Cedar wood costs in the United States typically range from a low to high depending on wood type, grade, dimensions, and treatment. Key drivers include species (Western Red Cedar vs. Eastern White Cedar), board size, and market fluctuations. The following article outlines pricing in clear ranges and practical cost components for buyers evaluating cedar wood purchases.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Material (cedar boards) | $1.50/board ft | $2.30/board ft | $4.00/board ft | Species, grade, and thickness drive base price |
| Labor | $0.50/board ft | $1.10/board ft | $2.00/board ft | Cutting, racking, and fastening included |
| Delivery/Disposal | $50-$150 | $150-$350 | $500+ | Distance and volume affect cost |
| Overhead | $0.05/board ft | $0.15/board ft | $0.40/board ft | Shop or supplier overhead |
| Taxes | $0-$0.25/board ft | $0.20/board ft | $0.60/board ft | State/local rules apply |
| Contingency | 5% | 10% | 15% | Varies by project scope |
Overview Of Costs
Understanding cedar wood pricing requires looking at both total project ranges and per-unit costs. For a typical small project, such as decorative trim or fencing, expect total costs in the range of roughly $1,000 to $4,000 depending on length and quantity. For broader decking or siding projects, budgets commonly run from $3,000 to $12,000, with higher endpoints tied to premium grades, larger volumes, and labor-intensive installation. Assumptions: region, specs, labor hours.
Price By Region
The U.S. cedar market shows regional variation driven by species availability, kiln timing, and local demand. Coastal regions tend to favor Western Red Cedar with higher per-board-foot prices, while inland markets may price Eastern White Cedar more aggressively due to supply. Suburban areas often incur higher delivery and labor costs than rural sites, and urban projects can face additional permits or storage constraints. Regional deltas commonly range from -10% to +20% around national averages.
Cost Breakdown
The following table lays out the main cost components with typical ranges and brief assumptions. Materials, labor, and delivery constitute the majority of the expense. Assumptions: clear grades and standard lengths (8-12 ft for boards), no unusual site access issues.
| Category | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $1.50/board ft | $2.30/board ft | $4.00/board ft | Species, grade, thickness |
| Labor | $0.50/board ft | $1.10/board ft | $2.00/board ft | Cutting, fastening, finishing |
| Delivery/Disposal | $50-$150 | $150-$350 | $500+ | Distance, volume |
| Overhead | $0.05/board ft | $0.15/board ft | $0.40/board ft | Supplier overhead |
| Taxes | $0-$0.25/board ft | $0.20/board ft | $0.60/board ft | State/local taxation |
| Contingency | 5% | 10% | 15% | Project risk reserve |
Cost Drivers
Several factors push cedar pricing higher or lower. Species and grade are primary drivers: Western Red Cedar often commands higher prices than Eastern White Cedar, and higher grades reduce waste but raise material cost. Board length and thickness also matter: longer or thicker boards cost more per piece and may reduce overall waste. Drying method (kiln-dried vs. green) influences both price and installation ease. Region and seasonal demand add another layer of variation.
Labor, Time & Installation
Labor costs hinge on crew size, skill, and project complexity. Decking installs generally require more time per square foot than trim work, and cut-to-fit requirements add hours. For a typical outdoor deck, expect 10–12 hours of labor per 300 square feet, with crew rates around $40–$70 per hour depending on market. Material handling, acclimation time, and staging impact total project time and labor cost.
What Drives Price
Key price influencers include: cedar species and grade, board footage required, project scale, and delivery distance. Other notable drivers are moisture content, whether kiln-dried or air-dried, and the inclusion of fasteners or coatings. For example, decking projects with premium trim and hidden-fastener systems will carry higher materials plus hardware costs than basic railing projects.
Ways To Save
Smart budgeting can trim cedar costs without sacrificing quality. Choose standard widths and lengths to reduce waste, and select a mid-grade option when appearance requirements allow. Buying in bulk or coordinating delivery with other projects can lower per-unit delivery fees. Consider regional suppliers and seasonal sales in late winter or early spring when prices can dip. If long-term maintenance matters, factoring stain or sealant into the budget helps avoid future surprise expenses.
Real-World Pricing Scenarios
Three scenario cards illustrate typical outcomes for common projects. Assumptions: region U.S., standard lengths, no unusual site challenges.
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Basic Deck Substructure — 150 sq ft, Western Red Cedar, standard 2×6 boards, kiln-dried, basic fasteners.
Labor: 12 hours; Materials: 2,250 board ft; Delivery: mid-range.
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Mid-Range Decking with Railings — 350 sq ft, mix of 5/4 and 2×6 boards, mid-grade, hidden-fastener system.
Labor: 28 hours; Materials: 6,500 board ft; Delivery: mid-range; Extras: railing components.
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Premium Siding Project — 600 linear ft of cedar siding, high-grade, kiln-dried, with sealant coating.
Labor: 40 hours; Materials: 9,000 sq ft-equivalent; Delivery: higher end due to distance.
Assumptions: region, specs, labor hours.