Cedar shake roofing typically costs $8 to $16 per square foot installed — a genuine premium over asphalt shingles ($4.50 to $7.50/sqft) but less than natural slate ($15 to $30/sqft). Pricing on cedar varies more than most roofing materials because grade, species, and fire treatment all move the number significantly, so it's worth treating any quote as specific to your exact spec rather than comparing headline numbers between contractors.

What is cedar shake roofing?

Cedar roofing comes in two main forms, often confused with each other:​

  • Cedar shingles — thinner, machine-cut, with a smoother, more uniform appearance.
  • Cedar shakes — thicker, hand-split, with a more rustic, textured look and generally a higher price point.

Within both categories, cedar is graded — commonly labeled things like No. 1 Blue Label (premium) and No. 2 Red Label (standard) — and grade meaningfully affects both price and how long the roof will last.

Pros of cedar shake roofing​

  • Distinctive natural appearance that few synthetic materials fully replicate.
  • Good natural insulation properties compared to many other roofing materials.
  • Solid lifespan when properly maintained — typically 25 to 30 years, with premium-grade cedar and diligent care sometimes reaching well beyond that.
  • Develops an appealing weathered patina over time, which many homeowners specifically want.
  • Breathable roofing system that, with proper spaced sheathing underneath, manages moisture differently than solid-decked materials.

Cons of cedar shake roofing​

  • Meaningfully higher cost than asphalt shingles, and typically higher installation labor cost too — professional installation often accounts for 40 to 60% of the total project cost.
  • More maintenance than most other materials. Cedar generally needs cleaning roughly once or twice a year and periodic protective treatments to prevent moss, algae, and rot.
  • Fire rating is a real consideration. Untreated cedar shakes carry only a Class C fire rating — the lowest passing grade — though fire-retardant treatment can improve this significantly. Worth confirming what your local code requires.
  • Vulnerable to rot and moss in damp conditions without proper ventilation and upkeep, which matters in a humid Midwest climate.
  • Heavier than asphalt, which occasionally requires a structural check on older homes.

What cedar shake roofing costs

As a general range for the Chicago area:​

  • Standard-grade cedar shakes: Roughly $8 to $16 per square foot installed, or approximately $16,000 to $32,000 for an average 2,000-square-foot roof.
  • Premium-grade (No. 1 Blue Label) cedar: Toward the higher end of that range, or beyond it — the grade difference alone can add several thousand dollars to a typical project, but also extends useful lifespan.
  • Synthetic cedar shake alternatives: Roughly $12 to $20 per square foot, offering the cedar look with better fire resistance and meaningfully less maintenance than the real thing.

These figures vary more than most materials based on grade, species, fire treatment, and roof complexity — a specific quote from an inspection is the only reliable number for your project.

Is cedar shake roofing worth it for a Chicago-area home?

Cedar rewards homeowners who want a specific look and are willing to keep up with maintenance. If low-maintenance is the priority, a synthetic cedar alternative or a premium architectural asphalt shingle styled to resemble shake will get closer to that natural look with meaningfully less upkeep. If authenticity matters and you're prepared for the maintenance schedule, quality-grade cedar with proper fire treatment can be a strong, long-lasting choice.

Frequently asked questions

Is cedar shake roofing allowed everywhere in the Chicago area?
Fire code requirements vary by municipality, and some jurisdictions require fire-retardant-treated cedar specifically. Check with your local building department before finalizing material choice.

How does cedar shake compare to synthetic cedar shake?
Synthetic versions cost somewhat less, require significantly less maintenance, and offer better fire resistance — the tradeoff is that most homeowners can tell the difference up close, even though it's convincing from the street.

Does cedar shake roofing need to be replaced as a whole roof, or can sections be repaired?
Individual damaged shakes can typically be replaced without redoing the whole roof, similar to shingle repair — though matching the weathered color of surrounding shakes gets harder as the roof ages.

Last updated: August 2026. Cost ranges reflect general market conditions and vary significantly by grade and specification. For a specific quote, schedule a free AI drone roof inspection with RS Five.