Cedar planks typically cost $2-$8 per linear foot, or about $8-$32 for a common 1-by-6-inch, 8-foot board; clear, thicker, or specialty planks can cost more. The cost of cedar planks depends on species, grade, dimensions, finish, local availability, and whether the estimate includes installation.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1-by-6-inch cedar plank, 8 ft | $8 | $16 | $32 | Board price varies by grade and species |
| Cedar plank material | $2/linear ft | $4/linear ft | $8+/linear ft | Common thickness and standard retail supply |
| Installed plank work | $5/sq ft | $10/sq ft | $20+/sq ft | Installation, access, finish, and project type affect price |
Assumptions: U.S. retail pricing for standard cedar boards and straightforward installation; local quotes may differ.
What cedar planks cost by board size and grade
For a basic 1-by-6-inch plank, an 8-foot board commonly runs $8-$20 in knotty cedar and $18-$32 or more in clearer, higher-grade stock. A 12-foot board of the same nominal width may cost roughly $12-$48, depending on grade and species. These are material prices, not installed prices.
At about 5.5 inches of face coverage, a 1-by-6 plank uses roughly 2.2 linear feet per square foot before waste. That puts common material near $4-$18 per square foot. Add around 10%-15% for cuts and defects on a simple layout; complex patterns may need more.
For a quick budget, use $2-$8 per linear foot for ordinary stock, then price the exact grade and dimensions. Cedar sold as siding, decking, fencing, or interior paneling may have different profiles and pricing than unfinished boards.
How lumber, labor, and finishing shape the quote
A project quote may combine planks with fasteners, trim, surface preparation, finish, and labor. The table gives typical planning ranges; the exact mix depends on whether the job is a fence, wall, ceiling, or deck.
| Quote item | Low | Average | High | What changes it |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cedar planks | $2/linear ft | $4/linear ft | $8+/linear ft | Grade, species, thickness, profile |
| Installation labor | $3/sq ft | $6/sq ft | $12+/sq ft | Layout, height, access, local rates |
| Fasteners and trim | $0.50/sq ft | $1.50/sq ft | $4/sq ft | Stainless fasteners and detailed edges |
| Stain or sealer | $0.50/sq ft | $1.50/sq ft | $3/sq ft | Product, coats, surface condition |
| Removal and disposal | $1/sq ft | $3/sq ft | $6+/sq ft | Existing material and haul distance |
Labor and project preparation can rival the plank bill, especially when old boards must be removed. A basic installation may take $50-$100 per labor hour for a small crew, with minimum charges common on short jobs.
Which plank thickness, width, and grade raise the price
Thickness and grade have a substantial effect. A standard 1-by-6 board is typically about ¾ inch thick and 5½ inches wide; 5/4 decking or thicker boards use more wood and can cost 20%-60% more per linear foot. Wider planks cover more area per board but may cost more per piece and can be less readily stocked.
Knotty cedar is generally less expensive than clear or select grades, which have fewer visible knots and defects. Clear stock can cost 50%-150% more than common knotty boards. Long lengths, tongue-and-groove edges, bevels, and factory finishes can add roughly 10%-40% over comparable unfinished boards.
Check the actual thickness, face coverage, and grade on the quote rather than comparing board counts alone. Western red cedar and other cedar species are not interchangeable in price, color, or availability; confirm the named species before ordering.
Control cedar plank spending with a tighter material plan
Keep the design within standard dimensions and lengths where possible. Unusual widths, custom milling, and long boards can increase both material cost and waste. Measure the area, confirm the usable face width, and ask the supplier to calculate board quantity with a stated waste allowance.
Choose knotty grade where appearance requirements allow, and compare unfinished boards with prefinished options after including the labor and materials for coating. Get at least three quotes that specify species, grade, dimensions, finish, delivery, and removal separately. A line-by-line comparison prevents a low board price from hiding missing project charges.
For an existing cedar surface, replace damaged planks rather than rebuilding a sound frame. Avoid paying for premium clear lumber where knots are acceptable, but do not substitute interior-grade boards for an outdoor application without confirming suitability.
Why cedar plank prices differ by U.S. region
Markets near cedar suppliers or major lumber distributors may price standard stock 5%-15% below areas that rely on longer-distance freight. Remote locations and dense urban markets can run 10%-25% higher than a typical regional quote because of delivery, labor, and limited inventory. These are planning differences, not fixed regional tariffs.
Seasonal demand can also change availability. Spring and early summer often bring more competition for contractors and outdoor materials, while winter scheduling may be easier in some areas but impractical for exposed work. Ask whether a quote includes delivery; a small order may incur a $50-$150 drop charge or a minimum purchase requirement.
Use local supplier prices and written contractor quotes for the final budget, particularly for specialty profiles.
Installed cedar plank examples for common project sizes
A 100-square-foot interior accent wall using knotty 1-by-6 boards may need about 220 linear feet before waste. Materials could total $440-$1,100, with labor, trim, and finish bringing a straightforward installed quote to roughly $900-$2,000.
A 200-square-foot outdoor fence face using standard cedar planks may require $500-$1,400 in boards and fasteners, depending on spacing and grade. Installation and removal of an old fence can bring the total to about $1,500-$3,500, excluding major post or frame replacement.
A 150-square-foot covered ceiling in clear, tongue-and-groove cedar may use $1,200-$2,700 in planks alone. Detailed cuts, overhead work, trim, and finishing can push the complete job to $2,500-$5,000. These examples show why surface area and finish requirements matter as much as board price.
When cedar plank installation costs more labor
Flat, accessible walls are usually less costly to cover than ceilings, stairways, or surfaces with many corners and openings. Plank installation labor commonly falls around $3-$12 per square foot, but intricate layouts or overhead work can exceed that range. A contractor may quote by area, hourly rate, or project minimum.
Prep can add several hours for removing old cladding, correcting uneven framing, or working around outlets and trim. Confirm whether the quote includes substrate repairs, cuts around fixtures, cleanup, and finish coats. Ask for labor hours or a defined scope so a higher bid can be tied to specific work.
Compare cedar with pine and composite plank alternatives
Pressure-treated pine boards may cost about $1-$4 per linear foot, often less than cedar, but their appearance and maintenance needs differ. Composite planks can run around $4-$12 per linear foot, with product-specific installation requirements and a higher upfront material price. Compare equivalent dimensions and intended uses rather than board prices alone.
Cedar can be left unfinished or treated according to exposure and desired appearance; finishes add initial expense and periodic upkeep. For an outdoor project, compare the expected maintenance, fastener type, and replacement needs over time. The lowest purchase price may not be the lowest ownership cost if the material or finish does not suit the location.