How Much Does Cedar Shake and Shingle Siding Cost?

Cedar Siding Costs per Square Foot

Cedar siding costs between $1.50 and $5.50 per square foot, on average, depending on the cedar style more than the variety. Because of its popularity and regional availability, most U.S. locations carry it. It's sold predominately by the square foot, but also comes by board foot (bf), in 100 square foot bundles, or by linear foot (lf), though less often.

Costs by Board Foot

Board foot (bf) is a measure of volume. A board foot is the same as one square foot that is one inch thick, equal to 144 cubic inches. Depending on the specific type and grade of wood, the cost per board foot ranges from $1.75 to $7.

Cedar Shingle vs. Shake Costs

While cedar shakes and shingles are very similar, there are two key differences to keep in mind: 

• Cedar shingles are thinner and more uniform.

• Cedar shakes are thicker and more irregular.

Shingle

Shingle siding runs between $6.50 and $13.75 per square foot for materials and labor. This type of siding traditionally comes in a uniform size and layout. Much like roofing shingles, they follow a regular pattern across your walls. They install in horizontal rows, each row offset from the row below. This is the hardest type of siding to install; only local siding installation companies should complete the job.

Shake

The cost of cedar wood shakes averages $6.30 per square foot for materials and labor. Shake is much like Shingle in that it mimics shingle roofing. The main difference is layout. Shake siding utilizes varying sizes and lengths to give a classic, rustic look without a uniform pattern. Because of the technical difficulty and waterproofing concerns, we strongly recommend professional installation.

Other Cedar Siding Prices by Style

Prices for cedar siding also vary, depending on the style you choose. Common styles include lap, tongue and groove, board and basin, and log siding.

Lap Styles: Dutch Clapboard/Bevel/Channel

Lap styles include Dutch (clapboard), bevel, and channel and average $2.50 to $7 per square foot. They are the most popular types, and the differences are purely aesthetic. 

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

Shiplap costs between $2.50 and $5 per square foot for materials and is one of the easiest lap styles for DIY installations. It uses overlapping rabbet joints that leave a smooth, watertight finish.

Tongue and Groove

Usually thicker than other lap styles, tongue and groove averages $3 to $7 per square foot. It consists of a groove on one edge and a tongue on the other. The tongue fits into the groove, making this one of the simplest DIY siding projects, though we always recommend hiring a pro.

Board and Batten

Cedar board and batten costs between $0.75 and $10 per square foot, and use overlapping vertical, rather than horizontal, boards.

Log

Cedar log siding costs between $2.25 and $13 per square foot, on average. This type of siding imitates the look and feel of a log cabin exterior at a more affordable price.

Cedar Siding Costs by Grade

The specific grade of wood can also influence the costs of cedar siding. Premium grade siding tends to be more expensive, while knotty grade is the least expensive.

Premium Grade

Premium grades are clear of knots and typically come from older growth and heartwoods. This type of siding is the most expensive due to its superior quality.

Mid-Grade

Falling somewhere between premium and knotty in terms of both price and quality, mid-grade siding is a good choice for homeowners on a budget.

Knotty Grade

Knotty grades come from fast growth with knots and other defects. These are the cheapest and the most readily available.

Cedar Siding Installation Costs

For a home with 1,500 square feet of siding, the cost to install wood siding like cedar ranges from $2,000 to $13,000 in labor costs, and an additional $5,000 on materials.

Cost to Stain Cedar Siding

With cedar comes the need to stain your home regularly. It costs between $1.50 and $4 per square foot, or between $2,300 and $5,500 for 1,500 square feet, every three to five years. Add $250 to $600 for 1,500 square feet to your budget to power wash the exteriors before staining. 

You can DIY this project. If done incorrectly, however, you’ll reduce your siding's longevity. Get the job done correctly by hiring a local painter.

Cedar vs. Hardie Board vs. Vinyl

Cedar is an excellent material, but vinyl and fiber cement board have become popular options. Both vinyl siding and fiber cement—or Hardie Board—have low maintenance costs. Both vinyl and cement fiber installation costs are close to cedar. However, cedar requires regular maintenance, making it an expensive long-term investment. Cedar requires staining every three to five years. Both vinyl and fiber cement come in wood grain; you’ll have to sacrifice the signature look of natural cedar.

Maintenance Considerations

Cedar siding is rot-resistant, good-looking, and offers other benefits. If properly maintained, it'll last the life of your home. Be sure to repair damage quickly to protect surrounding boards and underlying materials. 

If not handled promptly, wood siding repair costs could run you between $500 and $1,500. Make sure you get regular inspections. Finding experienced siding professionals to spot what you may miss can save you thousands in future repairs.