Cedar pricing varies widely by product type and quality, but buyers can expect to see costs clarified by material grade, size, and installation demands. This guide flags the major price drivers for cedar and provides practical ranges to help with budgeting for decking, fencing, siding, or shingles. The term cedar cost appears throughout as buyers compare price ranges and exact quotes.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Material examples covered | Decking boards | Cedar siding panels | Shingles or shakes | Includes typical mid-grade materials |
| Turnkey project example | $2,000 | $6,500 | $15,000 | Range varies by scope and region |
| Per linear ft (deck boards, fencing) | $4 | $8 | $14 | Includes basic fasteners but not staining |
| Per sq ft installed (siding) | $8 | $12 | $20 | Lower-cost primer optional |
Assumptions: Midwest labor rates, standard material grades, normal access, and typical residential projects.
Cedar Decking Material Costs by Board Type
Deck boards in cedar range from $4 to $14 per linear foot for the material itself, depending on grade, width, and profile. For typical 5/4×6 boards, expect the material portion to land around $5-$9 per lineal foot. Premium profiles, tight grain, or longer lengths push cost upward. Labor for decking installation often adds $3-$8 per square foot, bringing typical installed decking to roughly $8-$15 per sq ft for standard designs. Projects with complex cuts or elevated decking may exceed $20 per sq ft installed. Concrete examples help sellers and buyers align expectations across regions and crews.
| Deck Type | Material per Linear Ft | Labor per Sq Ft | Installed Range per Sq Ft |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard 5/4×6 Cedar | $5-$8 | $3-$6 | $8-$14 |
| Wide-Crown or Premium Cedar | $7-$12 | $4-$8 | $11-$20 |
Assumptions: North region, standard spans, and typical fastening systems; excludes staining/finishing.
Cedar Fence Price by Lineal Foot and Style
Fence material costs typically run $3-$7 per linear foot for cedar boards, with taller or decorative styles adding to the price. Assembly labor commonly adds $3-$10 per linear foot, depending on terrain, gate count, and post-hole requirements. A basic 150-ft fence often lands in the $2,000-$6,000 range, while higher-end panel designs with lattice or custom rail configurations can push past $10,000. Delivery or special hardware can add another $100-$500 on many jobs.
| Fencing Style | Material per Ft | Labor per Ft | Installed per Ft | Typical Project Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Picket Cedar | $3-$5 | $2-$5 | $5-$10 | $1,500-$5,000 (75-150 ft) |
| Board-on-Board Cedar | $4-$7 | $3-$6 | $7-$13 | $2,500-$7,000 (100-200 ft) |
Assumptions: Ground conditions allow posts and no heavy excavation; region with typical material costs in the Midwest to Southeast.
Cedar Siding Pricing by Panel Type and Region
Installed cedar siding typically ranges from $8 to $20 per sq ft, driven by panel type, thickness, and finish quality. Common bevel or clapboard styles cost toward the lower end, while micro-beveled or shiplap profiles push pricing higher. Labor dominates the total installed price, especially on multi-story homes or retrofit projects that require scaffolding or specialty adherence to existing framing. Expect a typical 1,500 sq ft house to land in the $12,000-$28,000 range for full cedar siding replacement, not including tear-out or painting.
| Siding Type | Installed $/Sq Ft | Common Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bevel/Clapboard Cedar | $8-$12 | 6-8 in exposure | Most common |
| Shiplap/Board-and-Batten Cedar | $12-$20 | 8-12 in exposure | Higher detail work |
Assumptions: Standard stud framing, unpainted cedar, and typical weather exposure in temperate regions.
Cedar Shingles and Shakes Cost for Roofing or Siding Applications
Shingles and shakes cost $4-$9 per sq ft for material alone; installed rates commonly run $9-$16 per sq ft. Hand-split shakes can push material costs higher, while machine-sawn shingles tend to be at the lower end of the range. A 1,000 sq ft roof with cedar shingles installed could be $9,000-$16,000, depending on pitch, attic access, and underlayment requirements. For exterior siding use, cedar shingles may align with the higher end of the installed range due to extra framing or exposure to weather elements.
| Shingle Type | Material $/Sq Ft | Installed $/Sq Ft | Project Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensional Cedar Shingles | $4-$6 | $9-$12 | Roof replacement |
| Hand-Split Cedar Shakes | $6-$9 | $12-$16 | Roof or feature wall |
Assumptions: Moderate roof pitch (4/12 to 6/12); standard underlayment and flashing included.
Labor and Installation Costs for Cedar Projects
Labor dominates cedar project pricing in most markets, often representing 40% to 60% of total cost depending on complexity. For decking, skilled carpenters may quote $3-$8 per sq ft for installation. For siding, labor typically runs $6-$12 per sq ft, rising with multiple stories or tight lintels. Cedar fencing labor tends to be $2-$6 per linear ft for straightforward runs, but posts, gates, and trenching can add to the total. Time on site, weather, and access can swing labor costs by 20% or more from baseline estimates.
| Project Type | Labor $/Unit | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Deck Installation | $3-$8 per sq ft | Includes basic fastening and joist alignment |
| Siding Installation | $6-$12 per sq ft | Includes nailing, wrapping, and corner trims |
| Fence Installation | $2-$6 per linear ft | Post setting and gates may add cost |
Assumptions: Local crews, standard insulation and weather exposure, no custom finishes.
Regional Price Variations for Cedar Projects
Cedar costs can vary by region due to supply, labor markets, and climate-related installation practices. In the Northeast, expect material premiums of 5-15% over Midwest defaults; in the West, higher logistics costs can push installed cedar prices up 10-20%. The Southeast may see lower per-square-foot labor for siding but higher trellis or porch installation complexity. A typical 2,000 sq ft siding job could range from $20,000 in a lower-cost region to $40,000 in high-cost metro areas, before finish work or permit fees.
| Region | Material Range $/Sq Ft | Installed Range $/Sq Ft | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Midwest | $8-$12 | $12-$18 | Balanced costs |
| West | $9-$14 | $15-$22 | Higher logistics |
| Northeast | $9-$13 | $14-$21 | Higher labor costs |
Assumptions: Standard suburban markets; no heavy architectural features.
Ways to Cut Cedar Costs Without Sacrificing Quality
Control scope, choose regional stock, and plan timing to reduce cedar costs. Consider replacing only damaged cedar rather than full-skill re-siding, select squared edge boards rather than premium profiles, and bundle projects to secure supplier discounts. Scheduling work in non-peak seasons can reduce demand-driven price spikes. If staining or sealing is needed, choose a single finish for all cedar rather than multiple coatings. When possible, source compatible but lower-cost grades and avoid exotic cedar species that raise price without proportional value.
| Cost-Reduction Tactics | Expected Impact | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bundle projects (deck + siding) | 5-15% | Supplier discounts |
| Choose standard profiles | 5-10% | Lower material premium |
| Schedule in off-peak seasons | 5-20% | Labor availability |
Assumptions: No emergency repairs; honest bids from reputable installers.
Common Add-Ons, Delivery, and Hidden Fees for Cedar
Delivery, trim, fasteners, and waste disposal can add 5-15% to the base material cost and may be itemized separately on quotes. Waste removal and scaffold or lift rentals can also influence price, particularly on multi-story homes. Permits, inspections, or specialty coatings can add to the total, though some regions offer incentives for sustainable cedar installations. Always request a line-item quote with clear material, labor, and accessory costs to avoid surprises during final billing.
| Fee Type | Typical Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Delivery | $50-$400 | Depends on distance and weight |
| Fasteners and Accessories | $0.50-$2 per sq ft | Stainless, weatherproof options higher |
| Waste Disposal | $100-$600 | Job size dependent |
Assumptions: Local supplier charges and standard packaging; disposal in municipal landfill or recycling stream.