Cedar lap siding cost typically factors in material grade, thickness, climate-related treatment, and labor. Buyers often see a range from about $6 to $12 per sq ft for installed cedar lap siding, with higher-end profiles or thicker stock pushing toward $15 per sq ft. The main cost drivers are material price per linear foot, square footage covered, and whether prep work, staining, or sealing is included.
Note: The following figures assume standard 1×6 or 5/4×6 cedar planks, factory staining, and normal-access residential installation in the continental United States.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Installed Cedar Lap Siding (per sq ft) | $6.00 | $9.50 | $12.00 | Includes materials and labor |
| Material Only (per sq ft) | $2.00 | $4.50 | $7.00 | Premium grades higher |
| Labor for Installation (per sq ft) | $3.50 | $4.50 | $5.50 | Includes fastening, nailing, and wrap |
| Prep/Repair (per sq ft) | $0.50 | $1.50 | $2.50 | Old siding removal or patching |
| Stain/Sealant (per sq ft) | $0.50 | $1.50 | $3.00 | Includes two coats in some cases |
Assumptions: Midwest labor rates, standard 5/4×6 cedar, intersection with existing soffits, and typical permit rules.
Installed Cedar Lap Siding: typical total price, per-square-foot ranges
For a standard 1,200 sq ft house, installed cedar lap siding commonly falls in the $7,200–$14,400 range, with most projects landing near $10,800. Prices scale with wall area, board size, and any required weather barriers or water-resistive barriers.
The per-square-foot approach helps when comparing bids across builders or regions. A typical project might use 5/4×6 cedar, with a 1/4-inch gap and basic trim under eaves.
What drives cedar lap siding price: material, labor, and finishing
Major cost components break down into materials, labor, and finishing. Material selection, including grade, thickness, and whether boards are pre-stained, drives upfront cost.
| Component | Typical Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Materials | $2.00–$7.00 per sq ft | Various grades and widths |
| Labor | $3.50–$5.50 per sq ft | Installation, nailing, and trim |
| Prep/Repair | $0.50–$2.50 per sq ft | Removal of old siding, patching, flashing |
| Finish (Stain/Seal) | $0.50–$3.00 per sq ft | Two coats common |
Key variables that shift cedar lap siding quotes
Strongest price levers include wall area, cedar grade, and complexity of the structure. For homes with irregular elevations or multiple stories, expect higher labor hours and possibly scaffolding costs.
- Wall area: price scales with total square footage—larger homes see lower per-sq-ft discounts but higher total.
- Grade and finish: clear heartwood grades and factory staining add cost.
- Roof/fascia complexity: multiple cornices or detailed trim raises trim-and-wrap costs.
- Access and site constraints: tight lots or limited staging increase labor time.
Regional price variations for cedar lap siding projects
Variation by region matters: coastal areas with higher labor costs run toward the upper end, while rural areas may see lower rates. Expect a 10–25% spread between high-cost coastal markets and midwest suburban markets for the same project scope.
- West Coast and Northeast: commonly higher due to labor and material handling.
- Midwest and Southeast: often mid-range, with opportunities for cost control.
- Urban vs rural: urban cores incur higher delivery and access fees.
Labor dynamics: crew size, hours, and scheduling for cedar siding
Typical installation uses a two-person crew for straightforward runs; more complex homes may need three or four. Labor time directly affects total price, and peak-moving seasons can push rates higher.
- Crew size: 2–4 workers common on residential jobs.
- Hours: 6–12 hours per 1,000 sq ft for standard installations.
- Scheduling: mid-spring to early fall usually offers better rates and availability.
Cost comparison: cedar lap siding versus alternatives
Comparing cedar to alternatives helps set expectations. Composite or fiber cement siding may lower maintenance costs but can have different install costs.
| Material | Installed (per sq ft) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cedar Lap Siding | $6.00–$12.00 | Natural look, higher maintenance |
| Fiber Cement Lap Siding | $5.50–$10.00 | Lower maintenance, fire resistance |
| Vinyl Lap Siding | $3.50–$7.50 | Lowest upfront, longer-term maintenance varies |
Practical steps to trim cedar siding costs without compromising quality
Smart choices keep price in check. Control scope by batching trim and avoiding unnecessary decorative details.
- Bundle tasks: paint or stain with the same crew to reduce trips.
- Choose standard lengths and avoid rare widths.
- Prefinish where feasible to reduce site labor.
- Request multiple quotes and compare exact scope items.
- Assess whether replacement or repair offers better value for damaged sections.