The price of cedar fence boards is usually $3-$16 per board, depending mainly on length, grade, thickness, and local lumber prices. A typical 6-foot board costs about $4-$7; replacing boards costs more once labor, removal, and finishing are included.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1x6x6 cedar board | $3 | $5 | $7 | Common fence picket size |
| 1x6x8 cedar board | $5 | $8 | $12 | Longer board; grade affects price |
| 100 boards, mixed standard grades | $350 | $650 | $1,100 | Board purchase only |
| Install or replace one board | $5 | $10 | $20 | Labor and basic fasteners, not board |
What 6-foot cedar fence boards cost by grade
For a standard 1x6x6 board, budget $3-$7 for common-grade cedar, with about $5 as a practical midpoint. Clear or premium-grade boards can cost $8-$15 or more each because they have fewer knots and a more uniform appearance. A 1x6x8 board generally runs $5-$12, while 1x6x12 boards may be $8-$16.
These are retail material estimates for individual boards, before sales tax and delivery. Actual dimensions can be smaller than the nominal 1-inch-by-6-inch size; many fence pickets measure about 5/8 inch thick and 5.5 inches wide. Assumptions: standard western red cedar, ordinary retail quantities, and no specialty finish. For a typical 6-foot privacy fence, $4-$7 per board is a reasonable planning range.
How board count and fence length change the material total
A 6-foot fence made with 5.5-inch-wide boards and a small gap typically takes about two boards per linear foot. That puts a 100-foot run near 200 boards, before allowing for cuts, defects, or a gate. At $3-$7 each, the boards alone would total about $600-$1,400; purchasing 5%-10% extra can add roughly $30-$140.
Board-on-board designs use more material because boards overlap. Spacing also matters: a 1/2-inch gap uses fewer boards than a tight privacy layout. Measure the actual board width and planned gap before multiplying the fence length by two.
Which parts of a cedar fence quote add to board cost
For a new fence, boards are only one part of the estimate. Posts, rails, fasteners, labor, and removal can add substantially, while a board-only repair has a narrower scope. The ranges below are typical allowances, not a fixed national quote.
| Quote item | Low | Average | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cedar boards, per 6-foot board | $3 | $5 | $15 |
| Rails and posts, per linear foot | $4 | $8 | $14 |
| Fasteners, per 100 boards | $20 | $45 | $90 |
| Installation labor, per linear foot | $10 | $18 | $30 |
| Old fence removal, per linear foot | $2 | $5 | $10 |
Labor changes with access, slope, and whether the crew is building a full fence or replacing isolated boards. A quote should separate board materials from labor and disposal so the price can be compared fairly.
Board length, grade, and moisture drive the final price
Length and grade are major price drivers, but board dimensions and condition matter too. A 12-foot board costs more than a 6-foot board and may create more waste if the fence needs shorter pieces. Premium clear cedar can cost roughly 30%-100% more than common knotty boards, depending on supplier and availability.
For a 100-foot, 6-foot-high fence, changing from a $4 board to a $9 board adds around $1,000 when the layout uses 200 boards. Wet or freshly milled boards may shrink as they dry, potentially opening gaps. Confirm actual thickness, width, grade, and moisture condition before approving a bulk order.
How cedar board prices differ by U.S. region
Prices are often lower near western cedar distribution and lumber markets, while distant inland or coastal locations can pay more for freight. As a broad planning adjustment, buyers in high-cost metro areas may see board and installation quotes 10%-25% above a national midpoint; rural buyers may pay 5%-15% less where delivery and labor are readily available.
These differences are not guaranteed: local supply, seasonal demand, and order size can outweigh regional averages. Ask whether delivery is included, especially for a large stack of long boards. Compare delivered prices for the same dimensions and grade, not just the shelf price.
What three cedar fence board projects might cost
For a small repair, replacing 10 standard 6-foot boards may cost $40-$70 for boards, plus roughly $50-$200 in labor if a contractor charges per board or has a minimum visit fee. For 50 boards, materials may run $200-$350; one worker may need 3-6 hours, with labor and fasteners bringing the repair to roughly $400-$900.
A new 100-foot, 6-foot privacy fence using about 200 common-grade boards could cost $600-$1,400 for boards alone. Rails, posts, hardware, labor, and removal can bring a complete project to around $2,500-$5,500, depending on layout and site conditions. These examples assume standard access and exclude gates, major grading, and unusual permitting.
When cedar board replacement beats a full rebuild
Replacing boards is often cheaper when posts and rails remain straight, firm, and well attached. A contractor may charge a minimum service fee of $100-$250 for a small repair, so replacing several damaged boards at once can reduce the cost per board. If many boards are loose but the frame is sound, a larger batch repair may still be less expensive than rebuilding the whole run.
Rotting posts, broken rails, or leaning sections can make board-only work short-lived. Pressure-treated pine boards may cost about $2-$5 each and offer a lower initial material price, but they have a different appearance and may require different finishing choices. Check the frame before buying boards; a low-cost repair is poor value if the supports are failing.
How to lower the bill on a cedar board order
Keep the layout simple, choose a consistent common grade, and order a measured quantity with a modest waste allowance instead of substantially overbuying. Compare at least three local quotes that list board dimensions, grade, fasteners, delivery, and any removal fee. Ask whether contractor pricing on a bulk order is lower than retail pickup.
Buying longer boards is not automatically cheaper if cutting creates unusable offcuts. Likewise, clear-grade boards can raise the budget without improving privacy or fence strength. Spend on the dimensions and sound boards the fence needs, rather than cosmetic upgrades that do not fit the project.