Most U.S. shoppers pay about $6-$18 for a standard 8-foot 4×4, with pressure-treated and cedar boards often costing more than untreated construction lumber. The cost of 4×4 lumber depends chiefly on species, treatment, grade, board length, local supply, and whether delivery or cutting is included.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Untreated 4×4, 8 ft | $5 | $9 | $16 | Common framing species and standard grade |
| Pressure-treated 4×4, 8 ft | $8 | $13 | $22 | Ground-contact rating and region affect price |
| Cedar 4×4, 8 ft | $18 | $30 | $50 | Clearer appearance or specialty grades cost more |
| Untreated 4×4, 10 ft | $8 | $13 | $22 | Longer stock usually costs more per board |
| Bulk order, 50 untreated boards | $250 | $450 | $800 | Before tax, delivery, and any cutting |
Assumptions: Typical retail pricing for standard nominal 4×4 lumber in common U.S. markets; exact store prices vary by stock, grade, and region.
What an 8-foot 4×4 usually costs at retail
A standard untreated 8-foot 4×4 commonly costs $5-$16, with about $9-$10 a reasonable planning figure for ordinary construction-grade stock. A pressure-treated board of the same nominal dimensions is often $8-$22. For cedar, redwood, or appearance-grade lumber, the price may rise to $18-$50 or more per 8-foot piece.
For a basic project, budget about $9 per untreated 8-foot board or $13 per pressure-treated board before tax. Prices are per piece, not per linear foot; an 8-foot board at $12 works out to $1.50 per linear foot. Lengths of 10, 12, and 16 feet typically cost more overall, though longer boards can reduce joints and waste.
These figures describe lumber sold as nominal 4×4. The actual finished size is usually about 3.5 inches by 3.5 inches, because dimensional lumber is surfaced after initial milling. Buyers who need a true 4-inch square post may need rough-sawn or specialty stock, which can be harder to source and may cost more.
Retail shelves may list different species under broad labels such as “whitewood,” “SPF,” or “fir.” Those names can represent different mixes or species, so the grade stamp, intended use, moisture condition, and treatment label matter more than the casual category name. A board selected for visible trim is not automatically equivalent to a structural or ground-contact post.
How wood, treatment, labor, and delivery shape the quote
The board itself is usually the largest expense for a small purchase. Larger jobs can add meaningful costs for delivery, cutting, disposal, installation, and accessories. The table separates typical retail material pricing from common project charges; store minimums, access, and order size can shift the actual quote.
| Cost item | Typical price | What changes it | Example scope | Price effect |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Untreated lumber | $0.60-$2.00 per linear ft | Species, grade, and length | 8-foot board | $5-$16 each |
| Pressure-treated lumber | $1.00-$2.75 per linear ft | Treatment rating and local supply | 8-foot board | $8-$22 each |
| Labor to set posts | $45-$90 per hour | Layout, digging, fastening, and crew size | Small installation | $150-$600 total |
| Delivery | $40-$150 per order | Distance, load size, and unloading access | Local lumberyard run | $40-$150 total |
| Cutting or disposal | $1-$5 per cut; $25-$100 disposal | Number of cuts and debris volume | Shop cuts or old-post removal | $10-$100 or more |
Installation labor is separate from the lumber price. A straightforward post replacement may take one worker a few hours, while a fence or deck project involving layout, excavation, concrete, and hardware requires more time. A rough labor calculation is shown below; contractor minimum charges can make a small job cost more than the hourly estimate suggests.
For example, 4-6 labor hours at $45-$90 per hour indicates $180-$540 in labor, before materials, travel, or a minimum service fee.
Compare the full delivered, installed quote rather than the shelf price alone. A lower-cost board may not be suitable for exterior ground contact, and a low material estimate may omit hauling, fasteners, or concrete.
Length, treatment rating, and grade can shift the price
Length is one of the simplest price drivers. An 8-foot board may cost $5-$22 depending on wood type, while a 12-foot board can run roughly $9-$35 and a 16-foot board about $13-$50. These are broad retail ranges, not fixed multipliers: longer stock may be unavailable in a particular species, and price per foot can increase when a store carries limited inventory.
Treatment matters when lumber will touch soil or face frequent moisture. Above-ground treated stock often costs less than boards labeled for ground contact, commonly by $2-$8 per 8-foot piece. Buyers should match the label to the use and local building requirements rather than assume every green-tinted board has the same treatment level.
Grade and appearance also affect the bill. Standard construction-grade boards with knots and visible variation are generally the least expensive. Select, clear, or appearance-grade cedar can cost two to three times as much as common untreated stock. Structural use calls for appropriate grade and span specifications; choosing a visually smooth board alone does not confirm structural suitability.
Quantity changes the unit price, but not always dramatically. Buying 20-50 boards may qualify for a contractor or volume price at some yards, yet a small order can still pay the same per-piece retail rate. Ask whether the quote includes boards selected for straightness, and check for minimum order sizes, pallet quantities, or a fee for sorting.
A 4×4 longer than 8 feet, rated for ground contact, or sold as clear cedar can cost several times the price of basic stock. For a 6-foot post, a longer board may be necessary because the buried portion and cuts use material beyond the finished height.
How 4×4 lumber prices vary across U.S. markets
Local supply, freight distance, and demand create noticeable regional differences. Common untreated boards in a well-stocked market may sit near the lower end of the ranges above, while remote communities or areas with fewer lumberyards may pay 10%-25% more. Coastal and high-cost metro markets can also run 10%-20% above a broad national planning figure, especially for specialty species.
Pressure-treated lumber prices can vary with climate and seasonal demand. Markets with active deck and fence construction may see higher spring and early-summer prices than during quieter periods. In regions where treated lumber is stocked in many sizes, competition can keep standard lengths near the middle of the range; less common lengths or treatment ratings may carry a premium.
Cedar and redwood availability is highly location-sensitive. In western markets, locally supplied cedar may be more accessible, while a shopper elsewhere may pay added freight or face fewer grade choices. For a large project, compare at least one home center and one independent lumberyard, making sure both quotes use the same species, grade, length, and treatment rating.
Delivery can outweigh a small per-board saving. A yard 30 miles away might quote a lower price per piece but charge $80-$150 to deliver, while a nearby retailer offers a smaller fee or free pickup. For a 10-board order, even a $2-per-board discount does not cover an $80 delivery charge unless other project materials are included.
When treated, cedar, or composite alternatives make sense
Untreated fir, spruce, or pine is usually the budget choice for dry interior framing and protected uses. It is not a direct substitute for lumber exposed to soil or repeated wetting. Pressure-treated stock costs more, but it is commonly used for exterior posts and other applications where the product label and local rules allow it.
Cedar is a higher-priced natural option for visible outdoor posts and trim. An 8-foot 4×4 may cost $18-$50, depending on species and grade, compared with roughly $8-$22 for treated stock. Cedar is not a universal replacement for treated lumber: design, soil contact, fasteners, and local code requirements still need to be considered.
Some projects can use metal posts, engineered products, or composite components instead of solid 4×4 lumber. Those products may have a higher purchase price—often $20-$80 or more per post or component—but can differ in durability, appearance, installation method, and maintenance. Compare the complete system, including compatible brackets and hardware, rather than just the post price.
Repair may be less costly than replacing every post. Replacing one damaged post can require a $10-$50 board plus $50-$250 in labor and materials, depending on access and whether concrete or adjacent sections must be disturbed. If rot affects several posts or the supporting structure, replacing only the visible damaged portion may not address the cause.
Use the least expensive material that meets the exposure, strength, and code requirements for the actual job. A premium species is often unnecessary for hidden framing, while untreated stock can be a false economy when used in conditions requiring treated lumber.
Three 4×4 project budgets with realistic quantities
For four untreated 8-foot boards used in a small interior framing or shop project, lumber might total $20-$64. Add $10-$30 for a few cuts and $0-$40 for local pickup or delivery. The material and basic handling budget is roughly $30-$130, excluding installation and any brackets or fasteners.
A fence repair requiring six pressure-treated 8-foot posts may cost $48-$132 for lumber. If three posts need replacement and each involves about 1.5-2.5 hours of work, labor at $45-$90 per hour could be $200-$675. Concrete, fasteners, old-post removal, and a contractor minimum can bring a modest repair quote to about $350-$1,000.
For a 20-board cedar pergola or decorative project using 8-foot posts, lumber alone may total $360-$1,000 at $18-$50 each. Delivery could add $50-$150, and cutting or sorting may add $20-$100. A total material-and-delivery budget of about $430-$1,250 is a useful starting point, before framing lumber, hardware, finish, or installation.
These examples show why project scope matters more than a single per-board price. The fence repair needs excavation and removal, while the cedar example emphasizes material selection and delivery. A quote should list quantities, lengths, grade, treatment, and included work so the total can be checked against the intended design.
Reduce the 4×4 bill through length planning and quote checks
Measure the finished post height, embedment, and cut allowance before buying. A plan that requires six 8-foot boards but purchases 10-foot stock unnecessarily can add $18-$40 or more per board. Conversely, choosing boards too short can create joints, waste, and extra labor. For multiple cuts, calculate the cutting layout and account for saw kerf and damaged ends.
Choose species and grade by use. Standard construction-grade lumber can be appropriate where the board is hidden and the design permits it; clear cedar should be reserved for visible areas if appearance drives the upgrade. Do not downgrade treatment or structural grade where exposure, load, or code requires a specific product.
Compare written quotes with matching specifications. Ask whether the price includes tax, delivery, unloading, cuts, selection, and damaged-board replacement. For a substantial order, request the per-board price at 10, 25, and 50 pieces. A volume discount of 5%-10% on $500 in lumber saves $25-$50, but may not offset a high delivery charge.
Pick up small quantities when safe transport is available, and bundle lumber with other planned materials if a delivery fee is fixed per order. Avoid rush delivery during peak building season when possible. Inspect boards before loading for excessive bow, twist, splits, and wet damage; sorting out unusable pieces after delivery can cost more than paying a small selection premium.
The most reliable savings come from buying the correct length and grade, limiting waste, and comparing total project charges. Price cuts should not compromise a post’s rated use or the structural details required for the project.