Grade and treatment
Shake grade, thickness and any preservative or fire-retardant treatment set the material price before labor starts.
Puget Sound material guide
Cedar Shake roof cost
Cedar brings warmth and history to the right home, with a maintenance plan tailored to our climate.
Price my roof
Typical project range
$33,900–$46,500
for a 2,450 sq ft roof in Seattle
Expected lifespan 25–35 years
Expected lifespan 25–35 years
At a glance
Is cedar shake right for you?
Why homeowners choose it
- Authentic Northwest character
- Natural insulation
- Distinctive curb appeal
Worth considering
- Needs ongoing care
- Higher maintenance in wet shade
Cost drivers
What moves the price.
Why two cedar shake roofs of the same size can be priced differently.
Room to breathe
Cedar has to dry out between rains, so ventilation and the details under the shakes matter — and take skilled labor.
Hand work
Shakes are laid and trimmed one by one, and every valley, hip and wall joint is fitted by hand.
Cedar Shake questions
Good to know before you choose.
How much care does a cedar roof need?
Keep needles, leaves and branches off — the Cedar Shake & Shingle Bureau notes debris shortens cedar’s life — and keep moss in check so water cannot back up under the shakes. Avoid pressure washing, which damages the wood.
Is cedar a good choice under trees?
It can work, but wet shade is where cedar struggles most. Trim overhanging branches, clear valleys and gutters, and ask about zinc or copper strips at the ridge to slow moss.
Can I switch from cedar to shingles later?
Yes, but shingles need solid decking, and many cedar roofs sit on spaced boards. Plan for new plywood sheathing — Kirkland, for one, requires it for that change.
Compare your options