Wood Shake Roofing: Complete Cost & Guide 2026

Cedar shake roofing delivers unmatched natural beauty, but it demands informed decision-making around fire safety, maintenance, and climate suitability. This guide covers real costs by state, compares cedar shake vs shingle vs synthetic alternatives, and helps you decide whether wood is the right choice for your home. All pricing comes from our network of pre-vetted contractors.

20-40 Year LifespanClass A with Treatment100% BiodegradableR-Value 0.87 per Inch

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Types of Wood Shake Roofing

Wood roofing encompasses several distinct product categories, each with different manufacturing processes, performance characteristics, and price points. Understanding these differences is essential before requesting quotes.

Cedar Shake

$8.00 - $16.00 / sqft installed

Hand-split or taper-split from Western Red Cedar logs, producing thick (3/4 to 1-1/4 inch), irregular pieces with a rough textured face. The quintessential wood roofing product, prized for deep shadow lines and rustic character. Available in heavy, medium, and handsplit-and-resawn grades per CSSB (Cedar Shake and Shingle Bureau) standards. The hand-split face naturally channels water away while the sawn back lies flat against the sheathing.

✓Maximum visual depth and shadow character
✓Natural oils resist insects and decay
✓Thicker profile provides better insulation (R-0.87 per inch)
!Class C fire rating unless pressure-treated

Cedar Shingle

$7.00 - $12.00 / sqft installed

Machine-cut (sawn) on both faces from the same Western Red Cedar, producing thinner (3/8 to 5/8 inch), uniform pieces with a smooth surface. Cedar shingles create a cleaner, more refined look compared to hand-split shakes. Graded as No. 1 (Blue Label, 100% heartwood and edge grain), No. 2 (Red Label), and No. 3 (Black Label) by the CSSB. For roofing applications, only No. 1 Blue Label grade is recommended.

✓Clean, uniform appearance
✓Easier and faster to install than hand-split shakes
✓15-30% less expensive than hand-split shakes
!Thinner profile means less impact resistance

Treated Pine Shake

$6.00 - $10.00 / sqft installed

Southern Yellow Pine pressure-treated with preservatives and fire retardants, offering a budget-friendly alternative to cedar. Pine lacks cedar's natural decay resistance, so the treatment is not optional but integral to the product's viability. Treated pine shakes are available in various profiles and can be stained to mimic cedar coloring. They are most commonly used in the southeastern United States where pine is locally abundant and affordable.

✓Most affordable natural wood option
✓Treatment provides fire and decay resistance
!Shorter lifespan (15-25 years) than cedar
!More susceptible to warping and splitting than cedar

Synthetic Wood-Look

$9.00 - $15.00 / sqft installed

Engineered products manufactured from polymer composites (DaVinci Roofscapes), polyurethane foam (CeDUR), or recycled rubber and plastic blends designed to replicate the appearance of natural cedar shake. These products have improved dramatically over the past decade, with realistic textures, color variation, and shadow lines that pass casual inspection. They solve the two biggest drawbacks of natural wood: fire vulnerability and high maintenance.

✓Class A fire rating and Class 4 impact resistance
✓30-50 year warranties, virtually maintenance-free
✓Code-compliant everywhere, including WUI zones
!Discerning eyes can distinguish from real wood up close

Cedar Shake vs Cedar Shingle: Head-to-Head

The terms “shake” and “shingle” are often used interchangeably, but they refer to fundamentally different products. Here is a detailed comparison to help you choose.

Attribute	Cedar Shake	Cedar Shingle
Manufacturing	Hand-split or taper-split	Machine-sawn both sides
Thickness	3/4″ to 1-1/4″	3/8″ to 5/8″
Surface Texture	Rough, irregular, deep grain	Smooth, uniform
Appearance	Rustic, bold shadow lines	Clean, tailored look
Cost (installed)	$8.00 - $16.00 / sqft	$7.00 - $12.00 / sqft
Lifespan	25 - 40 years	20 - 30 years
Weight	3.5 - 4.5 lbs/sqft	2.0 - 3.0 lbs/sqft
Installation	Requires spaced sheathing or mat	Can use solid sheathing
Best For	Craftsman, mountain, rustic styles	Cape Cod, Colonial, coastal styles

Both cedar shakes and shingles are made from Western Red Cedar (Thuja plicata), a species native to the Pacific Northwest renowned for its natural resistance to moisture, insects, and decay. The key difference is manufacturing: shakes are split along the natural grain of the wood, preserving the cellular structure that channels water away. Shingles are sawn, creating a smooth surface that is more uniform but slightly less water-resistant at the microscopic level.

For homes where maximum character and visual impact are priorities, hand-split shakes are the clear choice. For homeowners who prefer a more refined appearance or have budget constraints, machine-sawn cedar shingles deliver genuine wood beauty at a lower price point. Both products benefit enormously from proper ventilation: cedar roofs installed over spaced sheathing (which allows air circulation on the underside of the shakes) last significantly longer than those installed over solid plywood decking.

Wood Shake Specifications and Performance Ratings

Understanding the technical specifications of wood shake roofing helps you make an informed decision and set proper expectations for performance in your climate.

20-40

Years Lifespan

Climate dependent

80-110

mph Wind Rating

With proper fastening

Class C/A

Fire Rating

C untreated, A with treatment

R-0.87

Per Inch Insulation

Highest among roofing materials

Fire Ratings Explained

Fire rating is the single most consequential specification for wood shake roofing, as it directly determines where you can legally install it. The three relevant classifications under ASTM E108 and UL 790 are:

Class A (highest): Effective against severe fire test exposure. Achieved by pressure-treating cedar with fire retardants (CCA, borate, or zinc chloride compounds) or by using synthetic wood-look products. Fire-treated shakes must carry the UL or ICC-ES listing mark. Class A rated wood shakes typically add $2.00 to $4.00/sqft over untreated versions.
Class B: Effective against moderate fire test exposure. Some treatment processes achieve Class B rather than Class A. Check the specific product listing before purchasing.
Class C (lowest): Effective against light fire test exposure. This is the default rating for untreated natural wood roofing. Many jurisdictions, especially in wildfire-urban interface (WUI) zones, do not permit Class C roofing on new construction.

Wind Resistance

Wood shakes and shingles are typically rated for 80 to 110 mph wind speeds when properly fastened with two corrosion-resistant nails per shake, positioned according to CSSB guidelines. This is lower than architectural shingles (110-130 mph) and standing seam metal (140+ mph). In high-wind zones along the Northeast coast, additional measures may be required: adhesive application at butt edges, closer nailing patterns, or reduced exposure (the visible portion of each shake). Wind uplift performance improves significantly with heavier shake grades.

Insulation Value

Wood is the most naturally insulating roofing material available. Cedar has an R-value of 0.87 per inch, meaning a typical 3/4-inch cedar shake provides R-0.65 of insulation versus R-0.44 for asphalt shingles and R-0.00 for metal. While this difference alone will not transform your energy bills, it contributes measurably to attic temperature regulation, especially in climates with extreme summer heat or winter cold. The combination of wood roofing with a properly ventilated attic space and adequate insulation at the ceiling level creates an effective thermal envelope.

Fire Treatment Requirements and Local Code Restrictions

Fire safety is the most critical consideration when choosing wood shake roofing. Understanding treatment options and local regulations will save you from costly mistakes.

Before You Buy: Check Local Codes First

Several municipalities across the United States have banned untreated wood shake roofs entirely. Even where wood shakes are permitted, your HOA or insurance company may impose additional restrictions. Always verify local building codes, HOA covenants, and insurance requirements before committing to wood shake roofing. Your contractor should handle code verification as part of the quoting process.

Fire Treatment Methods

Three primary treatment methods are used to improve the fire resistance of natural cedar shakes:

1. Pressure Impregnation (Most Effective)

Shakes are placed in a pressurized cylinder where fire-retardant chemicals (typically zinc chloride, ammonium phosphate, or borate compounds) are forced deep into the wood fiber. This process achieves Class A or B fire ratings and provides the most durable, long-lasting protection. Pressure-treated shakes carry UL or ICC-ES certification marks. The treatment adds approximately $2.00 to $4.00 per square foot to the material cost but is the only method accepted in most jurisdictions that require Class A roofing.

2. Surface-Applied Coatings

Fire-retardant coatings are sprayed or brushed onto the surface of finished shakes. This method is less expensive than pressure treatment but provides only surface-level protection that degrades over time with UV exposure and weathering. Surface treatments typically need reapplication every 5 to 7 years. Most building departments do not accept surface-treated shakes as meeting Class A requirements.

3. Underlayment-Based Systems

Some assembly-rated systems achieve Class A ratings by combining untreated wood shakes with fire-resistant underlayment layers (such as gypsum fiber panels or intumescent membranes) installed beneath the shakes. The system as a whole achieves Class A, even though the individual shakes remain Class C. These systems are typically more expensive in labor costs but preserve the completely natural, untreated character of the wood.

Where Wood Shake Roofs Are Restricted

The regulatory landscape for wood shake roofing varies significantly by region:

California: Statewide requirement for Class A roofing in designated Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones (VHFHSZ). Many California cities, including portions of Los Angeles, San Diego, and most Bay Area communities, have adopted even stricter local ordinances banning all wood roofing regardless of treatment.
Colorado: Multiple mountain communities along the Front Range and in ski resort areas have banned untreated wood roofing. Fire-treated Class A products are generally permitted but may require additional documentation.
Northeast: Most communities in Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Vermont, Rhode Island, and Pennsylvania allow wood shake roofing, including untreated versions. However, some individual municipalities, historic districts, or planned communities may have restrictions. Insurance availability and cost are often the practical limiting factor in the Northeast.
Pacific Northwest: Despite being the home of Western Red Cedar production, many communities in Washington and Oregon have adopted WUI zone restrictions similar to California's approach.

Wood Shake Roofing Cost by State (2026)

Pricing below comes from our network of pre-vetted contractors and is updated regularly. Costs reflect installed price per square foot for natural cedar shake, including materials and labor. Average project costs assume a typical 2,000 sqft roof.

State	Cost / sqft (Low)	Cost / sqft (High)	Avg Project (Low)	Avg Project (High)
New Hampshire	$8.10	$14.04	$15,000	$32,500
Rhode Island	$8.37	$14.58	$15,500	$33,750
Vermont	$8.10	$14.04	$15,000	$32,500

Prices reflect installed cost for natural cedar shake including materials, labor, and standard underlayment. Fire treatment adds $2-$4/sqft. Complex roofs add 15-35%. See the full cost guide for all materials.

Understanding the Cost Range

The wide cost range for wood shake roofing ($8 to $16/sqft) reflects several variables beyond geography. The lower end of the range typically applies to machine-sawn cedar shingles with standard installation on a simple gable roof. The higher end reflects hand-split premium-grade shakes with fire treatment, installed on complex roof geometries with dormers, valleys, and steep pitch. Key cost factors include:

Wood grade and origin: Premium No. 1 Blue Label heartwood cedar from British Columbia costs 30 to 50% more than lower grades or domestically sourced cedar.
Fire treatment: Pressure-treated shakes add $2.00 to $4.00/sqft to material cost, or roughly $4,000 to $8,000 on a 2,000 sqft roof.
Roof complexity: Wood shake installation is more labor-intensive than asphalt shingles, and labor costs scale sharply with roof complexity. Dormers, valleys, chimneys, and steep pitch (above 8:12) can add 20 to 40% to the base price.
Sheathing system: Cedar shake installations often require spaced sheathing (skip sheathing) or breathable underlayment systems instead of solid plywood, adding $1.00 to $2.00/sqft for the additional sheathing work.
Regional labor rates: Experienced cedar shake installers are increasingly rare. In areas with fewer qualified wood roofing contractors, labor premiums of 15 to 25% above standard roofing rates are common.

Wood Shake Maintenance: What to Expect

Wood shake roofs require more ongoing attention than any other common roofing material. Here is a realistic maintenance schedule and cost breakdown so you can budget accordingly.

Annual Tasks

$200 - $500 / year (DIY or pro)

•Clear debris from valleys, gutters, and areas where leaves accumulate
•Inspect for cracked, curled, cupped, or missing shakes
•Check for moss, lichen, or algae growth (especially north-facing slopes)
•Trim overhanging tree branches to reduce shade and debris
•Verify ridge cap and flashing are intact

Every 3-5 Years

$1,000 - $3,000 per cycle

•Professional low-pressure wash (never use high-pressure power washing)
•Apply wood preservative or UV-protective sealant
•Treat for moss and mildew with zinc or copper-based solution
•Replace any deteriorated individual shakes (spot repair)
•Inspect and re-seal all flashing penetrations

As Needed Repairs

$300 - $1,500 per incident

•Replace storm-damaged or wind-lifted shakes immediately
•Address any active leaks before water damages decking
•Re-fasten loose shakes before they blow off or allow water entry
•Treat localized rot or insect damage in individual shakes

Lifetime Maintenance Cost

Over a 25-year lifespan, a typical 2,000 sqft cedar shake roof will cost approximately $12,500 to $37,500 in maintenance, broken down as follows: annual cleaning and inspection ($200 to $500 x 25 years = $5,000 to $12,500), periodic wash and treatment every 4 years ($1,000 to $3,000 x 6 cycles = $6,000 to $18,000), plus spot repairs averaging $500 to $1,000 per year ($1,500 to $7,000 total). This is a significant cost that must be factored into the total ownership analysis when comparing wood shake to lower-maintenance alternatives.

The single most damaging mistake homeowners make with cedar shake roofs is deferred maintenance. Skipping the 3 to 5-year cleaning and re-treatment cycle allows moss, moisture, and UV damage to accelerate deterioration. A cedar shake roof that receives diligent maintenance can last 35 to 40 years; the same roof with neglected maintenance may fail in 15 to 20 years, effectively doubling the cost per year of roof life.

Moisture, Rot, and Insect Considerations in the Northeast

The Northeast climate presents specific challenges for wood shake roofing. Understanding these risks helps you decide whether wood is appropriate for your region and how to mitigate potential issues.

Moisture and Rot Risks

The Northeast receives 40 to 50 inches of precipitation annually, with significant snow accumulation in winter. This creates a challenging moisture environment for wood roofing. Key risks include:

●Freeze-thaw cycling: Water absorbed by the wood grain expands when it freezes, splitting fibers and accelerating deterioration. The Northeast experiences 50 to 100 freeze-thaw cycles per year in most areas.
●Ice damming: Trapped snow on a cedar shake roof can create ice dams that force water under shakes. Cedar's natural texture makes it more difficult for ice-and-water shield to adhere compared to smooth plywood sheathing.
●Moss and lichen: The humid, shaded conditions common on north-facing roof slopes in New England promote aggressive moss growth. Moss traps moisture against the wood surface, dramatically accelerating rot.
●Prolonged dampness: Dense tree cover common in Northeast neighborhoods reduces airflow and sun exposure, keeping shakes damp for extended periods after rain events.

Insect and Biological Threats

While Western Red Cedar contains natural oils (thujaplicins) that resist insects and decay, this resistance diminishes over time as the oils leach out. Northeast-specific biological threats include:

●Carpenter ants: Attracted to moist, decaying wood. A cedar shake roof with early rot provides ideal nesting habitat. Regular treatment and prompt repair of damaged shakes are essential preventive measures.
●Wood-boring beetles: Several species of powderpost and bark beetles in the Northeast target softwoods. While cedar is more resistant than pine, weakened or weathered cedar becomes vulnerable.
●Fungal decay: Brown rot and white rot fungi thrive in the 60 to 80% humidity conditions common during Northeast summers. Once established, fungal decay spreads rapidly through adjacent shakes.
●Algae staining: Gloeocapsa magma (the same blue-green algae that causes black streaks on asphalt shingles) also colonizes cedar shakes, though it is less visible on wood. While primarily cosmetic, algae holds moisture against the surface.

Mitigation Strategies for Northeast Installations

Wood shake roofs can perform well in the Northeast climate with the right design and maintenance approach. Here are the most effective mitigation strategies:

Use spaced (skip) sheathing: Installing shakes over spaced 1x4 or 1x6 boards instead of solid plywood allows air circulation on the underside, dramatically reducing moisture retention. This is the single most impactful installation decision for Northeast wood roofs.
Install zinc or copper ridge strips: Metal strips at the ridge release trace amounts of zinc or copper ions during rain, which flow down the roof and inhibit moss, lichen, and algae growth naturally.
Maximize sun exposure: Trim trees to maintain at least partial sun exposure on all roof faces. North-facing slopes under heavy shade are the highest risk areas and benefit most from aggressive tree trimming.
Apply borate-based preservative: Borate treatments protect against both insects and fungal decay without altering the appearance of the wood. Reapply every 3 to 5 years.
Ensure proper ice and water shield: In the Northeast, extend ice and water shield membrane at least 36 inches from the eave (beyond the minimum 24 inches required by code), and apply it in all valleys and around penetrations.

Environmental Sustainability of Wood Shake Roofing

For environmentally conscious homeowners, wood shake offers compelling sustainability advantages that no synthetic material can match, alongside some important caveats.

Sustainability Strengths

✓
Renewable Resource
Western Red Cedar is a sustainably harvested, plantation-grown renewable resource. Responsible forestry practices (look for FSC or PEFC certification) ensure replanting exceeds harvesting.
✓
Carbon Sequestration
A cedar shake roof on a 2,000 sqft home stores approximately 3 to 4 tons of carbon dioxide, locking it away for the roof's 20 to 40-year lifespan. This is the only roofing material that actively sequesters atmospheric carbon.
✓
100% Biodegradable
At end of life, untreated cedar shakes decompose naturally. Unlike asphalt shingles (which contribute an estimated 11 million tons to U.S. landfills annually), wood shakes generate zero persistent waste.
✓
Low Manufacturing Energy
Cedar shakes require minimal processing energy compared to asphalt (petroleum-based), metal (smelting), or synthetic products. The embodied energy of wood roofing is roughly 5% of metal and 20% of asphalt.

Sustainability Considerations

!
Transportation Footprint
Most Western Red Cedar is harvested in British Columbia and the Pacific Northwest, then shipped to the rest of North America. For Northeast homeowners, transportation adds to the overall carbon footprint, partially offsetting the low-energy manufacturing advantage.
!
Treated Wood Disposal
Fire-treated cedar shakes contain chemical preservatives that require special disposal at end of life. Pressure-treated wood should not be burned or composted and may not be accepted at standard landfills in some jurisdictions.
!
Shorter Lifespan = More Replacements
Over a 60-year period, a home may need 2 to 3 cedar shake roofs versus 1 metal roof. Each replacement cycle consumes additional resources and generates waste, narrowing the sustainability gap.
!
Maintenance Chemical Inputs
Regular treatment with preservatives, sealants, and moss inhibitors introduces chemical products into the environment. Choosing water-based, low-VOC products minimizes this impact.

Material Comparison Tool

Compare wood shake roofing against alternative materials across the metrics that matter most. Select materials and adjust your roof size for a personalized comparison.

Select materials to compare (minimum 2):

Your roof size: 2,000 sqft

1,000 sqft3,000 sqft5,000 sqft

Attribute	Cedar Shake (Untreated)	Synthetic Wood-Look	Architectural Shingles
Cost / sqft (installed)	$8.00 – $14.00	$9.00 – $15.00	$4.00 – $7.50
Est. Total (2,000 sqft)	$16,000 – $28,000	$18,000 – $30,000	$8,000 – $15,000
Cost / Year of Life	$0.44 / sqft	$0.30 / sqft	$0.21 / sqft
Lifespan	20 – 30 years	30 – 50 years	25 – 30 years
Fire Rating	Class C	Class A	Class A
Wind Rating	80-110 mph	110-130 mph	110-130 mph
Maintenance Level	High	Low	Low
Sustainability	Excellent	Moderate	Low
Curb Appeal	★★★★★	★★★★☆	★★★☆☆

Estimates based on industry averages. Enter your address above for a personalized satellite-measured quote with exact local contractor pricing.

Wood Shake: Pros and Cons

Advantages

✓
Unmatched Natural Beauty
No manufactured material can fully replicate the depth, texture, and warmth of real cedar shake. The natural color variation (silver-gray weathering, warm amber tones) creates a living roof that changes character over time.
✓
Superior Insulation
Wood provides the highest R-value per inch of any roofing material (R-0.87), contributing measurably to energy efficiency. A cedar shake roof can reduce heating and cooling loads by 5 to 10% compared to asphalt.
✓
Environmentally Responsible
Renewable, biodegradable, and carbon-sequestering. Wood shake is the only roofing material that actively removes CO2 from the atmosphere during the tree's growth phase.
✓
Ideal for Historic and Character Homes
Many historic preservation boards and architectural review committees require or strongly prefer natural wood roofing for period-appropriate restorations.
✓
Individual Shake Replacement
Unlike integrated roofing systems, individual damaged shakes can be replaced without affecting surrounding shakes, making spot repairs straightforward and affordable.

Disadvantages

✗
Highest Maintenance Requirements
Annual inspection, 3 to 5-year cleaning and re-treatment cycles, and prompt repair of damaged shakes. Budget $500 to $1,500/year for professional maintenance. Neglect dramatically shortens lifespan.
✗
Fire Vulnerability (Untreated)
Class C fire rating without treatment restricts installation in many areas. Fire treatment adds $2 to $4/sqft and requires periodic re-treatment. Insurance premiums may be higher.
✗
Moisture Sensitivity
Susceptible to rot, mold, moss, and insect damage in humid climates. The Northeast's freeze-thaw cycles and prolonged wet conditions accelerate deterioration compared to drier climates.
✗
Limited Wind Resistance
Rated for 80 to 110 mph winds, which is adequate for most areas but lower than architectural shingles (110-130 mph) and metal (140+ mph). Coastal properties may need additional fastening.
✗
Higher Total Cost of Ownership
When factoring in maintenance costs ($12,500 to $37,500 over 25 years), the lifetime cost per square foot significantly exceeds architectural shingles and often rivals metal roofing.
✗
Declining Installer Availability
Skilled cedar shake installers are increasingly rare. As the material loses market share to synthetics, finding experienced contractors may become more difficult and expensive.

Wood Shake ROI Analysis

Is a cedar shake roof a good investment? The answer depends on your priorities, climate, and how long you plan to own the home.

Resale Value Impact

According to Remodeling Magazine's Cost vs Value Report, a new cedar shake roof recovers approximately 60 to 70% of its cost at resale in markets where wood roofing is common and valued (New England, Pacific Northwest, mountain resort communities). In markets where cedar shake is uncommon, the recovery rate drops to 50 to 60% because buyers may perceive the maintenance requirements as a liability.

Compare this to architectural shingles (65 to 75% recovery) and metal roofing (60 to 80% recovery). The key difference is that cedar shake adds significant curb appeal premium on architecturally distinctive homes (Craftsman, Cape Cod, Tudor) where the material complements the design language. On standard tract homes, the premium aesthetic may not translate to proportional resale value.

25-Year Total Cost of Ownership (2,000 sqft roof)

Cost Category	Cedar Shake	Architectural Shingles	Standing Seam Metal
Initial Installation	$16,000 - $32,000	$8,000 - $15,000	$20,000 - $32,000
25-Year Maintenance	$12,500 - $37,500	$500 - $2,000	$200 - $1,000
Replacement at Year 25	$18,000 - $36,000	$9,000 - $17,000	Not needed
Total 25-Year Cost	$46,500 - $105,500	$17,500 - $34,000	$20,200 - $33,000
Cost per Year	$1,860 - $4,220	$700 - $1,360	$808 - $1,320

The numbers make a clear financial case: wood shake is the most expensive roofing material to own over time when maintenance and replacement are factored in. The only justification for the premium is the aesthetic value, which is subjective and difficult to quantify. Homeowners who choose cedar shake are making a lifestyle and design decision, not a financial one. That is a perfectly valid choice, as long as the cost expectations are realistic.

Insurance Considerations

Wood shake roofs typically increase homeowners insurance premiums by 10 to 20% compared to Class A-rated materials. Some insurers in fire-prone regions may decline to cover homes with untreated wood roofs entirely. Even in the Northeast where wildfire risk is low, the increased claims frequency from maintenance-related issues (leaks, storm damage to individual shakes) affects underwriting. Fire-treated shakes or synthetic alternatives generally receive the same insurance treatment as other Class A materials.

Recommended Manufacturers and Products

Quality varies significantly in the wood shake market. Here are the manufacturers and products that our network of pre-vetted contractors recommend most consistently.

CertainTeed

Cedar Impressions Polymer Shake

While CertainTeed is best known for asphalt products, their Cedar Impressions line is a polymer-based siding and roofing product that replicates cedar shake appearance. It carries a Class A fire rating, 110 mph wind resistance, and a lifetime limited warranty. The product is manufactured from recycled materials and is fully recyclable at end of life. Best for homeowners who want a cedar look with zero maintenance on new construction or full re-roofing projects.

Class A fire rating
Lifetime limited warranty
Made from recycled content

DaVinci Roofscapes

Bellaforte Shake (Synthetic)

The industry leader in premium synthetic shake roofing. DaVinci's Bellaforte Shake is molded from actual cedar shake masters, creating the most realistic synthetic wood appearance available. Made from a proprietary polymer composite with UV stabilizers, the product resists fading, cracking, and impact. Available in 49 standard colors with multi-width panels that replicate the randomness of a real cedar shake installation. The 50-year limited warranty and Class A / Class 4 impact ratings make it the premium synthetic choice.

Class A fire / Class 4 impact
50-year limited warranty
49 color options including multi-color blends

CeDUR

Synthetic Cedar Shake Shingle

CeDUR produces polyurethane foam-based synthetic shakes that are remarkably lightweight (75% lighter than real cedar) while achieving Class A fire and Class 4 impact ratings. The product is made from closed-cell polyurethane, making it impervious to moisture, insects, and fungal growth. CeDUR shakes are hand-finished to replicate natural cedar grain and available in 8 standard colors. The lighter weight means CeDUR can be installed over existing roofing in many cases, reducing tear-off costs by $1,000 to $3,000.

75% lighter than natural cedar
Class A fire / Class 4 impact
Can install over existing roof (saves on tear-off)

CSSB-Certified Natural Cedar

Certigrade / Certi-Split

For homeowners committed to natural cedar, look for products carrying the Cedar Shake and Shingle Bureau (CSSB) quality mark. Certigrade labels identify machine-cut shingles; Certi-Split labels identify hand-split shakes. CSSB certification ensures consistent grading, species verification (genuine Western Red Cedar), and quality control. The No. 1 Blue Label (100% heartwood, edge grain) is the only grade recommended for roofing applications. Specify old-growth or tight-grain cedar when available for maximum longevity.

Industry standard quality certification
Verified Western Red Cedar species
Multiple grades for different applications

Watkins Sawmill / IKO

Fire-Treated Natural Cedar

Several mills, including Watkins Sawmill in BC and specialty treaters partnered with IKO, offer factory fire-treated natural cedar shakes. These products use pressure impregnation with zinc borate or ammonium phosphate to achieve Class A or B fire ratings while preserving the natural look and feel of real cedar. The treatment is applied before installation and is designed to last the life of the shake. Specify UL-listed or ICC-ES evaluated products to ensure code compliance.

Class A/B fire rating on natural wood
Pressure-impregnated (not surface-coated)
UL or ICC-ES listed for code compliance

Enviroshake

Eco-Composite Shake

Enviroshake produces composite shakes made from 95% recycled materials, including post- industrial plastics and reclaimed minerals. The product carries Class A fire rating, Class 4 impact resistance, and a 50-year warranty. What distinguishes Enviroshake is its environmental profile: each square (100 sqft) of Enviroshake diverts approximately 725 plastic bags from landfills. The product is also fully recyclable at end of life. While not the most visually authentic synthetic, it offers the strongest sustainability story.

95% recycled content
50-year warranty
Strongest environmental credentials

Frequently Asked Questions About Wood Shake Roofing

How much does a wood shake roof cost in 2026?▼

A wood shake roof typically costs $8.00 to $16.00 per square foot installed, depending on the wood type, treatment, and region. For a 2,000 sqft roof, expect to pay between $16,000 and $32,000. Untreated cedar shakes run $8.00 to $14.00/sqft, while fire-treated cedar shakes cost $10.00 to $16.00/sqft. Cedar shingles (machine-cut) are slightly less at $7.00 to $12.00/sqft. Synthetic wood-look products like DaVinci Roofscapes cost $9.00 to $15.00/sqft but offer Class A fire rating and longer lifespan. Enter your address above for a personalized instant estimate using satellite measurements.

What is the difference between cedar shakes and cedar shingles?▼

Cedar shakes are thicker (3/4 to 1-1/4 inch), hand-split or taper-split, with a rough textured surface that creates deep shadow lines and a rustic appearance. Cedar shingles are thinner (3/8 to 5/8 inch), machine-cut (sawn) on both sides, producing a smooth, uniform look. Shakes are more durable and weather-resistant due to their thickness but cost 15 to 30% more than shingles. Shingles are easier to install and offer a cleaner aesthetic. Both are typically made from Western Red Cedar and carry similar lifespans of 20 to 30 years when properly maintained.

Are wood shake roofs a fire hazard?▼

Untreated wood shakes carry a Class C fire rating, the lowest classification, making them a significant fire concern in wildfire-prone areas. However, pressure-treated wood shakes can achieve Class A or Class B fire ratings through chemical treatment with fire retardants like CCA (chromated copper arsenate) or borate-based compounds. Many municipalities in fire-prone regions of California, Colorado, and other western states have banned untreated wood shake roofs entirely. Some Northeast communities also restrict them. Always check your local building codes before choosing wood shake.

How long does a cedar shake roof last?▼

A cedar shake roof lasts 20 to 40 years depending on climate, maintenance, and wood quality. In dry climates with moderate temperatures, properly maintained cedar shakes can reach 35 to 40 years. In the wet, freeze-thaw climate of the Northeast, expect 20 to 30 years. Premium-grade Western Red Cedar from old-growth timber (rare and expensive) lasts longer than second-growth cedar. Regular maintenance, including annual cleaning, moss removal, and re-treatment every 3 to 5 years, is essential to maximizing lifespan. Neglected wood shake roofs may fail in as few as 15 years.

What maintenance does a wood shake roof require?▼

Wood shake roofs require more maintenance than any other common roofing material. Annual tasks include: clearing debris from valleys and gutters, inspecting for cracked or curled shakes, checking for moss and lichen growth, and ensuring proper ventilation. Every 3 to 5 years, wood shakes should be cleaned with a low-pressure wash (never high-pressure, which damages the wood grain) and re-treated with a preservative or sealant. Individual damaged shakes should be replaced promptly to prevent water infiltration. Budget $500 to $1,500 per year for professional maintenance on a typical 2,000 sqft roof.

Can I get a wood shake roof in a state with fire codes?▼

It depends on your specific municipality. Some states like California have statewide requirements mandating Class A fire-rated roofing in wildfire hazard zones, effectively banning untreated wood shakes. However, fire-treated cedar shakes that achieve Class A or B ratings are often permitted. In the Northeast, most communities allow wood shake roofs, though some historic districts or HOAs may have specific requirements. Synthetic wood-look products from manufacturers like DaVinci and CeDUR offer Class A fire ratings while replicating the cedar shake aesthetic, providing a code-compliant alternative everywhere.

Is a wood shake roof worth the cost compared to architectural shingles?▼

Wood shake roofs cost 2 to 3 times more than architectural shingles upfront ($8 to $16/sqft vs $4 to $7.50/sqft) and require significantly more maintenance ($500 to $1,500/year vs near-zero). Their lifespan is comparable or slightly longer (20 to 40 years vs 25 to 30 years). The primary value of wood shake is aesthetic: the natural beauty, texture, and character that no manufactured product can fully replicate. For homeowners prioritizing curb appeal, historic accuracy, or a specific architectural style (Craftsman, Cape Cod, mountain lodge), cedar shake offers irreplaceable visual value. For cost-per-year of roof life, architectural shingles are the better financial choice.

Are synthetic wood shake shingles any good?▼

Yes, modern synthetic wood shake products have improved dramatically. Leading brands like DaVinci Roofscapes (polymer composite) and CeDUR (polyurethane foam) offer Class A fire rating, Class 4 impact resistance, 110+ mph wind rating, and 30 to 50-year warranties. They require virtually no maintenance and will not rot, split, or attract insects. The tradeoff is authenticity: while synthetic shakes replicate the general shape and shadow lines of real cedar, close inspection reveals the difference. They cost $9 to $15/sqft installed, comparable to fire-treated natural cedar, but save significantly on lifetime maintenance costs.

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