Tongue and groove cedar siding typically costs $8-$25 per sq ft installed, with many standard projects landing near $14 per sq ft. Board grade, finish, wall preparation, labor rates, and removal of old siding have the biggest effect on the final quote.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Installed siding | $8/sq ft | $14/sq ft | $25/sq ft | Materials and installation; excludes major repairs |
| Materials only | $4/sq ft | $7/sq ft | $12/sq ft | Varies by cedar grade, profile, and finish |
| 1,000 sq ft project | $8,000 | $14,000 | $25,000 | Installed wall area, not home floor area |
Installed cedar boards set the main project price
For a straightforward exterior installation, budget about $8-$25 per sq ft of siding area, or roughly $8,000-$25,000 for 1,000 sq ft. A common midrange estimate is $14,000 for that area using standard-grade cedar, ordinary wall access, and professional installation. Higher-end clear cedar, custom profiles, staining, or difficult access can push the quote toward the top of the range.
These prices generally cover boards, fasteners, and installation over a suitable substrate. They may not include house wrap, extensive sheathing repair, trim replacement, old siding removal, or painting. Contractors may calculate the area from the exterior walls and subtract large openings, while adding for corners, gables, and detailed trim.
Assumptions: U.S. midrange labor, standard tongue-and-groove profile, normal access, and no extensive structural repairs. Use measured wall area—not the home’s interior square footage—to compare estimates.
Board grade, installation labor, and trim shape the quote
Materials and labor are usually the largest parts of the price. The table gives typical planning ranges; actual line items vary with region, finish, and whether the contractor supplies the cedar.
| Quote component | Typical range | Pricing basis | What changes the charge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cedar boards | $4-$12 | Per sq ft | Grade, species, thickness, and profile |
| Installation labor | $3-$9 | Per sq ft | Wall height, cuts, corners, and fastening |
| Trim and fasteners | $1-$4 | Per sq ft of wall | Corner boards, flashing, and corrosion-resistant nails |
| Finish or stain | $1-$3 | Per sq ft | Product, coats, and whether boards are prefinished |
| Removal and disposal | $1-$4 | Per sq ft | Existing material and disposal requirements |
Line items can overlap: some bids include trim, fasteners, or finish in the installed rate. Ask whether labor, finishing, and disposal are included before comparing the total.
Board length, wall height, and cedar grade change estimates
Clear cedar with fewer knots typically costs more than knotty or rustic grades; material selection can shift the board price by several dollars per sq ft. Wider or thicker boards and less common profiles can also increase material expense, while longer boards may reduce seams but can cost more and require careful handling.
Project size affects both total and unit pricing. Small jobs below about 300 sq ft may carry a minimum charge or higher per-square-foot rate because setup, delivery, and trim work remain necessary. Walls above 12 feet, gables, dormers, and complex corners often require additional staging and cutting. If more than 10%-15% of sheathing needs repair, the added carpentry can materially raise the quote.
Get the grade, board dimensions, and measured siding area written into the estimate. This makes it easier to distinguish a real material upgrade from a vague allowance.
Regional labor and wall access can shift installed rates
Labor prices tend to be higher in major coastal metros and dense urban markets than in many rural or lower-cost areas. A practical budget adjustment is roughly 10%-25% above the national midrange in high-cost markets, while some rural locations may come in 5%-15% below it. These are planning differences, not guaranteed local discounts; cedar availability and contractor workload can offset them.
Two-story walls, steep terrain, tight work areas, and limited staging space can add labor or equipment charges regardless of location. Delivery may also cost more when cedar must travel a long distance or when the order is too small to qualify for standard freight pricing. Compare local bids based on the same wall area, cedar grade, finish, and removal scope.
Three project sizes show how quotes add up
These examples use installed rates that include boards and standard labor, but not major framing repairs. Totals are illustrative because regional rates and project details vary.
| Example | Scope | Rate | Estimated total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small addition | 300 sq ft, knotty cedar, easy access | $11-$15/sq ft | $3,300-$4,500 |
| Typical exterior project | 1,000 sq ft, standard grade, limited trim | $12-$18/sq ft | $12,000-$18,000 |
| Detailed upper walls | 1,500 sq ft, clear cedar, two-story access | $18-$25/sq ft | $27,000-$37,500 |
A 1,000-sq-ft quote at $15 per sq ft equals $15,000 before excluded work. If removal adds $2 per sq ft and staining adds $2 per sq ft, the adjusted estimate becomes about $19,000. Request separate prices for each add-on so the base installation rate stays clear.
Removal, staining, and repairs can sit outside the base bid
Taking off existing siding commonly adds $1-$4 per sq ft, depending on material, layers, and disposal needs. Replacing damaged sheathing or framing is harder to price before the wall is opened; contractors may quote a unit rate or an allowance. Clarify who approves concealed repairs and how the charge is documented.
Factory-finished boards cost more upfront but can reduce on-site coating labor. Unfinished cedar may need stain or paint soon after installation, depending on the desired appearance and product instructions. Confirm whether the estimate includes end-grain sealing, flashing, house wrap, and caulking at transitions. Separate necessary water-management work from optional appearance upgrades.
Scope choices that lower a cedar siding estimate
Keeping the existing siding in place may save removal charges when the wall condition, moisture control, and local code allow it. A contractor should verify that the substrate is sound and that the new assembly will drain properly; covering damaged or wet walls can create expensive problems later.
Choosing a standard knotty grade, a commonly stocked profile, and a consistent board width can reduce material and ordering costs. Simple trim details and fewer changes in board direction also reduce cutting time. Buyers can handle reasonable site clearing or move outdoor items before work begins, but should leave wall preparation and flashing details to the installer.
Request at least three written quotes with the same measured area and specifications. Check whether each includes tax, delivery, waste allowance, finishing, cleanup, and warranty terms. The most useful savings come from controlling scope and comparing equivalent bids, not simply choosing the lowest total.