Crafters and homeowners typically pay different prices for cedar and pine depending on species, grade, and how the wood is prepared. This guide covers the cost differences, what drives pricing, and practical budgeting tips for common applications like fencing, siding, and decking. The price comparison below focuses on typical U.S. market ranges and real-world scenarios to help buyers estimate a project budget.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boards (cedar) | $2.50/lineal ft | $4.00/lineal ft | $7.50/lineal ft | Red cedar commonly higher; weathered looks vary by species. |
| Boards (pine) | $1.20/lineal ft | $2.50/lineal ft | $4.50/lineal ft | Common pine grades are cheaper; pressure-treated options add cost. |
| Labor (installation) | $3.00/lineal ft | $6.00/lineal ft | $12.00/lineal ft | Labor varies by complexity and local rates. |
| Finish & sealants | $0.50/ft2 | $1.25/ft2 | $2.50/ft2 | Stains, sealants, and preservatives affect total. |
| Delivery | $50–$150 | $100–$300 | $400+ | Distance and freight impact cost. |
| Waste & disposal | $0.10–$0.25/ft2 | $0.20–$0.50/ft2 | $0.60+/ft2 | Includes scraps and end-cuts. |
Overview Of Costs
Cost dynamics for cedar versus pine hinge on species, grade, treatment, and intended use. Cedar tends to carry a premium due to natural decay resistance and stable scent, while pine is usually cheaper but may require treatment or maintenance to resist weathering. This section presents total project ranges and per-unit estimates with assumptions: typical residential exterior projects, standard grade boards, and moderate complexity installations.
Assumptions: region, board thickness, span, and finish choice.
Cost Breakdown
The following table presents a structured view of where money goes in a cedar vs pine project. It uses a mix of totals and per-unit figures to help with quick budgeting. The main drivers are material choice, board length, and installation time.
| Category | Cedar | Pine |
|---|---|---|
| Materials | $2.50–$7.50/lineal ft | $1.20–$4.50/lineal ft |
| Labor | $3.00–$12.00/lineal ft | $2.50–$9.00/lineal ft |
| Equipment | $0.50–$1.50/ft | $0.50–$1.25/ft |
| Permits | $0–$300 | $0–$300 |
| Delivery/Disposal | $50–$400 | $50–$350 |
| Warranty | $0–$200 | $0–$200 |
| Contingency | 5–15% | 5–15% |
| Taxes | 5–10% | 5–10% |
data-formula=”labor_hours × hourly_rate”> For installation, labor hours depend on surface area, complexity of joints, and fastener type. Expect cedar projects to require longer install times due to more intricate cuts and texture, while pine can be faster with standard profiles.
What Drives Price
Several factors push cedar above pine on price in most markets. Species and grade determine base material costs; cedar boards common for outdoor use resist rot without heavy chemical treatment, which raises price. Treatment and finish adds to pine options that are pressure-treated or stained. The cost gap also widens with installation complexity—fences or decks with multi-angle boards, hidden fasteners, or tight tolerances require more labor and time.
Wood availability and regional supply chains affect pricing too. In areas with abundant cedar, prices may be steadier, while pine tends to track timber markets more closely. Maintenance expectations influence long-term cost: cedar often needs less preservative treatment over time, but premium finishes on either wood add to upfront costs.
Regional Price Differences
Prices vary by region due to local supply, demand, and labor rates. In the Northeast, cedar may carry a higher premium than the Southeast, where pine is more common and competitively priced. The West shows a mix depending on species availability, with coastal markets favoring cedar for exterior work. Spatial deltas of roughly ±15–25% are common between Urban, Suburban, and Rural areas when comparing similar project scopes.
Labor, Hours & Rates
Labor costs for cedar projects typically run higher than pine because of longer install times and the need for more precise cuts. Average hourly rates for carpentry range from $40 to $90 across the U.S., with higher rates in metropolitan areas. For a 500-lineal-foot deck, expect cedar installation to require more hours than pine, impacting the total price through both labor and associated equipment wear.
Additional & Hidden Costs
Hidden costs may include additional moisture mitigation, fastener upgrades (stainless steel or coated options for longevity), and sealants compatible with cedar or pine finishes. Permits or inspections may be required for certain structures, adding time and cost. Delivery fees can surge with distance or supplier policy, while waste disposal charges accumulate for offcuts and damaged boards.
Real-World Pricing Examples
Three scenario cards illustrate typical budgets for common cedar and pine applications. Each scenario notes assumptions, labor hours, per-unit pricing, and total estimates.
Basic: Cedar fence, 150 linear ft, standard 6-ft panels
Assumptions: mid-grade cedar, standard pressure-treated pine alternative, basic gate included. 6–8 hours labor, $3.50/ft materials for cedar, $2.00/ft for pine. Totals: Cedar $2,700–$4,200; Pine $1,800–$3,000.
Mid-Range: Cedar siding, 800 ft2, 5/8 inch boards
Assumptions: natural cedar, smooth finish, weatherproof sealant. Materials: cedar $4.50–$6.50/ft2; Labor $4.50–$7.50/ft2. Totals: Cedar $5,600–$9,800; Pine $3,600–$6,500.
Premium: Cedar decking, 300 ft2, high-grade boards, multiple patterns
Assumptions: kiln-dried cedar, hidden fasteners, premium sealant. Materials: $7.00–$9.50/ft2; Labor $8.00–$12.00/ft2. Totals: Cedar $5,600–$9,900; Pine $3,900–$6,600.
Assumptions: region, specs, labor hours.
Maintenance & Ownership Costs
Over a 5-year horizon, cedar generally requires less frequent treatment than pine, depending on climate and finish. 5-year cost outlook for cedar may hover around 5–15% of initial material costs for maintenance, while pine maintenance, including sealants and potential repaint or stain, can total 8–20% of initial costs. A maintenance plan reduces long-term disruption and preserves appearance.
Pricing FAQ
Common questions about cedar vs pine pricing include how much grading impacts price and whether opting for pressure-treated pine closes the gap. In many markets, grading choices and treatment levels are the main levers to balance upfront cost with expected performance and longevity. Always request the per-lineal-foot and per-square-foot costs separately to compare apples-to-apples across products.