The Cost Of A Wood Shingle Roof Depends On Material, Labor, Roof Complexity, And Region; This Guide Breaks Down Typical Prices, Long-Term Value, And Maintenance Considerations For U.S. Homeowners.
| Item | Typical Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Material (Per Square Foot) | $3.50 – $8.00 | Cedar Shingles More Expensive Than Pine Or Redwood |
| Installed Cost (Per Square) | $700 – $1,800 | 1 Square = 100 Square Feet; Varies With Complexity |
| Average Single-Family Home | $9,000 – $35,000 | Depends On Size, Pitch, And Region |
| Maintenance (Annual) | $100 – $400 | Cleaning, Treatments, Repairs |
Why Homeowners Choose Wood Shingle Roofs
Wood shingles Offer Natural Beauty, Energy Efficiency, And Durability When Properly Installed And Maintained. They deliver a traditional aesthetic that increases curb appeal and can be cost-competitive over a long life cycle compared to cheaper roofing materials.
Types Of Wood Roof Coverings
Wood Shingles And Wood Shakes Are The Two Main Options, Each With Different Costs And Visual Styles. Shingles are machine-cut, thinner, and give a smoother look; shakes are hand-split or tapered-forged and provide a rustic, textured appearance.
Cedar Shingles And Shakes
Cedar Is The Most Common Choice Due To Its Rot Resistance, Stability, And Attractive Grain. Western red cedar is preferred for its dimensionally stable properties but is among the higher-cost materials.
Redwood, Pine, And Other Species
Redwood Offers Similar Benefits To Cedar But Often At A Higher Price; Pine Is Cheaper But Requires More Maintenance. Local availability affects price significantly.
Installed Cost Breakdown
An Installed Wood Shingle Roof Cost Includes Material, Labor, Underlayment, Fasteners, Flashing, And Disposal Fees. Understanding each component helps estimate total expenses accurately.
Don’t Overpay for Roofing Services – Call 877-801-4315 Now to Compare Local Quotes!
- Materials: Wood shingles/shakes, ridge caps, drip edge, underlayment.
- Labor: Roofing crew time, flashing, ventilation work, and any structural repairs.
- Accessories: Ice/water shield, flashing, vents, chimney work.
- Removal/Disposal: Tear-off fees if replacing an existing roof.
- Permits & Inspection: Local code compliance costs.
Average Price Ranges
Typical Installed Costs Per Square (100 Sq Ft) Range From $700 To $1,800, With Most Projects Falling Between $900 And $1,500 Per Square. Material-only prices per square are generally $350–$800.
| Project Size | Low-End | High-End |
|---|---|---|
| Small Roof (10 Squares) | $7,000 | $18,000 |
| Medium Roof (20 Squares) | $14,000 | $36,000 |
| Large Roof (30+ Squares) | $21,000 | $54,000+ |
Key Factors Affecting Cost
Several Variables Shift The Final Price — Material Quality, Roof Pitch, Complexity, Accessibility, And Local Labor Rates Are Critical. Climate and building codes also play a role, especially where fire treatment or special underlayment is required.
- Roof Pitch And Complexity: Steeper roofs and multiple valleys increase labor and safety needs.
- Removal Of Old Roofing: Tear-off adds time and disposal costs.
- Geographic Location: Labor costs and material availability vary regionally.
- Fire Codes And Treatments: Class A/B/C ratings and fire-retardant treatments add expense.
- Ventilation And Structural Repairs: Upgrading attic ventilation or replacing rotted decking increases costs.
Installation Process And Timeline
A Typical Wood Shingle Installation Involves Tear-Off (If Needed), Deck Inspection/Repair, Underlayment, Shingle Installation, Flashing, And Cleanup. A medium residential roof often takes 3–7 days depending on conditions.
- Pre-Work: Permit approvals and material ordering.
- Tear-Off: Removal of old roofing when required.
- Deck Prep: Replace damaged sheathing and install underlayment.
- Shingle Installation: Staggered courses with proper nailing and spacing to allow drying.
- Flashing & Venting: Install metal flashings, ridge vents, and chimneys.
Maintenance, Longevity, And Lifespan
With Proper Maintenance, Cedar Shingles Can Last 25–30 Years; Treated Shakes May Reach 35–40 Years In Favorable Climates. Lifespan shortens in humid or fire-prone areas if not properly maintained or treated.
Maintenance Items Include Regular Inspections, Moss/Algae Removal, Re-nailing Loose Shingles, And Applying Preservative Treatments As Needed. Typical annual maintenance costs range from $100 to $400.
Fire Risk, Insurance, And Code Considerations
Wood Roofing Faces Stricter Fire Codes And Can Increase Insurance Premiums Unless Treated To Meet Fire-Resistance Standards. Many municipalities require Class B or A ratings achieved through factory treatments or surface treatments.
Insurance Companies May Require Fire Retardant Treatments Or Offer Higher Premiums; Verify Coverage Before Selecting Wood.
Don’t Overpay for Roofing Services – Call 877-801-4315 Now to Compare Local Quotes!
Cost-Saving Strategies
Homeowners Can Reduce Overall Cost By Choosing High-Quality Materials, Scheduling Installation During Off-Peak Seasons, And Obtaining Multiple Contractor Bids. Re-roofing without full tear-off can save money if the existing layer is suitable, but local code often restricts overlays.
- Shop Multiple Suppliers: Compare material costs and warranties.
- Bundle Work: Combine ventilation, insulation, and roofing work to save labor.
- Consider Partial Re-Roof: Replace only the most damaged sections if appropriate.
Comparing Wood Shingles To Other Roofing Materials
Wood Offers Superior Aesthetics And Insulation Compared To Asphalt, But Higher Upfront Costs And Maintenance Needs. Compared to metal or composite shingles, wood may have a shorter lifespan in certain climates but higher resale value due to curb appeal.
| Material | Installed Cost (Per Sq) | Typical Lifespan |
|---|---|---|
| Wood Shingles | $700 – $1,800 | 25 – 40 Years |
| Asphalt Shingles | $100 – $400 | 15 – 30 Years |
| Metal Roofing | $300 – $1,200 | 40 – 70 Years |
Questions To Ask Contractors
To Ensure A Successful Project, Ask About Experience With Wood Roofs, References, Warranty Coverage, And Fire-Retardant Treatments. Confirm that the contractor follows manufacturer installation specs for nailing patterns, spacing, and ventilation.
- Are They Licensed And Insured?
- Do They Provide Written Warranties For Labor And Materials?
- How Do They Handle Deck Repairs And Hidden Costs?
Common Repairs And Associated Costs
Minor Repairs Like Replacing A Few Shingles Run $150–$500; Extensive Deck Replacement Or Large-Scale Leak Repairs Can Cost Several Thousand Dollars. Timely repairs prevent more expensive structural damage and prolong roof life.
Return On Investment And Resale Value
Wood Shingle Roofs Can Increase Home Resale Value Due To Enhanced Curb Appeal, Often Delivering Better ROI In Historic Or High-End Neighborhoods. ROI depends on local market preferences and the condition of the roof at sale time.
Additional Resources And Where To Get Estimates
Obtain At Least Three Written Estimates From Local Contractors Specializing In Wood Roofs, And Check References And Local Building Departments For Permit Requirements. National industry organizations and local roofing associations provide contractor directories and best-practice guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Does A Wood Shingle Roof Cost Per Square Foot? Typical material costs are $3.50–$8.00 per square foot; installed costs average $7–$18 per square foot depending on complexity.
Do Wood Shingles Require Treatment For Fire Safety? Many areas require fire-retardant treatment to meet code; treatments add cost but improve insurance eligibility.
Can Wood Shingles Be Installed Over Existing Roofing? Local codes often limit overlays; a full tear-off is usually recommended to inspect decking and ensure proper installation.
How to Get the Best Roofing Quotes
- Prioritize Workmanship
A roof is one of your home’s most important investments. Always choose a contractor based on experience and reputation — not just price. Poor installation can lead to expensive problems down the road. - Compare Multiple Estimates
Don’t settle for the first quote you receive. It’s always a smart move to compare at least three bids from local roofing professionals. You can 877-801-4315 to get local quotes from roofing contractors in your area, available across the United States. - Use Negotiation Tactics
After selecting a trusted roofer, be sure to use our proven tips — How to Negotiate with Roofing Contractors — to secure the best possible final price without cutting corners.