Homeowners pay a range of costs for tongue and groove cedar siding, driven by wood grade, thickness, profile, and installation complexity. This article outlines typical price ranges, breaks down an estimate, and highlights factors that affect the final bill. Cost estimates here reflect U.S. pricing in dollars and provide clear low–average–high ranges to aid budgeting.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Siding Material (unprimed) | $2.50/sq ft | $4.50–$5.50/sq ft | $6.50+/sq ft | Spot prices vary with species, grade, and rough-cut vs. smooth. |
| Labor & Installation | $3.00–$5.00/sq ft | $5.50–$8.50/sq ft | $9.50+/sq ft | Includes nailers, fasteners, and surface prep. Complexity adds hours. |
| Finish (optional) | $0.75–$1.50/sq ft | $1.25–$2.50/sq ft | $3.00+/sq ft | Stain or clear sealant; priming often required for cedar. |
| Delivery & Waste | $0.20–$0.60/sq ft | $0.40–$1.00/sq ft | $1.50+/sq ft | Includes waste due to cuts and trimming. |
| Trim & Accessories | $2.00–$4.50/linear ft | $4.00–$7.50/linear ft | $8.50+/linear ft | Corner boards, window trim, and coil stock. |
Assumptions: region, cedar species (e.g., Western red cedar), grade, profile, labor market, and house size.
Overview Of Costs
Typical project ranges for tongue and groove cedar siding depend on the wall area and whether the surface is prefinished or unfinished. A small, single-story home might run from $8,000 to $16,000 in total for 1,500 square feet of siding, including material and basic installation. Larger homes or higher-end grades can push total costs into the $25,000–$40,000 range. A common per-unit baseline is about $4.50–$8.50 per square foot for installed siding, with higher finishes and labor intensity driving the premium.
Per-unit pricing commonly follows two paths: square footage of siding installed (per sq ft) and linear footage of trim or boards (per linear ft). For cedar tongue and groove, expect material costs around $4.50–$7.50 per square foot for typical grades, and installation labor around $5.50–$8.50 per square foot in many markets. When cedar is thicker, or the profile requires more precise milling, per-square-foot labor can rise toward the higher end.
Cost Breakdown
| Component | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $2.50/sq ft | $4.50–$5.50/sq ft | $6.50+/sq ft | |
| Labor | $3.00–$5.00/sq ft | $5.50–$8.50/sq ft | $9.50+/sq ft | |
| Equipment | $0.50–$1.50/sq ft | $1.00–$2.50/sq ft | $3.00+/sq ft | |
| Permits | $0.10–$0.50/sq ft | $0.25–$1.00/sq ft | $2.00+/sq ft | |
| Delivery/Disposal | $0.20–$0.60/sq ft | $0.40–$1.00/sq ft | $1.50+/sq ft | |
| Waste/Repairs | $0.10–$0.40/sq ft | $0.20–$0.80/sq ft | $1.20+/sq ft |
data-formula=”labor_hours × hourly_rate”> The calculations assume typical siding thickness and a standard two-story exterior, with mid-range trim and a mid-grade clear finish option. Regional differences in labor rates and material availability can shift these numbers by roughly ±20% in many markets.
What Drives Price
Wood grade and species are primary cost levers. Western red cedar commands premium pricing due to durability and aesthetic appeal, while knotty or heartwood grades lower costs but may impact finish quality. Profile and thickness add material and installation complexity: tighter tongue tolerances and thicker boards require more precise cutting and may extend install time.
Finish options influence both upfront cost and maintenance. Unfinished cedar requires priming and sealing after installation in many climates, while factory-primed or prefinished boards carry higher initial costs but reduce on-site labor. Per-square-foot finish costs commonly range from $0.75 to $3.00, depending on coating type and number of finish coats.
Preparation and climate matter. If existing surfaces require removal, moisture treatment, or extensive weatherproofing, both labor and materials rise. In coastal or high-humidity areas, longer curing and sealing timelines can affect project duration and costs.
Region and market impact pricing. Regional price differences often reflect local supply chains, demand, and labor availability. In urban markets, expect higher installed pricing versus rural settings, with mid-range markets falling in between.
Ways To Save
Choose grade and profile deliberately selecting a moderate grade and a standard profile can noticeably reduce both material and installation costs without sacrificing durability. Cedar species differences, such as Western red vs. Alaska yellow cedar, have price implications but may offer similar performance in certain environments.
Consider pre-finished options if maintenance budget is tight. Factory-primed or prefinished boards save finishing labor on-site, though the upfront material cost is higher. In many climates, this trade-off lowers total project time and warranty concerns.
Plan for proper waste management by ordering slightly more material to accommodate cuts, trimming, and mistakes. This reduces costly material delays and reorders.
Regional Price Differences
Three U.S. regions illustrate how prices shift by market context. In the Northeast, higher labor costs and stronger demand for premium cedar can push installed costs toward the high end of the range. The Midwest typically offers mid-range pricing with competitive material costs, while the Southeast can show lower material costs but higher delivery or moisture-control requirements. Expect total installed costs to vary by roughly ±15% to ±25% regionally, depending on local labor rates and delivery charges.
Real-World Pricing Examples
Basic – 1,500 sq ft of straight T&G cedar, unfinished, standard grade, no extras. Materials: $6,750; Labor: $9,750; Finish: $0; Delivery/Disposal: $1,200. Total: approximately $17,700. Assumptions: single-story with average slope and standard nails.
Mid-Range – 2,000 sq ft, mid-grade cedar, unfinished with a simple stain, standard fasteners. Materials: $9,000; Labor: $13,200; Finish: $2,000; Delivery/Disposal: $1,500. Total: about $25,700. Assumptions: two-story residence, mild climate, average removal of old siding.
Premium – 2,500 sq ft, premium grade Western red cedar, prefinished, enhanced trim package, complex corners. Materials: $18,000; Labor: $22,000; Finish: $4,000; Delivery/Disposal: $2,200. Total: around $46,200. Assumptions: custom profiles and extensive trim details.
Assumptions: region, cedar species, grade, profile, labor market, and house size.
Maintenance & Ownership Costs
Five-year outlook for cedar tongue and groove includes periodic re-staining or sealing, typically every 3–5 years depending on exposure. Estimated maintenance costs over five years can range from $1,500 to $6,000 for a standard home, depending on climate and finished surface. Cedar’s natural resistance to pests helps minimize recurring repair costs compared to some alternatives.
End-of-life considerations include potential refinishing or replacement of damaged sections, which may add to long-term ownership costs but preserves curb appeal and resale value. Periodic inspections can catch issues early, reducing repair expenses over time.