When buying cherry lumber, buyers typically see price ranges driven by grade, thickness, moisture content, and the source of the wood. The cost per board foot can vary based on whether the lumber is rift-sawn, quarter-sawn, or plain-sawn, as well as regional availability and milling losses. This guide provides practical price ranges and the main cost drivers to help buyers budget accurately.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Board Foot Price | $3.50 | $6.50 | $12.00 | Depends on grade, figure, moisture, and sawing method |
| Rough-Sawed to Finished | $1.00 | $2.50 | $4.00 | Planing and surfacing add cost |
| Length & Width Premium | $0.20/ft | $0.50/ft | $1.20/ft | Longer stock incurs waste and handling |
| Moisture Adjustment (KD vs Air-Dried) | $0.30 | $0.70 | $1.50 | Kiln-dried typically costs more upfront |
| Delivery/Handling | $15 | $40 | $120 | Distance and quantity affect delivery |
Overview Of Costs
Cost ranges for cherry board feet typically run from $3.50 to $12.00 per board foot, depending on grade, figure, moisture, and sawing method. A practical per-project view shows total costs spanning hundreds to thousands of dollars when buying larger quantities or finished stock. Assumptions: region, specs, labor hours.
Cost Breakdown
| Component | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $3.50 | $6.50 | $12.00 | Board foot price by grade and sawn face |
| Labor | $0.20 | $0.60 | $1.50 | Cutting, surfacing, and grading |
| Equipment | $0.05 | $0.15 | $0.40 | Sawing, planing, and handling setup |
| Permits | $0 | $0 | $0 | Typically none for small orders |
| Delivery/Disposal | $15 | $40 | $120 | Distance-based |
| Warranty | $0 | $0 | $0 | Material defect coverage vary by seller |
| Contingency | $0 | $0.20 | $1.00 | Grounds for waste and crooked stock |
data-formula=”labor_hours × hourly_rate”> Assumptions: Minimum waste assumed, typical kiln-dried stock, regional availability, standard 8–12 ft lengths. Prices reflect U.S. market conditions and do not include special order features like highly figured or cut-to-size parts.
What Drives Price
Grade, figure, and sawing method are the primary drivers. Higher grades with clear rays, curly figure, or quilted patterns command premium prices. Kiln-dried stock typically costs more than air-dried, due to processing and inventory risks. Thickness and width premiums add cost per unit, especially for stock above 8/4 (2 inches) or rare width combinations.
Regional Price Differences
Prices vary by region due to supply, demand, and mill capacity. In the Northeast, cherry may carry a modest premium for kiln-dried, kiln-dried stock, while the Pacific Northwest often has robust supply from local sawmills. Midwest markets can show stable ranges. In general, expect the following deltas compared to national averages: Northeast +5% to +10%, West +0% to +6%, Midwest -5% to +5%. Regional variations affect both per-board-foot and per-project totals.
Labor & Time Considerations
Labor costs factor when buyers purchase rough stock that must be planed, jointed, or thicknessed. If a project requires precise thickness and jointing, expect additional hours and a per-hour rate. data-formula=”labor_hours × hourly_rate”> Typical shop rates range from $40 to $70 per hour, depending on local labor markets and whether custom surfacing is included. For a 100-board-foot order, plan for 6–12 hours of labor depending on stock complexity.
Additional & Hidden Costs
Hidden fees may include minimum batch charges, re-saw fees for special dimensions, and extended lead times during peak seasons. Some suppliers charge a disposal or lumber waste fee for stock that fails to meet grade during inspection. Consider packaging, moisture testing, and any return policies when budgeting. Hidden costs can add 5–15% to total project price.
Real-World Pricing Examples
Three scenario cards illustrate typical purchases without marketing fluff. Assumptions: standard 6/4 to 8/4 stock, kiln-dried, average figure, local delivery.
- Basic: 400 board feet of 4/4 cherry, plain-sawn, KD; price about $3.75 per board foot; materials $1,500–$1,800; delivery $25–$60; total $1,600–$1,960.
- Mid-Range: 1,000 board feet of 6/4 to 8/4 cherry, rift-quarter combination, KD; price $5.50 per board foot; materials $5,500–$6,000; delivery $60–$120; labor $400–$1,000; total $6,000–$7,120.
- Premium: 800 board feet of highly figured 6/4 cherry, quarter-sawn, premium grade, KD; price $9.50 per board foot; materials $7,600–$7,700; delivery $80–$150; labor $800–$1,500; total $8,480–$9,350.
Assumptions: region, specs, labor hours.
Price By Region
In major metropolitan markets, cherry stock can carry a small premium compared with rural mills due to higher milling costs and demand. A typical regional delta might render per-board-foot prices as follows: Urban +8% to +12% versus Rural; Suburban +3% to +7%; with Regional supply constraints potentially pushing costs higher during peak demand windows. Plan for regional adjustments in quotes.
Cost Compared To Alternatives
Compared with walnut or maple, cherry often sits in a similar or slightly lower price tier for mid-range grades but can exceed other species when a high-figure, quilted, or curly pattern is requested. If price sensitivity is high, consider select or rustic grades as a lower-cost alternative while preserving aesthetic goals. Alternative options offer meaningful price differentials by grade and pattern.
Assumptions: region, specs, labor hours.