Cedar boards typically cost $2-$12 per linear foot, with a common 8-foot board priced around $12-$35 depending on dimensions, grade, and species. The cost of cedar boards rises for wider, thicker, clear-grade lumber and can also vary with regional supply, delivery, and whether installation is included.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1-by-6 cedar board, 8 ft | $8 | $16 | $28 | Roughly $1-$3.50 per linear ft; grade and species affect price |
| 2-by-6 cedar board, 8 ft | $16 | $28 | $48 | About $2-$6 per linear ft |
| Installed cedar fencing | $18 | $35 | $60 | Per linear ft; height, design, and site conditions matter |
| Installed cedar deck boards | $6 | $12 | $20 | Per sq ft for boards and installation, excluding major framing repairs |
What cedar boards cost by size and grade
For unfinished lumber at a retailer, a standard 1-by-6 board often costs $1-$3.50 per linear foot, while a 2-by-6 commonly runs $2-$6 per linear foot. A 1-by-4 may be around $1-$2.50 per linear foot. These estimates cover typical western red cedar or comparable cedar stock, not specialty siding profiles or finished exterior products.
Budget about $12-$35 for an 8-foot 1-by-6, with clear, long, or unusually wide boards costing more. Lower-cost boards may have knots, color variation, or rough surfaces. Clear-grade boards with fewer visible defects can cost two to three times as much as knotty stock. Assumptions: U.S. retail lumber pricing, standard lengths, unfinished boards, before tax and delivery.
How lumber, labor, and delivery shape a cedar quote
For a project quote, the board price is only part of the bill. Installation adds labor, while waste, fasteners, finishing, and delivery can add meaningful costs. The following ranges are typical planning figures rather than fixed national rates.
| Quote item | Typical range | How it is charged | What changes it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cedar lumber | $1-$6 | Per linear ft | Board size, species, grade, profile |
| Carpentry labor | $50-$100 | Per hour | Local rates, access, cutting detail |
| Fasteners and accessories | $0.25-$1.50 | Per linear ft | Stainless or coated hardware, trim |
| Stain or sealer | $0.75-$2.50 | Per sq ft | Surface preparation and product |
| Delivery and waste | $50-$250 | Per order or project | Distance, order size, cut waste |
Contractors may include labor and materials as a per-square-foot or per-linear-foot price instead of listing each charge separately. Ask whether the quote includes fasteners, finishing, waste, delivery, and removal of old boards.
Which board dimensions and grades raise the price?
Thickness and width directly affect material use: a 2-by-8 board usually costs more per linear foot than a 1-by-6, and a 12-foot board often costs more overall than an 8-foot board even when the unit rate is similar. Long boards can also reduce joints, but may create extra delivery or handling charges.
Grade and intended use matter as well. Knotty cedar suits many fences and rustic projects; clear-grade boards are generally selected for visible trim or smoother finishes. For decking, check whether the product is rated and profiled for that use rather than comparing it with basic dimensional lumber. Compare the same species, grade, thickness, width, and finish before judging two prices.
Why cedar board prices differ across U.S. regions
Prices can vary by roughly 10%-25% between markets because of freight, local inventory, and retailer competition. Areas closer to cedar suppliers may have more choices and lower delivery costs, while remote locations can face higher freight charges. High-cost metro markets may also charge more for labor and delivery than rural areas.
Supply and season affect availability, but there is no dependable nationwide seasonal discount. A large order may qualify for a better lumber rate, yet delivery and storage can offset savings. Compare the delivered price, not only the shelf price, when checking regional quotes.
What cedar fence and deck projects may cost
A 100-linear-foot cedar fence using standard boards may cost about $1,800-$6,000 installed, depending on fence height, post and rail condition, board spacing, gates, and labor. A 200-square-foot deck surface may cost roughly $1,200-$4,000 for cedar boards and installation when the framing is sound. These project ranges exclude major structural repairs and unusually difficult access.
Labor can take 10-20 hours for a straightforward small fence section or deck-board replacement, while larger installations can require several crew days. Contractors commonly charge $50-$100 per labor hour, though many quote by project. Replacing boards on a sound frame is usually less expensive than rebuilding posts, joists, or the entire structure.
How to lower a cedar board budget without sacrificing fit
Choose knotty or utility-grade cedar where appearance allows, and reserve clear boards for highly visible areas. Standard lengths and dimensions can limit offcuts; ordering a modest extra amount for cuts is usually less costly than making a second delivery for shortages. Confirm measurements before purchasing, especially for fence runs and deck layouts.
Compare at least three itemized quotes and ask for the board species, grade, dimensions, labor scope, and finish in writing. Handle basic site clearing when practical, but leave structural work and accurate installation to qualified tradespeople. Avoid paying for premium appearance or sealing products that the project does not require.
When pine or composite boards cost less than cedar
Pressure-treated pine boards are often cheaper upfront, while composite decking typically costs more per board but needs less routine staining. As a rough comparison, pressure-treated deck boards may run $2-$5 per linear foot, cedar commonly runs $2-$6 for comparable dimensional stock, and composite boards can range from $4-$12 per linear foot.
Those ranges depend on board profile and quality, and installation rates can differ by material. Cedar offers a natural appearance but may need periodic cleaning and finish maintenance; composite avoids staining but has a higher initial material price. Compare installed cost and expected upkeep over several years, not just the price of one board.