The price for cedar board and batten siding includes materials, installation, and finish options. Buyers should expect costs to vary by board grade, battens, exposure, house size, and labor rates. This guide presents the cost ranges and key drivers for cedar board and batten siding, including what typically influences the final price. Cost figures reflect installed pricing in USD and assume mid-range materials and standard access.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Installed price per sq ft | $6.00 | $9.00 | $15.00 | Includes materials, labor, and basic finish |
| Materials cost per sq ft | $2.50 | $5.50 | $9.00 | Board grade and batten width affect range |
| Labor cost per sq ft | $3.50 | $3.50 | $6.50 | Installation and finishing included |
| Typical project (1,500–2,000 sq ft) | $9,000 | $15,000 | $30,000 | Standard 6″ exposure with medium-grade cedar |
| Finish options (stain/paint) per sq ft | $0.50 | $1.50 | $3.50 | Applied topcoat adds longevity |
Assumptions: Midwest labor rates, standard cedar grades (Select or Better), 6″ exposure battens, normal access, standard porch/trim work included.
Average Cedar Board and Batten Siding Price by Square Foot
For a typical single-story home, board and batten siding averages about $9-$12 per sq ft installed. The low end reflects lower-cost cedar grades and minimal prep, while the high end assumes premium cedar and added coatings. Assumptions: standard 6″ batten, 1,600–2,000 sq ft exterior, mid-range labor rates.
Price Breakdown: Materials, Labor, and Accessories
Costs break down into four key parts. Materials, Labor, Accessories (fasteners, flashing), and Finishes each contribute to the total. A typical mix might place materials at $2.50-$5.50 per sq ft and labor at $3.50-$6.50 per sq ft, with minor accessory costs pushing some jobs higher.
| Component | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $2.50 | $4.50 | $9.00 | Cedar grade and batten width |
| Labor | $3.50 | $5.00 | $6.50 | Removal of old siding, installation, flashing |
| Accessories | $0.50 | $1.00 | $2.50 | Caulk, nails, screws, trim |
| Finish | $0.50 | $1.50 | $3.50 | Stain or paint per sq ft |
How Board Width and Batten Size Affect Total Costs
Wider boards and thicker battens raise material costs and labor time. For example, 6″ exposed boards with 2″ battens sit around $9-$12 per sq ft installed, while 8″ boards with 3″ battens can push costs toward the $12-$15 per sq ft range. Assumptions: standard climate, typical spacing, no extensive repairs.
Regional Variations in Cedar Siding Prices
Costs vary by region due to labor rates and material sourcing. The Mountain West and Northeast may land toward the higher end, while the Southeast can skew lower if local cedar is abundant. A common regional delta is ±$1.50-$3.50 per sq ft from the national average. Assumptions: similar home size, standard access, mid-range finish.
Common Installation Hours and Crew Size
Most cedar board and batten installations use 2–3 workers for 1,000–1,500 sq ft per week, depending on attic access, height, and weather. Typical labor time ranges from 40–60 hours for a 1,600–2,000 sq ft job. Assumptions: ladder access, no complicating repairs, standard flashing.
Prep Work and Repair Impact on the Budget
Prep work can add to or cut costs. If old siding must be removed, expect extra labor and disposal fees that can add $1,000-$3,000 to a mid-size project. Minor rot repairs may run $0.50-$2.00 per sq ft if limited, or more if extensive. Assumptions: no structural framing changes needed.
Premium Cedar Options and Their Price Premium
Premium boards, like clear heartwood or longer lengths, push the price higher. Expect a 15–40% premium over standard Select or Better cedar, depending on grain clarity, knots, and source. Assumptions: 6″ exposure, 8′ tall sections, premium finish.
Cost-Saving Tactics: Reducing Cedar Siding Expenses
Smart choices can lower the price without sacrificing durability. Consider delaying stain for a year, bundling insurance-adjusted repairs, or selecting a closer-matching color to reduce coating effort. A disciplined scope plus competitive bids often yields 5–15% savings on total costs. Assumptions: standard project scope, multiple bids, mid-level finish.
Role A: What Buyers Usually Pay for Cedar Board and Batten Siding
Typical total price for a mid-sized home (1,600–2,000 sq ft) is $14,000-$28,000 installed, with per-square-foot rates of $9-$14. This reflects mid-range cedar, standard 6″ exposure, and a basic stain or clear finish. Assumptions: normal access, no major repairs, residential project.
Role B: Quote Components and a Sample Breakdown
Below is a simple quote breakdown showing four primary cost areas. Materials, Labor, Accessories, and Finish combine to create the installed price. Use the table to evaluate bids and identify where to adjust scope.
| Cost Area | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $4,000 | $9,000 | $18,000 | Cedar grade, batten size |
| Labor | $6,000 | $9,000 | $15,000 | Installation, flashing, trim |
| Accessories | $500 | $1,500 | $3,000 | Nails, caulk, sealant |
| Finish | $1,500 | $2,500 | $4,000 | Stain/paint |
Role C: Key Variables That Shift Cedar Siding Quotes
Two pivotal drivers shape final pricing: (1) total exterior square footage and (2) batten width. A 1,600 sq ft home with 6″ exposure typically lands in the $9-$12 per sq ft band, while expanding to 8″ exposure or 2,000+ sq ft can push toward $12-$15 per sq ft. Assumptions: standard two-story home, typical roofline, no extensive rot.
Role D: Smart Ways to Cut Cedar Siding Costs
Control scope to manage price: choose a single finish, trim back on decorative features, or schedule in a mild season to save on labor delays. Bundling repairs and getting multiple bids often reduces overall cost by 5–12%. Assumptions: comparable bids, similar scope.