A cedar shake roof in Wisconsin typically costs about $15 to $18 per square foot installed in 2026. That puts a 1,700 square foot roof at roughly $25,800 to $30,100, depending on fire rating and whether you choose shakes or shingles. Steep or complex roofs, tear-off and repairs to the roof deck move the number up. This guide shows the figures, what drives them and how to get a firm quote.
TL;DR
- Installed price in Wisconsin: about $15.20 per square foot for red cedar shakes, or $25,840 for a 1,700 sq ft roof.
- A Class A fire-rated system raises that to $17.15 per square foot, or $29,155 for the same roof.
- Steep or complex roof designs can add up to 30%. Tear-off adds $1 to $3 per square foot.
- Spring and fall are the best seasons to install. Book early.
- We do not publish a cedar shake price. We quote each roof after an inspection.
Table of Contents
- What a cedar shake roof costs in Wisconsin
- Cedar shakes vs. cedar shingles
- What changes the price of a cedar shake roof
- How long a cedar roof lasts
- When to install
- Repair or replace
- Our perspective
- Cedar compared with other roofing options
- How to budget
- Get a cedar shake roof quote
- FAQ
- Sources
What a cedar shake roof costs in Wisconsin
Start with the per-square-foot numbers. Roofers also quote by the "square," which is 100 square feet of roof.
One Wisconsin cost guide from a roofing professional lists these 2026 installed prices, based on a 1,700 sq ft roof (Wisconsin Roof Replacement Cost Guide):
| Material | Per square foot | Per square | 1,700 sq ft roof |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red cedar shakes | $15.20 | $1,520 | $25,840 |
| Red cedar shakes, Class A fire-rated system | $17.15 | $1,715 | $29,155 |
| Red cedar shingles | $15.75 | $1,575 | $26,775 |
| Red cedar shingles, Class A fire-rated system | $17.70 | $1,770 | $30,090 |
National figures from Forbes Home are wider. It reports $18,000 to $34,000 for a cedar shake roof and $12,000 to $27,000 for a cedar shingle roof. Per square foot, shakes run $6 to $15.50 and shingles $4 to $8.50 on that scale.
Why the ranges differ: the size of the roof, the grade of the cedar, the pitch, the labor market and the work needed under the roof all change the total. A national average hides these. Use the Wisconsin numbers above as your planning range, then get a written quote for your own roof.
How roof size changes the total
Roof area is larger than the floor area of the house. Pitch and overhangs add square footage. Use the roof measurement, not the home's square footage.
Here is the math at the Wisconsin shake price of $15.20 per square foot:
| Roof area | Squares | Estimated cost |
|---|---|---|
| 1,200 sq ft | 12 | $18,240 |
| 1,700 sq ft | 17 | $25,840 |
| 2,400 sq ft | 24 | $36,480 |
| 3,000 sq ft | 30 | $45,600 |
The 1,700 sq ft row comes straight from the guide. The other rows are our multiplication of the same per-square-foot price, so treat them as planning math, not quotes.
Cedar shakes vs. cedar shingles
The two look similar from the street. They are not the same product.
- Cedar shingles are sawn on both sides. They have a smooth, even and uniform look.
- Cedar shakes are split, or split and resawn. Each piece has its own texture and a rustic look.
According to Forbes Home, shakes tend to cost more, are thicker, and may offer better durability and longevity. In the Wisconsin guide above, installed prices for the two products are close. Shingles were a little higher per square foot in that data. The gap depends on grade and installation method, so ask for both prices on your roof.
Cedar grades
Grade affects price. Forbes Home lists three levels, with 2023 pricing:
- Level 1, straight grain: $9 to $15.50 per square foot
- Level 2, select: $6 to $12 per square foot
- Level 3, common: $4 to $8 per square foot
Higher grades have tighter, straighter grain and fewer defects. Ask your contractor which grade is in the quote. Two bids that look 20% apart may be pricing different grades.
What changes the price of a cedar shake roof
Seven items move the total. Check each one in every quote.
1. Roof pitch and design
Steep roofs and complex designs can raise cedar shake costs by as much as 30% in Wisconsin. Dormers, valleys, hips and chimneys all add cutting, flashing and labor.
Example: a plain roof priced at $25,840 would reach about $33,590 at a 30% increase. That is our arithmetic on the guide's figures. A cut-up roof will not always hit 30%, but plan for some increase.
2. Tear-off
Removal of the existing roof typically adds $1 to $3 per square foot. On a 1,700 sq ft roof that is $1,700 to $5,100. Layers of old shingles and disposal fees push toward the top.
3. Fire rating
A Class A fire-rated system adds roughly $1.95 per square foot in the Wisconsin data above ($15.20 to $17.15 for shakes). On a 1,700 sq ft roof that is $3,315. Ask your local building department and your insurer whether a rating is required or affects your premium.
4. Deck and structural repairs
Rotted sheathing is common under old roofs, especially near valleys, chimneys and eaves. The same guide lists structural repairs among the main cost factors. A fixed bid should say how decking repairs are priced, per sheet or per square foot, before work starts.
5. Labor and materials split
For cedar shake and shingle roofs, materials are roughly 60% to 70% of the cost and labor 20% to 30%. Cedar is a material-heavy job. Installation quality still decides how the roof performs, so labor is not the place to cut.
6. Permits
Permit rules differ by municipality. Your contractor should know the requirements in your village, city or town, and should list permit costs in the quote.
7. Underlayment, flashing and ventilation
These sit under and around the cedar. Cedar needs airflow so it can dry. Ask what underlayment, flashing metal and ventilation are included and what they cost. A short quote that leaves these out is not a lower price. It is an incomplete one.
How long a cedar roof lasts
Lifespan changes what a roof costs per year. Estimates vary. Martha Stewart, citing a roofing expert, puts cedar shake roofs at 20 to 40 years with proper maintenance and says humidity speeds up deterioration. Wisconsin has cold winters, snow load and humid summers, so maintenance matters.
To get the most from the roof:
- Keep the surface clear of leaves, pine needles and debris.
- Trim overhanging branches so the shakes get sun and air.
- Check for moss, algae and split or curled shakes each spring and fall.
- Keep gutters clear so water does not back up at the eaves.
- Fix damaged shakes early.
Our cedar shake roof maintenance guide covers each task in detail. For specifications that support a long-lived roof, see our cedar shake roofing specs.
When to install
The best time to replace a roof is spring or fall. Moderate temperatures and drier conditions help with proper installation. Extreme heat softens roofing materials and freezing conditions interfere with sealing.
In Wisconsin, that means two windows: late spring into early summer, and early fall before hard freezes. Good crews book up. If you want a spring install, start getting quotes in winter. If you are reading this in late fall, plan the job for the next spring window unless the roof is leaking.
A leaking roof is not a planning question. Call right away. We handle emergency roof and leak repair and can make the roof watertight until the full project can be scheduled.
Repair or replace
Not every worn cedar roof needs full replacement. Look at these signs:
- Widespread splitting, cupping or curling across several slopes
- Many missing or loose shakes
- Soft spots or sagging when you view the roof from the ground
- Daylight in the attic, or stains on ceilings
- Moss and rot that return after cleaning
A few damaged shakes on one slope can often be repaired. Damage across the whole roof points to replacement. We give honest repair vs. replacement recommendations. Our guide on repairing or replacing a Wisconsin roof walks through the decision. If a storm caused the damage, document it before anything is touched. We help homeowners work through insurance claims.
Our perspective
Most roof failures we see come from poor installation, not from the material. Cedar is a good example. It needs correct underlayment, flashing, nail placement and ventilation. A skipped detail does not show up on day one. It shows up in year five.
That is why we supervise installations as owners and document the work. You should be able to see what went on your roof and how it was installed.
When you compare cedar bids, compare scope first and price second. Match the grade, the fire rating, the tear-off, the deck repair terms and the ventilation. Then compare the totals.
If cedar is not the right fit for your home or budget, we will say so and show you other options, such as architectural shingles, standing seam metal or synthetic slate and shake.
Heather
Cedar compared with other roofing options
Cedar is one choice among several. We install architectural shingles, standing seam metal, synthetic slate, cedar shake and TPO for flat and low-slope sections.
Our published price range for roof replacement is $7,500 to $18,000. That range is on our roof replacement page. Cedar shake, standing seam metal, DaVinci and CeDUR synthetic systems, and TPO have no published price. We quote them by project after we inspect the roof.
If you like the shake look but want a different material, read our comparison of metal and DaVinci synthetic roofing. For a metal option, see standing seam metal roofing.
How to budget
Use this order:
- Measure the roof, not the house. Ask for the roof area in squares.
- Multiply by $15 to $18 per square foot for a first estimate.
- Add tear-off at $1 to $3 per square foot.
- Add up to 30% if the roof is steep or has many features.
- Set aside a reserve for decking repair.
- Ask whether storm damage is covered by your homeowners policy.
Example for a 1,700 sq ft roof, using the Wisconsin shake price with Class A rating:
| Item | Estimate |
|---|---|
| Cedar shakes, Class A system | $29,155 |
| Tear-off at $1 to $3 per sq ft | $1,700 to $5,100 |
| Total before repairs and complexity | $30,855 to $34,255 |
The first two lines are from the cost guide. The tear-off line is our multiplication and the total is our sum. Your quote may include tear-off in the per-square-foot price, so confirm what is included before you add it.
Insurance
Cedar roofs are often replaced after hail or wind damage. Coverage depends on your policy, your deductible and the cause of damage. Photograph the damage, keep records and call your insurer. We help homeowners with claim paperwork and documentation.
Get a cedar shake roof quote
We are a Wisconsin exterior contractor with more than 25 years of owner-operated experience. We serve Southeast Wisconsin, including Dodge, Washington, Fond du Lac and Ozaukee counties.
For a cedar quote, we inspect the roof, measure it and write a fixed-price proposal. We communicate through the project and document the work.
See our roofing services and request an inspection. Have your roof age, any leak locations and your insurance details ready.
FAQ
How much does a cedar shake roof cost per square foot in Wisconsin?
A Wisconsin cost guide lists $15.20 per square foot installed for red cedar shakes in 2026. With a Class A fire-rated system the figure is $17.15. Your price depends on grade, pitch, tear-off and repairs.
What is the average cost of a new roof in Wisconsin?
It depends on the material. Our published range for roof replacement is $7,500 to $18,000. Cedar shake roofs cost more per square foot than most other roofing and are quoted per project after inspection. See our Wisconsin roof replacement cost guide for more.
What time of year is cheapest to replace a roof?
Price does not drop in one season, but spring and fall are the best times to install because of milder, drier weather. Getting quotes in the off-season gives you time to compare scopes and book a slot.
How long does a cedar shake roof last?
With proper maintenance, 20 to 40 years is a common estimate, and humidity can shorten that. Regular cleaning, airflow and prompt repairs help the roof reach the upper end.
Sources
- Wisconsin Roof Replacement Cost Guide (2026 Update)
- Cedar Shake & Shingle Roof Cost Guide (2026 Update)
- How Much Do Cedar Shingles Cost? (Forbes Home)
- When Is the Best Time of Year to Replace Your Roof? (Martha Stewart)