The typical price of cedar depends on species, grade, and intended use, with main drivers including material type, finish, and project size. This guide provides cost ranges in USD to help buyers estimate budgeting and compare options for decking, fencing, siding, and trim. Cost transparency helps buyers plan accurately and avoid surprises.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Decking (boards, Western Red Cedar) | $2.50/ft | $4.50/ft | $7.50/ft | Excludes finishing; varies by grade and season |
| Fencing (cedar boards, 6 ft) | $18-$25/linear ft | $25-$40/linear ft | $45+/linear ft | Includes posts and pickets; pricing by linear ft |
| Siding (cedar bevel/shingle) | $6-$9/sq ft | $9-$14/sq ft | $15+/sq ft | Installed cost varies with profile and thickness |
| Trim & Cedar Shakes | $2-$5/linear ft | $5-$9/linear ft | $10+/linear ft | Grade and thickness influence price |
Overview Of Costs
Budget awareness starts with total project ranges and per-unit costs. Cedar pricing varies widely by species (Western Red, Alaskan Yellow, or Incense-cedar), grade (clear, select, or standard), and product form (boards, shakes, or siding). Typical projects span decking, fencing, and siding installations, with total costs influenced by location, labor rates, and finish requirements. For a mid-range project, expect a mix of materials and labor that yields a total in the broad range below. Per-unit figures help translate rough quantities into dollar amounts for comparison and planning.
Cost Breakdown
| Category | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $1,500 | $4,500 | $12,000 | Species, grade, and product form drive material cost |
| Labor | $1,200 | $3,000 | $6,500 | Install time depends on crew size and project scope |
| Delivery/Disposal | $100 | $400 | $1,000 | Distance and disposal needs add cost |
| Permits & Fees | $0 | $150 | $800 | Local rules may require permits for decks, siding, or fences |
| Warranty & Overhead | $150 | $450 | $1,000 | Manufacturer or contractor warranty; allocated overhead |
| Contingency & Taxes | $200 | $700 | $2,000 | Typically 5–15% depending on project complexity |
What Drives Price
Species, grade, and product type are the main price levers. Western Red Cedar tends to cost more than other cedars due to durability and color stability. Clear grades command a premium, while Knotty grades reduce material cost but affect appearance. Product form matters: rough-sawn boards, pressure-treated variants, shakes, and shingles each carry distinct price profiles. An important, often overlooked driver is installation difficulty; sloped sites, complex railing, or intricate trim increases labor time and cost.
Factors That Affect Price
Specific pricing thresholds include:
– Cedar decking: SEER-like considerations do not apply to cedar, but board quality and spacing impact square footage pricing.
– Fencing: thickness and post spacing influence materials dollars and install time.
– Siding: profile (bevel, board-and-batten, shingles) and thickness determine per-sq-ft costs.
– Location: regional supply, shipping distance, and contractor rates can shift totals by ±10–25% compared with national averages.
Ways To Save
Shop smart by balancing price and performance. Consider selecting a knotty or standard-grade cedar for non-visual structural components to reduce material cost, then reserve clear cedar for high-visibility areas. Order slightly more material to account for cuts and waste, and compare quotes that itemize materials, labor, and delivery. If possible, plan work in dry seasons to minimize weather-related delays and labor surcharges. Maintenance planning, such as applying finishes in batches, can also reduce overall costs over time.
Regional Price Differences
Cedar pricing varies across the United States due to supply and demand, climate, and labor markets. In the West, higher availability of Western Red Cedar often translates to moderate material costs but elevated finish options. In the Midwest and Southeast, regional mills can offer competitive pricing, though shipping may add to cost. Rural areas may experience lower labor rates but higher delivery fees due to distance. Anticipate approximately ±15% between Urban, Suburban, and Rural markets for both materials and labor.
Labor & Installation Time
Labor rates and time depend on project complexity, crew experience, and site accessibility. Rough install times might be 1–2 days for small projects and 2–7 days for larger decks or siding wraps. A typical rule is to budget per-hour labor with a crew of two to three workers, plus any specialty finish work. data-formula=”labor_hours × hourly_rate”> Labor can account for a sizable share of total cost, especially on custom or multi-surface jobs.
Real-World Pricing Examples
Three scenario cards illustrate common Cedar projects with distinct material lists and installed totals. Assumptions: region = moderate inland; typical climate; standard maintenance schedule.
Basic Decking Upgrade
Specs: 250 ft of basic Western Red Cedar decking, knotty grade, standard gaps. Labor: 2 workers for 2 days. No shakes or rails. Assumptions: region, specs, labor hours.
Costs: Materials $1,250; Labor $1,200; Delivery $100; Contingency $100; Total $2,650; Price per ft $10.60.
Mid-Range Fencing & Siding Combo
Specs: 600 ft fencing (posts every 8 ft) + 600 sq ft siding (cedar bevel). Labor: 3 workers for 4 days. Finish included. Assumptions: region, specs, labor hours.
Costs: Materials $5,400; Labor $3,200; Delivery $300; Permits $150; Contingency $500; Total $9,550; Price per ft or sq ft varies by product.
Premium Cedar Exterior Wrap
Specs: Premium clear cedar siding with tight straight boards, 1,200 sq ft. Labor: 4 workers for 6 days. Finish included. Assumptions: region, specs, labor hours.
Costs: Materials $12,000; Labor $6,000; Delivery $600; Permits $300; Contingency $1,200; Total $20,100; Price per sq ft $16.75.
Assumptions: region, specs, labor hours. The numbers above illustrate typical ranges and may vary by local market conditions and specific product selections. Pricing strategies should align with desired appearance, durability, and maintenance plans.