Cedar lumber costs vary by species, grade, and project scope. Typical price ranges reflect board spends, area measurements, and installation considerations. The main cost drivers include board length, thickness, moisture content, regional pricing, and delivery logistics. This guide provides practical pricing in USD, with clear low–average–high ranges and per-unit references to help builders budget accurately.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wood Type | $2.50/board ft | $4.50/board ft | $9.00/board ft | Includes common cedar grades; aromatic Western red cedar costs higher. |
| Decking (5/4 x 6, premium grade) | $7.00/linear ft | $9.50/linear ft | $12.50/linear ft | Installed price varies with surface finish and spacers. |
| Fence Rails & Posts (cedar) | $6.00/linear ft | $9.00/linear ft | $14.00/linear ft | Includes rough-sawn stock and fasteners. |
| Timber/Beams (2×6, sawn) | $3.50/board ft | $5.50/board ft | $8.50/board ft | Higher for heartwood and structural uses. |
| Delivery | $80-$120 | $150 | $300 | Distance and order size affect cost. |
| Labor & Installation | $2.50-$5.50/sq ft | $4.00-$6.50/sq ft | $8.00+/sq ft | Includes framing, fasteners, and sealing. Assumptions: standard climate, typical crew. |
| Permits & Fees | $0-$50 | $100 | $500 | Depend on local rules and project size. |
| Waste & Disposal | $0-$50 | $100 | $300 | Offcuts and scrap removal costs. |
| Subtotal Range | $4.50/sq ft | $7.50/sq ft | $16.00+/sq ft | Assumes typical deck or siding project. |
Overview Of Costs
Cost ranges reflect common cedar species (e.g., Western red cedar) and standard grades used in framing, decking, and fencing. Typical projects combine materials, labor, and delivery into a single price. Buyers should expect per-square-foot and per-linear-foot pricing, plus potential add-ons such as staining or sealant. The total project often sits between the low end for small, straightforward builds and the high end for larger, longer runs with premium stock and on-site finishing.
Cost Breakdown
Table shows how money splits across major categories. Assumptions account for mid-range material grades and standard installation. Distinctions between decking, fencing, and structural timber matter for per-unit costs and installation time.
| Category | Low | Average | High | Notes | Per-Unit Reference |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $2.50-$6.00/board ft | $4.00-$7.50/board ft | $9.00+/board ft | Cedar species, grade, and moisture post-harvest. | $/board ft or $/linear ft |
| Labor | $2.50-$5.50/sq ft | $4.00-$6.50/sq ft | $8.00+/sq ft | Framing, cutting, assembly, sealing. | $/hour or $/sq ft |
| Equipment | $20-$60 | $50-$150 | $200 | Power tools, rental or depreciation. | $/job |
| Delivery | $80-$120 | $150 | $300 | Distance, weight, scheduling. | $/delivery |
| Permits | $0-$50 | $100 | $500 | Local building and land-use rules. | $/permit |
| Contingency | 5% | 10% | 15% | Unforeseen site conditions. | % of subtotal |
What Drives Price
Species and grade are primary drivers; premium cedar with tight growth rings commands higher prices. Regional timber availability also shifts cost. Moisture content affects shrinkage and finishing needs, while deck or fence design complexity adds hours of labor and material waste. Crowned or heartwood sections yield better rot resistance, but come at a premium. For decking, board width and profile (tongue-and-groove vs. square edge) influence both material and installation costs.
Factors That Affect Price
Regional price differences reflect supply chains and local demand. Labor rates vary by region and union presence. Seasonal demand can push lumber prices up in spring and summer. Storage and handling costs rise when material must be kept dry and sheltered. For cedar, differences in decay resistance and insect protection influence long-term maintenance budgeting.
Regional Price Differences
Three illustrative regions show distinct deltas in cedar pricing and labor. In the Northeast, higher finish requirements and shorter supply cycles elevate costs by 5–12% relative to national averages. The Midwest often features moderate material costs but higher transport due to inland logistics, resulting in 0–8% delta. The Southeast, with closer cedar sources, can be 0–6% lower on materials but may see higher regional demand for decks, nudging overall project totals up 2–5% depending on scope. Always confirm regional quotes before committing.
Labor, Hours & Rates
Labor costs are a significant share of cedar projects. Typical deck or siding crews bill by the hour, with rates ranging from $40–$75 per hour in most markets, and higher in urban cores. A mid-range cedar deck might require 40–60 hours of skilled labor, while a larger fence or roofline extension can exceed 100 hours. The labor-hours formula data-formula=”labor_hours × hourly_rate”> helps builders approximate total labor spend from estimated hours and local rates.
Additional & Hidden Costs
Hidden costs can surprise buyers if not planned. Unplanned weather delays, extra fasteners, or specialty sealants add incremental sums. If cedar is stained or finished on-site, include the cost of coating materials and labor. Hidden costs also include disposal fees for offcuts and packaging. Some markets require recycling or green-building adherence that adds small fees per item.
Real-World Pricing Examples
Assumptions: region, specs, labor hours.
- Basic — Small cedar deck, 200 sq ft, 5/4 x 6 boards, standard grade, modest finish. Materials: $1,000–$2,000. Labor: $2,000–$3,000. Delivery: $100–$150. Permits: $0–$50. Total: $3,100–$5,200.
- Mid-Range — 350 sq ft deck with premium boards, moisture control, basic sealing. Materials: $2,000–$4,000. Labor: $2,500–$4,500. Delivery: $150–$250. Finishing: $200–$500. Permits: $50–$150. Total: $4,900–$9,400.
- Premium — Cedar siding upgrade on a 1,200 sq ft façade, heartwood stock, tongue-and-groove panels. Materials: $8,000–$14,000. Labor: $6,000–$12,000. Delivery: $300–$500. Permits & fees: $200–$600. Contingency: 10–15%. Total: $18,000–$38,000.
Assumptions: region, specs, labor hours.
Cost Compared To Alternatives
Compared with tropical hardwoods or composite decking, cedar often offers lower upfront material costs but higher maintenance over time. Cedar’s natural rot resistance reduces some sealant requirements, yet it typically requires periodic staining. Compared with pressure-treated pine for framing, cedar costs rise due to density and durability, but long-term performance may offset some maintenance expenses. For fencing, cedar commonly sits between pine and redwood in price, with better dimensional stability than pine.
Maintenance & Ownership Costs
Ownership costs extend beyond initial install. Cedar accepts stains and sealants every 2–5 years, depending on exposure. Re-coating costs include materials plus a modest labor charge. Expect periodic replacement of boards damaged by weather or impact. Over a 5-year horizon, maintenance budgets may total 5–15% of initial material cost, depending on climate and care level.