A cedar shake roof has an attractiveness that cannot be denied. Any Florida home may feel like a magazine-quality coastal cottage thanks to the warm, rustic texture and natural wood tones. Before you fall in love with those handcrafted shakes, though, there’s one important question that every homeowner has: how much does a cedar shake cost in Florida?
In actuality, cedar shake roofs are both elegant and high-end. They give your house unparalleled curb appeal and a hint of nature, but they also cost more and require special maintenance, particularly in Florida’s hot, humid, and hurricane-prone climate.
A Cedar Shake Roof: What Is It?
Let’s first clarify the differences between cedar shake roofs and traditional shingles before getting into the numbers.
Hand-split chunks of natural wood, typically fashioned from Alaskan Yellow Cedar or Western Red Cedar, are called cedar shakes. Each shake has a rough, textured surface because they are split rather than sawn, giving roofs a rich, multi-layered look. This distinguishes them from the more uniform and smooth cedar shingles.
Cedar shakes are popular among homeowners due to their timeless beauty, energy efficiency, and natural insulation. However, how does this work in Florida’s particular climate? This is where practicality and cost are relevant.
Cedar Shake Cost In Florida
The average cost of materials and installation for a cedar shake in Florida is between $10 and $18 per square foot. This means that the cost of a typical 2,000-square-foot roof might range from $20,000 to $36,000, depending on the complexity of the roof, labor costs, and cedar quality.
Here’s a quick summary of the factors that affect the cedar shake cost:
| Factor | Average Cost Range (per sq. ft.) | Description |
| Cedar Shakes (Materials Only) | $6 – $10 | Premium-grade cedar costs more but lasts longer and looks better. |
| Installation Labor | $4 – $8 | Skilled labor required for proper installation, especially for complex roofs. |
| Underlayment & Fasteners | $1 – $2 | Specialized materials protect against Florida’s moisture and wind. |
| Maintenance & Sealing (Yearly) | $300 – $800 | Needed to maintain color and prevent mold or rot. |
Compared to asphalt shingles, which typically cost between $5 and $8 per square foot, that might sound expensive, but cedar shakes offer a distinctive warmth and personality that synthetic roofs simply cannot match.
Why Cedar Shake Roofs Cost More In Florida?
There are several main reasons why cedar shakes are typically more expensive in Florida than in other states:
Climate-Related Issues
Because Florida’s heat and humidity can accelerate the deterioration of natural wood, contractors frequently apply additional treatments and moisture barriers to guarantee its lifetime.
Hurricane Building Codes
To achieve Florida’s wind resistance requirements, roofers must adhere to more stringent installation specifications, which include underlayment systems and reinforced fasteners.
Material Sourcing
Since cedar wood is usually imported from Canada or the Pacific Northwest, shipping expenses raise the total cost.
Skilled Labor
Cedar shake roofs are not a specialty of every roofing company. Because of the craftsmanship required, those who do frequently charge more.
Some homeowners may be put off by the initial cedar shake cost, but many believe that the long-term advantages—particularly the durability and appearance—make the investment worthwhile.
The Benefits And Beauty Of Cedar Shake Roofs
Despite the higher cedar shake cost, Florida homeowners continue to choose this material for a shake roof type because of several compelling reasons:
Aesthetic Appeal
The genuine, handcrafted appearance of real cedar is unmatched by many roofing materials. It ages well, giving your house a silvery patina that gives it personality and charm.
Durability (With Appropriate Maintenance)
Cedar shake roofs can endure 30 to 50 years with proper maintenance. That is similar to tile roofs, particularly if they are treated with mold, insect, and UV-resistant preservatives.
Eco-Friendly Material
Cedar is a renewable and biodegradable resource if sustainability is important to you. Shakes are an eco-friendly option since many of them originate from forests that are ethically harvested.
Natural Insulation
Temperature is naturally regulated by cedar. It keeps your house warmer on cold evenings and colder in the Florida heat. This could result in year-round energy bill savings.
The Challenges Of Cedar Shake Roofs In Florida
Of course, cedar is more than just sunshine and palm trees. Before settling on the higher cedar shake cost, you should be aware of a few Florida-specific downsides:
Fire Resistance
Because cedar is a natural material, untreated shakes may catch fire more easily. To comply with Florida’s building requirements, always select pressure-treated, fire-resistant cedar shakes (Class B or C rated).
Higher Installation Costs
There are fewer qualified cedar installers than regular shingle roofers. Leaks and early aging can be prevented with high-quality craftsmanship.
Maintenance Requirements
Cedar shake roofs require more manual maintenance than asphalt or metal roofing. Clean debris on a regular basis, reseal every few years, and check for water or insect damage.
Moisture and Mold Concerns
If the roof isn’t well ventilated or maintained, Florida’s humidity can cause wood to distort or grow mildew. The surface of wood is protected by yearly staining or sealing.
Cedar Shake Vs Other Roofing Materials
Here is how cedar shake cost compare to other types of roofing in Florida:
| Roof Type | Average Cost (Installed) | Lifespan | Maintenance | Wind Resistance |
| Asphalt Shingles | $5 – $8 / sq. ft. | 15–25 years | Low | Moderate |
| Metal Roofing | $8 – $15 / sq. ft. | 40–70 years | Low | Excellent |
| Clay or Concrete Tile | $10 – $20 / sq. ft. | 40–60 years | Moderate | Excellent |
| Cedar Shake Roofing | $10 – $18 / sq. ft. | 30–50 years | High | Good (with reinforcements) |
If beauty, natural charm, and eco-friendliness top your list, cedar shakes are hard to beat. But if low maintenance and hurricane resistance are higher priorities, you may want to explore metal or tile instead.
Are Cedar Shake Roofs In Florida Worth The Cost?
The cedar shake cost is frequently justified if you’re drawn to classic elegance and natural materials. You’ll have a roof that flawlessly blends in with Florida’s lush, tropical surroundings and stands out among the sea of asphalt shingles.
However, be careful to talk to your roofer about hurricane-rated installation methods and appropriate wood treatments if you live in a high-wind or coastal area. Even in Florida’s harsh climate, cedar shake roofs can endure for decades with proper maintenance.
Therefore, even if the initial cost may make you reconsider, many homeowners discover that the curb appeal, energy efficiency, and unique appearance of cedar shakes make it all worthwhile.
Conclusion
Consider cedar shake cost in Florida as more of an enhancement to the character and value of your house than as an expense. It’s a roofing option that draws attention, conveys a tale, and produces a warm yet opulent atmosphere that few other materials can equal.
Just keep in mind that craftsmanship is just as important in Florida as materials. When you work with a skilled local roofer, you can be sure that your cedar shake roof will not only look great but also withstand the state’s particular weather difficulties.
Cedar shakes can turn your roof into a work of natural beauty, whether you’re renovating a beach hideaway in Jupiter, restoring a historic house in Tampa, or adding a rustic touch to your Orlando home.
