Cedar Shake
Cedar Shake Roofing in the Twin Cities
Premium character. Serious performance. Honest evaluation first.
Cedar shake is one of the most visually distinctive roofing systems available — and one that performs well in Minnesota's climate when installed and maintained correctly. It is also a significant investment. We make sure it makes sense before we recommend it.
Call (612) 345-4799
Get Your Fast, Free & Honest Estimate
Our Approach
A Premium, Time-Tested Roofing Material
Cedar roofing has been used on American homes for centuries. Made from natural western red cedar, it's prized for its distinctive layered texture, natural thermal insulation, and the way it weathers into a soft silver-grey patina that complements the wooded, established neighborhoods of the western Twin Cities suburbs.
On a Minnesota home, cedar performs well when it's specified correctly. The wood's density and natural preservative oils handle freeze/thaw cycles, wind, and summer storms — provided the system has proper ventilation and the right underlayment beneath it. Cedar is a long-term investment in both performance and curb appeal, and we treat it that way.
Why It Works
Why Cedar Shake Works in Minnesota
Natural Insulation
Cedar's cellular structure provides genuine thermal insulation — helping homes stay cooler in summer and retain heat in winter.
Wind and Impact Resistance
The interlocking installation and material density provide solid performance in the summer storm conditions common across the metro.
Natural Preservatives
Western red cedar contains natural oils that resist rot, insects, and moisture — inherent to the material, not a treatment.
Aesthetic Fit
Cedar improves in appearance as it weathers. The silver-grey patina is a design asset in the wooded, established neighborhoods of the western Twin Cities suburbs.
Benefits
Benefits of Cedar Shake Roofing
Cedar shake delivers a distinctive premium aesthetic, natural insulation, and inherent resistance to insects and decay — a long-lasting, sustainable system on the right home.
- 25–40 year lifespan with proper maintenance
- Natural thermal insulation reduces energy costs
- Distinctive premium aesthetic that gains character
- Natural resistance to insects and decay
- Biodegradable and renewable — a sustainable choice
- Strong curb appeal and resale value on the right home
Trusted Contractors
National Roofing Contractors Association
As an NRCA member, Prominent Roofing is part of the oldest and most respected trade association in the roofing industry. Membership means we stay current with the latest installation standards, safety practices, and code updates set by the organization that helps shape them. For our customers, that translates to work performed to nationally recognized best practices — by a contractor held to a published code of ethics, not just our own word.
Investment
Cedar Shake Roofing Cost in the Twin Cities
Cedar shake is one of the more expensive residential systems. Typical Minnesota 2025–2026 pricing, installed:
- Cedar Shakes$8–$16 / sq ft
- Cedar Shingles$6–$10 / sq ft
For a typical Twin Cities home, a full cedar shake installation runs $20,000–$45,000+ depending on size, complexity, and the grade of cedar selected. That cost needs to be weighed against lifespan, aesthetic value, and your willingness to maintain the roof over time.
Shakes vs. Shingles
Choosing the Right Cedar for Your Home
Cedar comes in two forms — shakes and shingles — and the right call depends on your home's architecture, the texture you want, and your budget. Here's how we help homeowners decide.
Cedar Shakes
Hand-split or sawn-split, thicker (3/4" and up), with a rough, textured surface and deep shadow lines. The look is rustic and rugged — well-suited to larger homes, lake homes, and lodge or craftsman styles where bold texture is the design goal. Higher cost per square foot than shingles.
Cedar Shingles
Machine-sawn to a uniform thickness with a smoother surface and a tighter, more uniform reveal. The result is a refined, tailored look — often the right call on historic homes, Cape Cods, and Tudor-style architecture where a cleaner line matters. Typically less expensive than shakes.
How to Choose
Architectural style and roof pitch usually point clearly to one or the other. We bring samples, look at the home in context, and give you a straight recommendation — never upselling to the more expensive option just because it's available.
Common Questions
FAQs
Ready for a Straight Answer from a Twin Cities Roofer?
Call once. We'll assess your roof, handle your claim, or get you scheduled — no runaround, no pressure.