Cedar costs about $2-$12 per square foot for materials alone and roughly $8-$30 per square foot installed, depending on the product and job. Grade, board profile, project size, labor rates, removal, and site access can shift a quote substantially; siding, decking, and fencing also use different measurements and installation methods.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cedar siding, installed | $8/sq ft | $14/sq ft | $25/sq ft | Clapboard or shingle siding, ordinary access |
| Cedar decking boards, materials | $4/sq ft | $7/sq ft | $12/sq ft | Common grades; framing excluded |
| Cedar deck, installed | $15/sq ft | $24/sq ft | $40/sq ft | Board replacement or new deck scope varies |
| Cedar fence, installed | $18/sq ft | $30/sq ft | $50/sq ft | Height, posts, and gate count matter |
| Cedar lumber, material only | $2/sq ft | $5/sq ft | $12/sq ft | Board thickness, species, and grade affect price |
What cedar costs per square foot for each project
For a typical U.S. project, installed cedar is often $8-$30 per square foot, with siding near the lower end and custom fencing or decking higher. These are broad planning ranges, not a single national price: local labor, cedar species, board dimensions, finish, and whether the quote includes demolition all matter.
Cedar siding on a straightforward home commonly runs $8-$25 per square foot installed. A 1,500-square-foot exterior wall area may therefore cost about $12,000-$37,500 before unusual repairs or premium trim. Wall area is not the same as floor area; windows and doors reduce net coverage, while gables and trim can add labor.
Decking boards alone generally cost $4-$12 per square foot. Replacing boards on a sound frame might total $15-$30 per square foot with labor, fasteners, and disposal. A complete elevated deck with framing, stairs, and railings may reach $25-$40 or more per square foot, because the structure is a major part of the work.
Cedar privacy fencing is often quoted by linear foot, not square foot. At 6 feet tall, a $30-$50 installed linear-foot quote equates to about $5-$8.33 per square foot of fence face. Confirm which measurement the contractor uses before comparing estimates.
Assumptions: standard cedar grades, ordinary access, typical U.S. suburban labor, and no major structural repairs. Premium clear cedar, custom patterns, difficult access, or coastal and high-cost metro labor can exceed these ranges.
Which cedar boards, labor, and disposal appear in a quote
A cedar estimate should separate board cost from preparation and installation, so a low material price does not hide omitted work. The following example reflects common siding or decking quote components; the actual mix changes with project type.
| Quote component | Low | Average | High | Common pricing basis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cedar boards | $3/sq ft | $6/sq ft | $12/sq ft | Species, grade, profile, and thickness |
| Labor | $4/sq ft | $8/sq ft | $15/sq ft | Install complexity and crew productivity |
| Fasteners and trim | $0.75/sq ft | $2/sq ft | $5/sq ft | Stainless fasteners, corner boards, and finish trim |
| Removal and disposal | $1/sq ft | $3/sq ft | $7/sq ft | Existing material, landfill, and access |
| Finish or stain | $0.75/sq ft | $2/sq ft | $4/sq ft | Coat count, product, and surface condition |
| Equipment and delivery | $100/job | $350/job | $900/job | Lift rental, hauling, and delivery distance |
Labor for accessible, uncomplicated installation can represent roughly 35%-55% of a siding or deck-board quote. A contractor may price by square foot, linear foot, or labor hours, and some small jobs have a minimum charge. For hourly estimates, is a useful check; rates often fall around $50-$100 per worker-hour, with higher rates in expensive markets.
Ask whether the material quantity includes 5%-15% extra for cuts and waste. Clarify if the quote covers house wrap or flashing for siding, underlayment and joist repairs for decks, or posts and concrete for fencing. These items can be essential even when they are not included in the board price.
How cedar grade, board size, and layout change the price
Grade and installation detail can move cedar pricing by several dollars per square foot before labor or removal is added. Knotty cedar is generally less expensive than clear, appearance-grade boards. Western red cedar is common for siding and decking; other cedar species and locally available stock may have different prices and performance.
Board dimensions affect both coverage and waste. A wider board may cover more area quickly, but custom widths or thick profiles can carry a premium. Shingles, shakes, bevel siding, tongue-and-groove boards, and standard lap siding require different cutting and installation time, so their installed prices are not interchangeable.
For decking, a basic 5/4-inch board is usually less costly than thicker 2-inch stock or carefully selected clear boards. If joists are spaced more than 16 inches on center, the contractor may need to verify that the chosen thickness is suitable. A 12-by-16-foot deck has 192 square feet of surface, but stairs, borders, and diagonal layouts increase material use and labor beyond a simple area calculation.
Fastener selection matters outdoors. Stainless-steel screws or nails reduce staining and corrosion risk but cost more than basic coated fasteners. On siding, detailed trim around windows, corners, and gables can add $4-$12 per linear foot for materials and installation, especially when the existing substrate is uneven.
Site conditions create another price threshold. Work above a second story, on a steep grade, or more than about 50 feet from practical material staging can require extra setup or lift equipment. Assumptions: standard board lengths and a simple rectangular layout; custom patterns and extensive trim are extra.
Where cedar installation labor and regional rates add up
Labor and access often explain why two quotes for the same cedar product differ by 20% or more. Straightforward siding installation on a one-story wall may take less time per square foot than upper-story work with many windows. Deck replacement on an open, low platform is simpler than work requiring stairs, railings, framing adjustments, or removal of old boards.
Across the U.S., labor-heavy metro areas and coastal markets can price 15%-35% above typical national planning ranges. Rural areas may have lower hourly rates but higher delivery or mobilization charges if a crew must travel farther. Climate can also shape product selection and schedule: wet seasons may delay exterior work, while peak spring and summer demand can limit contractor availability.
Request labor, material, and disposal as separate quote lines. A crew may charge a minimum of $500-$1,500 for a small repair or partial replacement even when the measured area is modest. For full projects, ask how many workers are included and whether the schedule assumes one continuous visit or multiple trips for preparation and finish coats.
Weatherproofing is part of the labor scope, not an optional cosmetic extra. Siding needs suitable flashing and drainage details; a deck needs correct board spacing for drainage and ventilation. For a quick comparison, divide the labor subtotal by measured square footage, then check whether both bids include the same prep and finishing work.
Three cedar project quotes show how scope changes totals
Square footage alone does not predict the final bill; these examples show how product type and included work change the effective rate. The totals are illustrative mid-market estimates, not fixed bids.
| Example scope | Materials | Labor and other work | Estimated total | Effective rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 800 sq ft lap siding, one story | $4,800 | $6,400-$8,000 | $11,200-$12,800 | $14-$16/sq ft |
| 240 sq ft deck-board replacement | $1,680 | $2,400-$3,120, including removal | $4,080-$4,800 | $17-$20/sq ft |
| 150 linear ft, 6-ft privacy fence | $3,750-$5,250 | $2,250-$3,750, including posts | $6,000-$9,000 | $40-$60/linear ft |
The siding example assumes standard-grade boards, ordinary trim, and no sheathing repairs. The deck example assumes the frame is sound and existing boards can be removed without rebuilding joists. The fence example includes typical posts and panels but not a large gate, unusual terrain, or extensive old-fence disposal.
For labor comparison, a 3-person crew working 3 days at 8 hours per day represents 72 worker-hours. At $65-$90 per worker-hour, the labor component would be $4,680-$6,480 before materials, equipment, and contractor overhead. A quote may bundle these costs rather than show an hourly calculation.
Cedar siding, decking, and fencing are not priced alike
Use the same project unit and scope when comparing cedar with alternatives; siding, deck boards, and fence panels have different included work. Fiber-cement siding often costs about $6-$15 per square foot installed and usually needs less frequent finish maintenance, though it does not provide cedar’s natural wood appearance.
Pressure-treated decking boards can cost about $2-$5 per square foot for materials, compared with roughly $4-$12 for cedar. Installed board replacement may run $10-$25 per square foot for treated lumber versus $15-$30 for cedar, depending on demolition and fastening. Composite decking commonly costs more upfront, often around $25-$50 per square foot installed, but it generally requires no stain or paint.
For fencing, pressure-treated pine is often cheaper than cedar, while vinyl can have a higher installed initial price but less routine staining. Compare matching heights, post spacing, gate sizes, and finish expectations. A cedar quote without a protective finish should not be directly compared with a competitor’s price that includes staining.
Repair may be cheaper when damage is limited. Replacing a few deck boards or siding courses can cost $300-$1,500, but color and weathering may not match existing cedar. If rot affects framing, sheathing, or multiple connected areas, a larger replacement may avoid paying repeatedly for patch work.
Permits, finish coats, and hidden repairs can raise cedar bills
Small scope items can add hundreds or thousands of dollars, particularly when an existing surface hides damage. Local rules vary: a fence permit may be required by height or location, while deck permits commonly depend on platform height, structural changes, and local code. Permit and inspection fees often range from $50-$500, with plan review or engineered drawings costing more when required.
Removing old siding or decking commonly adds $1-$7 per square foot, depending on layers, disposal fees, and access. If sheathing or deck framing is damaged, repairs are usually priced separately after exposure. Budget a 10%-15% contingency for unknown conditions on a renovation, but avoid treating contingency as an automatic charge; the contractor should document any change order.
Finishing also changes the first-year expense. Stain or sealant application may cost about $0.75-$4 per square foot, depending on product and surface preparation. Cedar exposed to sun and rain may need periodic cleaning and recoating; the interval depends on climate, exposure, and the finish manufacturer’s instructions. Ask whether the first coat is applied before installation, after installation, or both.
Delivery can be billed as a flat $100-$400 charge or more for long-distance, small-load, or difficult-site service. Lift rental, debris hauling, and protection of landscaping may be separate line items. Request written confirmation of permit responsibility, tax, disposal, finish coats, and repair allowances before accepting a total.
Keep a cedar quote lower by controlling the measured scope
The most reliable savings come from simplifying the work and comparing bids with identical specifications, not choosing boards by price alone. Measure the net surface area, identify the cedar grade and profile, and list whether the project includes removal, trim, finish, and disposal. This prevents a low quote from leaving essential work out.
Keep layouts simple where appearance allows. Straight board runs and standard lengths reduce cuts; diagonal deck patterns, picture-frame borders, and custom transitions can increase labor and waste. Consolidating small repair areas into one visit may also avoid repeated minimum charges or delivery fees.
Ask whether existing framing, posts, or sheathing can remain after inspection. Reusing sound structures can save several dollars per square foot, but retaining damaged or improperly spaced framing may create future repair costs. For decks, have the contractor check joists and ledger connections before pricing a board-only replacement.
Compare at least three itemized bids using the same board species, grade, thickness, finish, and measured area. Ask contractors to price standard cedar separately from clear-grade upgrades, and request alternate prices for stainless fasteners, removal, or staining. A 5%-10% material allowance for cutting is common, but unusually high waste estimates deserve an explanation.
Scheduling during a contractor’s less busy period may improve availability, though weather and regional demand limit this option. Avoid rushing a project into poor drying conditions just to secure a lower rate. Keeping the profile standard, limiting decorative details, and separating optional upgrades from necessary repairs gives the clearest control over the final cedar price.