Cedar plank siding cost varies by plank type, grade, and whether you choose prefinished or unfinished boards. Homeowners usually pay a combination of material and installation, with labor and trim work driving most of the total. This article breaks down the price landscape for cedar siding so buyers can estimate a practical budget and compare quotes. The cost figures reflect typical U.S. pricing as of today.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Installed cedar plank siding (per sq ft) | $7.00 | $10.50 | $15.00 | Includes materials, labor, basic prep |
| Materials only (per sq ft) | $2.50 | $4.50 | $7.50 | Board price varies by grade |
| Labor (per sq ft) | $4.50 | $6.00 | $8.50 | Excludes specialty finishes |
| Rough framing or prep (per sq ft) | $0.50 | $1.50 | $3.00 | Depends on existing condition |
| Trim, fascia, & corners (per linear ft) | $6.00 | $9.50 | $14.00 | Includes small detailing |
| Finish/sealant (per sq ft) | $0.40 | $1.50 | $3.00 | Stain or clear sealant |
Cedar Siding Cost Basics by Size and Grade
Typical total price combines the cedar plank cost with installation. For 1,500 square feet of siding, homeowners often see installed costs in the $12,000 to $22,500 range, depending on grade and finish. A lower-grade cedar with standard labor tends to land on the low end, while premium cleared cedar with premium finish and complex detailing reaches the high end. Expect per-square-foot installed ranges around $7 to $15. Assumptions: standard suburban home, normal access, mid-range labor in the U.S.
Per-Unit Prices: Materials And Installation
The price breakdown helps compare quotes side by side. Materials typically account for a sizable share of cost, while installation and prep drive the rest. Materials: cedar boards $2.50–$7.50 per sq ft depending on grade (number of defects, knots, and overall smoothness). Labor: installation and fastening $4.50–$8.50 per sq ft, influenced by complexity, gaps, and weather. For larger homes, crew efficiency can push per-square-foot costs down but may add travel and setup time.
Major Price Components In Cedar Plank Siding
The quote typically sections into several concrete cost drivers. The table below shows a practical breakdown to compare quotes accurately.
| Component | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $2.50 | $4.50 | $7.50 | Grade-dependent |
| Labor | $4.50 | $6.00 | $8.50 | Includes fastening, alignment |
| Prep & Framing | $0.50 | $1.50 | $3.00 | Old siding removal, repairs |
| Finish/Sealant | $0.40 | $1.50 | $3.00 | Stain or sealer |
| Trim & Accessories | $6.00 | $9.50 | $14.00 | Fascia, corners, fasteners |
| Delivery & Waste | $0.10 | $0.50 | $1.50 | Crating, disposal |
Key Variables That Change The Quote
The final cedar siding price is sensitive to several factors. For instance, home size and wall area directly scale material and labor. A 2,000 sq ft house may push total costs higher than a 1,200 sq ft bungalow. Another major driver is grade and finish: clear cedar or live-cut boards with premium stains increase both material and labor time. Regional labor rates also shape the quote, with the Northeast and West typically higher than the South.
regional Variations In Cedar Siding Pricing
Prices vary by climate and market. In cities with high demand and skilled crews, expect installed costs toward the upper end of the range. In rural areas, material savings may be offset by travel and time constraints. A common regional delta is +/- 10% to 20% on both material and labor components. Assumptions: three-crew operation, typical access, standard weather window.
Labor Considerations For Cedar Plank Siding
Labor time is influenced by the plank profile and fastening method. Wide-plank boards and tight grain increase cutting time and finish work. A typical mid-sized home using standard cedar plank and nails may require 2–4 days of crew time for exterior walls, plus prep. If the project includes multiple stories or intricate trim, expect higher labor hours and corresponding cost increases. Efficient crews and good weather reduce costs, while difficult access or historic woodwork add weeks to a project.
Ways To Cut Cedar Siding Costs Without Sacrificing Quality
Smart scope management can lower price without compromising results. Consider preserving existing sheathing if it’s in good shape, or opting for durable, mid-grade cedar with a quality sealant instead of premium species. Choosing standard profiles over custom trim reduces both material waste and installation time. Scheduling during a slowdown season can also lock in lower rates. Assumptions: no structural rewrites, typical weather window, standard removal needs.
Comparing Cedar Plank Siding Options By Profile
Profile choices affect both look and price. Common options include traditional boards, double-dog eaves, and shingle-style planks. A typical Installed price per sq ft by profile might run as follows: traditional boards $7–$11, shingles $9–$15, cove-edge profiles $8–$12. The choice changes waste, cutting time, and finish requirements.
Quote Comparison Tips For Cedar Plank Siding
When evaluating bids, look beyond the bottom line. Confirm per-square-foot pricing, verify whether prep work is included, and check if staining or sealing is counted separately. Ask for a line-item breakdown so you can see the effect of grade, profile, and trim on total costs. If you need to compare contractors, request two or three detailed quotes using the same scope to avoid apples-to-oranges comparisons.
In summary, cedar plank siding pricing blends material grade, profile, labor intensity, and regional market conditions. By understanding the main cost drivers and the typical ranges, buyers can estimate a realistic budget and evaluate quotes with greater clarity. The numbers above reflect current U.S. pricing patterns and provide practical guidance for planning a cedar siding project.