Cedar Shake
RoofQuoted · Estimate Benchmark
Cedar Shake — worked example
2,000 sq ft footprint · 6/12 pitch · moderate complexity · with tear-off
Typical published bands — not a quote. Real bids vary by region, access, and scope. Bids far outside this band deserve questions.
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The band, the lifespan, the weight
| Installed cost band | $900–$1,600 per square — typical published band; quotes vary by region, access, and tear-off |
| Lifespan band | 25–35 years (≈$42/sq per year of service at midpoints) |
| Weight class | Moderate (verify on older framing) |
| Pitch suitability | Needs 4/12 or steeper to shed water; steeper is better for longevity. |
Verdict
A look you pay for twice — at install and in upkeep. Check your insurer and local fire code before you fall in love; in many regions a shake-profile composite is the saner spend.
- ✓ Unmatched natural look that weathers to a silver-grey patina
- ✓ Good impact resistance and natural insulation value
- ✓ Premium curb appeal in shake-traditional neighborhoods
- ✗ Real maintenance: treatment, moss control, and periodic shake replacement
- ✗ Fire-code restricted or insurance-penalized in many wildfire regions
- ✗ Quality depends heavily on the grade of shake and the installer
FAQ
How much does cedar shake cost installed?
A typical published band is $900–$1,600 per square (100 sq ft) installed — materials and labor, before tear-off. On a 2,000 sq ft footprint at 6/12 pitch (about 22.4 squares, moderate complexity) that benchmarks to roughly $25,424–$45,696 including tear-off. Bands benchmark quotes; region, access, and scope move real bids.
How long does cedar shake last?
A typical service-life band is 25–35 years. At the midpoint of the cost and lifespan bands, that works out to roughly $42 per square per year of service — the number to use when comparing materials honestly.
What roof pitch does cedar shake need?
Needs 4/12 or steeper to shed water; steeper is better for longevity.