How Much Does Synthetic Cedar Shake Roofing Cost? [2026 Data]

In 2026, the national average cost to install synthetic cedar shake roofing is $18,000. Most homeowners spend between $13,000 and $24,000, with roof size, pitch, and local labor rates accounting for most of the spread. Projects can reach as high as $41,000 depending on tear-off needs, roof complexity, and material grade.

Synthetic Cedar Shake Roofing Materials: How Does Type Affect Cost?

Synthetic cedar shake, also called composite cedar shake, is a lower-cost alternative to traditional wooden tiles made from engineered materials like plastics and rubber, and many products include a high percentage of recycled content, up to 100%. Unlike wooden shakes, which are classified into different building grades, such as grade 1, grade 2, and straight grain, synthetic shakes are not categorized the same way. Most manufacturers produce only one or two types, and their costs and quality are generally comparable across the market.

Roof Size: How Square Footage Affects Cost

Roof size is one of the biggest drivers of your total synthetic cedar shake installation cost, since both material quantities and labor hours scale directly with square footage. Buying materials in bulk offers a slight savings advantage, but labor costs do not typically decrease proportionally as the project grows. The figures below include materials and installation labor but exclude underlayment work, which is a common additional requirement when installing new roofing materials, and costs vary by roof size as shown in the table below.

Roofing Professional Costs: What Do Homeowners Pay?

Hiring a local roofer who specializes in synthetic cedar shake is the best way to ensure a quality installation, with hourly rates typically running $40 to $90 per hour per worker. Roofing pros may also charge by the project rather than by the hour, with the labor portion generally representing 20% to 70% of the total project cost. Roofs with steep pitches or difficult access can push labor rates toward the higher end of that range.

General Contractor Costs: What Do Homeowners Pay?

General contractors charge a rate as a percentage of the total project cost, similar to roofing pro rates. Even when the price is comparable, a dedicated roofing specialist brings focused expertise that a general contractor typically cannot match for this type of work, making a specialist the stronger hire for synthetic cedar shake installation.

Synthetic Cedar Shake Roofing Costs by Location: Where It Runs Highest and Lowest

Where you live has a meaningful impact on what you pay for synthetic cedar shake roofing, with costs varying based on local labor rates, cost of living, and proximity to production facilities. The table below shows how installation costs differ across major U.S. cities for a 1,600-square-foot roof.

Synthetic Cedar Shake Roofing Costs to Consider: Extra Budget Items

Demolition and Prep

Demolition and prep are typically required before any roof installation, involving the removal of old shakes and sometimes the underlayment layer, followed by a structural inspection to confirm the roof deck is ready for new materials. Handling this yourself could save you $40 to $90 per hour per worker, but the height and safety hazards involved make DIY demolition a risk we do not recommend taking.

Permits

A permit to replace your roof costs about $1,700 and is always required when installing a new roof. Skipping this step is a serious risk, as the city can require you to remove the entire roof if work was done without a permit.

Warranty

Roof warranties fall into three categories: installation warranties, manufacturing warranties, and extended manufacturing warranties. Having all three offers the most complete protection, though most homeowners carry only the first two. Before making any repairs, confirm whether the work is already covered under an existing warranty so you are not paying out of pocket unnecessarily.

Insurance

Installing synthetic cedar shake roofing can lower your home insurance premiums by up to 35%, so it is worth contacting your insurance company after installation to negotiate a reduced rate. Set aside time to review your policy carefully, since the savings can be meaningful over the life of the roof.

Underlayment

Underlayment is a protective layer between your home and the elements, and installing it costs around $3,000. Given that it shields your entire home from moisture and weather damage, that investment is well justified for full roof replacements, though underlayment replacement is generally unnecessary for smaller repairs.

Why You Should Hire a Pro to Install Synthetic Cedar Shake Roofing 

You should hire a roofer to install your synthetic cedar shake roofing instead of attempting to DIY. Sure, you'd save on labor hours, but at the cost of your own safety and at the risk of performing subpar work. In a worst-case scenario, an improper installation could even lead to damage well beyond the roof.

Get a few quotes from a professional roofer near you who can install your roof properly and on time. There are plenty of DIY projects waiting around the house but unfortunately, roofing isn't one of them.

Synthetic Cedar Shake Roofing Replacement vs. Repair

When considering the cost-benefit analysis of replacing the entire roof versus repairing, you need to determine the extent of the area that needs replacing. A good rule is to replace the entire project if the repair costs 50% or more than the price of a full replacement.

Synthetic shake is more beneficial than traditional wood when considering repairs because it doesn't age as noticeably. This means that repairs can easily blend into the existing roof without a glaring difference between new and old tiles.

Tips to Reduce Cost While Installing Synthetic Cedar Shake Roofing

If you're just repairing a piece here or there, it'll be difficult to save any real money (because you're not spending a lot). However, as the project grows in scope, so does the ability to shave dollars off the total project cost. Tome tips to reduce cost during installation are:

• Buy in bulk and negotiate lower pricing.

• Use any and all discount codes or coupons.

• Shop outside your immediate surroundings.

• Plan for off-season installation if possible.

• Double-check your warranty—make sure the repairs aren't covered.

• Use recycled materials.

• DIY your own demolition.

Does Installing Synthetic Cedar Shake Roofing Increase Home Value?

Almost all improvements add value to a home, but the amount varies as does the amount a homeowner can recoup from their investment. Installing synthetic cedar shakes can result in a return on investment (ROI) of between 30% and 70%. This means that for every $1,000 a homeowner spends, they should see a corresponding rise in their home's value between $300 and $700.

Synthetics are always compared to their natural counterparts. Traditional cedar shake harvested from cedar trees also sees a solid ROI—but it's a little less. This is due to the initially high cost of the wooden shake as it's considerably more expensive than synthetic. Other reasons why a cedar shake roof may not yield the same value as a synthetic are:

• Shorter warranty period.

• Requires replacement sooner than synthetic.

• Damages more easily.

• Requires specialized labor to repair.

• Less energy efficiency.

• Potential insect issues.

How Angi Gets Its Cost Data

Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects. 

Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to [email protected]. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.