Cedar siding costs include materials, labor, and installation, with main drivers being wood type, siding profile, and regional labor rates. The cost typically ranges from a low to high depending on choices and project scope; buyers should expect a per-square-foot estimate plus related add-ons to be factored into a total project price.
Assumptions: region, siding profile, weather, labor hours, and material quality influence the ranges used in this guide.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $2.50 | $4.50 | $7.50 | Board quality, thickness, and profile. |
| Labor | $3.00 | $5.50 | $9.00 | Crew size, stairs, and complexity affect hours. |
| Installation Time | 1.0 | 1.5 | 2.5 | Hours per 100 sq ft; includes nailing and sealing. |
| Permits | $0 | $250 | $1,000 | Local code and permit costs vary by jurisdiction. |
| Delivery/Disposal | $0.50 | $1.50 | $4.00 | Waste removal and freight charges. |
| Warranty | $0.20 | $0.60 | $1.50 | Labor and manufacturer coverage specifics. |
| Overhead | $0.80 | $1.50 | $3.00 | Project management and business costs. |
| Contingency | $0.50 | $1.20 | $2.50 | Unforeseen repairs or adjustments. |
| Taxes | $0.40 | $0.90 | $1.60 | State and local sales taxes apply. |
Overview Of Costs
Typical cost range for cedar siding per square foot generally runs from $4.50 to $9.50 for installed materials, finish, and labor on standard homes, with rare or premium profiles moving higher. The per-square-foot estimate assumes 8-foot-tall walls and standard one-story construction. For a 1,500 sq ft facade, total project estimates commonly fall in the $9,000 to $30,000 range, depending on choices and site conditions.
The main drivers are cedar type, profile, and finish; a common split is Western red cedar or white cedar, with profiles such as beveled planks, tongue-and-groove, or shakes. Per-unit pricing often shows materials in the $2.50–$7.50 per sq ft range and installation labor from $3.00–$9.00 per sq ft, depending on surface complexity and climate considerations.
Cost Breakdown
| Columns | Materials | Labor | Equipment | Permits | Delivery/Disposal | Warranty | Overhead | Contingency | Taxes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Siding | $2.50–$4.50 | $3.00–$5.50 | $0.50–$1.50 | $0–$250 | $0.50–$1.50 | $0.20–$0.60 | $0.80–$1.50 | $0.50–$1.20 | $0.40–$0.90 |
| Premium Siding | $4.00–$7.50 | $4.50–$9.00 | $0.75–$2.50 | $250–$1,000 | $1.00–$4.00 | $0.60–$1.50 | $1.00–$3.00 | $1.00–$2.50 | $0.60–$1.60 |
What Drives Price
Material quality and profile directly affect both upfront cost and durability. Native cedar species with tight grain and no knots tend to cost more but offer longer life with less maintenance. Profile complexity (beveled, tongue-and-groove, shingle, or shake) changes installation time and attachment methods, influencing total price. Cedar thickness and board width also push per-square-foot costs up when opting for thicker boards or wider planks.
Regional variation matters: coastal markets with higher lumber demand may show elevated material costs, while inland areas with robust carpentry competition can reduce labor charges. Weather implications, such as frequent rain or humidity, can require additional sealants and drying time, increasing both materials and labor expenses.
Factors That Affect Price
Regional price differences can be substantial, with coastal metros typically at the higher end and rural areas at the lower end. Labor & installation time is a major component; a 1,500 sq ft job may require 6–10 days with a crew, affecting overall cost.
Other drivers include finish quality (stain versus painted sealant), treatment (pressure-treated underlayment or moisture barriers), and local permit requirements. For cedar, grain density and knot patterns can influence material waste and replacement needs, altering final numbers.
Ways To Save
Shop multiple suppliers for cedar with consistent grade and avoid premium grades unless necessary. Choose profile and finish strategically—standard bevel or planks with a solid color stain typically cost less than specialty textures and premium sealants.
Consider phased installation to align with budget cycles, and factor in maintenance across years to compare long-term cost of ownership. Using existing flashing and minor repairs during installation can cut extra labor and reduce total price.
Regional Price Differences
Three distinct U.S. regions show typical delta in cedar siding pricing. In the Northeast, higher labor costs can push installed price upward by about 8–12% versus the national average. The Midwest often sits around the average, with regional material sourcing providing moderate savings. The West Coast tends to run 10–14% higher due to transportation and stricter code requirements. Lower and upper bounds reflect typical variations within each region.
Labor & Installation Time
Labor costs factor heavily in total price. A standard crew for 1,500 sq ft of cedar siding might bill at $5–$9 per sq ft for labor, depending on height, complexity, and weather. If the project includes premium finishes or shake profiles, labor can rise to the upper end of the range. Expect longer timelines in wet climates, which can increase daily crew costs.
Real-World Pricing Examples
Basic — 1,200 sq ft wall area, beveled cedar planks, standard stain, basic weather barrier. Materials $3.50/sq ft, labor $4.50/sq ft; total around $9,000–$12,000. Floors to finish and trim included in some packages. data-formula=”labor_hours × hourly_rate”>
Mid-Range — 1,500 sq ft wall area, tongue-and-groove profile, semi-transparent stain, upgraded moisture barrier. Materials $5.50/sq ft, labor $6.50/sq ft; total around $15,000–$22,000. Includes minor trim and corner guards.
Premium — 2,000 sq ft, premium shakes or tight-grained boards, fire-retardant treatment, painter-ready finish. Materials $7.50/sq ft, labor $9.00/sq ft; total around $39,000–$60,000. Higher costs reflect specialty profiles and additional seismic or wind-rated requirements.