Cedar price per board foot varies by species, grade, and finish, but buyers typically see a spread from raw material costs to delivery and treatment. This article breaks down the cost drivers, with clear low-average-high ranges in USD and per-unit details for quick budgeting. Expect price fluctuations by region, quantity, and your chosen Cedar type.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price per board foot (board feet) | $0.80 | $1.40 | $2.20 | Includes rough-sawn Cedar, typical regional mix |
| Delivery (per mile over 50 miles) | $0.15 | $0.30 | $0.50 | Distance-based surcharge |
| Grade A (clear) boards | $1.00 | $1.60 | $2.50 | Higher cost for fewer blemishes |
| Grade B/C boards | $0.60 | $1.00 | $1.80 | More knots and imperfections |
| Finish/Sealant (per 100 sq ft) | $60 | $120 | $180 | Oil- or water-based sealant, prep included |
Cedar Per Board Foot: Raw Material Cost by Species
Raw material cost largely follows species choice and local mills. Western red cedar typically commands higher board foot prices than eastern red cedar in many markets, driven by supply and color appeal. Expect the range to shift with seasonal harvests and mill discounts for large orders.
Assumptions: Midwest and Southeast markets, standard rough-sawn boards, typical 4/4 thickness.
| Species | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Western Red Cedar | $0.90 | $1.50 | $2.30 | Popular for outdoor use and color |
| Eastern Red Cedar | $0.70 | $1.20 | $1.80 | More knotty options, durable |
| Incense Cedar | $0.80 | $1.40 | $2.00 | Preferred for aroma and finish |
Pricing by Grade: Clear vs. Knotty Cedar Boards
Grade directly affects price per board foot and waste rate. Clear grades reduce waste but raise unit cost; knotty grades lower per-foot cost but may require more material to reach coverage. For framing, fences, or siding, comparing grade options saves money overall.
Assumptions: Standard 4/4 thickness, 8-foot lengths, bulk purchase 2,000+ board feet.
| Grade | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grade A (Clear) | $1.20 | $1.70 | $2.70 | Few defects, higher cost |
| Grade B | $0.95 | $1.40 | $2.20 | Some knots, versatile |
| Grade C | $0.70 | $1.05 | $1.70 | Visible knots, lowest cost |
Regional Variations That Shift Cedar Prices
State-by-state pricing can swing by supply chain factors. Western states may see higher cedar costs due to mill proximity, while Gulf and Southeast regions may offer value on rough-sawn stock. Shipping and local demand patterns often push edge-case prices by 10%–20% from national averages.
Assumptions: Coastal vs inland regions; typical delivery within 100 miles, standard roofing or siding projects.
Cost to Install Cedar Siding or Decking by Unit
When installed, cedar costs are typically expressed per square foot or per square, with labor dominating the installed price.
- Installed cedar siding: $7.50-$12.50 per sq ft (includes boards and labor)
- Deck boards (t&G decking): $4.50-$8.50 per sq ft (materials only, plus fastening)
- Rough carpentry prep: $1.50-$3.50 per sq ft (labor)
Labor and Installation: Cedar Projects by Job Scope
Labor costs can equal or exceed material price for large exterior projects. Siding installs, fencing, or pergolas require crew size, access, and finish work. Expect longer lead times in peak seasons and tight access sites to raise labor rates.
Assumptions: 2- to 4-person crew, normal access, weather window of 2–3 weeks for a mid-size home.
Cost Components in a Cedar Quote
Understanding the quote helps compare bids fairly. The major price components typically include materials, labor, and delivery, with optional finish and warranty lines.
| Component | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $0.80 | $1.50 | $2.20 | Cedar boards by grade and species |
| Labor | $2.50 | $4.50 | $7.50 | Installer hourly or per square foot |
| Delivery | $0 | $0.30 | $0.60 | Distance-based |
| Finish/Sealants | $0.60 | $1.20 | $1.80 | Prep, staining, or sealant |
| Waste/Refinish | $0.10 | $0.25 | $0.50 | Scrap and rework allowance |
Variables That Most Influence Cedar Quotes
Key thresholds determine final pricing. Size matters: larger projects push per-foot costs down due to efficiency but total price up. For finishes, choosing a high-end sealant can raise costs by 20%–40% compared with basic sealants. Installation height and access distance beyond 50 feet from the truck adds labor and equipment surcharges.
Assumptions: Exterior cedar siding or decking; typical home dimensions; standard access.
Strategies to Lower Cedar Costs Without Compromising Quality
Smart scope management can reduce the bottom line. Consider using Grade B/C where appropriate, plan for bulk ordering to lock a unit price, and schedule projects in off-peak seasons to minimize labor surcharges. Resizing boards or choosing a standard profile can also trim waste and speeds up installation.
Assumptions: Budget-conscious approach with realistic finish expectations.
Real-World Examples: Cedar Projects and Price Ranges
Three example scenarios show typical boards, labor hours, and total costs to help buyers compare bids.
| Scenario | Boards (bd ft) | Labor Hours | Material Cost | Total Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Siding a 1,500 sq ft home (Grade B, no premium finish) | 12,000 | 60-80 | $18,000-$24,000 | $26,000-$38,000 |
| Decking 400 sq ft (Grade A, stain finish) | 2,200 | 28-40 | $5,000-$6,500 | $10,000-$12,500 |
| Fence line 300 ft (mixed grades) | 1,600 | 16-24 | $2,000-$3,200 | $3,600-$6,000 |