Buyers typically pay for cedar planks based on species, grade, dimensions, and delivery. Key cost drivers include board length, thickness, milling quality, and regional material availability. This guide presents a practical cost range in USD to help budget decisions and comparisons.
Summary Table
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cedar Planks (per ft) | $1.50 | $2.50 | $4.50 | Western red cedar common; grade affects price |
| Cedar Planks (per board) | $9–$12 | $15–$25 | $40–$70 | 6–8 ft boards; 1×6 or 1×8 stock |
| Decking Project (600–800 ft²) | $3,000 | $4,800 | $8,800 | Includes boards, fasteners, and basic prep |
| Delivery | $0–$100 | $50–$250 | $400–$800 | Distance-based |
| Installation Labor | $2.00/ft | $3.50/ft | $6.00/ft | Crew costs; varies by region |
Overview Of Costs
Typical cost range for cedar planks is driven by species, grade, length, and thickness. The total project may span $3,000 to $8,800 for decking, with per-foot pricing often in the $2.00–$4.50 range for boards and $3.50–$6.00 per square foot for installed labor. Assumptions: Western red cedar, standard 1×6 or 1×8 boards, and a mid-range grade.
Cost Breakdown
Table below breaks down common cost elements for cedar plank projects.
| Category | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $1.50/ft | $2.50/ft | $4.50/ft | Includes planks, fasteners, water sealer |
| Labor | $2.00/ft | $3.50/ft | $6.00/ft | Installation time varies by crew efficiency |
| Equipment | $0.20/ft | $0.50/ft | $1.00/ft | Power tools, rental if needed |
| Permits | $0–$50 | $50–$150 | $300–$600 | Depends on locality and scope |
| Delivery/Disposal | $0–$100 | $50–$250 | $400–$800 | Distance and disposal costs apply |
| Warranty | $0–$50 | $50–$150 | $200–$400 | Material warranty varies by brand |
| Contingency | 5% | 10% | 15% | Budget cushion for waste |
| Taxes | 0% | 6% | 10% | State and local rates apply |
What Drives Price
Major price factors include board length, thickness, grade, and species. Longer boards or thicker profiles raise material costs, while higher grade boards (e.g., Clear vs. knotty) demand premium pricing. Regional supply affects price volatility; cedar is more expensive where mills are scarce. The ratio of exposed surface area to structural support also influences labor time and, thus, installed costs.
Factors That Affect Price
Assortment and sizing are key drivers. For cedar planks, expect pronounced differences by length (6 ft vs 12 ft), thickness (1 in vs 1.5 in), and profile (finish planed vs rough-sawn).Assumptions: typical residential deck or accent wall project; Western red cedar; standard sealant finish.
Regional Price Differences
Prices vary by region. In the Northeast, delivery and labor may push installed costs higher, while the Midwest can offer lower delivery surcharges. The West often has higher material costs due to transportation. Expect ±15–25% deltas across regions for both materials and labor.
Real-World Pricing Examples
Three scenario cards illustrate common outcomes.
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Basic: 400 ft² deck using 6 ft boards, 1×6 Cedar, standard grade.
Materials: $1,200–$1,800; Labor: $1,600–$2,400; Delivery/Disposal: $100–$250.
Total: $3,000–$4,450; per ft²: $7.50–$11.25. -
Mid-Range: 600 ft² deck, 8 ft boards, 1×8 Cedar, mid-grade.
Materials: $2,000–$3,000; Labor: $2,400–$3,900; Delivery/Disposal: $150–$350.
Total: $4,550–$7,250; per ft²: $7.60–$12.08. -
Premium: 800 ft² with premium grade, longer runs, sealed and finished.
Materials: $3,000–$4,800; Labor: $3,400–$5,600; Delivery/Disposal: $200–$500.
Total: $6,600–$10,900; per ft²: $8.25–$13.63.
Assumptions: region, specs, labor hours.
Early Season & Savings
Seasonality can influence prices. Off-season installations may see lower labor demand and occasional supplier promotions on select cedar grades. Ordering in advance and securing a firm quote helps lock in price and reduce escalation risk.
Cost By Region
Regional comparisons provide practical context for budgeting. In urban coastal markets, expect higher delivery and labor costs, while rural areas may show lower labor but limited local stock. A three-market snapshot reveals roughly +/− 20% variance in total project cost between Urban, Suburban, and Rural settings.
Price Components
Understanding the breakdown helps identify savings opportunities. Materials and labor dominate the budget, with minor but notable contributions from permits, delivery, and waste. If short on time, choosing a shorter project horizon and trimming board length can reduce labor hours and overall cost.