A 900 sq ft cedar roof replacement in Ontario typically costs between $12,500 and $21,000 fully installed, depending on whether you’re using cedar shingles or cedar shakes and the grade of material selected. Cedar is one of the most premium roofing options available, and at 900 sq ft, the project scope is specific enough that understanding where the cost comes from makes a real difference when comparing quotes.
If you’re replacing a cedar roof at this size, you’re likely working with a small bungalow, a century home, a cottage property, or a carriage house across Oakville, Mississauga, Burlington, Georgetown, Milton, Etobicoke, Caledon, or Acton. Cedar roofing at this footprint is a specialized job; not every contractor in Ontario has the experience to do it correctly.
What Does a 900 Sq Ft Cedar Roof Replacement Cost in Ontario?
| Cost Category | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| Cedar shingles — No. 1 Blue Label grade (installed) | $12,500 – $16,500 |
| Cedar shakes — hand-split, premium grade (installed) | $16,000 – $21,000 |
| Tear-off and disposal of old cedar material | $900 – $2,200 |
| Interlayment felt between shake courses | Included in most shake quotes |
| Deck inspection and repair, if needed | $80 – $140 per sheet |
These numbers are Ontario-specific and include HST. Cedar material pricing fluctuates more than asphalt; western red cedar comes from BC, so supply chain costs affect pricing in ways that asphalt shingles don’t.
Cedar Shingles vs Cedar Shakes — What’s the Difference and Why It Affects Cost
This distinction matters more than most homeowners realize, and it directly affects your quote.
Cedar shingles are sawn smooth on both sides. They’re uniform in thickness and lie flat, giving a clean, consistent appearance. They’re the less expensive cedar option and work well on moderate-pitch roofs.
Cedar shakes are split on at least one face, giving them a rougher, more textured look. They’re thicker, more durable, and better suited to steeper pitches. They also require interlayment felt between each course, an extra material and labour step that adds to the total cost.
On a 900 sq ft roof, the difference between a cedar shingle and a cedar shake system can be $3,000–$5,000. Make sure any quote you receive specifies which product is being installed.
Why Cedar Costs More Than Asphalt at Every Roof Size
Cedar is a natural wood product harvested from old-growth western red cedar. The material itself is three to four times the price of architectural asphalt shingles per square foot. On top of that, cedar installation requires more skill and takes longer; courses must be laid with consistent exposure, proper spacing for expansion, and correct nailing depth to avoid splitting.
On a 900 sq ft roof, you won’t save much by compromising on cedar grade. Lower-grade cedar shingles deteriorate faster, cup unevenly, and create maintenance problems within a few years. The No. 1 Blue Label grade is the standard for replacement projects, and the cost difference between grades at 900 sq ft is usually $800–$1,500, money well spent over the 25–35-year lifespan of a quality cedar system.
Fire Rating — What Ontario Homeowners Need to Know
Untreated cedar has a Class C fire rating, which meets the minimum Ontario building code requirement for residential roofing. However, some municipalities and insurance providers ask for a Class A or B fire-rated product. Fire-treated cedar shingles and shakes are available and meet those higher standards, but they cost more and should be specified in your quote if required.
Before replacing a cedar roof, confirm with your insurance provider whether your policy requires a specific fire rating. This is particularly relevant for rural properties in Caledon, Halton Hills, and areas with higher wildfire exposure.
Does a Cedar Roof Replacement Require a Permit in Ontario?
A like-for-like cedar replacement same material, same pitch, no structural changes) generally does not require a building permit in most Ontario municipalities. However, if your existing roof is asphalt and you’re switching to cedar (or vice versa), some municipalities may require a permit because the structural load is different.
Your contractor should confirm permit requirements before the job begins. Above It All Roofing handles this verification as part of the initial assessment.
Browse All Ontario Roof Cost Guides
This guide covers the 900 sq ft cedar replacement specifically. If your roof is a different size or material, our complete cost directory has guides across every combination:
→ Ontario Roof Replacement Cost Guide — All Sizes & Materials
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a 900 sq ft cedar roof last in Ontario?
A properly installed cedar shingle roof lasts 25–30 years in Ontario conditions. Cedar shakes, being thicker, can reach 35–40 years with regular maintenance. The key factors are installation quality, attic ventilation, and periodic cleaning to prevent moss and algae buildup — both of which trap moisture and accelerate decay.
Can I install cedar shingles over my existing roof?
No. Cedar shingles should never be installed over an existing layer of shingles or shakes. The weight increases load on your roof structure, moisture can get trapped between layers, and most cedar manufacturer warranties require a clean deck. Full tear-off is the correct approach for any cedar replacement.
Why is it hard to find a contractor experienced with cedar in Ontario?
Cedar roofing has largely been replaced by asphalt shingles in new Ontario construction over the past 30 years. As a result, fewer crews have hands-on experience with cedar installation. It’s worth asking any contractor you interview how many cedar roofs they’ve completed and requesting photos of completed cedar projects before hiring.
Is cedar still a good choice for an Ontario home?
For the right home, yes. Cedar is a premium product with natural insulating properties, a lifespan that outperforms standard asphalt, and an appearance that suits heritage and traditional architecture well. For a contemporary home or a property where cost is the primary concern, architectural asphalt shingles are the more practical choice. Cedar makes the most sense when the home’s character, a heritage requirement, or a long ownership horizon justifies the investment.
