How Much Does Cedar Shake and Shingle Siding Cost?

By Melanie Dawn

June 15, 2025

Your home's curb appeal is the first thing people notice when they come for a visit. One factor influencing this appeal is the exterior of your house. Shingle siding adds a timeless and natural look many homeowners appreciate, but it's typically more expensive than other siding types. If you decide to sell, shingle siding can also increase your home's value, offering a greater return on investment.

This May Also Interest You: How Much Does Hardie Board Siding Cost?

How Much Does Cedar Shake Siding Cost?

Cedar shake siding is made from thick pieces of cedar that have been hand-split to give it a natural and rugged appearance. However, this unique look often comes with a higher price tag. The cost may vary, depending on the type of cedar used and the size of your home. If you decide to hire a contractor to install the siding and ensure the work meets local building codes, you'll also need to consider labor and permit costs.

According to data from HomeGuide, the average installation cost (labor costs) for cedar shake siding is $7 to $16 (CAD 9.68 to CAD 22) per square foot. For a 2,000-square-foot home, you should expect to pay between $14,000 and $32,000 (CAD 19,368 and CAD 44,270).

How Much Does Cedar Shingle Siding Cost?

Cedar shingle siding is usually milled with a saw, giving it a smoother and more uniform appearance. Many homeowners choose cedar shingles for a more traditional design. Because these shingles tend to be thinner and less durable, they're less expensive than other cedar siding options.

How Much Does Cedar Shingle Siding Cost Per Square Foot?

Generally, siding costs are determined per square foot of material. This is not the same as the square footage of your home. The cost of cedar shingle siding ranges from $6 to $12 (CAD 8.30 to CAD 17) per square foot.

What Are the Benefits of Wood Siding?

Cedar siding is one of the more expensive options for finishing the exterior of your home, but it offers several benefits that warrant the extra cost:

Lifespan: Cedar shingles last 50 to 75 years, which could mean low maintenance costs for the entire time you own the home. It also reduces the siding costs over time. Depending on when you install the siding and how long you live in your home, you may never have to replace it.
Versatile designs: The types of cedar siding range from shingles and shakes to lap siding and boards, which work for any house design.
Environmentally friendly: Cedar is a renewable resource that's also biodegradable, making wood siding a perfect option for those who want to lower their carbon footprint.
Moisture-resistant: Compared to other types of wood, cedar is less prone to warping and swelling when exposed to moisture.
Insect resistance: The natural oil in cedar siding repels roaches, moths, termites and ants, which can reduce the need for chemical insect repellants.
Insulation: Cedar offers natural insulation properties, which can help regulate the temperature inside your home and potentially lower energy bills.
Easy installation: Cedar is lightweight and easy to install, which makes it a good option for experienced DIYers.

What Other Types of Shingle Siding Are on the Market?

If you're interested in updating the look of the exterior of your home, it's important to consider all the available options. Alternatives to traditional cedar or wood siding include:

Fiber Cement (Hardie Board) Siding

Fiber cement siding is made from cement, sand and plant fibers, which are formed into planks, shingles or panels. They're designed to look like wood or stucco but tend to be more durable. The cost of fiber cement siding ranges between $6 and $15 (CAD 8.30 and CAD 21) per square foot.

Vinyl Shake and Shingle Siding Options

Vinyl siding is made from PVC, comes in a wide variety of colors and can be mounted horizontally or vertically. It lasts from 20 to 40 years and costs between $4 and $12 (CAD 5.53 and CAD 17) per square foot.

Engineered Wood Siding

This type of siding is made from composite building materials and designed to look like real wood, but it's more durable and typically insect- and moisture-resistant. The cost of labor and installation is around $7 to $12 (CAD 9.68 to CAD 17) per square foot.

More Related Articles:

How Long Does Cedar Siding Last?

One of the biggest advantages of cedar siding is its longevity. Premium cedar siding that's free of knots can last 50 years or more. However, the actual lifespan depends on several factors, including:

Type of cedar. Not all cedar is created equally. Western red cedar is more durable and typically lasts longer than northern white cedar.
Climate. While cedar works well in all climates, it may require more maintenance and upkeep in extremely humid and wet areas.
Maintenance. Like all wood, cedar requires maintenance to look its best, including regular sealing and staining to increase its lifespan. These low maintenance requirements may cancel out the shingle siding cost.
Siding installation. While you may be tempted to install the siding on your own, opting for a skilled contractor ensures the work meets building codes. This includes proper ventilation, which can reduce moisture problems.

Do You Need to Paint Cedar Siding?

When left unpainted, cedar siding will eventually weather naturally to a silver-gray color. If you prefer a different color, you'll need to stain, seal or paint the siding.

Painting: Cedar takes paint well. However, you'll need to repaint it every 5 to 7 years to prevent fading and chipping.
Staining: Wood stain can help bring out the natural beauty of the wood. It comes in an array of colors and requires reapplication every few years.
Sealing: Sealant helps protect cedar from moisture and lets the natural wood shine through.

Follow us