Homeowners typically pay a wide range for cedar board and batten siding, driven by material quality, board width, and labor hours. The cost factors include cedar species, battens profile, house size, and local labor rates. This article presents practical pricing in USD with clear low–average–high ranges to help plan a project budget and estimate price accurately.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials (cedar boards & battens) | $2.50/sq ft | $4.50/sq ft | $6.00/sq ft | Quality cedar, clear/select grades |
| Labor (installation) | $4.50/sq ft | $7.50/sq ft | $11.00/sq ft | Includes prep, priming, and coating |
| Permits & inspections | $100 | $350 | $1,000 | Depends on locality |
| Delivery & waste disposal | $50 | $150 | $400 | Distance dependent |
| Total project (2,000 sq ft, installed) | $24,000 | $42,000 | $84,000 | Assumes standard profile, weather exposure |
Typical Cost Range
The typical installed price for cedar board and batten siding ranges from about $12 to $42 per square foot, depending on cedar grade, batten width, and complexity. For a standard 2,000-square-foot home, total project costs commonly fall between roughly $24,000 and $84,000, with mid-range projects around $28,000–$50,000.
Cost Breakdown
Assumptions: region, specs, labor hours. The breakdown reflects installed costs and uses a mix of per-square-foot pricing and fixed components. The table below shows typical allocations for a 2,000 sq ft project.
| Category | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $5,000 | $9,000 | $12,000 | Includes cedar boards and battens |
| Labor | $9,000 | $15,000 | $28,000 | Credited per sq ft with complexity |
| Permits | $100 | $350 | $1,000 | Local code requirements |
| Delivery/Disposal | $50 | $150 | $400 | Material transfer and debris removal |
| Warranty & Overhead | $1,000 | $2,000 | $4,000 | Labor and material coverage |
| Contingency | $1,000 | $2,000 | $4,000 | Unforeseen repairs |
| Total | $16,150 | $28,500 | $49,400 | Project total with typical scope |
What Drives Price
Key price drivers include cedar species, plank width, battens size, and surface preparation. Additional factors are architectural complexity, existing soffits, and local labor rates. Cedar species like Western Red Cedar command higher material costs than eastern varieties, while wider boards and thicker battens increase material and installation time. Rough-sawn texture or pre-finished options add to price but can reduce finishing labor later.
Ways To Save
Smart budgeting starts with material choices and project timing. Consider selecting standard-width boards, common cedar grades, and an off-season installation window to secure better pricing. Doing finish work yourself after professional installation can trim final costs. Request several quotes to compare line-item scopes and avoid hidden fees.
Regional Price Differences
Prices vary by region due to material supply, labor demand, and permitting costs. In the U.S., typical installed ranges by region show notable deltas. Coastal metropolitan areas generally run higher than inland rural markets due to material freight and higher labor rates, while suburban zones often fall in between. The table below summarizes three broad regions with +/- percentage deltas from a national baseline.
- West Coast urban: +15% to +25%
- Midwest suburban: ±0% to +10%
- South rural: -5% to -15%
Labor, Hours & Rates
Installation time scales with project complexity and board size. A standard, single-story 2,000 sq ft home may require roughly 1–2 weeks of crew work, depending on weather and access. Labor rates commonly range from $5 to $12 per square foot, with higher rates for intricate trim, seamless transitions, or specialty finishes. For multi-story homes, allow 20–40% more labor hours.
Real-World Pricing Examples
Three scenario cards illustrate typical outcomes for Cedar Board and Batten Siding.
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Basic Project
Specs: standard Western Red Cedar, 6-inch battens, weather exposure, no custom trim. Labor: 1.0–1.5 weeks. Materials: cedar boards and battens only; no pre-finish. data-formula=”labor_hours × hourly_rate”>
Pricing: Materials $5,000; Labor $7,000; Permits $200; Delivery $100; Total $12,300.
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Mid-Range Project
Specs: select-grade cedar, 8-inch battens, mild weather exposure, basic prime and paint. Labor: 1.5–2 weeks. Includes standard warranty and waste disposal. data-formula=”labor_hours × hourly_rate”>
Pricing: Materials $9,000; Labor $14,000; Permits $350; Delivery $150; Total $23,500.
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Premium Project
Specs: premium clear cedar, 10-inch battens, extensive trim, pre-finish coatings, high-wind exposure. Labor: 2–3 weeks. Includes expanded warranty and contingency. data-formula=”labor_hours × hourly_rate”>
Pricing: Materials $12,000; Labor $28,000; Permits $800; Delivery $400; Total $41,200.
Assumptions: region, specs, labor hours.