A cedar chest typically costs $250-$1,800, with many new, standard-size chests priced around $650. Price depends on whether the chest is solid cedar or only cedar-lined, its size and finish, and whether it is mass-produced or custom-built.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New cedar chest | $250 | $650 | $1,800 | Standard furniture-store models; custom pieces can exceed this range |
| Small cedar-lined chest | $100 | $250 | $600 | Often veneer or mixed wood with a cedar interior |
| Custom solid-cedar chest | $900 | $1,800 | $3,500+ | Price varies with dimensions, joinery, and finish |
| Used cedar chest | $50 | $250 | $800 | Condition, age, maker, and local demand affect resale price |
Typical cedar chest prices by size and construction
A new cedar chest costs about $250-$1,800 for common retail models. A small blanket chest around 30-36 inches wide may cost $250-$600; a 40-50-inch standard chest often runs $450-$1,000; and a larger or upgraded model can reach $1,800. Custom furniture-maker pricing commonly starts near $900 and may exceed $3,500.
For a standard new chest, budgeting about $650 is a practical starting point. That estimate assumes a roughly 40-inch-wide model, ordinary furniture-grade construction, a basic stain or clear finish, and delivery within the seller’s service area. Prices may be higher in high-cost metro areas or for solid aromatic red cedar throughout.
Retail listings may call a piece a “cedar chest” even when only its interior is cedar. These models can use plywood, veneer, or another wood for the body, lowering the price. A chest made largely from cedar boards typically costs more because of material use, selection, and woodworking time.
Assumptions: U.S. retail pricing, standard household chest, no unusual delivery access, and no antique or collectible premium.
What cedar boards, hardware, and labor add to the quote
A furniture quote reflects more than the wood. For a standard 40-inch chest, the component ranges below are useful budgeting estimates; the maker’s total price may bundle labor, materials, overhead, and profit rather than itemizing each charge.
| Cost component | Low | Average | High | What changes the amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cedar and other wood | $100 | $250 | $550 | Solid cedar, grade, thickness, and interior lining coverage |
| Labor | $200 | $500 | $1,100 | Joinery, custom dimensions, sanding, and finishing |
| Hardware and finish | $30 | $100 | $250 | Hinges, lid support, handles, stain, and protective coating |
| Delivery | $0 | $75 | $250 | Distance, stairs, room placement, and assembly needs |
| Design or customization | $0 | $150 | $600 | Engraving, special sizing, carved details, or matching furniture |
Custom labor may be estimated at roughly $50-$100 per hour, though many cabinetmakers quote a fixed project price. A chest requiring 8-16 hours of cutting, assembly, sanding, and finishing could account for $400-$1,600 in labor at those rates.
Solid cedar and custom joinery are usually the biggest cost drivers in a made-to-order quote. Hardware is a smaller share unless the design calls for soft-close or safety-support hinges, decorative metalwork, or specialty locks. Ask whether delivery, finish, and interior lining are included before comparing totals.
How cedar type, width, and lid design change the price
Wood species and coverage matter. Aromatic eastern red cedar is commonly used for chest interiors and can also be used for the body. Some products use cedar veneer or cedar panels inside a less expensive cabinet. A cedar-lined chest may cost $100-$600, while a substantial solid-cedar model is more likely to fall between $600 and $1,800 at retail.
Dimensions affect both material use and construction. Moving from a 30-inch chest to a 48-inch model can add roughly $150-$500, depending on whether the larger unit uses thicker boards, a more elaborate base, or additional internal support. A deep chest designed for bulky bedding may cost more than a shallow decorative blanket box with the same width.
Lid construction also changes the quote. A basic hinged lid is generally less expensive than a shaped, paneled, or carved lid. A safety hinge or lid support may add around $20-$100 for parts and fitting. Engraving or a custom stain can add $50-$300, while extensive carving or a matched set may add several hundred dollars.
Check the product description for the chest’s wood species and which surfaces are actually cedar. “Cedar interior” does not mean a solid cedar exterior, and a photograph may not show the material beneath veneer. Ask for dimensions, thickness, lining coverage, and hardware details in writing.
Are custom cedar chests worth the extra $500?
Custom work can cost $900-$3,500 or more, compared with roughly $250-$1,800 for a standard retail chest. The extra cost may be justified when a room has an unusual alcove, a specific width is needed, or the buyer wants a particular wood grade, finish, or family engraving. Customization alone does not guarantee better durability; construction details matter.
For a standard bedroom, a factory-built cedar-lined chest may meet storage needs for less. A local woodworker can be a better fit when the target dimensions differ substantially from retail sizes, the chest must match existing furniture, or the design calls for solid cedar construction. Request a drawing and a materials list before paying a deposit.
Pay for custom dimensions or construction features that solve a real requirement, not simply for a “custom” label. Compare the custom estimate with a retail chest of similar width, material coverage, finish, and delivery terms. A $1,400 custom quote may be competitive if it includes solid cedar and hand-applied finishing, but expensive for a basic box with cedar veneer.
Regional delivery and retail prices across the United States
Furniture prices vary by retailer, shipping distance, and local labor. Compared with a typical national retail listing, buyers in major coastal metros may see delivered totals about 10%-25% higher, while some rural shoppers may find lower store prices but pay more for freight or room-of-choice delivery. These are planning differences, not guaranteed regional price rules.
A $650 chest could have a final delivered cost of $700-$900 when freight, stairs, or inside placement are added. In areas with nearby furniture makers and cedar suppliers, custom work may be more competitive. In regions where the maker must source specialty lumber or ship the finished chest, transport can add $100-$400 or more.
Compare the delivered price rather than the sticker price. Ask whether the quoted delivery includes bringing the chest into the bedroom, removing packaging, and carrying it upstairs. A curbside shipment can be cheaper but may require two people to move a heavy chest safely.
Three cedar chest quotes for common buying scenarios
The examples below illustrate realistic estimates, not fixed market prices. They assume ordinary access and no sales tax; taxes depend on the buyer’s state and local rate.
| Scenario | Specs and work | Estimated total | Approximate unit rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small retail chest | 32 inches wide, cedar-lined, basic hardware, local pickup | $250-$450 | $8-$14 per inch of width |
| Standard delivered model | 42 inches wide, upgraded finish, safety hinge, room delivery | $650-$1,050 | $15-$25 per inch of width |
| Custom solid-cedar chest | 48 inches wide, custom dimensions, 12 labor hours at $60-$90 per hour, finished and delivered | $1,400-$2,600 | $29-$54 per inch of width |
In the custom example, 12 labor hours at $60-$90 per hour represent $720-$1,080 in labor before wood, hardware, finishing supplies, delivery, and shop overhead. The final quote depends on cedar grade, board thickness, joinery, and whether the maker builds a cedar base and lid as well as cedar sides.
Compare each quote at the same width and material specification. A small lined chest should not be judged directly against a large solid-cedar piece by total price alone. Request itemized dimensions and construction details if two estimates differ by more than a few hundred dollars.
Delivery, assembly, and old-chest removal charges
Retail delivery may be included during a promotion, but common charges are $50-$150 for local delivery and $100-$250 for room placement or difficult access. Long-distance freight can cost $150-$500 or more, especially for a heavy, fully assembled chest. Assembly is often unnecessary for a one-piece chest, though a knock-down model may have a $40-$100 setup charge.
Removing an old chest is not always part of delivery. A retailer or hauling service may charge $50-$150 for pickup, depending on distance, stairs, and disposal requirements. Donating a usable chest can avoid that fee, but the buyer should confirm that the organization accepts large furniture and offers pickup.
Inspect the delivery route before scheduling. Narrow staircases, tight turns, elevator limits, or a doorway under the chest’s width may require extra handling or make delivery impossible without disassembly. Measure the chest and the full route, including door frames and landings.
Get delivery and removal charges in writing before checkout. A low online price can become less competitive after freight, inside placement, and old-furniture pickup are added. Confirm whether a damaged item will be repaired, replaced, or returned, and who pays return freight.
When a used chest or cedar lining costs less
A used cedar chest often sells for $50-$800 through estate sales, resale shops, and local listings. Plain, worn pieces may be available for $50-$250; clean, attractive examples often sell for $250-$500. A recognized maker, unusual design, or excellent condition can push the asking price toward $800 or higher, though asking prices do not guarantee resale value.
Check for loose joints, musty odors, water damage, warped panels, and a lid that drops unexpectedly. Replacing a hinge or making a small repair may cost $20-$100 in parts or $75-$200 for a local repair visit. Extensive refinishing can cost $200-$700, which may erase the savings over a new chest.
A cedar-lined chest can be a lower-cost alternative if the main goal is storing blankets or clothing with a cedar interior. Typical prices of $100-$600 may suit buyers who do not need a solid cedar exterior. A cedar liner kit or replacement boards may cost about $30-$150 in materials, but cutting and fitting them requires accurate measurements and basic woodworking skills.
Buy used when condition is sound and the discount remains meaningful after repairs and transport. For a chest with a musty or damaged interior, price the cleaning or relining before purchase. If the lid support is missing or unreliable, repair it before using the chest around children.
Lower the cedar chest price without sacrificing useful features
Choose a standard retail width and finish before requesting custom work. Avoiding a nonstandard size, carving, or a special stain can reduce a custom quote by $100-$600. If the chest will sit against a wall, a simpler back and plain hardware may also save money without affecting its storage function.
Compare cedar-lined and solid-cedar construction based on the intended use. A cedar-lined model can cost hundreds less while still providing a cedar interior. If a solid-wood exterior is important, ask whether the entire chest needs to be cedar or whether cedar panels with a more affordable structural wood are acceptable.
Check seasonal sale pricing and local pickup options, but include delivery in the comparison. Buying from a nearby retailer or maker may avoid freight charges, while a sale model can have a lower price but limited finish or size choices. Two or three written quotes make it easier to identify differences in wood, hinges, warranty, and delivery.
Keep the specification simple and compare the final delivered total. Do not pay extra for engraving, premium hardware, or a matching finish unless those features matter. For a chest that only needs minor repairs, compare repair cost with replacement before discarding it; a $100-$250 repair may be preferable to buying a similar new model.