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How Much Does a Slate Roof Cost?

Average Cost Range $20,825–$26,010
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Updated On

May 29, 2025

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The average cost of a slate roof ranges from $20,825 to $26,010 for a typical 1,700-square-foot roof. However, slate varies widely in terms of price, and a slate roof could cost as little as $15,300 or as much as $51,000.

Aside from roof size, the type of slate used is the biggest cost factor. There are four main types of slate roofing materials, including natural hard slate, natural soft slate, hybrid, and synthetic. Prices vary among these products, starting at $9 a square foot for synthetic slate and reaching $30 a square foot for natural hard slate. Because slate is heavy and requires specialized labor — and, sometimes, structural reinforcement — its installation costs are higher than those of a standard asphalt shingle or metal roof. 

While expensive upfront, the long lifespan of slate shingles may provide cost savings over the long term. Natural hard slate roofs can last up to 200 years, and natural soft slate roofs have lifespans of up to 100 years — meaning you won’t have to replace them in your lifetime. 

In this guide, we’ll break down the types of slate shingles and cost factors to help you find the right solution for your home. If you’re ready to have a slate roof installed, get started by checking out our recommended roofing contractors.

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Key Takeaways

  • Slate is one of the most expensive roofing materials, costing up to $51,00 in some cases, but it’s low maintenance and fire-resistant.
  • Slate roofs can last as long as 200 years.
  • If you’re considering converting from an asphalt shingle roof to a slate roof, you’ll need to budget for extensive reinforcements of your home’s roofing structure.

What Is the Cost of a Slate Roof?

The current national average cost for a slate roof is between $12.25 and $15.30 per square foot. Since the standard American roof is 1,700 square feet, the average slate roof installation cost is $20,825 to $26,010. However, slate is one of the most widely varying materials in terms of price, and some types of slate roofs can cost homeowners well over $50,000

Cost LevelMaterial Cost (per Square Foot)Installation Cost (per Square Foot)Total (per Square Foot)Project Total (for a Typical Roof)
Low-end cost Range$6.03–$8.25$2.97–$3.97$9.00–$12.22$15,300–$20,774
National average cost range$8.35–$10.25$3.90–$5.05$12.25–$15.30$20,825–$26,010
High-end cost range$13.74–$20.10$6.76–$9.90$20.50–$30+$34,850–$51,000

We retrieve cost data from RSMeans, a project estimator for contractors and home improvement experts. The average costs listed in this article include materials and labor costs.

Learn more about the cost analysis of roof shingles.

What Is the Cost of Slate Roof By Type?

Slate roof tiles are available in natural, synthetic, and hybrid shingles. Natural slate comes in two subcategories: hard and soft. Each of these materials has its own pros, cons, and associated costs.

Natural Hard Slate

Hard slate is one of the most expensive roof materials on the market. These roof tiles are dense, durable, heavy, and beautiful. They are also the longest-lived shingles you can buy, lasting up to 200 years. The materials themselves are expensive, but the installation costs are also high. Due to their weight, most homes must be specially fitted and reinforced before putting in a natural hard slate roof, requiring specially trained contractors. With all these requirements, hard slate roofs typically cost between $20 to $30 or more per square foot.

Natural Soft Slate

Soft slate is cheaper than hard slate but less durable. As its name implies, soft slate is easier to cut, manipulate, and install. This makes its total costs much lower, between $15 and $25 per square foot on average. However, this softness also means it doesn’t hold up as well as a hard slate, with an average lifespan of 50 to 100 years.

Hybrid Slate

If your home isn’t compatible with natural slate, your next best option is hybrid slate. Hybrid slate combines natural slate with waterproof synthetic materials. These tiles look like real slate but have a more affordable price tag, typically $12 to $15 per square foot. Unfortunately, these tiles don’t share slate’s longevity, only lasting between 20 and 30 years.

Synthetic Slate

The most cost-effective type of slate roof is the synthetic variant. In reality, synthetic slate isn’t slate at all; instead, it is another type of material that has been modeled to look like slate.

Today’s Homeowner Tip

The most common type of synthetic slate is composed of rubber, clay, asphalt, and other plastics.

These tiles look exactly like authentic slate but only cost around $9 to $12 per square foot. They are also easier to install and lack the heavy weight of authentic slate. The downside is that these roofs are shorter-lived, lasting 10 to 50 years, and some brands are known to fade, crack, and peel after only a few years. 

What Is the Cost of Slate Roof Installation by Roof Size?

After material costs, the next major determiner of your new slate roof installation will be square footage. The larger the roof, the more materials and labor hours are needed for your project.

The average American roof is around 1,700 square feet. Below is an analysis of the total expected cost of a slate roof replacement based on varying roof sizes.

Roof Size (Square Feet)Price RangeAverage Cost
1,000$12,250–$15,300$13,775
1,500$18,375–$22,950$20,663
2,000$24,500–$30,600$27,550
2,500$30,625–$38,250$34,438
3,000$36,750–$45,900$41,325
3,500$42,875–$53,550$48,213
4,000$49,000–$61,200$55,100
4,500$55,125–$68,850$61,088
5,000$61,250–$$76,500$68,875

How Much Does a Slate Roof Cost in Materials?

Natural slate tiles are typically sold in two ways: squares and bundles.

  • Squares: In roofing, a square refers to a package containing enough material to cover a 100-square-foot roof area. Squares are in most big-box, home improvement, and online stores.
  • Bundles: A bundle is roughly one-third of the contents of a square. These are typically used for smaller projects, like repair jobs or shingling a shed roof.

In most cases, you or your contractor will purchase your slate roof materials in squares. For the average 1,700-square-foot roof, you’d need 17 squares — plus extra to compensate for damage. Below, we’ll explain what you can expect to pay when purchasing slate shingles in both squares and bundles.

(Note that these tables only show the cost of materials and don’t include labor or overhead.)

Number of SquaresTotal Material Cost RangeTotal Material Cost Average
1$835–$1025$930
5$4,175–$5,125$4,650
10$8,350–$10,250$9,300
15$12,524–$15,375$13,950
20$16,700–$20,500$18,600
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What Factors Impact How Much a Slate Roof Costs?

Total square footage and material type are the two most significant contributors to the cost of roofing projects. Other secondary factors, such as roof pitch and shingle removal, can also impact your final bill. You’ll want to understand these factors when shopping for a quote; otherwise, you might be in for some sticker shock when the bill comes due.

Below, we’ll review these factors and explain how they can impact your roof installation price.

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Roof Pitch

You might assume that your roof’s square footage will be roughly the same as the base square footage of your home — but this is not typically the case. Unless you have a flat roof, it will likely have one or more distinct slopes that can increase its square footage by a shocking amount.

To find your roof’s true square footage, you’ll first need to know how steep its pitch is. A roof’s pitch is determined by how many inches horizontally it extends by every 12 inches it rises. For example, if your roof extends 4 inches for every 12 inches it rises, your pitch is 4:12. With this information, you can head over to a roof pitch calculator, plug in your roof’s information, and find your actual square footage.

The following table shows how pitch can affect the square footage of a roof and your project’s total cost. Your roofing contractor will take these measurements before giving you a quote.

Base Square Footage of HomeRoof PitchRoof’s True Area in Square FeetSlate Shingle Installation Cost
2,2004:122,541$31,127
2,2006:122,695$33,134
2,2008:122,897$35,488
2,4004:122,762$33,835
2,4006:122,929$35,880
2,4008:123,149$38,575
2,7004:123,092$37,887
2,7006:123,279$40,167
2,7008:123,525$43,182

Shingle Removal

If you’re replacing an existing roof, the old roofing material must be removed. Shingle removal typically costs $125 to $500 per square. Most companies will also charge a disposal fee, which can vary greatly depending on the region but is typically between $300 and $600.

You may also be charged for small roof repair jobs during this process. Roof structures such as flashing and decking may need to be removed during the replacement. If any major work, like alterations to gutter systems, needs to be done, most reputable roofing companies will ask permission beforehand and generate an updated estimate.

Here is the average cost of shingle removal based on roof size (shingle disposal fee included).

Roof Size (Square Feet)Shingle Removal and Disposal Cost
1,000$1,850–$5,600
1,500$2,475–$8,100
2.000$3,100–$10,600
2,500$2,725–$13,100
3,000$4,350–$15,600
3,500$4,975–$18,100
4,000$5,600–$20,600

Reinforcing Existing Roof Structures

Slate roofs are more than three times as heavy as standard roofing materials. So, if you’re replacing your typical asphalt shingles with slate, you’ll likely need to reinforce your existing roof or build a new roof structure.

Reframing and replacement costs vary depending on your home’s size, roof design, age, and condition. Still, you can expect to pay an additional $15,000 to $30,000 or more for roof reinforcement or reframing. You can likely avoid this expense if you’re replacing an existing slate roof.

Keep in mind that if you’re just looking to replace your roof due to wear and tear, you might be covered by your roof warranty if you have one. We recommend exploring our article to discover reliable home warranty options for roofs.

Read also: Moss Removal Techniques for Your Roof


What Are the Benefits of Investing in a Slate Roof?

Choosing a roof material is a tough decision, and slate roofs are some of the most expensive on the market. But this high price tag isn’t unwarranted, as these roofs have some of the best benefits. For one, slate roofs are the longest-lasting option available, with slate having a lifespan of up to 200 years with proper maintenance. Additionally, slate roofs are some of the most durable and resilient, able to easily withstand high winds, heat, impacts, rain, and other hazards.

Here are some additional benefits of slate roofs:

  • Beauty: Natural stone has an elegant, distinguished look that most homeowners love. Not only does natural slate look impressive, but slate shingles come in various designs, styles, and colors, allowing you to customize the look of your roof.
  • Environmental friendliness: Slate roofs are made from natural materials and can be recycled when replaced, keeping them out of landfills. Slate is as energy-efficient as other roofing materials, meaning you won’t see an increase in your heating and cooling bills.
  • Low maintenance: Slate shingles resist water damage, mold, mildew, wind, and general weathering. This resilience means they require much less upkeep and maintenance than asphalt or metal roofs. 
  • Fire-resistant: Slate roofing materials are the most fire-resistant options on the market, making them highly valued.

Professional Vs. DIY Slate Roof Installation Cost

Most roofing projects require the trained expertise of a professional contractor, and slate roofs are no exception. Slate is a high-end, heavy-duty material that is extremely difficult to work with. Due to its weight, installation difficulty, and the special equipment needed to haul it, it’s functionally impossible for a homeowner to DIY a slate roof installation.

Hiring a Professional for a Slate Roof Installation

Finding the right roofing contractor can be difficult, but following these steps can make your search easier and more successful:

  1. Find local experts near you: Search specifically for slate roof installers instead of general contractors and roofers. Slate is a specialty material, and not everyone carries or installs it.
  2. Get a quote from a few options: Shop for multiple quotes before making your final decision. This allows you to vet your contractors while finding the best price.
  3. Consult them about their recommendations: A slate roof installation isn’t like other roofing projects. Talk with your roofer about necessary modifications to your roof’s structure and home’s supports.
  4. Consider if other options might better suit your needs: While slate is beautiful and long-lasting, other options, like hybrid slate, offer the same look without the needed modifications to your home.
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So, Is a Slate Roof Worth the Cost?

Slate is one of the most impressive roofing materials on the market, but it has some downsides, too. Slate is heavy, expensive, and requires the work of trained professionals. However, its superb qualities are worth the investment for most homeowners: Slate roofs can last up to 200 years, plus they’re fireproof, durable, and require little to no maintenance.

These roofs should be seen as a long-term investment. While $23,000 is a high upfront cost, you can pass this roof down to your children, and they to theirs, before it has to be replaced.


FAQs About Slate Roofs

Do slate roofs mold or rust?

Slate is a porous material that can grow mold, mildew, and algae, but this is rare and only occurs in climates with high moisture. Having the roof professionally cleaned at least every two to three years or at the first sign of buildup can combat algae and mildew growth. 

Slate can also contain trace amounts of pyrite, which can cause slight discoloration and rust to form. New York/Vermont weathering green slate is the most susceptible to this issue. In most cases, this rust is not harmful, but it can occasionally cause flaking and require the replacement of affected shingles. If affected shingles are not replaced, any adjacent shingles can become stained by the rust.

Which is better, synthetic or natural slate?

Natural slate roofs are beautiful and durable, lasting over 100 years with proper care. However, natural slate is expensive and heavy. In some cases, roofs may need structural reinforcement to handle the load. Synthetic slate is lightweight and much less expensive, making it a go-to for those wanting the slate look without the hefty price tag. The downside is that it doesn’t last nearly as long, usually 50 years at the most. 

Does slate only come in gray?

No, natural slate is available in various colors, most commonly gray, green, black, purple, and red. Its unique chemical and mineral composition gives the slate its color, and each shingle will have slight color and texture variations.

Slate is also available in fading or unfading varieties as well as weathering or semi-weathering varieties. Fading slate will lighten in color over time when exposed to the elements, while unfading varieties stay close to their original color. Weathering and semi-weathering slates will also slowly change color over time when exposed to the elements, often developing a brown or tannish patina

How long does a slate roof last?

Slate is one of the most durable roofing materials, with hard slate lasting as long as 200 years and soft slate lasting up to 100 years. On the other hand, hybrid and synthetic slate materials have a much shorter lifespan, ranging from 20 to 50 years, depending on the product, climate, and maintenance practices.

Even though slate is a long-lasting material, regular inspections — especially around chimneys and vents that may need periodic reflashing — are crucial in keeping the roof leak-free. 

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Sam Wasson graduated from the University of Utah with a degree in Film and Media Arts with an Emphasis in Entertainment Arts and Engineering. Sam brings over four years of content writing and media production experience to the Today’s Homeowner content team. He specializes in the pest control, landscaping, and moving categories. Sam aims to answer homeowners’ difficult questions by providing well-researched, accurate, transparent, and entertaining content to Today’s Homeowner readers.
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Andrew Dunn is a veteran journalist with more than 15 years of experience reporting and editing for local and national publications, including The Charlotte Observer and Business North Carolina magazine. His work has been recognized numerous times by the N.C. Press Association and the Society of American Business Editors and Writers. He is also a former general contractor with experience with cabinetry, finish carpentry and general home improvement and repair. Andrew earned a degree in journalism from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, as well as a certificate in business journalism. He lives in Charlotte, N.C.
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