Cedar board foot pricing varies by species, grade, texture, and quantity. Buyers typically see a wide range from rough stock to planed boards, with cost driven by wood type, moisture content, and regional availability. The cost per board foot is commonly used for budgeting large projects.
Assumptions: region, cedar species, grade, moisture, cut type, and labor hours influence price.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Board Foot Price | $2.50 | $4.00 | $9.00 | Rough sawn to shop grade; Western Red Cedar vs other species |
| Delivery | $0 | $0–$2.00 | $60 | Distance affects cost |
| Minimum Order | $50 | $100 | $300 | Small loads may incur fees |
| Finish/Planing | $0.50 | $1.50 | $3.00 | Per board foot if planed |
| Waste/Cutoff | 5–10% | 8–15% | 20% | Depends on layout |
Overview Of Costs
Total project ranges typically span a few dollars per board foot when buying in bulk, from rough stock to premium planed boards. Per-unit ranges commonly run from about $2.50 to $9.00 per board foot, with the majority falling in the $3.50–$6.50 band for common domestic cedar species. Assumptions include standard moisture content, common grades, and typical regional availability.
Cost Breakdown
| Category | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $2.50 | $4.50 | $9.00 | Species and grade drive variance |
| Labor | $0.50 | $1.50 | $3.50 | Cutting, inspection, stacking |
| Equipment | $0.10 | $0.40 | $1.00 | Power tools, blades wear |
| Permits | $0 | $0–$0.50 | $5.00 | Rare for simple projects |
| Delivery/Disposal | $0 | $0–$2.00 | $60 | Distance dependent |
| Warranty/Returns | $0 | $0–$0.50 | $2.00 | Vendor policies |
What Drives Price
Species and grade dominate cost. Western Red Cedar and notable species command higher prices than generic cedar. Moisture content affects price and workability; kiln-dried material typically costs more but reduces finish time. Planed faces add cost per board foot but improve finish readiness.
Pricing Variables
Volume and stock quality influence price breaks. Substantial orders often receive lower per-foot pricing, while specialty cuts or rare grades push costs higher. Regional supply, sawmill margins, and seasonal demand create fluctuations in price for cedar board foot.
Ways To Save
Buy in bulk to unlock volume discounts and reduce per-foot costs. Choose lower grades for exterior framing or rough applications where smooth faces are not required. Consider mixed loads to optimize delivery charges and reduce waste.
Regional Price Differences
Regional variations show material access and freight impact final cost. In the Northeast, rough stock might run lower in price but planing adds cost. The Southeast often offers competitive cedar due to local mills, while the Pacific Northwest can feature premium species with higher base prices. Expect ±15% to ±30% deltas between urban and rural markets.
Labor & Installation Time
Labor costs depend on cutting accuracy and finish requirements. A small job may require 2–4 hours of skilled hands; larger projects scale with board foot volume. Typical labor rates in the U.S. range from $40 to $75 per hour, with crew efficiency impacting overall spend.
Real-World Pricing Examples
Basic Cedar rough stock, limited planing, average grade, 400 bd ft, 2 workers, 6 hours. Total: $1,100–$1,800; $2.75–$4.50 per bd ft. Assumptions: region, rough stock, standard moisture, basic cutting.
Mid-Range Kiln-dried cedar, standard planed faces, average grade, 800 bd ft, 2 workers, 8 hours. Total: $3,200–$5,200; $4.00–$6.50 per bd ft. Assumptions: region, planed finish, mid-grade stock.
Premium Premium species and tight-grain cedar, select grade, 1,200 bd ft, 3 workers, 12 hours. Total: $7,000–$11,500; $5.50–$9.50 per bd ft. Assumptions: premium stock, delivery, robust waste management.
Price Components
Materials include the cedar board foot itself and any required moisture treatment. Delivery covers trucking to site and handling. Finish/Planing accounts for smooth faces if requested, and Waste reflects cutoffs and offcuts usage.