Wood Shake Roof Cost Calculator

What Are Wood Shakes?

Wood shakes are thick, hand-split roofing pieces typically made from Western Red Cedar, though Alaskan Yellow Cedar and Eastern White Cedar are also used. Unlike machine-sawn shingles with smooth surfaces, shakes have at least one rough, textured face created by splitting along the wood grain. This split-face texture gives shake roofs their distinctive rustic character. Each piece is typically 18 to 24 inches long and varies in width from 4 to 14 inches, creating an organic, irregular pattern when installed.

Cost Per Square

Cedar shake materials cost $400 to $700 per square depending on grade, thickness, and cedar type. Premium hand-split and resawn shakes command the highest prices. With professional installation, total costs range from $800 to $1,400 per square. A 2,000 square foot roof requires about 20 squares, bringing total project costs to $16,000 to $28,000. Treated shakes with fire-retardant and preservative applications add $50 to $100 per square.

Expected Lifespan

Untreated cedar shake roofs last 20 to 40 years depending on climate, maintenance, and wood quality. Premium-grade shakes with preservative treatment can exceed 40 years. Red cedar’s natural oils provide inherent resistance to moisture, decay, and insect damage. Roofs in dry climates with good air circulation last longest, while those in perpetually damp or heavily shaded environments deteriorate faster.

Pros and Cons

Wood shakes offer natural beauty that improves with age, developing a distinctive silver-gray patina. The material provides natural insulation — roughly twice the R-value of asphalt shingles. Each roof is unique since no two shakes are identical. Cedar resists wind uplift well due to its thickness and nail-holding capacity. The material is biodegradable and renewable, appealing to environmentally conscious homeowners.

The main concerns are fire vulnerability and maintenance requirements. Many municipalities restrict or ban wood roofing unless treated with fire retardant. Insurance premiums may increase with a wood roof. Shakes require more maintenance than most alternatives — periodic cleaning, treatment application, and individual piece replacement. Moss and algae growth in damp climates requires regular treatment. Initial costs significantly exceed asphalt shingles.

Best Use Cases and Climate Considerations

Wood shakes perform best in dry or semi-arid climates where they can dry quickly after rain. Mountain communities, Pacific Northwest homes with good sun exposure, and rural properties surrounded by natural landscapes complement the aesthetic perfectly. Avoid wood shakes in areas with high fire risk (WUI zones) unless using Class A fire-rated treated products. In perpetually humid regions, budget for more frequent maintenance and potentially shorter lifespan.

Maintenance Requirements

Inspect twice yearly for split, curled, or missing shakes and replace damaged pieces promptly. Apply preservative treatment every 3 to 5 years to maintain moisture resistance and UV protection. Remove debris, leaves, and pine needles that trap moisture against the wood surface. Trim overhanging branches to allow sunlight and air circulation. Address moss growth with zinc or copper strip installation at the ridge rather than pressure washing, which damages the wood fiber.