Cedar Shake Roof Replacement in Washington: Costs and Alternatives
Cedar shake is beautiful and traditional, but PNW moisture is brutal on it. Here's what replacement costs — and when a synthetic shake makes more sense.
Cedar shake replacement cost (WA 2026)
Real cedar shake: $12–$18 per sq ft installed ($24,000–$36,000 on a 2,000 sq ft roof). Premium tapersawn / hand-split runs higher. This includes tear-off, new underlayment, ridge, and disposal.
How long cedar lasts here
20–30 years with active maintenance (annual moss treatment, occasional shake replacement). Neglected cedar in the PNW is often done at 18–22 years.
Synthetic shake alternatives
DaVinci and other composite shakes look like real cedar from the street, cost about the same installed, and last 40–50 years with no moss treatment. For most PNW homes wanting the cedar look, this is the smarter buy.
Metal shake profiles (like DECRA) also mimic the cedar look with metal's longevity.
When to stick with real cedar
Historic homes, HOA restrictions requiring real wood, or personal preference for the material's character. Just budget for the maintenance and accept the shorter lifespan.
Fire code considerations
Some Washington jurisdictions require Class A or Class B fire-rated shakes in wildland-urban-interface zones. Real cedar can be pressure-treated for Class B; synthetic shakes are often Class A out of the box.