Cedar dimensional lumber prices typically run $2-$8 per board foot for common construction grades, with clear, kiln-dried, or specialty stock costing more. A standard 2x4x8 may cost $10-$28, depending on grade, region, and retailer; board size, length, finish, and delivery also affect the quote.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2x4x8 cedar board | $10 | $17 | $28 | Common construction to clear grade |
| 2x6x8 cedar board | $16 | $27 | $45 | Price rises with grade and drying |
| Dimensional cedar lumber | $2 | $4.50 | $8+ | Approximate price per board foot |
| Small 100-board project | $1,000 | $1,900 | $3,500+ | Before delivery and waste |
What cedar boards cost by size and grade
For readily available cedar in standard lengths, budget about $10-$28 for a 2x4x8, $16-$45 for a 2x6x8, and $26-$70 for a 2x8x8. Larger dimensions and longer boards consume more material and may be less commonly stocked. Prices reflect approximate retail ranges, not a guaranteed national rate.
For a typical order, plan on $2-$8 per board foot, with clear appearance grades potentially exceeding that range. A board foot is 144 cubic inches; a nominal 2x4x8 contains about 5.33 board feet. Actual dressed dimensions are smaller than nominal dimensions, but lumber prices are commonly compared using the nominal size.
Assumptions: U.S. retail purchase, standard 8-foot boards, ordinary access, and no custom milling.
How milling, labor, and delivery appear on a cedar quote
Material usually dominates a lumber-only purchase. Quotes for custom sizing, installation, or a large delivery can add charges that are separate from the board price. The ranges below are common planning allowances; local minimums and distance can change them.
| Quote item | Low | Average | High | Typical basis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard cedar boards | $2/BF | $4.50/BF | $8+/BF | Grade and dimensions |
| Cutting or milling | $5 | $15 | $40+ | Per cut or custom operation |
| Delivery | $50 | $100 | $250+ | Local drop, load size, distance |
| Installation labor | $45/hr | $70/hr | $110/hr | Carpenter or crew rate |
| Waste allowance | 5% | 10% | 15% | Order quantity buffer |
Installed work depends on what the boards are being used for, access, fastening, and whether old material must be removed. Use estimated crew hours multiplied by the local hourly rate, then add materials and delivery to compare total quotes.
Ask whether the quote includes milling, delivery, and a waste allowance before comparing totals.
Why thickness, length, and cedar grade change the price
Thickness and width affect the board-foot quantity, while length affects availability and waste. A 12-foot board may cost more overall than an 8-foot board of the same nominal size; it is not necessarily more expensive per board foot. Unusual dimensions or lengths over 16 feet may require a special order.
Grade also makes a substantial difference. Knotty construction-grade cedar is generally the lower-cost choice for fences and utility projects. Select or clear grades have fewer visible defects and can cost 30%-100% more, especially in wide boards. Kiln-dried stock may carry a 10%-25% premium over comparable green lumber.
Check the grade and actual dimensions, not just the species name, when comparing two prices. For example, a low quote may cover rough or knotty stock, while a higher quote may specify surfaced, kiln-dried boards.
How cedar lumber prices vary across U.S. regions
Markets near western cedar suppliers often have more selection and can price common stock below areas that rely on long-distance freight. As a planning estimate, prices in the Pacific Northwest may be 5%-15% below the national middle for common grades. The Midwest and Southeast can land near average, while remote or high-cost urban markets may run 10%-25% higher after transport and retailer costs.
These are directional differences, not fixed regional price schedules. A local supplier’s inventory, seasonal demand, and order size can outweigh the broad regional pattern. Compare the same grade, moisture condition, dimensions, and length to make a useful comparison.
What a 50-board cedar order may total
A small order of fifty 2x4x8 knotty cedar boards might cost about $500-$1,000 for lumber, based on roughly $10-$20 per board. Add $50-$150 for local delivery and the likely total is about $550-$1,150 before tax or installation.
Fifty 2x6x8 boards in a better appearance grade could run $1,500-$2,250 for material at $30-$45 each. A mixed order with custom cuts, or boards selected for fewer knots, can push the bill higher. Confirm whether the supplier charges for each cut or applies a minimum milling fee.
Board count alone is not enough to estimate an order; include each size and length in the takeoff. A 10% waste buffer may be reasonable for straightforward cuts, while complex layouts or visible finish work can call for more careful selection.
When delivery and custom cuts add to the bill
Many yards charge a delivery minimum, so a small order can have a higher delivered cost per board than a full load. Local delivery often falls around $50-$150; longer routes, difficult access, or a special truck can raise it to $250 or more. Check whether unloading is included and whether the truck can reach the drop location.
Custom ripping, planing, or cutting may add $5-$40 or more, depending on the operation and order. Longer stock can also require special handling. If the lumber is intended for a finished surface, ask how the supplier handles bowed boards, color variation, and replacement claims before delivery.
How to lower the cedar lumber price without changing the job
Use knotty or construction-grade cedar where appearance is secondary, and reserve clear-grade boards for visible faces or trim. Standard 8-, 10-, and 12-foot lengths are often easier to source than unusual cuts. A measured cut list can reduce overbuying and help the yard quote the same dimensions across competing bids.
Compare delivered, matching-grade quotes rather than the lowest per-board sticker price. Combining lumber into one delivery, picking up stock when practical, and avoiding unnecessary custom milling can reduce fees. Inspect boards at pickup and verify quantities before cutting; replacing unsuitable stock after fabrication can cost more than careful selection at the start.