A 4x12x20 cedar beam typically costs about $350-$1,300 for the beam alone, with an average near $700; delivery and installation can raise the total substantially. Price depends on cedar species, grade, whether the timber is rough or surfaced, local availability, and the beam’s intended structural use.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4x12x20 cedar beam | $350 | $700 | $1,300 | Material only; species and grade vary |
| Material rate | $4.40 | $8.75 | $16.25 | Approximate per nominal board foot |
| Delivery | $75 | $175 | $350 | Local freight; crane service costs extra |
| Installed beam | $800 | $1,700 | $3,500 | Typical accessible residential replacement |
What a 20-foot cedar beam usually costs
For a single 4x12x20 cedar beam, buyers commonly pay $350-$1,300 before freight, taxes, or installation. The average estimate of roughly $700 assumes a commonly stocked cedar species, a standard appearance grade, and a lumberyard purchase rather than a specialty order. Clear, appearance-grade, or uncommon species may cost more.
A nominal 4×12 is often surfaced to about 3.5 by 11.25 inches, though actual dimensions depend on the supplier and finish. At nominal dimensions, the beam contains about 80 board feet. A quoted rate of $4.40-$16.25 per board foot produces the material range above; confirm how the yard calculates board footage and whether the quote uses actual or nominal dimensions.
Assumptions: U.S. retail lumberyard pricing, one beam, ordinary access, and no structural engineering or special treatment. For budgeting, allow around $700 for the timber itself and verify the species, grade, and finished dimensions before comparing quotes.
How lumber, freight, and labor shape the quote
A beam purchase can involve more than the listed lumber price. A long, heavy timber may require special handling, and installation can require a crew, temporary supports, and hardware. The following ranges are broad estimates for one beam; local quotes depend on access and project scope.
| Quote component | Low | Average | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cedar beam | $350 | $700 | $1,300 |
| Delivery and handling | $75 | $175 | $350 |
| Connectors and fasteners | $40 | $100 | $250 |
| Installation labor | $300 | $750 | $1,600 |
| Removal and disposal | $50 | $200 | $500 |
Labor for a straightforward placement may take 3-6 hours with a two-person crew, while a difficult replacement can take a full day or longer. At approximately $75-$150 per worker-hour, crew time can account for a large share of the installed price. Ask whether the quote includes lifting equipment, old-beam removal, connectors, and cleanup.
Species, grade, and dimensions that move the price
Cedar is not one uniform product. Western red cedar, Alaska yellow cedar, and other regional species differ in availability, appearance, and price. A locally stocked construction grade may fall near the lower or middle range, while clear or select-grade stock chosen for visible grain can reach the upper range or exceed it. Request the species and grade in writing.
Twenty-foot lengths are less commonly stocked than shorter pieces, so a yard may charge a special-order premium or require a minimum purchase. Rough-sawn timbers and surfaced beams may also be priced differently. If the beam must be stained, sealed, or pressure-treated, check whether the product is suitable for that finish or exposure; cedar itself should not be assumed to meet every structural or weather requirement.
Structural capacity cannot be established by price or dimensions alone. Span, roof or floor loads, spacing, support conditions, and local building code determine whether a beam is adequate. A 20-foot span or a load-bearing replacement should be sized or approved by a qualified professional, not selected solely because it matches an existing beam.
Why delivery distance and access change installed pricing
Freight for a 20-foot timber often runs $75-$350 for a local delivery, but remote locations, restricted truck access, or a second trip can raise the charge. If the beam must be lifted over a house or carried through a narrow interior, a crane, lift, or additional crew may add several hundred dollars. Some suppliers also charge a handling fee for long stock.
Removal work can add roughly $50-$500 for one existing beam, depending on whether it can be taken out in one piece and how disposal is handled. Repairs to posts, bearing points, drywall, siding, or framing are separate and can move the total beyond the typical installed range. Have the contractor inspect the full beam path and support points before accepting a fixed-price estimate.
How cedar beam prices vary across U.S. markets
Prices tend to be lower near cedar-producing regions and major lumber distributors, while areas far from mills may pay more for freight and limited stock. As a planning adjustment, buyers in well-supplied western markets may see prices roughly 5%-15% below a broad national estimate. Parts of the Midwest and Northeast may run about 5%-20% higher, and remote rural deliveries can add another 10%-25%.
These are budgeting comparisons, not guaranteed regional price lists. Local species preferences, yard inventory, and seasonal construction demand can outweigh broad geographic patterns. Compare quotes using the same species, grade, dimensions, finish, and delivery terms; otherwise, a lower number may represent a different product. For a long beam, local availability can matter as much as the advertised per-board-foot rate.
Three sample quotes for common cedar beam jobs
A material-only order for one standard-grade beam might be $560 for lumber, $140 delivery, and $45 in tax or fees, totaling about $745. This example assumes local stock, curbside drop-off, and no lifting or installation.
A simple accessible replacement might include a $700 beam, $150 delivery, $100 in connectors, and two workers for 5 hours at $100 per hour each, totaling about $1,950 before finish repairs. A more complex replacement with temporary supports, difficult access, and old-beam disposal could reach $2,800-$3,500 or more.
These examples are not bids; taxes and labor rates vary. Confirm whether the contractor includes engineering, permits, temporary shoring, and finish restoration, since those items can be excluded from an apparently complete quote.
Where to save without compromising beam strength
Request prices from at least two lumberyards and compare identical species, grade, dimensions, and moisture or finish condition. Ask whether a standard stocked length can meet the design instead of ordering a specialty 20-foot piece, but do not alter the required span or splice a structural beam without professional approval.
Keeping delivery access clear, arranging a single coordinated delivery, and handling nonstructural site preparation can reduce labor or handling charges. Avoid paying for premium clear appearance grade when the beam will be concealed, but keep the specified structural grade. Cost savings should come from sourcing and project logistics, not reducing the beam’s required capacity.