Western Red Cedar Shakes Price Guide for Homeowners

Western red cedar shakes offer natural beauty, durability, and long-term curb appeal for exterior siding and roofing. This guide explains current price ranges, what influences costs, and practical tips to plan, budget, and source authentic shakes in the United States. Understanding material grades, thickness, installation approaches, and regional labor rates helps homeowners compare quotes and avoid surprises.

Overview Of Western Red Cedar Shakes

Western red cedar shakes are split or sawn shingles made from western red cedar trees, valued for their stability, resistance to rot, and distinctive texture. Prices vary by thickness, grade, and whether the shakes are green (unfinished) or kiln-dried. Shake profiles range from Victorian-style irregularities to uniform, machine-cut faces. The aesthetic appeal is complemented by natural insulation properties and a long lifespan when properly maintained.

Factors That Influence Price

Several variables determine the final cost per square foot or per bundle:

• Material grade: Clear, knot-free shakes command higher prices than those with more defects.
• Thickness: Thicker shakes (e.g., 5/8 inch) cost more than 1/2 inch or 7/16 inch variants but may offer greater durability.
• Product form: Hand-split shakes tend to be pricier than machine-cut, and half-round or split-faced options differ in cost.
• Finish and treatment: Kiln-dried, pre-stained, or factory-sealed options add to upfront costs but can reduce maintenance needs.
• Delivery and handling: Freight to regional suppliers or job sites adds to the total, especially for remote locations.
• Labor rates: Installers’ regional wages and project complexity significantly affect installed costs.
• Installation approach: Roof applications vs. wall siding, ventilation needs, and flashing details influence labor and time.

Typical Price Ranges

The price of Western red cedar shakes can be presented in two common formats: material price per square foot and installed price per square foot. Note that small variations occur by region and supplier.

• Material price (uninstalled): Commonly around $1.50 to $5.00 per square foot, depending on thickness and grade.
• Installed price: Typically ranges from $7.00 to $12.00 per square foot for roof or wall installations, including labor, fasteners, and minor flashing.
• Bundles and coverage: Most shakes are sold by bundle with 18–25 pieces per bundle; coverage varies by profile and thickness, commonly 15–25 square feet per bundle.

Material Grades And Their Impact On Cost

Grades reflect defect levels and appearance. Higher-grade shakes with fewer knots and more uniform faces fetch premium prices. Conversely, economy grades with visible knots, shake variances, and distressing reduce upfront costs but may require more maintenance or alternative applications in high-visibility areas.

Installing Western Red Cedar Shakes

Installation affects both performance and price. Consider these points when budgeting:

• Substrate preparation: Proper sheathing, ventilation, and moisture barriers are essential, adding to labor time.
• Underlayment: Building codes often require suitable underlayment for roofing or siding installations, influencing cost.
• Nail and fastener choices: corrosion-resistant nails or staples suited to cedar prevent staining and ensure longevity.
• Warranty and code compliance: Licensed installers may offer warranties on materials and workmanship, affecting overall value.

Regional Variation In Pricing

Prices vary across the United States due to supply, demand, and labor markets. Western states with larger cedar industries may offer more favorable material pricing, while coastal or urban areas can show higher labor costs. Weather exposure and wind-driven rain in certain regions can influence both material selection and installation methods, potentially impacting price.

Maintenance And Longevity

Proper maintenance protects investment and extends life. Regular cleaning, resealing every 5–10 years (or as needed), and addressing moisture intrusion promptly are key. Kiln-dried, pre-finished shakes may carry higher upfront costs but often reduce ongoing labor for staining and sealing. Expect a higher initial investment if choosing premium grades and thicker profiles, offset by decades of performance when maintained well.

Cost-Saving Tips

• Choose a maintenance-friendly finish: Pre-stained or factory-sealed products can reduce future staining costs.
• Mix profiles: Using a mix of premium and economy grades in less-visible areas can lower total costs while preserving curb appeal.
• Request written estimates: Compare material, delivery, and labor lines across several qualified installers.
• Plan for ventilation: Proper attic or wall ventilation prevents moisture buildup that can shorten shake life.
• Check local rebates or codes: Some regions offer incentives for durable, energy-efficient cladding installations.

Where To Buy Western Red Cedar Shakes

Home improvement stores, lumberyards, and specialty cedar suppliers are common sources. When buying, verify:

• Supplier credibility: Look for mills or distributors with clear grade specifications and return policies.
• Delivery options: Confirm lead times and whether the shipment includes curbside delivery or site delivery.
• Warranty terms: Ensure coverage on material defects and any milling inconsistencies.

Comparison With Alternatives

For homeowners evaluating options, compare Western red cedar shakes with alternatives such as vinyl siding, engineered wood, or asphalt shingles. Cedar offers natural beauty, biodegradability, and a long lifespan with proper maintenance, but alternatives may provide lower upfront costs, less maintenance, or more color consistency. Installed costs for cedar shakes typically remain higher than vinyl or engineered products, but the aesthetic and insulation benefits can justify the premium for many projects.

Practical Calculation Example

Consider a one-story home with a 1,500-square-foot exterior wall area and a 2,000-square-foot roof area. If shakes are used for both roof and walls, and installed costs average $9.00 per square foot, the rough installed cost would be about $30,000 to $36,000 after factoring in minor flashing and underlayment. Material costs might account for roughly $3,000 to $8,000 of that total, depending on grade and thickness. Always obtain multiple quotes to refine this estimate for a specific project.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are cedar shakes more expensive than other siding types? They are a natural, premium material with superior durability, unique grain, and limited supply, requiring skilled installation and maintenance.

How long do Western red cedar shakes typically last? With proper ventilation, moisture control, and maintenance, shakes can last 40–60 years or longer in favorable climates.

Can cedar shakes be used on roofs as well as walls? Yes, but roof installations require careful selection of shake thickness and underlayment to meet weather resistance and wind requirements.

Conclusion

Western red cedar shakes offer enduring curb appeal and performance, but price is influenced by material grade, thickness, installation complexity, and regional labor costs. By understanding the cost drivers, homeowners can plan a project that balances aesthetics, durability, and value. Compare quotes from reputable suppliers and installers, consider maintenance needs, and choose the right combination of material and finish to fit the budget and climate.