Buyers typically pay for materials, removal of existing siding, and professional installation. Main cost drivers include cedar grade, board width, house area, and local labor rates. The price range for cedar lap siding reflects material choices from clear Western Red Cedar to knotty grades, plus finishing and warranty options. This article presents cost and price ranges in USD to help budgeting and bids.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Siding Materials | $2.50/sq ft | $4.50/sq ft | $8.00/sq ft | Includes premium grades or longer lengths; wide boards cost more. |
| Labor (Installation) | $3.50/sq ft | $6.50/sq ft | $12.00/sq ft | Typically 1–2 workers for many installations; duration depends on house shape. |
| Permits & Inspections | $100 | $400 | $1,000 | Varies by city and project scope. |
| Delivery / Disposal | $50 | $300 | $800 | Includes haul-away of old siding if needed. |
| Contingency (Unexpected Work) | $200 | $600 | $2,000 | Recommended for hidden rot or framing repairs. |
Assumptions: region, siding grade, house size, labor rates, and weather permitting work window.
Overview Of Costs
Total project ranges for cedar lap siding typically span from about $8,000 on a small, partial remodel to well over $25,000 for a full-house application with premium clear Western Red Cedar. A common mid-range project covers roughly $12,000-$18,000. Per-unit costs commonly fall in the $4.50-$7.50 per sq ft range for materials, with labor contributing a similar or higher share depending on complexity.
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Cost Breakdown
| Components | Low | Average | High | Assumptions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Siding Materials | $2.50/sq ft | $4.50/sq ft | $8.00/sq ft | Grade: premium vs. knotty; length options | Clear boards cost more; longer stock reduces joints. |
| Labor | $3.50/sq ft | $6.50/sq ft | $12.00/sq ft | Crew size and weather influence time | Labor is typically the largest single cost driver. |
| Permits | $100 | $400 | $1,000 | Local jurisdiction requirements | Essential for structural work or special inspections. |
| Delivery / Disposal | $50 | $300 | $800 | Distance from supplier; old siding disposal | May be bundled with contractor logistics. |
| Contingency | $200 | $600 | $2,000 | Rot, moisture, or fastener upgrades | Helps cover unplanned repairs. |
Key drivers include siding grade (clear vs. knotty), board width (6″, 8″, or 10″), and exposure style (exposed nail or tongue-and-groove). For example, taller homes with many windows add labor hours; homes with existing rot may require repairs that add to both materials and labor.
What Drives Price
Material grade and board width are primary levers. Clear Western Red Cedar or incents-grade boards cost more than knotty alternatives. Longer boards reduce butt joints but raise material waste if not matched to wall measurements. Exposure and profile influence waste and installation time: full-staggered lap with tight seams takes longer than simple flat runs.
Other influences include prep work (sanding, priming, caulking), finishes (stain versus paint), and hardware choices (nickel nails vs. coated). In coastal regions, moisture and humidity can require extra sealant and more frequent maintenance, shifting long-term costs.
Assumptions: region, weather window, and finish level.
Regional Price Differences
Prices vary by region due to material availability and labor markets. In the Northeast, higher labor costs can push totals 5–12% above national averages. The Southeast may have lower material costs but higher moisture risk, affecting finish and maintenance. Rural markets often show lower labor rates but higher delivery charges for cedar stock.
Typical delta by region: Northeast +6–12%, Midwest −2–6%, West Coast +8–15% relative to national averages. Regional pricing should be weighed against lead times and local permit fees.
Labor, Hours & Rates
Labor costs depend on crew size, project complexity, and access. A basic single-story home with simple layout typically uses 1–2 workers over 2–6 days for installation, while larger homes with irregular walls can require 3–4 workers for 1–2 weeks. In some markets, hourly rates range from $40–$80 per hour for skilled carpenters, with higher rates for finish carpenters or inspection-required work.
Assumptions: flat lot, accessible eaves, standard window/door openings.
Ways To Save
Plan for off-peak season installation in shoulder seasons to reduce labor costs and scheduling delays. Consider a mixed siding approach—builder-grade cedar for high-visibility areas and knotty, cost-effective options elsewhere. Choosing standard board widths and prefinished finishes can save time and waste. Comparing bids and confirming warranty coverage helps avoid hidden costs later.
Assumptions: three-bid scenario; standard finish option.
Real-World Pricing Examples
Basic scenario: 1,800 sq ft house, knotty cedar, 6″ lap, standard stain, average weather window. Materials: $3.50/sq ft; Labor: $5.50/sq ft; Permits: $250; Delivery: $150; Contingency: $400. Estimated total: $14,000.
Mid-Range scenario: 2,400 sq ft house, clear cedar, 8″ lap, two coats stain, no rot present. Materials: $5.50/sq ft; Labor: $7.50/sq ft; Permits: $500; Delivery: $250; Contingency: $800. Estimated total: $28,000.
Premium scenario: 3,000 sq ft home, premium clear cedar, 10″ lap, premium finish, added sealing. Materials: $7.50/sq ft; Labor: $9.50/sq ft; Permits: $900; Delivery: $350; Contingency: $1,400. Estimated total: $52,000.
Assumptions: standard weather, no major structural repairs, regional costs align with national midpoints.
Maintenance & Ownership Costs
Cainted cedar siding typically requires resealing or re-staining every 3–5 years to maintain color and protection. Maintenance costs, including cleaning and stain, can range from $0.50-$1.50 per sq ft per year, depending on climate exposure and maintenance frequency. Long-term ownership includes occasional board replacements and potential repainting after a decade in harsher environments.
Assumptions: climate exposure, finish system longevity.