Landscape timbers typically cost $4-$15 each, with an average near $8 for an 8-foot pressure-treated timber. The price of landscape timbers depends on wood type, dimensions, treatment, delivery distance, and whether a contractor installs them.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8-foot timber | $4 | $8 | $25 | Pressure-treated pine is usually less than cedar or composite |
| Material per linear foot | $0.50 | $1.00 | $3.15 | Based on an 8-foot piece |
| Installed edging per linear foot | $5 | $12 | $25 | Basic edging; retaining walls cost more |
| 100-foot edging project | $500 | $1,200 | $2,500 | Typical materials and installation range |
What an 8-foot landscape timber usually costs
A standard 3- to 4-inch-square, 8-foot pressure-treated pine timber generally costs $4-$12 at a home-improvement or lumber retailer. Cedar and other naturally durable woods often run $12-$25 per piece, while composite landscape timbers can cost $20-$40 or more, depending on profile and brand.
For common treated-pine edging, budgeting about $1 per linear foot for the timber alone is a reasonable starting point. That estimate assumes a straight run and standard retail stock. Premium materials, specialty sizes, and local supply shortages can push the price higher.
Assumptions: U.S. retail pricing, standard 8-foot lengths, before tax and installation; local prices vary.
How timber, labor, and delivery shape the quote
A contractor’s quote can combine materials, site preparation, fastening, delivery, and removal of old edging. Simple garden borders cost less than raised beds or low retaining walls, which need more excavation, stronger connections, and sometimes drainage work.
| Quote item | Materials | Labor | Delivery | Removal or prep |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic edging, per linear foot | $0.50-$3.15 | $3-$10 | $0-$2 | $0-$4 |
| 100-foot basic run | $50-$315 | $300-$1,000 | $0-$200 | $0-$400 |
| Small raised bed, 8 by 4 feet | $100-$350 | $150-$500 | $0-$150 | $0-$150 |
Labor and site work can exceed the price of the timbers on a straightforward edging job. Ask whether the quote includes stakes or rebar, fasteners, cuts, disposal, and any soil or gravel needed behind a wall.
Why timber dimensions and treatment change the price
Actual timber size and wood treatment matter. A 4-by-4-inch piece usually costs more than a 3-by-3-inch piece of the same length, and long or unusually thick stock may be sold at a premium. Pressure-treated wood intended for ground contact generally costs more than untreated lumber but is designed for harsher conditions.
Expect a noticeable jump when moving from basic pine edging to thicker timbers or cedar. For example, a 100-foot run takes about 13 eight-foot timbers before cuts and waste. At $5-$12 each, that is roughly $65-$156 in treated-pine material; at $15-$25 each for cedar, it becomes about $195-$325.
Use of the timber also affects the estimate. A single course around a garden bed is a different job from a two- or three-course retaining wall. Walls holding back soil may require a stable base, secure connections, drainage, and local code review, adding several hundred dollars or more.
Can a 100-foot timber border be installed in one day?
A simple 100-foot border may take one or two workers about 4-8 hours when the ground is accessible and mostly level. Removing sod, correcting a slope, cutting many corners, or setting multiple courses can extend the job to a full day or longer. Typical landscaping labor rates are about $50-$100 per hour per worker, though contractor minimum charges may apply.
For a rough labor estimate, multiply crew hours by the hourly rate and add materials and delivery. A two-person crew working 6 hours at $65 per worker-hour would bill about $780 for labor before other charges.
When delivery, cutting, and ground preparation add expense
Delivery may be free above a retailer’s order minimum or cost about $50-$150 locally; longer distances or small loads can cost more. Timbers are heavy, so confirm whether the fee covers unloading at the project site or only curbside drop-off.
Cutting and preparation can add $50-$400 to a small project, depending on the number of cuts, old edging removal, root or rock obstructions, and how much leveling is needed. Excavation for a wall or a sloped site can raise the total further. Have the installer list disposal and ground preparation separately so these charges are visible.
Timber edging costs less than a small retaining wall
Basic landscape-timber edging is often about $5-$25 per linear foot installed. A low timber retaining wall commonly costs roughly $20-$45 per face square foot installed, with height, drainage, access, and soil conditions affecting the final quote. Concrete or stone options can cost more, but may suit projects where long-term durability or a finished appearance matters more than the lowest initial price.
Compare quotes using the same wall height, timber type, and included preparation. A low edging estimate is not comparable to a quote that includes excavation, multiple timber courses, drainage, and hauling away old materials.
How local markets and delivery distance affect timber prices
Prices tend to be higher in major coastal metros and areas with expensive labor or limited lumber supply. A practical planning adjustment is about 10%-25% above national retail expectations in high-cost urban markets; rural areas may have lower labor rates but higher delivery charges when suppliers are far away.
Climate and local availability can influence the material choice, too. Pressure-treated pine is widely stocked, while cedar, composite, or specialty sizes may require a special order. Check the delivered price per linear foot rather than comparing shelf prices alone.
Which timber choices can lower the project price?
For a simple border, standard treated pine usually offers a lower upfront cost than cedar or composite. Keeping the design straight, using common 8-foot lengths, and limiting corners reduces cuts and waste. Ordering enough material in one delivery may also avoid repeated delivery fees.
Homeowners can reduce labor charges by clearing plants and loose debris before installation, but should agree with the contractor on who handles excavation and disposal. Compare at least two itemized estimates and check timber dimensions, treatment, fasteners, and wall preparation. Avoid buying the cheapest untreated timber for direct soil contact if early replacement would erase the savings.