How Much Does Cedar Shake Siding Cost in 2025?

This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.

Cedar shake and shingle siding are popular choices for homeowners seeking a natural and timeless look for their homes. On average, installing cedar shake siding costs an average of $13,000, with most homeowners paying between $16,500 and $29,500. Factors like shingle style, wood grade, local labor rates, and maintenance frequency will influence your total cost. Professional installation ensures longevity, maintains your home’s structural integrity, and enhances your home's value and curb appeal.

Cedar Siding Costs per Square Foot

On average, cedar siding costs between $5 and $11 per square foot for materials and installation. In some cases, budget options may be as low as $3 per square foot, while premium-quality cedar can reach up to $30 per square foot. 

Thanks to its popularity and availability, cedar siding is widely carried across most U.S. regions. While it's typically sold by the square foot, you might also find it available by the board foot, 100-square-foot bundles, or even by the linear foot.

Cedar Shingle vs. Shake Costs

Cedar shingles and shakes have an average cost between $7 and $11 per square foot for materials and installation. Cedar shakes and shingles are both popular siding options, but they have some key differences.

Shingles

Cedar shingles offer a classic, uniform appearance similar to roofing shingles. They are installed in horizontal rows, each offset from the one below, creating a neat and traditional look for your home's exterior. Due to the precision required for proper installation, it's best to hire professional siding installers for cedar shingles.

Shakes

Cedar shakes provide a rustic, textured look with varying sizes and lengths, offering a more natural and uneven appearance than shingles. This style adds character and warmth to your home's exterior. Due to the complexity of installation and the need for proper waterproofing, professional installation is highly recommended for cedar shakes.

Cedar Siding Cost by Style

Cedar siding comes in various styles, each offering unique aesthetics and cost ranges. Popular styles include lap (such as clapboard and shiplap), tongue and groove, board and batten, and log siding. Your choice will influence the overall look of your home and the project's total cost. Here’s a breakdown of costs by cedar siding style.

Clapboard

Clapboard siding, a type of lap siding, is one of the most popular choices among homeowners. It costs between $3 and $7 per square foot. Options like Dutch lap, bevel, and channel lap offer different aesthetic variations while maintaining a classic overlapping appearance. The choice between them depends on your preferred style.

Bevel and Dutch leave the classic overlapping look. Channel uses alternating rabbet joints (tongues) on each edge—one wider than the other—that overlap, leaving a small channel between each board.

Shiplap

Shiplapsiding costs between $3 and $5 per square foot for materials. It's known for its simple installation and popular aesthetic. Shiplap boards overlap at the edges, creating a smooth, watertight finish that offers a clean and modern look for your home. While it's considered DIY-friendly, hiring a professional ensures a precise installation.

Tongue and Groove

Tongue and groove siding, usually thicker than other lap styles, averages $3 to $7 per square foot. Each board has a groove on one edge and a tongue on the other, which fit together snugly. This creates a smooth, seamless appearance for your home's exterior. While it's one of the simpler siding projects, hiring a professional is recommended to ensure accurate installation and optimal results.

Board and Batten

Cedar board and batten siding costs between $1 and $10 per square foot. This style uses vertical boards with narrower battens covering the seams, creating a traditional and rustic appearance. It's a great option if you're looking to add character and visual interest to your home's exterior.

Cedar Siding Costs by Grade

The grade of cedar siding significantly impacts its cost and appearance. Premium-grade cedar is clear of knots and offers a refined look, making it more expensive. Mid-grade cedar provides a balance between cost and quality, while knotty grade is the most affordable option, featuring visible knots that lend a rustic charm.

Premium Grade

Premium-grade cedar siding is free of knots and offers a clean, refined appearance. Harvested from older growth and heartwood, it provides superior quality and longevity. While premium grade is the most expensive option, its exceptional look and durability can be well worth the investment.

Mid-Grade

Mid-grade cedar siding strikes a balance between cost and quality. It may have some knots and imperfections, but still offers a pleasing appearance. It's an excellent choice if you're looking for a budget-friendly option without sacrificing too much on aesthetics.

Knotty Grade

Knotty-grade cedar siding is the most affordable option, featuring visible knots and natural imperfections that lend a rustic charm to your home. If you're aiming for a more natural, rugged look, knotty-grade cedar might be the perfect fit.

DIY vs. Hiring a Professional

For a typical 1,500-square-foot home, installing cedar siding costs between $12,800 and $28,000. Professional installation is crucial to ensure your siding is durable and properly protected against the elements. 

Remember, cedar siding requires regular maintenance—staining every three to five years—to maintain its beauty and longevity. This maintenance costs between $2 and $5 per square foot, totaling $3,000 to $7,500 each time for a 1,500-square-foot area. While DIY staining might seem cost-effective, improper application can shorten your siding's lifespan. Hiring a professional exterior painter ensures the job is done right, preserving your investment.

How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data

No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from 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.