Cedar Shake vs Shingle Roofing: Cost & Buying Guide
A cedar roof is one of the most distinctive looks in residential roofing. The natural wood grain, the color variation from true red to dark brown, and the handcrafted texture of a handsplit shake create an appearance that no asphalt shingle can replicate. But cedar is also one of the most expensive roofing materials and one of the most misunderstood. John Esh of Joyland Roofing installs cedar roofs regularly and walks through the details that determine whether a cedar roof lasts decades or starts cupping and warping within a few years.
Joyland Roofing owner John Esh explains the difference between cedar shakes and shingles, the grades and thicknesses that determine durability, what western red cedar costs compared to asphalt, and what homeowners need to know before choosing a wood roof.
The first thing John clarifies is the terminology. Cedar shingles are sawn smooth on both sides. They have a uniform appearance and a cleaner, more finished look. Cedar shakes are handsplit, creating a deep grooved, grainy surface texture that looks more rustic. The difference is not just appearance. The handsplit shake has a rougher face that weathers differently than a smooth sawn shingle. Both are made from western red cedar, a species that is naturally resistant to rot, insects, and moisture, and both can last 30 to 50 years when the right grade and thickness are used and when the roof is properly ventilated.
Shingle Grades and Why They Determine Roof Life
John is direct about the most common mistake homeowners and some contractors make with cedar roofing. Choosing a lower grade to save money creates a roof that looks bad and fails early. Cedar shingles and shakes come in premium grade, grade 1, grade 2, and grade 3. John says to stay away from the lower grades entirely. A grade 2 or grade 3 shingle is more likely to cup, warp, and develop gaps as it weathers because the wood has more knots, more sapwood, and less structural integrity than a premium or grade 1 shingle.
A premium grade shingle will not warp or cup during its lifetime when installed correctly. The cost difference between premium grade and grade 2 is real, but John frames it as a choice between paying once for a roof that looks good for decades or paying less upfront and looking at warped shingles every time you pull into the driveway. The guide to budget vs premium shingles covers the same principle across asphalt and other roofing materials.
Thickness, Length, and Exposure Options
Cedar shingles come in different thicknesses measured in fractions of an inch. John recommends five-eighths of an inch as the minimum. Half-inch shingles, which are cheaper, are noticeably more susceptible to cupping over time because thinner wood moves more as it absorbs and releases moisture. The extra eighth of an inch is a small material upgrade that makes a meaningful difference in how the roof weathers over the first five to ten years.
Shingle length determines how much of the shingle is exposed to the weather. A perfection shingle is 18 inches long with a typical exposure of 5 to 7 inches. A royal shingle is 24 inches long and allows an exposure of up to 10 or 11 inches for a larger, more dramatic shingle look. The longer shingle costs more because more cedar goes into each piece, but it also creates a different proportion on the roof. John notes that the royal shingle with a wider exposure gives a more substantial appearance that some historic and high-end homes benefit from.
What a Cedar Roof Costs
John is upfront that cedar is not an affordable roofing option compared to asphalt. He estimates a cedar roof costs 3 to 5 times what an asphalt shingle roof costs for the same house. The exact price depends heavily on the cost of western red cedar at the time of installation, which fluctuates based on whether the cedar is imported or sourced domestically from Oregon and Washington, and on overall lumber market conditions. Cedar pricing is more volatile than asphalt pricing because it is a natural commodity subject to supply chain variation that manufactured shingles are not.
For a typical home, a cedar shingle roof installation runs 15,000 to 35,000 dollars or more depending on roof size, pitch, and complexity. The material cost alone for premium grade western red cedar is significantly higher than architectural asphalt shingles. Labor is also higher because cedar shingles are installed one at a time rather than in strips, and the installer must be experienced with wood roofing specifically. This is not a roof that every roofing crew knows how to install correctly. The roofing pillar page covers broader roofing cost comparisons across all material types.
Ridge Caps, Copper, and the Details That Finish a Cedar Roof
The ridge of a cedar roof can be finished with cedar cap shingles or with copper. John prefers copper. The copper ridge cap looks striking against the natural cedar, but it also serves a functional purpose. As rain falls on the copper, it oxidizes and washes a small amount of copper solution down over the shingles. This copper wash helps keep the shingles cleaner and more resistant to moss and algae growth, which is one of the maintenance challenges of any wood roof in a humid climate.
The color variation in new western red cedar, ranging from true red tones to darker browns, is one of the visual features that makes a cedar roof stand out. John notes that this color variation fades within 6 to 8 months of installation as the shingles begin to weather. The entire roof settles into a more uniform brown to golden color as the cedar oxidizes. Homeowners who expect the roof to look like it did on installation day should understand that cedar changes color fairly quickly, and that the weathered look is the intended long-term appearance.
Pros, Cons, and Fire Considerations
John lists the pros of a cedar roof as mostly visual. For a historic home, a period-accurate restoration, or a homeowner who wants the authentic natural wood look, cedar is unmatched. It is an all-natural product with no synthetics, no tar, and no petroleum-based materials. The environmental appeal of a natural roofing material matters to some homeowners.
The cons start with cost and include maintenance and fire risk. Cedar is wood and it burns. In a wildfire-prone area, a cedar roof is a significant fire risk that insurance companies may not cover or may require a premium surcharge to insure. Some jurisdictions in wildfire zones prohibit wood roofing entirely or require fire-retardant treatment that adds cost and requires reapplication over time.
Maintenance on a cedar roof is not intensive, but what maintenance there is tends to be costly when needed. Replacing individual damaged or warped shingles requires a roofer who knows cedar and has matching material on hand. The shingles cannot be walked on carelessly because they can crack underfoot. Any repair that involves removing and replacing shingles must be done by someone who understands the installation pattern and the nailing requirements that keep the roof watertight. Homeowners in the Lancaster, Pennsylvania area can reach Joyland Roofing at joylandroofing.com.
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