Shake style metal roofing is steel or aluminum formed and finished to imitate hand-split cedar shakes, giving the deep, three-dimensional wood look without the rot, pests, or fire risk of real cedar. Panels carry stamped shadow lines, varied shake heights, and rustic color blends. Most systems run about $9 to $18 per square foot installed and last 40 to 70 years.
This guide separates true shake-profile metal from the flatter shingle-profile products it gets confused with, breaks down 2026 pricing by material, compares the major brands in a single table, and weighs the honest tradeoffs against real cedar.
What is shake style metal roofing?
Shake style metal roofing is a panel or interlocking-shingle system pressed from steel or aluminum to reproduce the irregular, split-grain texture of a cedar shake roof. Manufacturers stamp several individual shakes into each panel at different heights and widths, then apply a multi-tone finish or stone coating so the surface reads as weathered wood from the ground.
The category is sometimes sold as metal shake, metal cedar shake, or steel roofing tiles. All describe the same idea: a lightweight metal substrate wearing a wood-shake face. It is a subset of the wider metal roofing types family, sitting alongside standing seam and corrugated panels but built for looks rather than clean modern lines.
Shake profile vs shingle profile vs stone-coated: how the sub-types differ
Buyers routinely lump three different products together. A shake profile mimics thick, rough cedar with deep shadow lines. A shingle profile mimics flat or dimensional asphalt and reads much smoother. Stone-coated is a finish, not a shape, and can be applied to either profile. Knowing which you are pricing prevents a mismatched quote.
| Type | What it imitates | Surface finish | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shake profile metal | Hand-split cedar shakes | Painted (PVDF) or stone-coated | Rustic, craftsman, and lodge-style homes |
| Shingle profile metal | Asphalt architectural shingles | Painted, smoother face | Conventional suburban rooflines |
| Stone-coated steel | Shake, tile, or slate (finish, not form) | Acrylic-bonded stone granules | Hiding dents and softening rain noise |
If you specifically want the smoother look of asphalt rather than wood, see our companion guide on metal roofs that look like shingles. That covers the flat and dimensional shingle profiles this page deliberately leaves aside.
How much does shake style metal roofing cost in 2026?
Shake style metal roofing typically costs $9 to $18 per square foot installed, or roughly $900 to $1,800 per roofing square (100 square feet). Complex rooflines, steep pitches, and premium stone-coated systems can push the top end toward $3,000 per square. Material alone runs about $5.50 to $9 per square foot before labor.
| Material | Installed cost per sq ft | Installed cost per square | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aluminum shake | $9 to $16 | $900 to $1,600 | Best near saltwater; will not rust |
| Steel shake | $8 to $15 | $800 to $1,500 | Stiffer, often lower material cost than aluminum |
| Stone-coated steel shake | $10 to $18 | $1,000 to $1,800 | Textured granule finish hides denting |
Pricing tracks the wider metal market, so cross-check against our roofing material lifespan report when weighing cost per year of service. A shake metal roof that lasts 50 years at $1,400 per square costs about $28 per square annually, well under a cedar shake roof replaced twice in the same window.
Top shake style metal roofing brands compared
The shake metal market is led by a handful of manufacturers, each with a distinct substrate and forming method. DECRA and Unified Steel use stone-coated steel; Classic Metal Roofing Systems and Interlock press aluminum; CertainTeed Matterhorn and ProVia stamp steel. Warranties generally span 40 years to limited lifetime.
| Brand and product | Material | Profile detail | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|
| DECRA Shake XD | Stone-coated steel | Deep hand-split shake tones | Limited lifetime |
| Classic Metal Country Manor Shake | Formed aluminum | 8 simulated shakes per panel, varied height | Limited lifetime |
| CertainTeed Matterhorn Metal Shake | Stamped steel | 8 elevation changes for irregularity | Lifetime limited |
| ProVia Metal Shake | Steel | Modeled on classic cedar shakes | Lifetime limited |
| Interlock Metal Shake | Aluminum | Interlocking four-way shingle | Lifetime |
| Unified Steel PINE-CREST Shake | Stone-coated steel | Random-course cedar texture | 50 years |
DECRA’s stone-coated system is common enough that it warrants its own breakdown; see our DECRA stone-coated metal roofing guide for profile-by-profile pricing and pros and cons on that specific line.
Shake style metal roofing vs real cedar shake
Metal shake wins on longevity, fire rating, and maintenance; real cedar wins on natural texture up close and lower upfront cost per square. A metal shake roof lasts 40 to 70 years against 15 to 25 for cedar, carries a Class A fire rating over proper underlayment, and needs no oiling, staining, or moss treatment.
- Lifespan: Metal shake 40 to 70 years; cedar shake 15 to 25 years before widespread splitting and rot.
- Weight: Metal shake runs roughly 40 to 150 pounds per square, versus about 250 to 400 for cedar, so it rarely needs structural reinforcement.
- Fire: Most metal shake systems reach Class A; untreated cedar can be Class C or unrated and is restricted in many wildfire zones.
- Maintenance: Cedar needs periodic cleaning, treatment, and shake replacement, detailed in our synthetic cedar shake roofing comparison of the low-maintenance alternatives.
- Look up close: Cedar and premium polymer shakes still read more natural at arm’s length than stamped metal, though stone-coated finishes narrow the gap.
Pros and cons of shake style metal roofing
Shake style metal roofing offers cedar’s dimensional look with steel’s durability, but it costs more upfront than asphalt and can dent or amplify rain noise if detailed poorly. Weigh these tradeoffs against how long you plan to own the home and your local fire and hail exposure.
Pros
- Class A fire rating and Class 4 impact resistance on many systems, which can qualify for insurance discounts depending on carrier and state.
- Will not rot, split, warp, or host insects and moss the way real cedar does.
- Lightweight enough to install over one existing layer in many jurisdictions, subject to local code.
- Reflective and cool-roof finishes can lower cooling load in hot climates.
Cons
- Higher upfront cost than asphalt and sometimes than mid-grade cedar.
- Smooth-finish panels can show hail dents; stone-coated versions hide them better.
- Rain noise rises without adequate underlayment or attic insulation.
- Fewer crews are trained on shake metal detailing, so vetting the installer matters.
How shake style metal roofing is installed
Installation follows a sequence close to other metal shingle systems, with careful attention to underlayment and the shadow-line coursing that sells the cedar look. Most manufacturers require a synthetic or high-temperature underlayment and specify a minimum roof pitch, commonly 3:12.
- Inspect and, where code requires, tear off the existing roof, then repair any rotted decking.
- Install the manufacturer-specified underlayment, plus ice and water shield at eaves and valleys in cold climates.
- Set eave starter and rake trim to lock the first course and establish drainage.
- Fasten panels or interlocking shakes course by course, staggering seams so the shadow lines read as random cedar.
- Flash all penetrations, valleys, and walls, then cap the ridge and hips with matching shake trim.
Is shake style metal roofing worth it?
Shake style metal roofing is usually worth it for owners staying long enough to bank its 40-to-70-year lifespan, or in wildfire and hail zones where its Class A fire rating and impact resistance earn insurance value. For a short hold or a tight budget, architectural asphalt or a polymer shake often returns more per dollar.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a metal shake roof cost?
A metal shake roof typically costs $9 to $18 per square foot installed, or about $900 to $1,800 per roofing square. Aluminum and steel systems sit in the middle of that band, while premium stone-coated steel and complex rooflines can reach $3,000 per square. Material alone runs roughly $5.50 to $9 per square foot.
Does a metal shake roof look real?
From the ground, quality shake metal roofing reads as cedar because panels are stamped with varied shake heights and deep shadow lines, often in multi-tone finishes. Up close, stamped metal is still distinguishable from wood, though stone-coated granule surfaces narrow the gap more than smooth painted panels do.
How long does shake style metal roofing last?
Shake style metal roofing lasts 40 to 70 years depending on the metal, finish, and climate. That is two to three times the 15-to-25-year service life of real cedar shakes. Most brands back it with a 40-year to limited-lifetime warranty, with aluminum performing best in coastal, salt-air conditions.
What is the difference between metal shake and stone-coated steel?
Metal shake describes the shape, a panel formed to imitate cedar shakes. Stone-coated steel describes the finish, acrylic-bonded stone granules applied over the steel. Many shake profiles are stone-coated, but shake metal can also be painted. Stone coating adds texture that hides dents and softens rain noise.
Is metal shake roofing the same as a metal roof that looks like asphalt shingles?
No. Shake metal imitates thick, rough cedar with deep shadow lines, while a metal roof that looks like asphalt shingles copies the flatter architectural-shingle profile. They use similar steel or aluminum substrates but target different aesthetics, so confirm which profile a quote covers before comparing prices.
Can shake style metal roofing be installed over an existing roof?
In many jurisdictions a lightweight metal shake system can go over one existing layer of asphalt, since it adds only about 40 to 150 pounds per square. Local code, decking condition, and the manufacturer’s warranty terms decide whether an overlay is allowed. A tear-off is often cleaner and avoids trapped moisture.
Reviewed by The Roofing Brief Team. Last reviewed July 2026.