Who doesn’t love the look of a wood-shingled roof? Over the years the beautiful gray-silver color that it becomes only adds to its beauty. If you are considering one of these traditional roofing materials, there are some things you should know to help you make the right decisions for you. Wood Shingles are cut by machine and are tapered and made smooth on both sides. They are quite uniform and are typically made of cedar, spruce or treated pine wood. Wood shakes are split by hand from wood blocks of cedar, spruce or treated pine, so they are grooved and have a rustic look. Be aware that since they are both made from wood, they are vulnerable to fire. This type of roof does not last forever and even with proper maintenance it will need to be replaced approximately every twenty years. The typical cost for a wood shingle installation is anywhere between $4 and $7 per square foot, while installing wood shakes can run anywhere between $6 and $9 per square foot.  These estimates usually only cover the installation because you will pay extra to have your old roof removed and properly disposed of. This you can expect to pay $3 to $5 per square foot for, which could be higher if you have a complex roof. Shingles and Shakes are sold by the square, which covers 100 square feet. You will need to purchase ten percent extra to cover unavoidable waste. At ImproveNet.com you can learn more about roofing materials and you will be able to use their roofing calculator.