.
Material Options and How They Affect Price
Shingle vs. Shake differences influence cost and appearance. Shingle profiles are slimmer and quicker to install, generally cheaper per square foot than hand-split shakes, but high-end shakes can fetch premium pricing due to texture and rustic charm.
Grade and Source A higher-grade cedar with fewer knots and uniform color can add 10–25% to material costs but may reduce waste and improve long-term aesthetics. Sourcing from regional mills can cut freight and enable quicker delivery, improving overall project efficiency.
Finish Options Factory-primed or pre-stained boards add upfront cost but lower on-site labor for finish coats and weather sealing. A transparent or semi-solid stain can enhance natural cedar tones while offering UV protection, often extending the life of the finish.
Installation and Labor Considerations
Labor costs depend on the complexity of the project, including roofline intricacies, corners, and windows, as well as local wage levels. Professional installation is essential for performance and warranty, especially with cedar’s vulnerability to moisture and insect exposure when poorly installed. Typical installation adds 40% to 60% of material costs in many markets.
Key installation factors include: proper underlayment, ventilation, drip edge placement, nailing pattern frequency, hidden fasteners if chosen, and careful alignment to preserve grain orientation. Improper installation can cause warping, cupping, or premature weathering, which undermines the investment.
Maintenance and Longevity Costs
Red cedar is naturally rot-resistant when correctly installed and maintained, with typical life expectancy around 25 to 40 years for shingles and longer for shakes in dry climates. Maintenance costs include periodic staining or sealing every 3–7 years, cleaning to remove mildew in damp regions, and occasional repairs after weather events. Replacing damaged sections is generally straightforward but can be noticeable on a large facade if color matching is challenging.
Maintenance budgeting tip: Plan for a staining refresh every 5 years in sun-exposed areas or harsher climates, and consider a maintenance contract with a local contractor to preserve appearance and integrity.
Cost-Saving Strategies and Practical Tips
To optimize value, homeowners can:
- Request multiple bids to compare labor rates and included materials.
- Ask about bulk ordering or mill-direct purchasing for better material pricing.
- Choose factory-finished boards to reduce on-site labor and color matching issues.
- Opt for standard widths and profiles to minimize waste and installation complexity.
- Schedule work in dry seasons to reduce weather-related delays and repair needs.
Using a cost calculator can help translate per-square-foot estimates into a precise project budget. A practical approach is to multiply the total square footage by the installed price per square foot and add estimated waste allowances (usually 5–10%).
Where to Buy and How to Compare Vendors
Local lumberyards, specialty cedar suppliers, and reputable contractors provide various cedar shingle products. When evaluating vendors, consider:
- Material warranties covering rot, splitting, and colorfastness
- Installer certifications or experience with cedar exteriors
- Delivery reliability and lead times
- Sample boards to verify color and texture consistency
- References or project galleries from similar climates
Request a written scope that details underlayment, flashings, fasteners, ventilation, and warranty terms to ensure apples-to-apples comparisons between bids.
Sample Budget Calculator Snapshot
Assume a 1,800 square foot exterior wall area, standard grade cedar shingles, mid-range finish, and mid-level labor in a typical U.S. market. Material cost: $4.75 per ft² → $8,550. Installation: $5.50 per ft² → $9,900. Underlayment, flashings, and misc.: $1,200. Total estimated project cost: about $19,650. Always add a contingency of 5–10% for waste and unforeseen issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do red cedar shingles last? With proper installation and maintenance, expect 25–40 years for shingles and longer for well-protected shakes in favorable climates.
Is red cedar worth the cost? For homeowners prioritizing natural aesthetics, durability, and environmental benefits, cedar offers strong long-term value, especially when protected by proper finishes and climate-aware maintenance.
Can I install cedar shingles myself? While possible for skilled DIYers, cedar siding installation requires precise technique to avoid moisture intrusion and warping. Hiring a licensed contractor is recommended for durability and warranty compliance.