Typical labor costs to install cedar siding depend on project size, siding profile, and crew efficiency. The price is driven by surface area, type of cedar, waste removal needs, and the complexity of the exterior features. This article provides cost ranges in USD and practical estimates for budgeting a cedar siding project focused on labor.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Labor (install cedar siding) | $2.80/sq ft | $4.50/sq ft | $7.50/sq ft | Includes framing prep and nailing; excludes material |
| Labor (project per 1,000 sq ft) | $3,000 | $4,000 | $9,000 | Assumes standard 3/8 to 1/2 inch cedar with straight runs |
| Team size & hours | 1 worker, 80–120 hours | 2 workers, 40–90 hours | 4 workers, 20–60 hours | Smaller homes take longer per square foot |
| Delivery & waste disposal | $200 | $600 | $1,200 | Depends on distance to job site |
| Permits & inspections | $0 | $150 | $600 | Local rules vary by municipality |
Overview Of Costs
Cost ranges reflect labor only, with material costs separate. Typical cedar siding crews charge by square foot or by project, with a nationwide spread based on local wage levels. Assumptions: cedar siding profile standard boards, weather-tight installation, and no major structural repairs. Labor costs can comprise roughly two-thirds of total project pricing in many markets. The per-square-foot rate captures common crew wages and productivity; regional differences can shift the total upward or downward.
Cost Breakdown
| Category | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials (cedar siding, fasteners) | $2.50 | $5.00 | $9.50 | Includes backer and starter trim; excludes new insulation |
| Labor | $2.80/sq ft | $4.50/sq ft | $7.50/sq ft | Primary driver of cost |
| Equipment | $0.50/sq ft | $1.00/sq ft | $2.00/sq ft | Nail guns, cutting tools, scaffolding |
| Permits | $0 | $150 | $600 | Depends on location and scope |
| Delivery/Disposal | $150 | $400 | $900 | Material transport and cleanup |
| Contingency | $200 | $500 | $1,200 | Overruns, weather delays |
data-formula=”labor_hours × hourly_rate”> Assumptions: region, scope, and labor hours vary by home size and siding profile. Example: an average crew might bill 40–90 hours for a mid-size house.
What Drives Price
Crew productivity and fastener quality influence both time and finish. Cedar siding complexity, including corner trims, window and door surrounds, and corner posts, raises labor time. Settlement or irregular walls require more cuts and handling. A typical project uses standard 6-8 inch boards; thicker or longer boards add weight and cut time. Weather conditions can slow progress, shifting daily output and total hours.
Labor & Installation Time
Labor time estimates for cedar siding depend on wall area, access, and board length. A common rule is about 1,000–1,500 sq ft of siding installed per crew over several days, assuming flat walls and clean framing. For homes with multiple levels or complex angles, plan for 20–40% more hours. Per-hour rates in the U.S. commonly range from $40 to $75 for skilled carpenters, with crew overhead and insurance folded into the quote.
Regional Price Differences
Prices vary by region due to wages and transportation. In the Northeast, labor tends to be higher; the Midwest often sits in the middle; the Southeast may be lower but with higher moisture-related concerns. A typical delta is ±15–25% between regions for labor alone. Urban areas often incur higher delivery and permit costs.
Additional & Hidden Costs
Hidden costs include scaffold rental, moisture barriers, additional trim materials, and potential repair work to damaged sheathing. If insulation or vapor barriers must be added, expect incremental labor and materials. Some projects require specialty finishes or sealants that affect both cost and maintenance. Hidden fees can add several hundred dollars to the total.
Real-World Pricing Examples
Three scenario cards illustrate common outcomes.
- Basic scenario: 1,200 sq ft of standard cedar siding, 1 story, straightforward trim. Labor: $4.50/sq ft; Materials: $4.00/sq ft. Total labor-focused estimate: $5,400; per-unit labor: $4.50/sq ft. Assumptions: few corners, no heavy spray finishing.
- Mid-Range scenario: 2,000 sq ft, two-story, modest architectural details. Labor: $4.50/sq ft; Materials: $5.50/sq ft; Permits: $300; Delivery/Disposal: $500. Total: $14,000–$17,000. Assumptions: added trim and window surrounds processed by hand.
- Premium scenario: 3,000 sq ft, complex angles, premium cedar with higher grade boards. Labor: $7.00/sq ft; Materials: $9.00/sq ft; Equipment: $1.50/sq ft; Permits: $600; Contingency: $1,500. Total: $39,000–$45,000. Assumptions: specialty finishes and extra insulation work.
Assumptions: region, specs, labor hours.