Cedar and pine prices differ substantially when buyers compare cost, durability, and maintenance. This article breaks down typical price ranges, including per-board-foot and per-project costs, to help budgeting and quote comparisons for common uses like fencing, siding, and decks. The focus is on cost reliability, regional variation, and practical ways to optimize overall expense.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wood Type (per board foot) | $2.00 | $4.00 | $8.00 | Pine is cheaper; cedar commands premiums for rot resistance and aesthetics |
| Decking (cedar) | $6-$9 | $7-$10 | $11-$15 | Installed price per sq ft; varies by finish |
| Decking (pine) | $4-$6 | $5-$7 | $8-$12 | Higher performance pine grades cost more |
| Fencing (per linear ft, installed) | $15 | $25 | $40 | Includes posts, rails, boards, fasteners |
| Siding (per sq ft, installed) | $5 | $9 | $14 | Cedar siding tends to be pricier |
| Finish/Sealant (per area) | $0.50 | $1.50 | $3.00 | Maintenance coats affecting long-term cost |
Typical total price for a small, single-family project shows cedar running higher than pine due to material quality and rot resistance. For a 500 board-foot project, cedar may range from $2,000 to $4,000, while pine often lands between $1,000 and $2,500, depending on grade and thickness. Assumptions: standard dimension lumber, no exotic grades, Midwest-to-South region, normal access, standard moisture content.
| Wood Type | Low | Average | High | Common Project |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cedar (1×6 decking, installed) | $3.50/sq ft | $5.50/sq ft | $8.50/sq ft | Patio decking with sealant |
| Pine (softwood decking, installed) | $2.50/sq ft | $4.50/sq ft | $7.50/sq ft | Budget deck with basic finish |
Assumptions: standard timber grades, typical spans, no specialty finishes. Cedar costs more upfront but offers longer life with less maintenance in many climates; pine is cheaper but may require more frequent sealing or replacement in high-humidity zones.
Labor dominates total cost when material handling, cutting, and finishing add up. Installation for cedar generally runs 20-40% higher than pine due to harder cuts and more precise fastener requirements. A 200 sq ft deck with cedar might cost $4,000-$8,000 for labor and material combined, whereas pine could be $3,000-$6,000. Assumptions: 1–2-person crew, standard tools, weather window within a typical construction season.
| Cost Component | Cedar Range | Pine Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $2.50-$7.50 per sq ft | $1.50-$5.50 per sq ft | Dependant on grade and dimension |
| Labor | $25-$60 per hour | $20-$45 per hour | Crew size 2-3 workers typical |
| Finish/Sealing | $0.50-$2.50 per sq ft | $0.40-$1.50 per sq ft | Exposed wood may need frequent coats |
| Hardware/Fasteners | $0.60-$2.00 per sq ft | $0.40-$1.50 per sq ft | Corrosion-resistant options recommended for cedar |
Coastal regions often see higher cedar prices due to supply constraints and demand for rot resistance. In coastal zones, cedar may be 10-25% more expensive than inland markets, while pine shows more regional, weather-related pricing flexibility. Regional assumptions reflect typical contractor markups and delivery costs; per-unit prices assume standard residential projects with easy access.
| Region | Cedar Price Trend | Pine Price Trend | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coastal | High | Mid | Delivery and spoilage buffers added |
| Midwest | Mid-High | Mid | Stable supply, moderate labor |
| Southwest | Mid | Low-Mid | Heat tolerance woods preferred |
Maintenance choice shifts long-term cost more than initial material price for cedar and pine. Cedar often requires fewer coats over five years if sealed properly, but sealant costs and reapplication schedules vary. Pine may need more frequent sealing or staining, especially in humid or rainy areas. A 5-year maintenance budget might be $200-$600 for cedar vs $400-$900 for pine, depending on climate and exposure. Assumptions: exterior exposure, standard sealants, recoat cycle every 2-3 years for pine in wet regions.
| Project Type | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Decking (cedar, 200 sq ft) | $2,000 | $4,000 | $6,500 | |
| Decking (pine, 200 sq ft) | $1,400 | $2,800 | $4,500 | |
| Siding (cedar, 1,200 sq ft) | $6,000 | $12,000 | $18,000 | |
| Siding (pine, 1,200 sq ft) | $3,600 | $7,200 | $12,000 |
Expect cedar to outlast pine in many exterior applications, affecting long-term cost of ownership. Cedar often lasts 20+ years with proper sealing, while pine may require replacement or re-siding within 15 years in harsher climates. Regional moisture, pests, and slope drainage influence these intervals. Initial premium for cedar may be offset by fewer replacements over time.
Decking, fencing, and siding present the clearest price gaps between cedar and pine. For a 300 sq ft cedar deck installed, expect roughly $3,000-$6,000; pine may run $2,000-$4,500. A cedar fence of 150 linear ft could be $4,000-$8,000 versus pine at $2,500-$5,500. Siding costs for cedar start higher but long-term maintenance may differ by climate and finish choices.
| Project | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Decking (cedar, 300 sq ft) | $3,000 | $5,000 | $8,000 | |
| Decking (pine, 300 sq ft) | $2,000 | $3,900 | $6,500 | |
| Fence (cedar, 150 ft) | $3,500 | $5,500 | $9,000 | |
| Fence (pine, 150 ft) | $2,000 | $3,500 | $6,000 | |
| Siding (cedar, 1,000 sq ft) | $5,000 | $9,000 | $14,000 | |
| Siding (pine, 1,000 sq ft) | $3,000 | $6,000 | $10,000 |
Control scope, timing, and materials to lower total cost. Consider choosing pine for budget constraints or selecting a lower-grade cedar that still provides rot resistance; schedule installations in non-peak seasons to save labor costs; optimize cuts to minimize waste; mix cedar accents with pine where appropriate; compare quotes that include finish work and maintenance schedules. Assumptions: standard permit-free projects, no custom milling, and contractor-provided finishes.