Cedar Shake Calculator

Calculate cedar shakes or shingles, breather mesh, and stainless steel nails for your natural wood roof

Fast bundle count from your roof area

Quick presets

sq ft

Estimated Materials

70 bundles

21.1 squares • 2,108 sq ft

PRO

Professional Calculator

Extended parameters for precise calculations

sq ft

Estimated Materials

60 bundles

Roof Area

1,792 sq ft

Squares

17.9

Detailed Breakdown

Roof Area1,792 sq ft
With Waste1,971 sq ft
Roofing Squares17.9
Bundles60
How to Use This Calculator
The Cedar Shake Calculator helps you order the correct number of squares, bundles, and accessories for a natural cedar roof installation.

Quick Estimate tab: Enter your total roof area, select your roof pitch, and choose a waste factor. The calculator instantly returns the number of squares and bundles needed. This is the fastest way to get a material estimate for budgeting.

Detailed tab: Specify whether you are installing shakes or shingles, choose the grade (#1 Blue Label, #2 Red Label, or #3 Black Label), length (16", 18", or 24"), and weather exposure. Select breather mesh and nail type. The calculator outputs a complete bill of materials: bundles, breather mesh rolls, stainless steel nails (pounds), hip and ridge cap bundles, and starter course material.

Cost Estimate tab: Select your cedar type, grade, pitch, and state. The calculator provides material cost per square, labor cost per square, and total installed price. Cedar roofing labor is specialized and carries a 50-100% premium over asphalt shingle labor — this tab helps you budget accurately.

The Formula
The cedar shake calculation uses these formulas:

Roof Area (slope-adjusted) = Footprint Area × Pitch Multiplier For 2,000 sq ft footprint at 5/12: 2,000 × 1.0833 = 2,167 sq ft

Squares Needed = Slope-Adjusted Area × (1 + Waste%) / 100 For 2,167 sq ft with 10% waste: 2,167 × 1.10 / 100 = 23.8 -> 24 squares

Bundles = Squares × Bundles per Square 24-inch shakes at 10" exposure: 5 bundles/square -> 24 × 5 = 120 bundles

Nails = Squares × Nails per Square (approx. 2 nails per shake, ~320 nails/square) 24 squares × 320 = 7,680 nails -> approximately 20 lbs of stainless steel nails

Breather Mesh = Roof Area / 250 sq ft per roll 2,383 sq ft / 250 = 9.5 -> 10 rolls

Material Cost = Bundles × Cost per Bundle + Mesh + Nails + Ridge Cap Labor Cost = Squares × $250-450 per square (specialist cedar roofer)
Example Calculation
Example: Average Home in Colorado

Tom is installing a cedar shake roof on his 2,000 sq ft Craftsman-style home in Denver. The roof is a moderate 5/12 pitch gable. He chooses #1 Blue Label 24-inch hand-split shakes at 10-inch exposure with Cedar Breather mesh and 316 stainless nails.

Step 1: Adjust for pitch Footprint area: 2,000 sq ft Pitch multiplier (5/12): 1.0833 Slope-adjusted area: 2,000 × 1.0833 = 2,167 sq ft

Step 2: Calculate bundles With 10% waste: 2,167 × 1.10 = 2,384 sq ft -> 23.8 squares -> 24 squares Bundles: 24 squares × 5 bundles/square = 120 bundles of 24" shakes

Step 3: Calculate accessories Cedar Breather mesh: 2,384 / 250 = 9.5 -> 10 rolls Stainless steel nails: 24 × 320 = 7,680 nails -> ~20 lbs (2 × 10-lb boxes) Hip and ridge: 40 ft ridge + 0 hips = 40 linear ft -> 2 bundles ridge cap Starter course: 80 ft eave × 1 layer = ~2 bundles

Step 4: Estimate cost
• #1 Blue Label shakes (120 bundles × $90): $10,800
• Cedar Breather mesh (10 rolls × $95): $950
• Stainless steel nails (20 lbs × $18): $360
• Ridge cap (2 bundles × $95): $190
• Starter, felt, flashings: $400
• Materials total: ~$12,700 (~$530/square)
• Labor: 24 squares × $350 = $8,400
• Total installed: ~$21,100 ($8.84/sq ft)

Frequently Asked Questions

How many bundles of cedar shakes do I need?
Cedar shakes are sold by the square (100 sq ft of coverage). A square of 24-inch hand-split shakes at 10-inch exposure requires 5 bundles. For a 2,000 sq ft roof: 2,000 / 100 = 20 squares × 5 bundles = 100 bundles. Add 10-15% for waste: 100 × 1.10 = 110 bundles. Cedar shingles typically come 4 bundles per square for 24-inch and 18-inch lengths.
What is the difference between cedar shakes and cedar shingles?
Cedar shakes are split (not sawn) on at least one face, producing a rough, textured surface with a rustic look. They are thicker (3/4" to 1-1/4" at the butt) and create deeper shadow lines. Cedar shingles are sawn smooth on both faces, producing a clean, uniform appearance. Shingles are thinner (about 3/8" at the butt). Shakes cost 30-50% more than shingles in materials and labor because they are harder to install evenly.
How long does a cedar shake roof last?
A properly installed #1 grade cedar shake roof lasts 30-40 years, with some lasting 50+ years in dry climates like Colorado or the Pacific Northwest. Cedar shingle roofs last 25-35 years. Key factors are grade (#1 Blue Label is best), proper ventilation (Cedar Breather mat), stainless steel fasteners, and periodic maintenance (cleaning moss, applying wood preservative every 5-7 years). Without maintenance, cedar roofs may last only 15-20 years.
Do I need breather mesh under cedar shakes?
Yes. Cedar Breather or a similar ventilation matrix is strongly recommended and often required for manufacturer warranty. It creates a 1/4-inch air space between the roof deck and the shakes, allowing moisture to escape and air to circulate. Without it, trapped moisture causes premature rot, curling, and moss growth. Cedar Breather costs about $0.50-0.75/sq ft (roughly $1,000-$1,500 for a 2,000 sq ft roof) and can add 5-10 years to the roof's life.
How much does a cedar shake roof cost?
In 2026, a cedar shake roof costs $15-25 per square foot installed for #1 Blue Label shakes, including shakes, breather mesh, stainless nails, ridge cap, and labor. For a 2,000 sq ft roof, expect $30,000-$50,000. Cedar shingles are about 20-30% less. By comparison, architectural asphalt shingles cost $7-12/sq ft installed. Cedar is a premium product — its value comes from natural beauty, 30-40 year lifespan, and the property value it adds to high-end homes.

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