Prices for Douglas Fir and Cedar vary by grade, treatment, and region, with cost driving decisions for framing, decking, and siding projects. This guide covers typical cost ranges in USD, with per-unit pricing and practical budget guidance. The main cost factors include material price per board foot or per linear foot, installation time, and region-specific labor rates.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Douglas Fir Lumber (dimensional) | $2.00/bd ft | $3.50/bd ft | $5.50/bd ft | Dry and treated variations affect price |
| Cedar Lumber (softwood) | $3.50/bd ft | $6.00/bd ft | $9.50/bd ft | Heartwood vs sapwood, species differences |
| Installation (labor) | $2.50-$4.00/ft2 | $4.00-$7.50/ft2 | $8.00+/ft2 | Depends on complexity and region |
| Finish & Sealants | $0.50-$1.50/ft2 | $1.00-$2.50/ft2 | $4.00/ft2 | Includes water seal or stain |
Overview Of Costs
Cost ranges for Douglas Fir vs Cedar depend on grade, treatment, and intended use (lumber, decking, or siding). Assumptions: regional pricing, standard home-use dimensions, and typical install crews.
Douglas Fir generally costs less per board foot than Cedar, but Cedar can offer longer-lasting exterior performance. Typical overall project ranges for a medium-size framing or decking job fall between $4,800 and $16,000, with per-unit references below. For projects prioritizing natural rot resistance and aesthetics, Cedar adds a premium but sometimes reduces maintenance costs over time.
Cost Breakdown
Itemized cost components help compare materials side by side.
| Component | Douglas Fir | Cedar | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | Low to mid range; untreated or kiln-dried | Mid to high range; naturally durable | Durability and finish options differ |
| Labor | Moderate; common for framings | Similar or slightly higher for siding/decking | Labor varies by pitch, exposure, and crew rates |
| Equipment | Standard tools | Same; may require specialty fasteners | Hidden costs if sealing or staining require special products |
| Permits | Typically none for interior framing | Depends on exterior renovations and local code | Permit cost varies by jurisdiction |
| Delivery/Disposal | Moderate | Moderate to high if large quantities | Bulk orders reduce per-unit delivery |
| Warranty | Material warranties from mills | Higher-end cedar may include longer warranties | Warranty terms vary by supplier |
| Contingency | 5-10% | 5-15% | Accounting for waste and cuts |
| Taxes | State and local | State and local | Taxable as products/services |
What Drives Price
Choosing between Douglas Fir and Cedar hinges on price per unit, maintenance needs, and climate exposure. The main price levers are material grade (e.g., #1 vs #2), treatment (pressure-treated vs kiln-dried), and whether the project is interior framing or exterior cladding. Cedar’s natural rot resistance can lower lifetime maintenance but raises upfront costs. For decking, cedar typically commands a higher premium than fir, especially in regions with severe weather.
Ways To Save
Smart budgeting can reduce overall project cost without sacrificing performance. Consider using Douglas Fir for structural components and Cedar for visible exterior elements to balance aesthetics and price. Purchasing in bulk, selecting lower grades for hidden areas, and coordinating delivery timing to avoid waste are practical strategies. Sealing and staining kits bought in advance often yield better per-square-foot costs than last-minute purchases.
Regional Price Differences
Prices vary by region due to supply, demand, and freight. In the Northeast, Cedar tends to be pricier due to imports and shorter growing seasons. The Midwest often shows a fir price advantage given local mills, while the West Coast can see higher Cedar prices from Pacific Northwest sources. Expect regional deltas of roughly ±10% for Cedar and ±5–15% for Fir depending on local supply chains.
Labor & Installation Time
Labor costs are a major portion of total project price. Installation rates commonly range from $2.50 to $7.50 per square foot, depending on complexity, access, and crew experience. Decking with intricate patterns or steep pitches increases hours and per-square-foot labor. A typical 300 ft2 deck may require 18–28 hours of labor, plus site prep and sealing.
Assumptions: region, specs, labor hours.
Real-World Pricing Examples
Three scenario cards illustrate typical ranges for common applications.
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Basic: Douglas Fir framing lumber for interior walls, standard thickness, no stain.
data-formula=”labor_hours × hourly_rate”>- Specs: 2×4, #2 grade, dry
- Labor: 12–18 hours
- Total: $4,800–$8,000
- Per-unit: $2.50–$3.00/ft2 installed
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Mid-Range: Cedar decking with basic sealant, standard planks, moderate complexity.
- Specs: 5/4 x 6, pressure-treated sill plates
- Labor: 24–38 hours
- Total: $9,000–$14,500
- Per-unit: $6.00–$9.50/ft2 installed
-
Premium: Cedar siding on a two-story home with premium finish and trim.
- Specs: Southeast cedar, clear grade, finish coat
- Labor: 60–90 hours
- Total: $18,000–$34,000
- Per-unit: $5.50–$12.00/ft2 installed
Assumptions: region, specs, labor hours.
FAQ
Common price questions often concern grading, moisture content, and finish choices. Cedar’s price reflects its durability and natural color retention, while Douglas Fir offers predictable performance at a lower upfront cost. Always request itemized quotes that separate materials, labor, and finishing to compare apples to apples.