How Much Does a Metal Shake Roof Cost?
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Quick answer
A metal shake roof is a premium system — it costs more upfront than asphalt and often more than a new cedar shake roof, but it lasts 50+ years versus cedar's 20–30 and needs virtually no maintenance. Installed pricing depends on roof size, pitch, complexity, and profile, so an accurate figure requires a measured quote.
How much does a metal shake roof cost?
Metal shake sits at the premium end of roofing: more than asphalt shingles, and typically at or above the upfront cost of a new cedar shake roof, because it is an engineered, lifetime metal system. As with any metal roof, the number that matters is the installed price for your specific home — material plus skilled labor — not a per-shingle figure, and it varies enough that a measured quote is the only accurate way to price it. Our metal-roofing cost guide details the ranges and the factors behind them.
What drives the cost of a metal shake roof?
The usual roofing variables. Roof size is the biggest, priced by the square (100 sq ft), and roof area exceeds floor area. Pitch and height raise labor and safety costs, and complexity — valleys, hips, dormers, chimneys, skylights — adds flashing and cutting. Whether the old roof is torn off (and if it is cedar on spaced sheathing, whether new solid decking is needed) affects labor, as do the profile and color you choose, your region, and roof access. Each is a reason quotes are individualized.
Metal shake vs. cedar shake: which costs more?
Upfront, metal shake is usually the pricier of the two — but that flips over time. A cedar shake roof must be cleaned, treated, and repaired regularly to fight rot and moss, typically lasts only 20 to 30 years, and often carries higher insurance premiums because it burns. A metal shake roof is installed once, lasts 50+ years, needs no treatments, and may qualify for an impact-resistant or fire-safe insurance discount. Across the life of the home, metal shake generally costs less than repeatedly maintaining and replacing cedar.
Is a metal shake roof worth the cost?
For long-term homeowners, especially those who love the cedar look or live in wildfire country, yes. You pay a premium once and get 50+ years of a maintenance-free, non-combustible roof that keeps the rustic character without the rot, insects, fire risk, and insurance headaches of real wood. Factor in the lifetime warranty, energy-saving reflective finish, and resale appeal, and the value case is strong. Our cost-of-ownership guide walks through the comparison versus asphalt and wood.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to replace a cedar shake roof with metal?
It depends on the roof's size, pitch, and complexity, and on whether new solid decking is needed (cedar shakes are often laid on spaced battens), so a measured quote is essential. Expect a premium over asphalt, offset by ending cedar's constant maintenance and replacement cycle and, often, lowering fire-related insurance costs.
Is a metal shake roof more expensive than asphalt?
Yes, upfront — metal shake is a premium roof and costs more than asphalt shingles. But asphalt is replaced every 15–20 years while metal shake lasts 50+, so over the life of the home the metal roof's cost per year is competitive and often lower, with far less maintenance.
Can you finance a metal shake roof?
Yes. As a premium, long-term home investment, a metal shake roof is commonly financed, spreading the cost while you immediately benefit from the fire safety, durability, and energy savings. Our guide to financing a metal roof covers the typical options.
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- Is a Metal Roof Worth It? A 50-Year Cost-of-Ownership LookYes, for most homeowners who plan to stay in their home. A metal roof costs more upfront but lasts 50+ years versus…
- Do Metal Roofs Lower Home Insurance?Often, yes. Because impact- and fire-resistant roofs generate fewer claims, many insurers offer a premium discount for…
Sources
- Metal Construction Association — Metal roofing cost factors
- The Aluminum Association — Aluminum building products
Explore Interlock Metal Roofing
Last reviewed 2026-07-12 · Reviewed by Scott Plumptree, Director of Marketing · Reviewer profile