Cedar wood prices vary by species, grade, and region, with typical costs driven by lumber size, finish, and delivery. This guide presents current price ranges and practical budgeting for cedar decking, siding, and rough lumber in the United States, including per-unit and total estimates. The term cost and price appear early to align with search intent for price guidance.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lumber per board foot | $3.00 | $3.75 | $5.50 | Dry, clear grade, standard species |
| Decking boards (5/4×6, 8 ft) | $20 | $26 | $34 | Common install-ready stock |
| Siding planks (1×6, 8 ft) | $25 | $32 | $40 | Western red cedar typical |
| Delivery fee | $60 | $120 | $250 | Depends on distance |
| Finish/stain per gallon | $25 | $40 | $60 | Oil- or water-based |
Cedar Wood Price Per Board Foot and Lumber Sizes
Typical cedar prices hover around $3.00-$5.50 per board foot depending on species, grade, and moisture content. For decking, expect about $26-$34 per 8-foot 5/4×6 board, tied to current kiln-dried stock and regional supply. For siding, cedar 1×6 planks average $32-$40 per 8-foot board, with premium grades higher. Assumptions: Western states, mid-grade heartwood, standard length, minimal knots.
| Material | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Decking (5/4×6, 8 ft) | $20 | $26 | $34 | Dry, clear stock |
| Siding (1×6, 8 ft) | $25 | $32 | $40 | Standard grade |
| Rough lumber (2×4, 8 ft) | $8 | $12 | $15 | Common framing size |
Regional Cedar Price Variations Across U.S. Markets
Pricing diverges by region due to species mix, climate, and import costs. West Coast markets commonly show higher per-board prices for CE (cedar exterior) than the Midwest, where freight and availability affect price swings. Expect a 5-15% price delta between coastal and interior markets for similar grades and lengths.
Assumptions: Coastal markets have greater demand for Western red cedar; interior markets rely on local or southern cedar varieties.
| Region | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| West Coast | $25/board | $32/board | $40/board | Decking or siding per eight-foot board |
| Midwest | $22/board | $28/board | $36/board | Varies by species mix |
| Northeast | $24/board | $30/board | $38/board | Higher kiln-dried cost |
| South | $20/board | $26/board | $34/board | Often more knot-prone stock |
Cedar Decking vs Cedar Siding: Material Cost Split
Decking typically requires thicker, longer boards and faster installation, driving higher labor and material costs than siding on a per-square-foot basis. A practical budget split might be material 60-70% and labor 30-40% for a straightforward install, with higher labor shares for complex patterns or custom profiles.
Assumptions: Standard 1,000 sq ft deck; 8 ft boards; exterior stain after installation.
| Project Area | Low Total | Average Total | High Total | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Decking (1,000 sq ft) | $6,000 | $9,000 | $13,500 | Materials plus basic labor |
| Siding (1,000 sq ft) | $7,500 | $12,000 | $18,000 | Includes nails and sealant |
Common Cedar Species and Their Unit Costs
Western red cedar remains the most popular exterior cedar species, followed by Alaskan yellow cedar and others. Price ranges reflect density, heartwood content, and staining characteristics. Species choice can shift per-board pricing by 15-40% across the same length and grade.
Assumptions: Standard heartwood grade, kiln-dried, planed on one face.
| Species | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Western red cedar | $28/board | $32/board | $40/board | Decking or siding |
| Alaskan yellow cedar | $34/board | $40/board | $52/board | Premium color and hardness |
| Incense cedar | $25/board | $30/board | $38/board | Lightweight, aromatic |
Estimated Labor and Installation Costs for Cedar Wood Projects
Labor is a major driver after material costs. For deck installation, factor typical labor of 10-12 hours per 200 sq ft at $50-$75 per hour in many regions, plus fastening and finishing. Siding installation can run higher per square foot due to exposure detailing and weatherproofing needs.
Assumptions: Standard elevation, no custom carpentry, weather window in spring/fall.
| Phase | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deck framing + boards | $2,000 | $4,500 | $7,000 | Region-dependent labor rates |
| Siding install | $3,000 | $6,000 | $9,000 | Fastener and alignment work |
| Finish and stain | $500 | $1,800 | $3,000 | Two-coat system common |
Delivery, Waste, and Handling Fees for Cedar Lumber
Delivery charges depend on distance and load size; some suppliers offer free or reduced-fee delivery within a regional radius. Waste and offcut handling can add 5-15% to material costs if trimmed later or stored improperly. Plan for $60-$250 delivery per order depending on distance and order size.
Assumptions: Single-order delivery, standard palletized stock, ground-level access.
| Fee Type | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delivery | $60 | $120 | $250 | Distance-based |
| Waste disposal | $40 | $90 | $150 | Offcuts and packaging |
| Storage and handling | $20 | $40 | $80 | Temporary on-site storage |
Finishing Cedar: Stain, Sealant, and Treatments
Finishing cedar protects against weather and extends life. Exterior sealants typically cost $25-$60 per gallon, and most projects use 1-2 gallons per 100 sq ft. Oil-based finishes can require longer cure times but offer deeper color; water-based products dry faster and may reduce labor time.
Assumptions: One-coat stain on cedar siding; two-coat procedure on decking for water repellency.
| Finish Type | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oil-based stain | $25 | $40 | $60 | Longer cure |
| Water-based sealant | $25 | $40 | $50 | Faster dry time |
| Two-coat system | $50 | $90 | $120 | Includes labor |