Prices for redwood lumber vary by grade, dimension, and location, with the main cost drivers including species availability, moisture content, and delivery distance. This guide lays out typical cost ranges in USD and clarifies what affects the price of redwood stock, beams, and decking boards.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Redwood decking boards (rough sawn, 2×6, 8 ft) | $2.50 | $4.20 | $6.20 | Includes basic graded stock |
| Redwood decking boards (premium, 2×6, 8 ft) | $3.60 | $6.00 | $9.50 | Clear heartwood, tight grain |
| Redwood lumber (2×4, 8 ft, common grade) | $1.80 | $2.75 | $4.20 | Lower grade for framing |
| Redwood beams (8×8, 12 ft) | $320 | $520 | $780 | Higher volume, delivery included sometimes |
| Delivery (regional) | $60 | $180 | $400 | Distance influences cost |
| Moisture conditioning / kiln (per unit) | $0 | $0.60 | $2.00 | Typically added for kiln-dried stock |
Overview Of Costs
Redwood lumber costs depend on grade, dimension, and sourcing radius. The total project price combines material costs with handling, delivery, and any processing steps such as kiln drying. Typical price ranges shown below reflect common US markets and assume midseason availability and standard yard pickup or curbside delivery.
Cost Breakdown
Tables illustrate typical components and their share of the total. Units are in USD and per-unit as noted. The total often reflects a mix of bulk stock and specialty items.
| Component | Low | Average | High | Notes | Assumptions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $1.50 | $3.80 | $7.50 | Decking and framing stock by grade | |
| Labor | $1.00 | $2.40 | $4.50 | Loading, cutting, and assembly | |
| Equipment | $0.20 | $0.60 | $1.50 | Rental or usage fees | |
| Delivery | $20 | $60 | $150 | Distance dependent | |
| Permits | $0 | $20 | $150 | Optional for large projects | |
| Waste/Disposal | $0 | $15 | $75 | Scrap and offcuts | |
| Warranty/Assurance | $0 | $8 | $40 | Material guarantees | |
| Overhead | $0 | $6 | $25 | Shop or job-site overhead | |
| Contingency | 5% | 10% | 15% | Cost buffer for spec changes | |
| Taxes | $0 | $8 | $60 | Sales tax varies by state | |
| Total | $3.70 | $9.62 | $27.95 | Sum of above | |
What Drives Price
Grade and heartwood content are primary drivers for redwood. Clear heartwood stock commands higher prices than run-of-the-mill sapwood or mixed grades. Region and seasonality also influence supply, with wetter climates and harvest timing causing price swings. Thickness and length are key, as longer boards and heavy timbers dramatically raise per-unit costs.
Cost Drivers
Two niche drivers stand out for redwood: grade specifications and moisture treatment.
Grade often ranges from common to select clear, with select grades delivering better finish and structural consistency. Moisture treatment, such as air-dried versus kiln-dried stock, affects warping risk and fastener compatibility.
Regional Price Differences
Prices vary by region due to supply chains, local demand, and freight. In the Northeast, demand for exterior decking can drive higher prices, while the West Coast often has greater availability of heartwood stock. The Midwest may show moderate pricing with occasional freight surcharges. Expect regional deltas of roughly +/- 10-20% from national averages depending on stock and season.
Labor & Installation Time
Labor costs reflect crew size, time on site, and complexity. Simple deck boards can require fewer crew hours than a full structural redwood installation. A typical crew might bill by the hour with a range from $40 to $90 per hour per worker, and installation time scales with project size. Labor hours can double for custom cuts, splicing, or complex joinery.
Real-World Pricing Examples
Three scenario cards illustrate common layouts. Assumptions: region, stock grade, and crew hours vary by project
| Scenario | Specs | Labor Hours | Materials | Delivery | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic | Decking boards 2×6, 8 ft, common grade | 6 | $320 | $60 | $430 |
| Mid-Range | Decking 2×6, 8 ft, premium grade with some clear stock | 10 | $640 | $100 | $860 |
| Premium | Beams 8×8, 12 ft, clear heartwood, kiln-dried | 18 | $1,100 | $180 | $1,480 |
Additional & Hidden Costs
Hidden costs may include edge milling, predrilling, and surface treatment. Some suppliers charge a premium for custom cuts or special fasteners. Always confirm per-unit rates for changes in length or grade before signing quotes.
Pricing By Region
Three regional snapshots show typical ranges, highlighting regional price differences. In coastal states, higher freight and demand can push up prices, while inland markets may offer more stable, lower rates when stock is readily available. Rough deltas of 5-15% are common between urban and rural markets.
Seasonality & Price Trends
Redwood pricing tends to tighten in late spring and early summer when construction activity peaks. Off-season buying can yield smaller discounts, especially for ready-to-ship stock. Monitor supplier quotes quarterly to catch shifts in supply and freight costs.