The cost of cedar posts typically ranges from $20 to $350 per post, depending on dimensions, cedar species, grade, and finish. Installed prices often run $80-$250 per post for ordinary fence or deck work, with deeper holes, concrete, difficult access, and premium timbers raising the quote.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4x4x8 cedar post | $20 | $32 | $50 | Common fence size; price varies by grade and finish |
| 6x6x8 cedar post | $50 | $85 | $140 | Used for heavier fences, decks, and entry structures |
| 8x8x10 cedar post | $140 | $230 | $380 | Large structural timber; species and appearance grade matter |
| Installed fence post | $80 | $145 | $250 | Typical hole, setting, and standard access; excludes unusual removal |
Assumptions: U.S. retail and contractor pricing, standard cedar stock, ordinary access, and no major permitting or structural engineering.
What Cedar Posts Cost by Size and Grade
For a standard 4x4x8 post, buyers commonly pay $20-$50 for construction-grade cedar and about $30-$70 for clearer, better-finished stock. A 4x4x10 post often costs $30-$75. These are material-only prices; a bundle purchase or local lumberyard order may change the per-post rate.
A 6x6x8 cedar post usually costs $50-$140, while a 6x6x10 can run $75-$190. Larger posts contain more lumber and are less commonly stocked, so freight and special-order fees can be significant. Rough-sawn posts may cost less than surfaced lumber, but their actual dimensions and appearance differ.
Heavy 8×8 posts often range from $140-$380 each in lengths around 8-12 feet. Clear, straight-grained western red cedar intended for visible structural work can exceed that range, especially in long lengths. Split, peeled, or rustic posts may be priced by the piece or linear foot rather than by standardized dimensions.
For a basic cedar fence, budget roughly $25-$55 per 4×4 post before installation; larger structural posts can cost several times more. The estimate should specify actual length, nominal dimensions, species, grade, treatment, and whether the price includes cutting or end sealing.
How Lumber, Labor, and Delivery Shape a Cedar Post Quote
A contractor’s installed price combines the post with setting materials, excavation, labor, delivery, and sometimes removal of an existing post. The table gives typical ranges for a straightforward replacement or new installation. A full fence project may quote posts as part of a larger per-linear-foot price instead of listing each component.
| Quote component | Typical range | Pricing basis | What changes the charge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cedar post | $20-$140 | Per post, common 4×4 or 6×6 sizes | Length, grade, species, and finish |
| Concrete and gravel | $8-$35 | Per post hole | Hole diameter, depth, and number of bags |
| Installation labor | $45-$130 | Per post on uncomplicated work | Soil, layout, crew size, and access |
| Delivery and handling | $25-$125 | Per order or short delivery | Distance, order size, and unloading requirements |
| Old post removal | $25-$100 | Per post | Concrete footing size and disposal needs |
Small jobs may carry a minimum charge of $150-$400, even when only one or two posts are being set. Some contractors include ordinary concrete and cleanup in the labor rate; others list them separately. A quote should clarify who supplies the posts and whether tax, delivery, and disposal are included.
Labor can be estimated as . A two-person crew may charge the equivalent of $75-$150 per crew hour, with higher rates in expensive metro areas. For a single uncomplicated post, labor commonly represents more of the total than the lumber itself.
Ask for separate material, labor, delivery, and removal prices so a low post price does not conceal a high installation charge. For comparisons, request the same dimensions, hole depth, concrete method, and cleanup scope from each contractor.
Why Post Length, Cedar Grade, and Hole Depth Change the Price
Length is a direct cost driver because longer stock uses more material and may require special ordering. Moving from an 8-foot to a 10-foot 4×4 can add roughly $10-$30, while a 12-foot or longer post may add $25-$80 or more. Long pieces also need suitable vehicle access and careful unloading to avoid damage.
Cross-section matters even more: a nominal 6×6 contains more than twice the lumber volume of a nominal 4×4 of equal length. A move from 4×4 to 6×6 can add $30-$100 per post before installation. For gate posts, deck supports, and other load-bearing uses, the required size should follow the design rather than a price-only substitution.
Grade and species affect appearance, durability, and supply. Clear cedar with fewer knots and a consistent look often costs 20%-60% more than common construction grade. Western red cedar, inland red cedar, and other cedar products are not interchangeable in every market; confirm the species and intended exposure rather than relying on the label alone.
Hole dimensions alter labor and concrete use. A typical fence post may use a 10-12-inch-wide hole around 24-36 inches deep, while taller fences, gates, frost-prone areas, or local code can call for deeper or wider footings. Each additional foot of depth may add $15-$45 in excavation and materials, depending on soil and access.
Rock, roots, buried utilities, steep slopes, and wet or unstable soil can raise labor substantially. A contractor may charge $50-$200 extra per difficult hole, or use specialized equipment at a minimum fee. Locating underground utilities before digging prevents avoidable repairs and should be included in the project schedule.
Dimension, grade, and depth are the three quote details most likely to explain a large difference between cedar-post estimates. Get the post dimensions and footing specifications in writing, especially for structural or gate applications.
Which Cedar Post Costs Can Be Controlled Before Ordering
Choose dimensions to match the actual use. A decorative garden fence may not need the same 6×6 posts used for a heavy gate or deck support. Reducing an unnecessary size or length can save $20-$100 or more per post, but structural requirements, wind exposure, fence height, and local rules take priority over savings.
Compare common construction-grade cedar with premium clear stock only after deciding how visible the posts will be. Knots and color variation are often acceptable for a back fence but may matter at an entry or porch. Rough-sawn stock can also be a lower-priced option when its texture and actual dimensions fit the design.
Ordering several posts at once can reduce per-unit delivery expense and may qualify for a lumberyard discount. Check whether the quote includes handling, since long timbers may require special unloading. Combining post replacement with nearby fence repairs can reduce repeat trip charges, though it does not guarantee lower material pricing.
Prepare the site by clearing brush and moving stored items away from work areas. Mark the fence line and confirm post locations before the crew arrives. Homeowners should not dig until underground utilities have been located; accidental line damage can overwhelm any labor savings.
Get at least three written quotes using the same post size, grade, length, hole depth, concrete approach, and removal scope. Schedule nonurgent work when local contractors have availability rather than requesting an emergency visit. Avoid paying for stain or sealer automatically: cedar’s desired appearance and exposure conditions should determine whether finishing is needed.
The safest savings come from controlling scope, delivery, and unnecessary premium appearance upgrades—not from reducing a post’s structural size without approval. Ask contractors to explain any lower-priced material substitution and confirm that it suits the intended use.
How Many Crew Hours Cedar Post Installation Usually Takes
On accessible ground, a two-person crew may install a new fence post in about 45-90 minutes, including layout, digging, setting, and cleanup. Several posts installed along one fence line are faster per post because setup and travel time are shared. A small job can still cost more per unit because the contractor’s minimum charge applies.
Replacing a post set in an old concrete footing commonly takes 1-2 hours per post. Breaking up and extracting a large footing can add 30-90 minutes, and disposal may be priced separately. A post attached to a gate or structural member can require temporary bracing and careful alignment, increasing the time beyond a simple fence replacement.
Labor rates vary by market and trade. A general fence crew may effectively charge $50-$100 per worker hour, while specialty carpentry or high-cost metro work may reach $75-$125 per worker hour. The crew’s billable rate can include vehicles, insurance, tools, and business overhead, not just take-home wages.
Weather and setting method affect timing. Concrete-set posts may need to remain undisturbed while the mix cures, often at least 24 hours before loading, though product directions and temperature matter. Contractors may set several posts in one visit and return for rails or panels later; ask whether a return trip is part of the estimate.
For a short run, compare the total minimum job charge rather than multiplying an hourly rate by one post’s digging time. The labor estimate should state the number of workers, expected work period, and whether removal or cleanup is included.
How Cedar Post Prices Shift Across U.S. Regions
Local supply and labor can move a cedar-post quote noticeably. As a broad planning estimate, material prices in regions with nearby cedar distribution may be 5%-15% below the national middle, while remote areas relying on long-distance freight can be 10%-30% higher. Availability changes by species, length, and lumberyard inventory, so the pattern is not uniform.
Installed work in lower-cost rural markets may run 10%-20% below a national midrange when travel is short and soil is easy to dig. Dense urban markets and high-cost coastal metros can be 15%-35% higher because of wages, parking, disposal rules, and minimum service charges. Remote rural jobs can also cost more when crews must travel a long distance.
Regional weather affects the required installation, not just labor prices. In areas with deeper frost penetration, posts may need deeper footings, which can add $15-$45 or more per post for digging and concrete. Wind exposure, local fence rules, and ground conditions may also change post spacing or footing specifications.
Freight becomes important for 10-12-foot posts and large timbers. A local yard may charge $25-$125 for delivery, while long-distance or special handling can exceed $150. When comparing suppliers, include delivery and any minimum order instead of comparing shelf prices alone.
Use regional percentages as a starting point, then verify local labor, freight, and footing requirements with current written estimates. A nearby lumberyard and a contractor familiar with local soil conditions can provide more useful pricing than a national average by itself.
Cedar Versus Pressure-Treated Posts and Other Materials
Pressure-treated pine is a common lower-cost alternative for posts in ground contact. A typical 4x4x8 treated post may cost $10-$25, compared with roughly $20-$50 for cedar of similar nominal dimensions. A 6×6 treated post may cost $25-$65, while cedar often runs $50-$140. Local availability and treatment rating affect both ranges.
Cedar is often selected for its appearance and natural resistance to decay, but its performance depends on species, grade, moisture exposure, and installation. Not every cedar post is rated or suitable for every ground-contact application. Confirm the product’s intended use and follow local code or design requirements, particularly for structural supports.
Steel posts may cost about $25-$80 each for common fence applications, with heavier or decorative systems costing more. They can provide a different durability and maintenance profile but may require compatible brackets, rails, or panels. The complete system price matters more than comparing the bare post alone.
For one damaged post, repair may be cheaper than full replacement if the post is sound above ground and the failure is limited to a connection or loose footing. A basic brace or hardware repair may cost $50-$200, but rot at or below grade often makes replacement the more reliable option. Inspection should determine whether the surrounding fence is also compromised.
Compare installed system prices, expected exposure, and required post ratings—not only the price of one cedar post. A lower-cost material can become a poor substitute if it does not meet the structural or ground-contact requirements of the project.
Three Cedar Post Quotes for Fence and Deck Projects
A small repair quote illustrates why service minimums matter. Replacing two 4x4x8 fence posts with standard cedar might include $60-$90 for lumber, $20-$50 for concrete and gravel, and $180-$300 for two hours of a two-person crew. With delivery and disposal, the total could land around $300-$500, or $150-$250 per post.
A 10-post fence run offers better labor efficiency. Ten 4x4x8 posts at $25-$45 each cost $250-$450. Concrete and gravel at $10-$25 per hole add $100-$250, while a crew spending 8-12 total labor hours at an effective $75-$125 per crew hour adds $600-$1,500. With $50-$125 delivery, a reasonable post-only installed range is about $1,000-$2,300.
A pair of 6x6x10 gate posts may require heavier digging and more careful alignment. Posts at $90-$180 each cost $180-$360; concrete and gravel may add $50-$120; and 3-5 crew hours at $75-$125 per hour add $225-$625. Delivery or old footing removal can bring the total to roughly $500-$1,300.
| Example scope | Material rate | Labor estimate | Likely total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Two 4×4 fence replacements | $25-$45 per post | 2 crew hours at $90-$150 | $300-$500 |
| Ten 4×4 posts, new run | $25-$45 per post | 8-12 crew hours at $75-$125 | $1,000-$2,300 |
| Two 6×6 gate posts | $90-$180 per post | 3-5 crew hours at $75-$125 | $500-$1,300 |
These examples exclude fence panels, rails, gates, staining, and major rock excavation. The ten-post estimate assumes ordinary access and standard holes; difficult soil or a large concrete footing can push the total higher. Prices also vary with local labor and whether the contractor’s hourly rate is quoted per worker or per crew.
Use these examples to check scope and arithmetic, not as fixed bids for every market. Each estimate should state post dimensions, quantity, footing details, labor basis, delivery, taxes, and removal charges.