For years, cedar shingles have been a favorite for homeowners and builders. They bring a classic, natural look to a home, last for decades, and offer great insulation. But with so many new roofing materials out there—like synthetic shingles, metal roofing, and composite alternatives—some people are starting to move away from cedar roofing.
With prices going up, environmental concerns growing, and homeowners looking for lower-maintenance options, it’s fair to ask: Are fewer people choosing cedar shingles for roof installations these days? In this post, we’ll take a closer look at what’s changing, why it’s happening, and whether cedar shakes and shingles still have a place in the roofing industry.
1. The Timeless Appeal of Cedar Shingles
Before we get into why demand is shifting, let’s talk about what makes cedar shingles such a popular roofing choice.
A Natural, Timeless Look
There’s something about cedar roofing that gives homes a warm, classic feel. It’s a go-to for luxury homes, cottages, and historic buildings. Over time, cedar shakes take on a beautiful silver-gray color, adding even more character to a home’s exterior.
Built to Last
With the right care, cedar shingles for roof applications can last anywhere from 30 to 50 years. That’s a lot longer than asphalt shingles, which typically need replacing after 15 to 20 years. If you’re looking for a roof that holds up over time, cedar roofing is a solid investment.
Keeps Your Home Comfortable
One of the best things about cedar shingles is their natural insulation. They help keep your house cool in the summer and warm in the winter, which can make a noticeable difference in your energy bills.
A Greener Choice
Since cedar is a natural and renewable material, it’s often considered a more eco-friendly option compared to petroleum-based asphalt shingles. But with newer sustainable roofing materials on the rise, cedar roofing is facing some competition in the green roofing market.
2. Are Cedar Roofs Losing Popularity? Market Trends and Insights
Cedar shingles have been a classic roofing choice for years, but fewer homeowners are choosing them today. Rising costs, fire safety concerns, and the availability of newer, low-maintenance materials are all shifting the market in a different direction.
Industry reports back this up. According to Professional Roofing magazine, the residential metal roofing market now represents 84% of the total metal roof square footage sold in the U.S., making it the second most popular choice after asphalt shingles. This suggests that asphalt shingles and metal roofing together dominate the residential roofing market, leaving cedar roofing with a much smaller share.
That said, cedar shingles for roofs still have a place—just not as the top pick for budget-conscious homeowners. The Canadian Wood Council highlights the use of wood materials, including cedar shakes and shingles, in custom-built homes and architectural projects, particularly in high-end renovations where natural aesthetics and insulation benefits are valued. Their Wood Design Awards publication showcases various applications of wood in residential and commercial construction.
At the same time, synthetic and composite roofing materials are gaining traction. According to a roofing industry report, the global roofing materials market reached $141.1 billion in 2023, with sales projected to grow at a 4.6% CAGR over the next decade (Roofing Contractor). Additionally, the market size for composites in construction worldwide was estimated at $28 billion in 2023, reflecting an increasing shift towards modern roofing solutions (Statista). These trends indicate a rising preference for low-maintenance, durable alternatives, while demand for natural wood roofing has begun to level off.
So, while cedar roofing isn’t disappearing, it’s definitely not as common as it once was. But what’s behind this shift?
3. Is Cedar Roofing Losing Popularity? Here’s What’s Happening
Cedar roofing has been a go-to choice for years, known for its natural beauty and durability. But lately, more homeowners are moving away from cedar shingles for their roofs. Why? Rising costs, maintenance hassles, and newer, more convenient roofing options are all playing a role in this shift.
Cedar Shingles Are Getting Too Expensive
One of the biggest reasons people are choosing alternatives is cost. While asphalt shingles typically cost $3 to $7 per square foot, cedar shakes and shingles can run between $8 and $15 per square foot.
That price keeps climbing due to strict logging regulations and supply chain issues. In some areas, high-quality cedar is harder to find, which only drives up the price even more. Because of this, many homeowners are switching to synthetic cedar shingles—they look like real wood but cost less and don’t require as much upkeep.
Cedar Roofing Needs More Maintenance Than Most People Expect
Unlike asphalt or metal roofs, cedar roofing needs regular care to stay in good shape. Without proper maintenance, homeowners may run into:
- Moisture problems that cause rot or warping.
- Moss and algae growth, especially in damp or shaded areas.
- Cracking and splitting due to weather changes.
One of the biggest frustrations with cedar shakes is how easily they can warp if they absorb too much moisture. And once they start curling or cracking, the roof becomes vulnerable to leaks.
Learn more about the key causes of cedar shake warping and how to prevent it here: 7 Important Causes of Cedar Shake Warping and How to Prevent It
Because of these challenges, many homeowners are looking for easier-to-maintain options that still have a classic look, like composite or metal roofing.
Fire Safety Rules Are Making Cedar Roofing Less Practical
In wildfire-prone areas, cedar shakes can be a major fire risk. Many cities now require fire-retardant treated cedar roofing, which adds even more to the total cost.
To avoid the hassle of meeting these regulations, some homeowners are skipping cedar altogether and choosing fire-resistant options like metal, composite, or asphalt shingles.
Eco-Friendly Alternatives Are Taking Over
Cedar roofing has always been seen as an environmentally friendly choice, but newer roofing materials are proving to be just as sustainable—if not more. Some of the most popular alternatives include:
- Metal roofing – Made from recycled materials and lasts over 50 years.
- Composite cedar shakes – These mimic real wood but are made from recycled plastic and rubber, meaning no rot, no fire risk, and no constant maintenance.
- Solar roofing – More homeowners are choosing solar panels or solar-integrated roofing to lower energy bills and reduce their carbon footprint.
With more homeowners looking for cost-effective, low-maintenance, and durable options, traditional cedar roofing is slowly losing its place as the top choice.
4. Is There Still a Market for Cedar Roofing?
Even with its challenges, cedar shingles haven’t disappeared from the market. In fact, some homeowners and builders still prefer cedar roofing for specific reasons, including:
- Luxury homes – Many high-end homes choose cedar shingles for their natural beauty and craftsmanship, prioritizing style over cost.
- Historic restorations – Some projects require traditional materials to maintain the original character of older homes, making cedar roofing a must.
- Eco-conscious homeowners – Since cedar is a natural and renewable resource, those looking for sustainable options often prefer cedar shingles for their roof.
- Mild climate regions – In areas with less extreme weather, cedar shakes hold up well and need less maintenance, making them a practical long-term choice.
While cedar roofing isn’t as popular as it once was, there’s still steady demand, especially for high-end, custom projects. Many roofing contractors continue to install cedar shingles for homeowners who value its unique look and durability.
5. The Future of Cedar Shingles: What to Expect
So, what’s next for cedar shingles?
- Expect innovations in fire-resistant treatments and durability coatings to help cedar roofing remain competitive.
- Composite and synthetic cedar shake alternatives will continue to grow in popularity.
- The price of natural cedar shingles may fluctuate due to supply chain issues and sustainable forestry regulations.
- Homeowners seeking premium roofing will still consider cedar shingles for roof installations, but the average consumer may choose cost-effective modern alternatives.
Conclusion
Cedar shingles have been a top choice for years, but they’ve lost some popularity as more homeowners choose cheaper, fire-resistant, and low-maintenance options. Stricter fire codes, rising prices, and newer roofing materials have all played a part in this shift.
Even so, cedar shakes and cedar shingles still have their place. They’re a great fit for high-end homes, historic restorations, and anyone who loves the look of natural wood. If you’re thinking about cedar shingles for roof installation, make sure to weigh the long-term benefits against the maintenance they require.💬 What do you think? Are cedar shingles still worth the investment, or are modern alternatives a better choice? Drop your thoughts below!