Cedar wood decking prices typically range from $4-$9 per square foot for boards and $25-$50 per square foot for a professionally installed deck surface. Total quotes depend on deck size, cedar grade, labor rates, framing condition, stairs, and whether old decking must be removed.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cedar decking boards | $4/sq ft | $6.50/sq ft | $9/sq ft | Board material only; grade and profile affect price |
| Installed deck surface | $25/sq ft | $37/sq ft | $50/sq ft | Typical labor and materials over sound framing |
| 12-by-16-foot surface | $4,800 | $7,100 | $9,600 | 192 sq ft; basic rectangular layout |
| Old deck-board removal | $2/sq ft | $4/sq ft | $7/sq ft | May include disposal, depending on access |
What cedar decking costs for a typical deck
For a 192-square-foot deck, replacement decking over usable framing often costs about $4,800-$9,600 installed. A middle-range project using standard cedar boards, straightforward access, and basic fastening commonly lands near $7,100. Building a new deck structure costs more because posts, beams, joists, stairs, and railings add labor and materials.
Material-only pricing assumes roughly 10% extra board coverage for cuts and waste. Estimates vary with local labor and whether the project uses common knotty cedar or clearer, more uniform boards. Assumptions: standard cedar boards, ordinary ground-level access, and sound existing framing unless noted. The installed range is for a basic deck surface, not a complete elevated deck with railings and stairs.
How cedar boards, labor, and removal shape the quote
A contractor’s estimate usually separates board supply from installation and any tear-out. The breakdown below shows common ranges; actual line items can vary by market and job scope.
| Quote item | Low | Typical | High | Pricing basis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cedar boards | $4/sq ft | $6.50/sq ft | $9/sq ft | Grade, thickness, profile |
| Fasteners and finish | $0.75/sq ft | $1.50/sq ft | $3/sq ft | Coated screws, stain or sealer |
| Installation labor | $10/sq ft | $18/sq ft | $28/sq ft | Layout, cutting, fastening |
| Removal and disposal | $2/sq ft | $4/sq ft | $7/sq ft | Existing boards and debris |
| Framing repairs | $150 | $600 | $2,000+ | Allowance; damage can expand scope |
Labor is sometimes quoted by the hour rather than by area. Typical carpenter rates run about $50-$100 per hour, with a small crew taking roughly 2-4 days to replace boards on a simple 200-square-foot deck. Ask whether the quote includes fasteners, finish, cleanup, and disposal before comparing totals.
Board grade, thickness, and layout change cedar prices
Common knotty cedar is generally the lower-cost choice, while clearer grades with fewer visible knots can cost 20%-50% more. Standard 5/4-inch decking is widely used; thicker or specialty-profile boards may add roughly $1-$3 per square foot. Prices also differ by cedar species and regional availability, so quotes should identify the species and grade rather than simply say “cedar.”
Deck geometry affects both material waste and installation time. A square platform is simpler than one with angled edges, curves, picture-frame borders, or multiple levels. At 300 square feet, a 10% waste allowance means buying about 330 square feet of boards; complex layouts can require more. Confirm board dimensions, grade, and waste allowance in writing to keep material quotes comparable.
Regional labor rates and cedar availability affect totals
Prices in high-cost coastal metros can run about 15%-30% above the national middle range because of labor, delivery, and permitting costs. In many rural or lower-cost markets, a basic installation may come in 10%-20% below that benchmark, although limited cedar supply can offset lower wages. Areas with local cedar distributors may have better material pricing than markets where boards require long-distance shipping.
These percentages are planning estimates, not fixed regional schedules. Seasonal contractor demand and the distance between the supplier and jobsite can also move a quote. Compare local bids using the same board grade, deck area, removal scope, and finish specification.
Removal, stairs, and finishing can add thousands
Replacing old decking may add $2-$7 per square foot for removal and disposal, especially when boards are difficult to access or debris needs special handling. A new stair set can add roughly $500-$2,000, depending on width, height, landings, and railing requirements. Railings commonly add $30-$70 per linear foot for basic wood options, with material and code requirements affecting the price.
Sealing or staining may cost about $1-$3 per square foot when included as a contractor service. Structural repairs are less predictable: a few damaged joists may add several hundred dollars, while widespread rot can require rebuilding sections of the frame. Have the contractor inspect framing after board removal and price repairs separately when their extent is unknown.
When cedar costs less than composite or pressure-treated decking
Pressure-treated pine boards often cost about $2-$5 per square foot, making them a cheaper upfront option, though appearance and upkeep differ. Composite decking commonly costs $5-$12 per square foot for boards and may reach $30-$60 per square foot installed. Cedar sits between basic treated lumber and many premium composite lines, with a natural wood appearance and periodic sealing needs.
Material price alone does not show the full ownership expense. Cedar may need cleaning and renewed stain or sealer every few years, depending on exposure and product. Composite can cost more initially but generally avoids routine staining. Compare installed estimates alongside maintenance products and expected upkeep, not just the board price.
Lower a cedar deck quote by controlling the scope
A simple rectangular design with standard-width boards uses labor efficiently and limits offcuts. Keeping sound framing instead of rebuilding it can reduce a replacement project substantially, but only when joists and supports are structurally sound. Choose a commonly stocked cedar grade and profile, and avoid decorative borders or custom patterns if the budget is tight.
Request at least three itemized bids with the same square footage, board grade, finish, and removal requirements. Scheduling outside the busiest spring and summer weeks may improve contractor availability, though weather and local demand matter. Do not cut costs by skipping structural repairs, required railings, or suitable corrosion-resistant fasteners.