A 12×12 cedar post typically costs about $160-$440 for an 8-foot length, with an average near $280; long, clear, kiln-dried, or specialty-cut timbers can cost more. Installation, delivery, treatment, and whether the post is structural or decorative can substantially change the total.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12×12 cedar post, 8 feet | $160 | $280 | $440 | Material only; grade and cedar species affect price |
| 12×12 cedar post, per linear foot | $20 | $35 | $55 | Special orders may exceed this range |
| Installed post, typical project | $450 | $850 | $1,500 | Includes ordinary labor and basic setting materials |
Assumptions: U.S. pricing for a single post, standard access, and common Western red cedar or similar cedar stock.
What an 8-foot 12×12 cedar post costs
For the timber alone, budget roughly $20-$55 per linear foot, or $160-$440 for an 8-foot post. A typical stock or moderately graded piece often falls around $25-$45 per linear foot. Prices vary by supplier, region, grade, moisture content, and whether the post is rough-sawn, surfaced, or custom cut.
Many sellers use nominal dimensions. A nominal 12×12 post may measure about 11 1/4 inches square after surfacing, so buyers should verify finished dimensions before ordering. An 8-foot length is a price reference, not a universal standard; longer posts and unusual lengths can carry higher per-foot prices and freight charges.
How cedar, cutting, and labor appear on the quote
A quote can separate the timber from preparation and installation. The table shows common cost components for one post; site conditions and local contractor minimums can change the labor total.
| Quote item | Typical price | What changes it | Usually included |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cedar post | $160-$440 per 8-foot post | Grade, species, finish, length | Raw timber only |
| Cutting and end treatment | $15-$75 per post | Notches, bevels, sealant | Basic cuts if specified |
| Labor to set post | $150-$450 per post | Access, anchoring, crew minimum | Placement and fastening |
| Concrete, base, or hardware | $40-$220 per post | Footing size and connector type | Often listed separately |
| Delivery | $50-$250 per order | Distance and timber weight | Varies by supplier |
Ask whether the estimate includes delivery, cutting, footing work, and disposal rather than comparing timber prices alone.
Which dimensions and cedar grades raise the price?
Length and usable appearance are major price drivers. Moving from an 8-foot post to a 12-foot post adds 50% more timber by length at the same per-foot rate, although suppliers may charge more for long-stock handling. A post longer than 12 feet may require special ordering or freight, especially if it must be straight and visually clean.
Grade also matters. Knotty or rough-sawn cedar is generally less expensive than clear, appearance-grade stock. Surface planing removes material, so a surfaced post may not retain a full 12-inch finished face. Confirm actual width, thickness, grade, moisture condition, and permitted defects in writing. For load-bearing use, have the size and species checked against the project design rather than selecting by appearance alone.
What does installation add for a cedar support post?
Setting one post commonly adds $150-$450 in labor, with a total installed price often around $450-$1,500 when the timber, basic hardware, and ordinary footing work are included. A contractor may charge a minimum visit fee even when the post takes only a few hours. Replacing a post can also require temporary support, removal of the old post, or adjustments to the structure.
Setting a post in soil with a concrete footing differs from fastening it to an existing slab or bracket. A deeper footing, rocky ground, a tight crawlspace, or work above an existing deck can raise labor and equipment costs. A structural replacement may need an engineer or permit, neither of which is necessarily included in a carpenter’s quote.
How regional delivery and labor change the estimate
Prices are often lower near cedar mills and lumber distributors than in areas where the timber must travel long distances. In high-cost metro markets, labor can run about 15%-30% above a typical national estimate; rural areas may have lower hourly rates but higher delivery or trip charges. These are planning differences, not fixed regional price rules.
Ask local suppliers for the same specification and delivery address. A low per-foot quote may exclude unloading or show only rough-sawn material, while another quote may include surfacing and delivery. Compare the delivered price for matching dimensions and grade.
When cedar beats treated lumber or a post wrap
Pressure-treated lumber is commonly less costly for structural posts exposed to ground contact, but its availability in a true 12×12 size can be limited. A cedar post may be chosen for appearance, natural durability, or compatibility with other cedar features; it is not automatically the lowest-cost structural option. A cedar wrap around a treated core can provide a cedar look with less solid cedar, but it adds framing and finish labor.
For a decorative post, a smaller structural member with a cedar sleeve may cost less than a solid 12×12 timber. For a load-bearing post, compare approved designs and material specifications before substituting. Material prices alone do not establish whether a post is suitable for the intended load or exposure.
Which post add-ons can create unexpected charges?
Custom notches, drilled holes, angled ends, stain, and sealing can add roughly $15-$150 per post, depending on the finish and shop work. Concrete removal or replacement may add $100-$500 or more when an old footing must be broken out. Delivery of a heavy timber can also cost extra if a liftgate, crane, or difficult access is involved.
Clarify whether the quoted post is kiln-dried or green, whether the ends are sealed, and who handles unloading. If the post will be outdoors, confirm the finish and connection hardware are appropriate for the exposure. These details help prevent a low materials quote from expanding during installation.
How to lower the 12×12 cedar post bill
Compare rough-sawn and surfaced posts only after confirming the finished dimensions needed. Standard lengths, common grades, and in-stock material can avoid custom-order premiums. If several posts are required, request one combined delivery and ask whether the supplier offers a lower rate for a quantity order.
Get at least two itemized estimates with matching cedar species, grade, length, delivery, and installation scope. Handle accessible site clearing or old-hardware removal only when it is safe and agreed upon with the installer. Avoid paying for clear appearance-grade cedar where knots and rough texture are acceptable, but do not reduce a structural specification without qualified approval.