Homeowners typically pay for cedar boards based on species, grade, dimensions, and finish. Key cost drivers include board length, thickness, width, grade, mill processing (rough sawn vs. planed), kiln-drying, and delivery distance. This guide outlines cedar board price ranges, with practical budgeting guidance for common project sizes.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $1.50/board ft | $2.10/board ft | $3.50/board ft | Includes close-grain Western Red Cedar or Eastern white cedar; rough vs. planed surface |
| Delivery/Disposal | $50–$150 | $100–$300 | $350–$700 | Depends on distance and order size |
| Taxes | $0–$40 | $20–$100 | $60–$180 | State and local rates apply |
| Contingency | $20–$60 | $40–$120 | $80–$240 | Optional reserve for waste or cut-length adjustments |
| Total (est.) | Calculate from per-board-foot pricing and project size | Assumptions: region, specs, labor hours. | ||
Overview Of Costs
Cost ranges reflect typical U.S. pricing for cedar boards in common dimensions. Prices vary by species (Western Red Cedar vs. Eastern White Cedar), grade (clear, premium, or rustic), and treatment ( kiln-dried or pressure-treated alternatives). For reference, a typical deck or siding project will compute by board foot, with additional charges for milling and delivery. The table below shows total project ranges and per-unit ranges under standard assumptions.
Assumptions: region, specs, labor hours. Below, totals combine materials with estimated delivery and minimal taxes.
Cost Breakdown
| Category | Low | Average | High | Notes | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $1.50/board ft | $2.10/board ft | $3.50/board ft | Planed, kiln-dried, and graded stock | $2.10/board ft |
| Labor | $0.50/board ft | $0.75/board ft | $1.20/board ft | Cutting, fitting, and finishing | $0.75/board ft |
| Delivery/Disposal | $50–$150 | $100–$300 | $350–$700 | Distance-based | — |
| Taxes | $0–$40 | $20–$100 | $60–$180 | State/local rates | — |
| Contingency | $20–$60 | $40–$120 | $80–$240 | Waste and adjustments | — |
What Drives Price
Grade, species, and dimensions are the primary cost drivers for cedar boards. Higher-grade cedar with minimal knots commands a premium. Western Red Cedar is typically more expensive than Eastern varieties. Longer and thicker boards increase per-board-foot cost due to higher waste and handling needs. Kiln-dried stock carries a premium for stability and finish readiness, while rough-sawn stock is cheaper but requires more finishing on-site.
Regional Price Differences
Pricing varies across U.S. regions due to supply chains, tariffs, and demand. In practice, urban markets may see higher delivery fees but greater availability of species, while rural areas may have lower delivery costs but limited stock. A common delta range is roughly ±10–20% between Urban, Suburban, and Rural markets, influenced by stock turnover and access to mills.
Labor, Hours & Rates
Labor costs depend on project type and install complexity. Simple siding or panel installation uses fewer hours than custom trim finishing. Typical installation rates for skilled carpenters range from $40–$75 per hour, with crews sometimes charging a per-board-foot rate for assembly. Labor efficiency directly affects total project cost.
Additional & Hidden Costs
Hidden costs often appear in edge trimming, waste management, fasteners, and sealants. Some projects require moisture barriers or weatherproof coatings, adding $0.25–$0.80 per board foot for materials and extra labor. Delivery charges can surge on large orders or remote locations. Always request an itemized quote to identify these potential add-ons.
Real-World Pricing Examples
Three scenario cards illustrate typical Cedar Board projects and help calibrate budgets. Figures assume Western Red Cedar, standard 1×6 boards, kiln-dried, planed finish, suburban delivery.
Basic Project
- Specs: 1×6 boards, 8 ft length, planed finish, rectangular deck covering 120 ft²
- Labor: 12 hours
- Materials: ~960 board ft
- Per-Unit Pricing: $2.20/board ft (materials)
- Total: ~$4,000–$5,000
Assumptions: region, basic trims, standard delivery.
Mid-Range Project
- Specs: 1×8 boards, 10 ft length, some premium tones, 180 ft² siding
- Labor: ~28 hours
- Materials: ~1,600 board ft
- Per-Unit Pricing: $2.50/board ft (materials)
- Total: ~$9,500–$12,000
Assumptions: kiln-dried stock, delivery within 50 miles.
Premium Project
- Specs: Clear grade, 1×6, 12 ft length, decorative trim, cedar siding
- Labor: ~40 hours
- Materials: ~2,000 board ft
- Per-Unit Pricing: $3.00/board ft (materials)
- Total: ~$16,000–$20,000
Assumptions: premium grade, expedited delivery, complex cuts.
Pricing By Region
Region-specific pricing can shift totals by 5–25% depending on stock availability and local mills. In coastal markets, cedar costs may trend higher due to demand and import logistics, while inland regions with nearby mills can see tighter margins. Buyers should obtain quotes from multiple suppliers and check local inventories before finalizing plans.
Cost Compared To Alternatives
Compared with pressure-treated pine or composite substitutes, cedar boards often command a higher upfront price but offer natural rot resistance and aesthetic appeal. For exterior applications, cedar’s long-term maintenance costs (stains, sealants, UV protection) should be weighed against the durability and upkeep of alternatives. A mid-range cedar project may be competitive when finished with stain that extends lifespan and preserves appearance.
Maintenance & Ownership Costs
Over a 5-year period, cedar boards may require refinishing and sealing to maintain color and surface integrity. Resealing every 2–3 years is common, potentially adding $0.25–$0.60 per board foot in maintenance materials and labor. Prolonged exposure without protection can increase replacement risk in high-UV climates, impacting long-term cost of ownership.
Seasonality & Price Trends
Cedar prices can spike in late spring and early summer when new stock hits markets, followed by slower periods in fall. Purchasing off-season can yield modest savings on both materials and delivery. For projects with flexible completion timelines, timing purchases to these off-peak windows may reduce costs by single-digit percentages.