---
title: "Synthetic Cedar Shake Roofing: Is It Right for You?"
description: Interested in a cedar shake roof, but don’t think it’s worth it? If so, synthetic cedar shake roofing might be right for you. Before deciding if it’s right, you need to know what synthetic cedar shake roofing is, the pros and cons, pricing, and much more to help you decide if it's right for you.
image: https://www.billraganroofing.com/hubfs/synthetic-cedar-shake-roofing-is-it-right-for-you.png
---

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# Synthetic Cedar Shake Roofing: Is It Right for You?

December 22nd, 2025 | 6 min. read

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[Bill Ragan](https://www.billraganroofing.com/blog/author/bill-ragan)

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Are you considering a cedar shake roof? Well, have you heard of the alternative, synthetic cedar shake roofing?

A cedar shake roof is one of the oldest and most beautiful roofs in the roofing industry. Unfortunately, [it comes with certain cons](https://www.billraganroofing.com/blog/what-cedar-shake-roof) that some homeowners don’t think are worth the investment. 

That’s where synthetic cedar shake roofing comes in. It provides the beautiful look you’d expect of natural cedar shakes, but without the same cons.

**For over 35 years, Bill Ragan Roofing has helped homeowners like you make the right purchasing decision with transparent information.** Let’s break down everything you need to know about synthetic cedar shake roofing, so you have the confidence to decide if it’s right for you. 

By the end of this article, you’ll learn the answers to:

- What is synthetic cedar shake roofing?
- What are the pros and cons of synthetic cedar shake roofing?
- How long does a synthetic cedar shake roof actually last?
- How much does a new synthetic cedar shake roof cost?
- How does synthetic cedar shake roofing compare to natural cedar shake roofing?
- What must you consider before investing in synthetic cedar shake roofing?

## What is synthetic cedar shake roofing?

**Synthetic (also known as composite) cedar shake roofing is made of a synthetic polymer or recycled materials, like rubber and plastic, to look exactly like natural cedar shake.** They have realistic grain patterns and deep grooves to truly mimic real cedar shake.

![synthetic cedar shake roof](https://www.billraganroofing.com/hs-fs/hubfs/SyntheticCedarShake6-1.jpg?width=600&height=338&name=SyntheticCedarShake6-1.jpg)(Synthetic cedar shake roof)

There are also multiple color options and styles to give your roof the look you want. However, synthetic cedar shake roofing is newer to the roofing industry, so there are some things still being refined.

But being newer doesn’t mean it’s not a good product or won’t last as long as the manufacturer states. In fact, I have a [DaVinci slate synthetic shingle roof](https://www.billraganroofing.com/blog/what-davinci-slate-roof) on my own home. 

## What are the pros and cons of synthetic cedar shake roofing?

Knowing what synthetic cedar shake roofing is one thing. **However, making the right decision comes down to what they offer and what they don’t offer. **

Let’s look at the pros and cons of synthetic cedar shake roofing. 

### Pros of synthetic cedar shake roofing

**A synthetic cedar shake roof’s biggest advantages are long-term performance with strong durability and minimal maintenance.**

The main pros of cedar shake roofing are:

- Very high [curb appeal](https://www.billraganroofing.com/blog/curb-appeal-new-roof)
- Long lifespan
- Eco-friendly
- Won’t be affected by moisture, rot, and insects
- Lower maintenance** **compared to real cedar shakes 
- Consistent appearance without cracking or splitting as they age
- Lightweight
- High wind and impact resistance ratings

### Cons of synthetic cedar shake roofing

Synthetic cedar shake roofing doesn’t have many drawbacks.** However, the biggest con is that it’s incredibly expensive and specialized. **

Cons of synthetic cedar shake roofing are:

- Very expensive
- Specialized and slow installation
- Newer material, so product selection matters

## How long does a synthetic cedar shake roof actually last?

**As long as it’s **[**installed correctly**](https://www.billraganroofing.com/blog/proper-roof-installation-important)**, cedar shake roofing should last around 40-50 years. **Most brands come with a high impact rating (resistance to impact from hail, winds, etc.) to make them this durable.

For example, [DaVinci synthetic cedar shake shingles](https://www.billraganroofing.com/blog/what-davinci-slate-roof) have a [Class 4 impact rating](https://www.billraganroofing.com/blog/what-impact-resistant-shingles) (the highest rating possible). Because of their durability, synthetic shingles are one of the [longest-lasting roofing materials](https://www.billraganroofing.com/blog/how-long-does-a-roof-last) on the market. 

## How much does a new synthetic cedar shake roof cost?

Synthetic cedar shake roofing is incredibly expensive, usually costing three times the cost of [architectural asphalt shingles](https://www.billraganroofing.com/blog/what-are-architectural-shingles) (the most common roof in the United States). **With that in mind, a new synthetic cedar shake roof will cost around $14.00-$20.00+ per square foot. **

Where you’ll fall in the range or above it depends on:

- Location 
- Roof size 
- Roof complexity
- Number of valleys and penetrations
- Brand of synthetic shingle
- Labor costs
- Roofing contractor pricing

Synthetic cedar shake roofing is considered a premium roofing material for a reason. However, you won’t know exact pricing until you get an [estimate from a local roofer](https://www.billraganroofing.com/blog/what-roof-estimate-include). 

## How does synthetic cedar shake roofing compare to natural cedar shake roofing?

At this point, you know pretty much all the important information needed about cedar shake roofing. But remember, it specifically mimics natural cedar shake. 

**So, it’s important to understand **[**how synthetic shingles compare to the natural option**](https://www.billraganroofing.com/blog/natural-cedar-shake-vs-synthetic-cedar-shake)**. **

### Appearance

Both natural and synthetic cedar shake shingles have very high curb appeal.** However, synthetic cedar shake shingles keep their appearance unlike natural cedar shakes that heavily show wear and tear.** 

![natural cedar shakes compared to synthetic cedar shake shingles](https://www.billraganroofing.com/hs-fs/hubfs/CedarShakevsSynthetic-1.png?width=600&height=338&name=CedarShakevsSynthetic-1.png)(Left: natural cedar shake; Right: synthetic cedar shake)

### Maintenance

**While they still need it, synthetic cedar shake shingles require far less maintenance than natural cedar shakes.** Natural cedar [needs regular maintenance](https://www.billraganroofing.com/blog/cedar-shake-roof-maintenance), treatments, and replacement of split or rotting shakes.

![aged cedar shake shingles cracking and losing color](https://www.billraganroofing.com/hs-fs/hubfs/WornCedarShakeShingle-1.jpg?width=600&height=538&name=WornCedarShakeShingle-1.jpg)(Aged cedar shake shingles)

### Lifespan

Both synthetic cedar shake shingles and natural cedar shakes have good lifespans. However, natural cedar shakes need the right climate to get most out of them. 

**So, synthetic cedar shake shingles have a more consistent lifespan. **

### Cost over time

Natural cedar shake shingles cost more and have long-term costs associated with wear and tear. So, synthetic cedar shake shingles are the clear winner when it comes to pricing. 

## What must you consider before investing in synthetic cedar shake roofing?

A new synthetic cedar shake roof is a huge investment. **So, it’s absolutely crucial to keep some things in mind before just right in.  **

Homeowners interested in cedar shake roofing must:

- Consider how long you plan on living in the home
- Hire a roofer with synthetic shingle installation experience
- Invest in quality products
- Look for a long workmanship warranty
- Compare manufacturers to find the right one (I do recommend [DaVinci RoofScapes](https://www.westlakeroyalbuildingproducts.com/roofing/davinci-roofscapes))

## Is a synthetic cedar shake roof right for you?

**Synthetic cedar shake roofing is a great option if you want designer curb appeal with a long lifespan and less maintenance than natural.** However, you must have an incredibly high budget to even consider this roofing material. 

So, if budget is a concern, you need to consider another type of roof. That’s why I wrote another article breaking down the top residential roofing materials, including the pros and cons, lifespans, pricing, and more. 

Check out [The Top 8 Roofing Materials (How to Choose the Right One)](https://www.billraganroofing.com/blog/top-types-roofing-materials) to learn which roofing material is right for your upcoming roof replacement.

[![New call-to-action](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/3406853/831ce160-6e3d-47f0-bac8-d27c495e0c28.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/3406853/831ce160-6e3d-47f0-bac8-d27c495e0c28)

#### Table Of Contents

## Related Articles

[### What are Composite Roof Shingles Made Of?

 May 18th, 2026|8 min read 

](https://www.billraganroofing.com/blog/what-are-composite-roof-shingles-made-of)

[### How Much Does a DaVinci Roof Cost? (2026 Update)

 October 3rd, 2025|7 min read 

](https://www.billraganroofing.com/blog/how-much-davinci-roof-cost)

[### How Much Does a Composite Shingle Roof Cost? (2026 Update)

 August 22nd, 2025|7 min read 

](https://www.billraganroofing.com/blog/composite-shingle-roof-replacement-cost)

[### How Long Does a Composite Roof Last?

 August 20th, 2025|6 min read 

](https://www.billraganroofing.com/blog/how-long-does-composite-synthetic-roof-last)

[### Slate Roofing vs. Synthetic Slate Roofing: Which is Right for You?

 March 26th, 2025|6 min read 

](https://www.billraganroofing.com/blog/slate-roof-vs-synthetic-slate-roof)

[### What are Synthetic Roof Shingles? (6 Reasons They’re Worth It)

 March 1st, 2024|7 min read 

](https://www.billraganroofing.com/blog/synthetic-roof-shingles)

[### The 7 Best Roofing Materials (Pros, Cons, Cost, Lifespan, and More)

 June 19th, 2023|11 min read 

](https://www.billraganroofing.com/blog/best-roofing-materials)

[### Asphalt Shingles vs. Composite (Synthetic) Shingles: Which is Better?

 January 12th, 2022|7 min read 

](https://www.billraganroofing.com/blog/asphalt-shingles-vs-composite-synthetic-shingles)

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