Understanding the cost of clear cedar siding helps buyers plan budgets with realistic expectations. Costs vary by siding profile, grade, square footage, and labor region. This article provides practical ranges in USD with per-unit pricing and real-world drivers that influence the final quote.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Installed Cedar Siding (per sq ft) | $6.50 | $9.50 | $13.50 | Includes labor, fasteners, basic prep |
| Materials (per sq ft) | $3.00 | $5.50 | $7.50 | Clear cedar boards, finish not included |
| Labor (per sq ft) | $2.50 | $3.75 | $5.25 | Removal of old siding may add |
| Delivery/Handling (per sq ft) | $0.20 | $0.50 | $1.00 | Depends on contractor; regional access |
| Finish/Sealant (per sq ft) | $0.25 | $0.75 | $1.50 | Oil-based or water-based sealants vary |
Assumptions: Midwest labor rates, standard 6–8 inch edge Cedar, smooth face, normal access, no extreme height or roof work.
Typical Installed Price Per Linear Foot for Clear Cedar Siding
Most homeowners see installed prices around $6.50 to $13.50 per sq ft, translating to roughly $65 to $135 per linear foot for a standard 8-foot tall wall. This range includes materials, labor, and basic prep. For a 1,500 square foot house, expect a total install cost near $12,500–$20,000 depending on profile and finish quality.
Assumptions: single-story, standard access, no major structural work, and standard fasteners. Note: higher-end profiles and premium finishes push the per-sq-ft cost higher.
Project Scope and Size: How House Length Drives Cost
Longer exteriors increase both material and labor time in direct proportion. A 2,000 sq ft wall area can add roughly 25–40% more cost versus a 1,200 sq ft project due to increased trim, door/window wrapping, and waste management.
Area impact example: 1,200 sq ft wall area may fall in the $7.50–$11.50 per sq ft installed band, while 2,000 sq ft can shift to $6.75–$10.25 per sq ft depending on access and removal needs.
Material Grades and Siding Profiles Weigh on Price
Profile depth and board width influence price per square foot. A tight-face, 4/4 thickness clear cedar costs more than a lighter 3/4 thickness profile. Shiplap or tongue-and-groove profiles add labor time but may reduce waste in some installations.
| Profile | Low (per sq ft) | Average (per sq ft) | High (per sq ft) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plain Siding (6–8 inch) | $5.50 | $8.50 | $11.50 | Most common; standard finish |
| Shiplap/T&G (8–10 inch) | $6.50 | $9.50 | $13.00 | Better seal; more labor |
| Wide Board (6 inch) | $6.00 | $9.00 | $12.50 | Visible grain; premium feel |
Assumptions: standard ceiling height, no premium wood grade beyond clear cedar, typical sealant type.
Labor Requirements by Region: Midwest vs West
Regional labor rates create meaningful differences in total project cost. The Midwest often offers lower hourly rates than the West Coast or Northeast, which can swing installed price per sq ft by $1.50–$3.50.
Example ranges: Midwest installed $6.50–$9.50 per sq ft; West Coast installed $9.00–$13.50 per sq ft, depending on crew size and access.
Delivery, Waste, and Permits: Hidden Cost Factors
Delivery, disposal, and permit fees accumulate even on straightforward jobs. Expect $0.20–$1.00 per sq ft for delivery and disposal, plus any permit or inspection fees in your city, typically $100–$500.
Prep work such as old siding removal and surface preparation can add $1.00–$2.50 per sq ft in some markets.
Weather and Seasonal Timing Effects on Cedar Siding Quotes
Quotes can shift with demand and material lead times. Peak spring/summer windows may raise labor availability and delivery costs by 5–15%, while off-peak windows can offer small reductions.
In regions with high humidity or freeze-thaw cycles, extra sealant or coating cycles might add $0.25–$0.75 per sq ft.
Cost-Saving Tactics For Clear Cedar Siding Projects
Control scope to reduce overall price without sacrificing structure. Choose fewer profiles, batch wrap around windows, and plan installations during steady weather to minimize delays.
- Bundle siding with trim work to reduce mobilization costs.
- Consider standard width boards over custom widths to cut waste.
- Opt for a mid-range finish plan now to avoid later touch-ups.
Comparison: Cedar Siding vs Alternative Weatherboard Materials
Compare clear cedar with fiberglass, engineered wood, or vinyl for upfront cost and long-term maintenance. Engineered wood often runs 15–35% less upfront but may require different finishes and care over time, while vinyl can be 40–60% cheaper initially but lacks the natural cedar look and aging feel.
| Material | Installed Cost per sq ft | Typical Maintenance | Longevity (approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clear Cedar | $6.50–$13.50 | Sealers every 2–3 years | 40–60 years | Natural color, requires maintenance |
| Engineered Wood | $4.50–$9.00 | Sealers or primers 3–5 years | 30–50 years | Stable, resists warping |
| Vinyl Siding | $3.50–$7.50 | Low maintenance | 40–60 years | Low upkeep, color options constrained |
Assumptions: typical single-story home, standard 8-foot walls, standard access, no major demolition.