Douglas fir usually costs less upfront than cedar, but exterior projects may need treatment, sealing, or more frequent maintenance. For a typical U.S. deck, expect roughly $25-$45 per square foot for fir and $35-$65 for cedar installed; lumber grade, project size, local labor, and exposure can shift those totals.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Douglas fir lumber | $4 per board foot | $6 per board foot | $9 per board foot | Standard surfaced boards; grade and region vary |
| Western red cedar lumber | $6 per board foot | $9 per board foot | $14 per board foot | Clear, wide, or specialty stock can exceed this |
| Fir deck, installed | $25 per sq ft | $35 per sq ft | $45 per sq ft | Basic design with suitable exterior protection |
| Cedar deck, installed | $35 per sq ft | $48 per sq ft | $65 per sq ft | Western red cedar decking, standard framing |
| Wood fence, installed | $18 per linear ft | $28 per linear ft | $45 per linear ft | Style, height, posts, and terrain affect price |
Assumptions: U.S. retail lumber and contractor pricing for standard projects with normal access; regional quotes and material grades differ.
Douglas Fir and Cedar Lumber Prices Per Board Foot
Douglas fir commonly runs about $4-$9 per board foot for standard surfaced lumber, while western red cedar is often $6-$14. A board foot equals 144 cubic inches, so a 1-inch-thick, 12-inch-wide, 1-foot-long board contains one board foot. Retailers may instead quote decking by the linear foot or square foot, making thickness and width important when comparing prices.
For comparable standard boards, cedar commonly carries a 25%-60% material premium over fir. Clear cedar, wide boards, and selected grain can cost substantially more than knotty or utility-grade stock. Douglas fir may also jump in price when a project needs appearance-grade pieces rather than framing lumber.
These figures describe raw material, not a completed outdoor project. Fir is strong and widely used for framing, but untreated fir is less naturally resistant to rot and insects than cedar. Exterior exposure can require pressure treatment, protective coating, careful detailing, or a different wood specification. Cedar’s natural durability can make its higher purchase price more attractive where reduced treatment is a priority.
Compare the same dimensions, grade, finish, and intended use. A quote for rough-sawn fir is not directly comparable with kiln-dried, surfaced cedar decking. Also check whether sales tax, delivery, and waste allowance are included; board selection and cuts can add 5%-15% to the lumber order.
What Fir and Cedar Deck Quotes Include
For a basic 200-square-foot deck, installed pricing can span roughly $5,000-$9,000 for fir and $7,000-$13,000 for cedar. Those totals generally assume a straightforward, low deck with standard framing and no major stairs, demolition, or structural repairs. Elevated platforms, complex borders, and difficult access add labor and hardware.
| Quote component | Douglas fir range | Cedar range | What changes the charge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Decking materials | $3-$7 per sq ft | $5-$11 per sq ft | Grade, board width, waste, and thickness |
| Framing and fasteners | $4-$9 per sq ft | $4-$9 per sq ft | Span, framing condition, and corrosion-resistant hardware |
| Installation labor | $12-$22 per sq ft | $14-$25 per sq ft | Cutting details, stairs, height, and local rates |
| Finish and treatment | $2-$6 per sq ft | $1-$5 per sq ft | Product type, coats, and surface preparation |
| Removal and disposal | $2-$6 per sq ft | $2-$6 per sq ft | Old deck size, haul distance, and disposal rules |
Labor and framing can outweigh the difference in board price on a small or complicated deck. A labor estimate can be checked using ; many carpentry rates fall around $50-$100 per hour, though contractors may quote by square foot or project rather than time.
Some estimates include joists, posts, ledger flashing, and permits; others price those separately. Ask whether the decking figure covers only visible boards or the entire structure. A fir deck that needs more preparation or finishing may narrow its initial savings, while a cedar quote with premium clear boards may overstate the cost of a standard knotty-grade alternative.
How Board Grade, Width, and Exposure Change the Quote
Grade and appearance are major price drivers. Knotty cedar can be much less expensive than clear cedar, and select-grade fir also commands more than common framing stock. Wider boards may cost more per board but reduce seams and installation time. For either wood, compare actual thickness and usable coverage rather than relying on a per-board price.
Exposure and treatment requirements can change the material comparison as much as species does. In ground contact, untreated fir is generally a poor cost-saving choice; use properly rated pressure-treated lumber where appropriate, or specify durable posts and keep deck boards out of standing water. Fir decking exposed to rain and sun typically needs a finish schedule, while cedar also benefits from protection if color retention is desired.
Deck size matters because contractors have setup costs. A 100-square-foot platform can have a higher per-square-foot rate than a 400-square-foot rectangle, even though its total is lower. For a 200-square-foot deck, allowing 5%-10% extra boards for cuts is common; diagonal layouts or intricate borders can increase waste toward 10%-15%.
Structural dimensions can move the quote into a different range. A deck more than 30 inches above grade may need guards and stairs, and longer joist spans can require larger framing members or additional supports. Those requirements affect both fir and cedar totals, but they are not solved by choosing cheaper decking boards.
Which Wood Costs Less for a Fence
Fence pricing depends on the whole assembly, not just pickets. A basic 6-foot wood fence often costs about $18-$32 per linear foot installed with fir components and $24-$45 with cedar, depending on style, local labor, and whether the posts are included. A 100-foot run could therefore total about $1,800-$3,200 for fir or $2,400-$4,500 for cedar before unusual site work.
Cedar’s premium is most visible in pickets and rails, while post choice can determine how long the fence lasts. Many fences use pressure-treated posts even when the visible boards are cedar or fir. That combination can control cost and address ground-contact exposure; ask which parts are treated and which are naturally durable.
Privacy fences use more wood than spaced picket styles, and board-on-board construction uses still more. Sloped ground, rocky soil, corner posts, gates, and removal of an old fence can add roughly $3-$15 per linear foot or more. Fir may be a reasonable budget choice for a protected, well-maintained fence, but untreated boards close to soil or persistent moisture can shorten service life.
For a fair comparison, request the same height, post spacing, gate count, board pattern, and finish. A cedar quote may use premium clear pickets while a fir quote uses knotty boards; the difference is not solely the species. If the fence is exposed to sprinklers or damp shade, include the expected finish and repair schedule in the comparison.
How Much Installation Time Do Fir and Cedar Need
For a simple 200-square-foot ground-level deck, a small crew may spend roughly 3-6 working days on framing, decking, and trim, excluding delays for permits or weather. A raised deck with stairs and guardrails can take 1-2 weeks. Cedar is softer and can be easier to cut, but careful handling helps prevent dents and split ends; fir can be harder and heavier depending on the stock.
Labor time is driven more by layout and site conditions than by the species alone. A straight rectangular deck with clear access is faster than one with multiple levels, curves, or tight cuts around a house. Removing an old structure can add a day or more, while moving materials through a narrow side yard can raise labor charges without changing the material quantity.
Typical carpentry labor rates often land around $50-$100 per hour, with higher rates in costly metro areas or for specialized structural work. Contractors may calculate labor as a fixed bid, so the hourly equivalent is useful only as a quote check. Ask how many workers are included, whether cleanup is covered, and what happens if hidden rot is found.
Seasonal schedules also matter. Outdoor work is often busiest in spring and early summer; a contractor may have less scheduling flexibility then. Weather can postpone installation or finishing, particularly when coatings need suitable temperatures and dry conditions. A written schedule should distinguish working days from calendar days.
Why Fir and Cedar Quotes Differ by Region
Cedar is generally more readily available in parts of the Pacific Northwest and western Canada supply markets, while freight can raise its price farther inland or east. Douglas fir is common in western construction supply chains, but regional inventory, treatment requirements, and local demand still influence its price. As a broad planning allowance, delivered lumber may run 10%-25% higher in remote or freight-heavy markets than in well-stocked metro areas.
Local labor can produce a larger total-price swing than the lumber premium. Contractor rates and project totals in high-cost coastal metros may be 15%-35% above comparable rural markets, while dense urban access, parking, and disposal can add more. These are planning differences, not fixed regional tariffs; nearby suppliers can quote very different amounts.
Climate affects the specification. In wet or humid areas, drainage, ventilation, and ground clearance deserve attention for either species. In hot, sunny locations, surface checking and fading can increase the need for cleaning and finish maintenance. Coastal exposure may require corrosion-resistant fasteners, which can add roughly $100-$500 on a modest deck depending on hardware quantity and specification.
Get at least two local quotes using the same drawing or measured scope. Ask suppliers for delivery charges and current stock in the exact grade and dimensions. A low lumber price may not be a bargain if the chosen boards require long-distance delivery, substantial sorting, or a finish system that the comparison quote already includes.
Can Sealing and Treatment Reduce Fir’s Price Advantage
Douglas fir’s lower purchase price can be partly offset by treatment and upkeep. A professional cleaning and sealing job may cost about $1-$3 per square foot, with larger projects sometimes priced lower per square foot. Depending on sun, rain, and product, exterior wood may need attention every 1-3 years. Cedar can also be sealed, and uncoated cedar will weather toward gray rather than remain its original color.
Compare the maintenance plan over five years, not only the first lumber invoice. For a 200-square-foot deck, one maintenance visit at $200-$600 is a meaningful expense; repeated visits can add $400-$1,800 over five years. These estimates exclude repairs and vary with preparation, coating type, access, and whether the homeowner does the work.
Cedar’s natural resistance does not make it immune to decay. Keeping boards dry, clearing debris, and maintaining drainage matter for both woods. Fir used outdoors should be specified for the application; a protective coating is not a substitute for lumber rated for ground contact or a detail that traps water. Avoid paying for a premium stain or finish if the project plan does not support its required maintenance interval.
When comparing ownership cost, account for board replacement as well as routine care. A few damaged boards can be replaced locally, but matching a faded or discontinued color may be difficult. Ask whether the quote includes an initial finish, what product is proposed, and whether the warranty covers materials only or labor too.
Three Fir and Cedar Project Budgets Compared
The examples below show how scope can matter as much as species. They assume standard access, ordinary designs, and mid-market U.S. labor; they are planning estimates rather than bids. Local permit fees, taxes, demolition, and unusual soil or framing conditions may be extra.
| Project | Fir estimate | Cedar estimate | Pricing assumptions |
|---|---|---|---|
| 200-sq-ft low deck | $5,000-$9,000 | $7,000-$13,000 | Standard framing; about $25-$45 or $35-$65 per sq ft installed |
| 100-linear-ft, 6-ft privacy fence | $1,800-$3,200 | $2,400-$4,500 | Basic layout; about $18-$32 or $24-$45 per linear ft |
| 40-sq-ft porch resurfacing | $600-$1,400 | $800-$1,800 | Existing framing sound; about $15-$35 or $20-$45 per sq ft |
Resurfacing is less expensive only when the existing framing is structurally sound. For the porch example, demolition and disposal could add $100-$400, while replacing joists or ledger boards may add several hundred dollars or more. A contractor should inspect the framing before presenting a material-only comparison.
In a basic deck scenario, fir’s lower board cost can save hundreds of dollars, but finish and treatment requirements may reduce that difference. Cedar becomes more competitive when its durability suits the exposure and the buyer values its appearance without choosing clear premium stock. For fences, post material and gates often outweigh small differences in picket price.
Lower the Quote by Controlling Wood Grade and Scope
Choose the grade that fits the visible application. Premium clear boards across an entire deck can add a substantial amount; using appearance-grade wood only on highly visible surfaces and standard suitable stock elsewhere may reduce the material bill. Confirm that any lower grade is appropriate for the intended use and that dimensions match the structural plan.
The most reliable savings come from reducing complexity, not skipping necessary protection. A rectangular layout, standard board widths, and fewer stairs or custom borders can reduce cuts and labor. Ordering accurately and coordinating delivery can also limit waste and repeated handling. Keep a reasonable 5%-10% cutting allowance rather than ordering excess boards without a takeoff.
Compare at least three written quotes with matching specifications for species, grade, dimensions, treatment, fasteners, finish, demolition, and disposal. Ask contractors to separate labor from materials and identify exclusions. If one bid is much lower, check for missing framing, permits, railing, or finishing rather than assuming it represents a better price.
Do not economize by using untreated fir in an unsuitable exposure or by omitting required guards and structural work. Instead, consider cedar in visible decking and rated treated lumber for appropriate hidden or ground-contact components, where local code and design allow. Schedule work when the contractor can complete the full scope efficiently, and decide whether the appearance benefit of a higher cedar grade justifies its added cost.