The cost to replace a cedar shake roof typically falls between $15,800 and $30,000 for most homes, with a national average around $21,000.
| Home Size | Estimated Replacement Cost |
|---|---|
| Small home (~1,500 sq ft) | $10,000 – $15,000 |
| Average home (~2,000–2,500 sq ft) | $15,800 – $30,000 |
| Larger home (~3,000 sq ft) | $18,000 – $45,000 |
| Complex or estate home (4,500+ sq ft) | $50,000+ |
Per square foot, expect $6 to $15 fully installed, though premium cedar, steep pitches, complex rooflines, and high regional labor rates can push that higher.
Cedar is a premium roofing material, so replacing it costs more than asphalt shingles. Labor alone often represents 50% to 60% of the total project cost. Tear-off, disposal, underlayment, flashing, permits, and possible decking repairs can also raise the final number.
I’m Jason Hedtler, owner of Roof Experts LLC in Bellingham, MA. We help homeowners across Norfolk and Plymouth County understand the real cost to replace a cedar shake roof, from material grades to hidden line items that affect quotes.
Cost to replace cedar shake roof definitions:
In 2026, the national average for a complete cedar shake roof replacement is about $21,000, with most projects landing between $15,800 and $30,000. Installed pricing commonly runs $6 to $15 per square foot, or roughly $900 to $1,500 per roofing square. Some cost calculators show professional cedar installation starting around $11.51 to $15.41 per square foot in higher-cost markets.
Smaller, simple homes may fall near $10,000 to $17,000, while large or architecturally complex homes can exceed $50,000. Cedar’s higher upfront price is partly offset by strong curb appeal, natural insulation, long service life, and a typical 50% to 70% ROI. For a quick baseline, use our Roof Replacement Cost Calculator or compare national data from How Much Does a Cedar Shake Roof Cost? [2026 Data] – Angi.
Roofing is priced by the “square,” meaning 100 square feet of roof surface. Your roof area is not the same as your home’s living space because pitch and overhangs add surface area. Contractors use a pitch multiplier, often around 1.12 for a standard slope.
Complexity matters just as much as size. Steep roofs, dormers, valleys, chimneys, skylights, multiple stories, and difficult access all increase labor. For more detail, see How to Calculate the Cost of Replacing a Roof.
Cedar roofing comes in several grades:
Cedar shakes are thicker and more rustic, while cedar shingles are machine-sawn for a thinner, more uniform look. Shakes usually cost $2 to $5 more per square foot than shingles.
Synthetic composite shakes are another option for homeowners who want the cedar look with less maintenance, stronger fire ratings, impact resistance, and long warranties.
| Roofing Material Type | Material Cost (Per Square) | Lifespan | Fire Rating | Maintenance Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Common Grade Cedar | $350 – $450 | 20 – 30 Years | Class C (Untreated) | High |
| Select Grade Cedar | $450 – $550 | 25 – 40 Years | Class C (Untreated) | High |
| Premium Straight-Grain | $550 – $700 | 30 – 50+ Years | Class C (Untreated) | Moderate |
| Synthetic/Composite Shakes | $600 – $900 | 50+ Years | Class A | Very Low |
Compare more options in The Complete List of Roofing Materials Compare Your Options and Roofing Materials.
Cedar installation is specialized, which is why labor often accounts for 50% to 60% of the total cost. On an average project, that can mean roughly $10,500 to $12,600 in labor.
In New England, pricing is often higher because of safety requirements, weather constraints, and freight costs for Western Red Cedar shipped from the Pacific Northwest or British Columbia. Coastal conditions also call for stainless steel or hot-dipped galvanized fasteners, and freeze-thaw cycles require correct spacing so the wood can expand and contract. For related local pricing, see Roofing Cost.
A cedar quote should include more than the visible shakes. Watch for these items:
Budget an extra 10% to 15% for hidden rot or structural repairs. Learn more in Your 2025 Guide to Roof Replacement Costs.
Cedar roofing is a long-term investment. The right decision depends on your roof’s age, condition, maintenance history, and how much of it is failing.
Small, localized repairs usually cost $100 to $400, while a mid-sized cedar repair averages around $750. Repair makes sense when the damage is limited to a few shakes, one valley, or a minor leak area.
Use the 30% rule: if more than 30% of the roof has curling, splitting, rot, or active leaks, replacement is usually the smarter investment. Patchwork on an aging cedar roof often creates mismatched color and texture while delaying the inevitable.
Insurance may cover sudden storm damage, but it generally excludes gradual wear, rot, or neglected maintenance. For local help, see Cedar Shake Roof Repair Near Me and Cedar Shingle Replacement.
A well-installed cedar roof can last 30 to 50 years, and premium straight-grain cedar can sometimes last longer. To reach that lifespan, plan for professional cleaning, debris removal, and protective treatment every few years.
Typical maintenance costs are $500 to $1,000 every 2 to 4 years, or about $3,000 to $8,000 over 30 years.
Synthetic shakes reduce upkeep and often provide better fire and impact ratings, but real cedar remains popular for historic character, natural beauty, and premium curb appeal.
Do not hire a roofer based on price alone. Ask:
For more hiring guidance, read our Cedar Roof Contractors Guide.
Get written, line-itemed estimates so you can compare cedar grade, underlayment, flashing, tear-off, decking, permits, and warranty terms fairly. Premium materials and experienced installation cost more upfront, but they help prevent premature leaks and expensive structural repairs.
If you live in Norfolk or Plymouth County, MA, Roof Experts in Bellingham can help you price and plan your cedar roof replacement. Review Roof Shingle Replacement Cost or Schedule a roof replacement estimate today.
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