Wood Shake Roofing in Tulsa, OK

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Cedar shakes bring warmth and texture that few materials match. They also need more upkeep than other roofs, since moss, shade, sun and hail all affect how quickly the wood deteriorates.

We replace split or rotted shakes, correct flashing problems and advise on cleaning and treatment. If upkeep or insurance is a concern, we can also show synthetic shakes and impact-rated options that preserve a similar look.

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Wood Shake Roofing prices

Planning ranges for the Tulsa area, updated November 2026. They include typical labor and materials, but they are not a quote. Your written estimate is based on an inspection of the actual job. See every category on our price list.

• Shake or shingle replacement, small area

  $400 - $1,500

• Ridge or valley repair

  $800 - $2,500

• Cleaning and treatment, per sq ft

  $1.50 - $3.50

• Cedar shingles, per sq ft

  $12 - $18

• Hand-split or heavy shakes, per sq ft

  $15 - $25

• Composite shake alternative, per sq ft

  $9 - $16

Shakes vs wood shingles

People often use the two terms interchangeably, but they are different products. Knowing which you have will help with repairs and pricing.

• Wood shakes are split rather than sawn, so they are thicker, with a rugged, textured surface and irregular shadow lines.
• Wood shingles are sawn on both sides, which gives a thinner, smoother and more uniform look.
• Red cedar is the most common species thanks to its natural resistance to decay. White oak and treated pine appear on some roofs.
• Grades matter: higher grades use more heartwood with a straighter grain and fewer defects, and they last longer.

Wood roofs in an Oklahoma climate

Wood roofing can work well in northeast Oklahoma, but our climate tests it. Heavy humidity promotes moss and fungal growth on shaded slopes, and long summers dry and cup the wood. Repeated wetting and drying causes splitting over time. Hail can bruise and split shakes, particularly older ones. Airflow is the key: wood lasts longer when it can dry from below, so spaced decking or a ventilation mat helps. Expect a lifespan of about 20 to 40 years with good installation and care, although shaded, neglected roofs can fail sooner.

Fire is another factor. Untreated wood roofs are restricted in some areas, and they may raise insurance questions. Fire-retardant treated products with a Class A or B assembly are available. Check with your insurer and your local building department before you buy.

Repairs and maintenance

Wood roofs fail one piece at a time, so regular repairs can add years. Typical work includes:

• Replacing split, cupped or rotten shakes with similar grade and thickness.
• Rebuilding ridges and hips, which take the most sun and wind.
• Replacing worn valley metal and step flashing.
• Clearing debris from keyways, the gaps between shakes where leaves and needles collect.
• Trimming nearby trees to improve sun and airflow on shaded slopes.
• Gentle cleaning and preservative treatment where the wood is still sound.

Avoid high-pressure washing, since it can strip wood fibers and shorten the life of the roof. New pieces start out brighter than the aged wood around them, but will weather in over time.

Treatments: what they can and cannot do

Preservative and fungicide treatments help slow moss, algae and UV damage, and they are most useful when applied to a roof with plenty of life left. Oil-based products can darken the wood. Some coatings claim to restore old roofs, but no treatment can repair a split or rotted shake. We will tell you honestly whether a treatment is worthwhile or whether the money is better saved for a replacement. Moss can also be slowed by zinc or copper strips near the ridge, which release trace metals when it rains.

Replacing a shake roof

If a roof has reached the end of its life, we will replace it with new cedar or an alternative. Composite and synthetic shakes offer a similar look with less maintenance and better fire and impact ratings on many products. Designer shingles give a shake-like look at a lower cost, and stone-coated metal roofing is another option. Older shake roofs often sit on spaced decking, so moving to shingles usually requires new solid sheathing, which should be included in the bid. Compare materials on our roof replacement page, and if you have had a storm, start with hail damage roof repair.

Related services

Shakes are a specialty material within our residential roofing work. If yours are beyond repair, see roof replacement for the alternatives, including designer shingles and stone-coated metal roofs.

See all of our roofing projects

Frequently asked questions