Cedar and redwood are popular choices for outdoor decks, but their costs differ due to species, grade, and regional availability. This article focuses on the cost to build or replace a standard residential deck using cedar or redwood, covering material prices, installation, and long-term value. The following figures reflect typical U.S. pricing and assume standard 6-inch boards, common grades, and mid-range labor. Assumptions: Midwest labor rates, standard materials, normal access.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials (cedar decking per sq ft) | $2.20 | $2.70 | $3.40 | Board cost only, no installation |
| Materials (redwood decking per sq ft) | $3.00 | $3.80 | $5.20 | Clear grades fetch higher prices |
| Installed Deck Cost (cedar per sq ft) | $8.50 | $11.50 | $16.00 | Includes labor, fasteners, minimal framing |
| Installed Deck Cost (redwood per sq ft) | $11.00 | $14.50 | $21.00 | Higher labor if handling premium stock |
| 2x lumber framing (per sq ft of deck) | $2.00 | $3.00 | $4.50 | Wood framing cost based on span and joist size |
Cedar Versus Redwood Decking Material Costs
The base material cost for cedar decking typically runs lower per square foot than redwood. Expect cedar to be about 25–40% cheaper for material alone, with cedar boards often priced between $2.20 and $3.40 per sq ft, depending on grade and moisture content. Redwood commonly ranges from $3.00 to $5.20 per sq ft for decking boards. The price delta narrows when selecting lower grades or regional stock. Assumptions: standard 5/4 boards, typical 1×6 or 5/4 stock, size 12×24 ft deck.
| Material | Low Rate | Average Rate | High Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cedar decking per sq ft | $2.20 | $2.70 | $3.40 | Average kiln-dried stock |
| Redwood decking per sq ft | $3.00 | $3.80 | $5.20 | Primarily heartwood species |
Installation Labor And Perimeter Costs By Species
Labor costs scale with board hardness, density, and trouble-free cutting. Redwood often carries a modest premium for handling and finishing due to its weight and burnish risk. Typical installed costs per square foot: cedar $8.50–$16.00, redwood $11.00–$21.00. Labor hours commonly range from 6–12 hours for a 200 sq ft deck, depending on design complexity. Assumptions: mid-range crew size, standard railing, no electrical or plumbing work.
| Component | Cedar Typical | Redwood Typical |
|---|---|---|
| Labor per sq ft | $5.50 | $7.00 |
| Fasteners and hardware per sq ft | $1.00 | $1.20 |
| Substructure framing per sq ft | $2.50 | $3.00 |
| Finish and sealing per sq ft | $0.60 | $0.80 |
Regional Price Variations For Cedar And Redwood
Regional markets influence supply and transport, causing price swings. In the Western U.S., redwood is more available and may be cheaper per sq ft than in the Midwest where cedar stock is common but redwood requires import. Across regions, expect the following rough deltas: cedar material costs vary by ±15%; redwood by ±20%. Installed costs can swing by ±25% based on crew availability and permitting. Assumptions: suburban markets with typical access and standard waste disposal.
How Board Size, Grade, And Finishes Drive Costs
The deck price reacts to board width, thickness, and finish. Wider boards (5/4 and 2×6) increase per-sq-ft costs but reduce installation time due to fewer joints. Clear grades command premium pricing, while select or heartwood grades lower costs slightly. For cedar, a typical grade mix yields about $2.20–$3.40 per sq ft material; redwood clear stock can push to $5.20 per sq ft. Grade choice is the single biggest price lever. Assumptions: standard board widths, typical protection coatings.
| Grade | Cedar per sq ft | Redwood per sq ft |
|---|---|---|
| Standard (T&G, common) | $2.40 | $3.20 |
| Clear Heartwood | $3.20 | $5.20 |
| Premium (milled, pattern)** | $3.70 | $5.80 |
Maintenance Cost And Longevity Impact On The Total Price
Maintenance determines long-term cost. Cedar generally weathers to a silvery patina and may require annual resealing, adding $0.75–$1.25 per sq ft per year in maintenance products and labor. Redwood tends to retain color longer but may require periodic sealant as well; expect similar annual upkeep. Over 15 years, maintenance can add roughly $3–$6 per sq ft in total, depending on climate and finish. Longevity and maintenance are major components of lifetime cost. Assumptions: standard sealants, typical outdoor exposure.
| Maintenance Item | Cedar | Redwood |
|---|---|---|
| Sealant every 2–3 years | $0.60–$1.00/sq ft | $0.60–$1.00/sq ft |
| Cleaning and inspection annually | $0.15–$0.35/sq ft | $0.15–$0.35/sq ft |
Ways To Reduce Cedar Or Redwood Deck Costs Without Compromising Quality
Smart strategies lower price: choose a simpler deck plan, optimize for less waste, and favor regionally sourced stock. Consider alternative finishes or semi-solid stains instead of full sealants. Bundling material orders with a single supplier and scheduling installation in off-peak months can trim costs. For cedar, selecting a standard grade and omitting exotic trim reduces material spend; for redwood, using a mixed-grade approach with some lower-cost boards helps contain the budget. Scope control and timing are key price levers. Assumptions: standard railing, no built-in features.
Quoted Examples And Practical Quotes By Scenario
Three realistic quotes illustrate how size, region, and grade drive totals. Example A uses cedar, 250 sq ft, standard grade, Midwest, with basic rail. Example B uses redwood, 320 sq ft, clear heartwood, West Coast, with upgraded railing. Example C mixes cedar, 180 sq ft, standard grade, Southern region, with simple steps and lighting.
| Scenario | Board Type | Area | Labor Rate | Total Installed Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Example A | Cedar | 250 sq ft | $9.50/sq ft | $2,375–$4,000 |
| Example B | Redwood | 320 sq ft | $11.50/sq ft | $4,480–$7,000 |
| Example C | Cedar | 180 sq ft | $8.75/sq ft | $2,000–$3,200 |
Pricing is often shown as per sq ft and per project totals. The following table splits costs into major components for a typical 250 sq ft cedar deck installed in the Midwest. Per-unit pricing helps compare bids easily. Materials and labor are the largest shares. Assumptions: standard permits, basic finishing, no electrical work.
| Component | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials (cedar boards) | $550 | $700 | $850 | |
| Substructure (framing lumber) | $450 | $650 | $900 | |
| Labor | $1,200 | $2,000 | $3,000 | |
| Hardware and fasteners | $120 | $180 | $260 | |
| Sealing/finish | $60 | $120 | $260 |