A 1x6x6 cedar fence board typically costs $4-$10, with an average near $6.50 for a standard-grade board at a U.S. lumber retailer. Grade, cedar species, board condition, local supply, and whether delivery or installation is included can shift the total.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| One 1x6x6 cedar board | $4 | $6.50 | $10 | Common retail range; before tax |
| 100 boards | $400 | $650 | $1,000 | Material only, before waste |
| Installed fence coverage | $10 | $18 | $30 | Per linear ft; varies by layout and labor |
| Delivery | $0 | $75 | $150 | May be waived for larger orders |
What a 1x6x6 Cedar Board Usually Costs
Retail prices for a six-foot cedar fence board generally fall between $4 and $10 each. A common midrange purchase is about $6.50 per board, or approximately $650 for 100 boards. Those figures assume standard fence-grade lumber, ordinary retail quantities, and no premium finish or installation.
“1×6” is a nominal size; the finished board is often about 3/4 inch thick and 5 1/2 inches wide. With boards installed tightly side by side, 100 boards cover roughly 45 feet of fence before allowance for cuts, gaps, and defects. Assumptions: U.S. retail pricing, standard grade, six-foot boards, materials only. Budget about $7-$8 per board after a modest waste allowance and typical sales tax.
How Lumber, Labor, and Delivery Shape the Quote
For a board-only purchase, lumber is the main expense. A contractor’s fence quote may also include posts, rails, fasteners, labor, disposal, and overhead, so its per-foot rate cannot be compared directly with the price of boards alone.
| Quote item | Typical price | What changes the charge |
|---|---|---|
| Cedar boards | $4-$10 each | Grade, species, stock, and finish |
| Rails and posts | $3-$9 per linear ft | Wood size, spacing, and post material |
| Fasteners | $0.20-$0.60 per board | Galvanized or coated nails and screws |
| Installation labor | $35-$75 per hour | Region, crew, access, and fence condition |
| Delivery or disposal | $0-$150 per order | Distance, order size, and old-fence removal |
Labor estimates depend on whether the installer is replacing boards on a sound frame or building a complete fence. Ask for boards, framing, labor, delivery, and removal as separate quote lines.
Board Width, Grade, and Quantity Change the Total
Board dimensions affect coverage as well as price. A typical 5 1/2-inch-wide board covers about 0.46 linear feet when installed with no gap, so roughly 2.2 boards are needed per linear foot. A small gap increases the length covered but may expose more of the frame.
For 100 linear feet of close-board coverage, a buyer may need about 220 boards, plus 5%-10% extra for cuts, knots, and damaged pieces. At $4-$10 each, that is about $880-$2,200 before supporting lumber and labor. Higher-grade boards with fewer visible defects can cost 20%-50% more than basic fence-grade stock. Confirm actual width and grade before using a per-board price to estimate coverage.
How Much Do Cedar Boards Cost in Three Common Orders?
Small orders can carry a higher effective price because delivery and minimum charges are spread across fewer boards. These examples use materials at different quality levels and exclude tax.
| Purchase scenario | Board quantity | Board rate | Estimated total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Patch a short fence run | 20 | $4-$7 each | $80-$140 |
| Replace about 45 ft of boards | 100 plus 5% waste | $5-$8 each | $525-$840 |
| Premium-grade, roughly 100-ft run | 220 plus 10% waste | $7-$10 each | $1,694-$2,420 |
Actual totals depend on layout, gaps, board selection, and whether the existing rails remain usable. Order a few extra boards from the same lot to reduce visible color and grain differences during later repairs.
When Installation Makes a Board-Only Price Misleading
Replacing pickets on a solid fence can take less time than constructing a new fence. A small repair may require a contractor minimum of $150-$300, even when the boards themselves cost less than $100. A new wood fence installation commonly runs about $15-$35 per linear foot, depending on height, posts, terrain, and local labor.
For a 100-foot project, boards alone might cost around $1,000-$2,200 after waste, while a complete installed fence could total roughly $1,500-$3,500 or more. Removal of an old fence may add $3-$8 per linear foot, and difficult access or concrete work can raise labor charges. Compare the board price with the full installed scope, not just the contractor’s lumber allowance.
Why Cedar Board Prices Differ Across U.S. Markets
Cedar supply and freight create regional price variation. Areas near mills and major lumber distributors may price common boards about 5%-15% below the national midrange; locations far from supply or with limited inventory can run 10%-25% higher. Urban delivery can also add fees, while rural sites may incur distance charges.
Seasonal demand can affect availability, especially during spring and early summer fence-building periods. A retailer may offer better pricing on bundled quantities, but the savings matter only if the boards are straight, usable, and stored dry. Check the delivered total and inspect the stack before accepting a bulk price.
Lower the Cedar Fence Board Bill Without Sacrificing Fit
Measure the fence run and calculate board count using the actual width and planned gap. Add a practical waste allowance rather than rounding up excessively. For example, a sound 100-foot run using close-set 5 1/2-inch boards takes about 220 boards before waste, not 100 boards.
Compare at least two local lumber quotes, including delivery, tax, and any minimum order. Standard fence-grade cedar is usually less expensive than clear or appearance-grade stock; use premium boards only where fewer knots or a more uniform look justify the difference. If rails and posts remain sound, replacing individual boards may avoid full-fence labor and disposal. Keep the existing frame when it is structurally sound, and reject warped boards before installation.