What Is a Cedar Shake Roof?
A cedar shake roof is defined as a wood roofing system made from split or sawn western red cedar. Cedar shakes are thicker, rougher, and more irregular than cedar shingles, which gives them a rustic, textured appearance. The Cedar Shake and Shingle Bureau estimates there are approximately 2.5 million cedar roofs currently installed in the United States.
Cedar has been used as a roofing material for centuries, but its popularity has declined in recent decades due to fire concerns, maintenance requirements, and the availability of synthetic alternatives.
How Much Does a Cedar Shake Roof Cost?
The average cedar shake roof costs $6 to $12 per square foot installed, or $12,000 to $24,000 for a 2,000 sq ft home. Cedar shingles (machine-cut, thinner, smoother) are at the lower end. Hand-split shakes are at the higher end.
- Cedar shingles: $6 - $8/sf installed
- Machine-split shakes: $8 - $10/sf installed
- Hand-split shakes: $10 - $12/sf installed
- Pressure-treated (fire-retardant) shakes: Add $1 - $2/sf
How Long Does a Cedar Shake Roof Last?
A properly maintained cedar shake roof lasts 30 to 50 years. However, "properly maintained" is the key qualifier. Cedar requires active maintenance that asphalt shingles do not: cleaning, sealing, and replacing individual shakes every few years. Without maintenance, lifespan drops to 15 to 20 years. For a comparison of how different materials age, see our roof lifespan by material guide.
Maintenance Requirements
- Annual cleaning: Remove debris, leaves, and moss to prevent moisture retention
- Sealing every 3-5 years: UV-protective sealant prevents drying and cracking ($1,000-$2,000 per application)
- Individual shake replacement: Cracked or split shakes should be replaced promptly
- Moss and algae treatment: Cedar is particularly susceptible in humid climates. See our moss removal guide.
- Gutter maintenance: Cedar debris can clog gutters quickly
Fire Risk and Insurance
Untreated cedar is a Class C fire rating (the lowest). This is a significant concern. Several municipalities in California, Colorado, and other wildfire-prone states have banned untreated wood roofing. Pressure-treated cedar achieves Class B or sometimes Class A fire ratings, but many insurance companies still charge higher premiums (or refuse coverage) for cedar roofs.
If you are considering cedar, contact your insurance company first to confirm coverage and premium impact.
Modern Alternatives to Cedar Shake
Synthetic shake products replicate the look of cedar without the maintenance or fire risk:
- DaVinci Roofscapes: Polymer composite, Class A fire, 50-year warranty
- CeDUR: Polyurethane, weighs 75% less than cedar, Class A fire
- Brava Roof Tile: Recycled materials, Class A fire, impact-resistant
Synthetic alternatives cost $8 to $15/sf but eliminate maintenance costs and fire risk entirely.
Bottom line: Cedar shake offers unmatched natural beauty, but the ongoing maintenance costs, fire risk, and insurance complications make it a difficult choice for most homeowners. For the cedar look without the hassle, synthetic alternatives deliver better long-term value. For most budgets, architectural shingles remain the smartest investment.
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Alexander Chua
Alexander is a co-founder of SquareDash and writes about roofing technology, costs, and the homeowner experience.