When buyers compare White Cedar and Red Cedar, the main cost questions center on material price, installation, and long-term value. The price gap is driven by species, availability, and finishing needs. This guide lays out typical cost ranges in USD, with practical budgeting tips for U.S. buyers.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Material (Lumber/Cladding) | $2.50/linear ft | $4.50/linear ft | $8.00/linear ft | White cedar is typically cheaper than red cedar for cladding; price varies by grade and thickness. |
| Labor & Installation | $2.00–$4.50/linear ft | $3.50–$6.50/linear ft | $7.00/linear ft+ | Includes prep, cutting, sealing, and fastening work. |
| Delivery & Disposal | $0.20–$0.60/linear ft | $0.40–$1.20/linear ft | $2.00/linear ft | Distance from supplier affects costs; dumpsters or haul-off add variation. |
| Finishes & Accessories | $0.50–$1.50/linear ft | $1.00–$2.50/linear ft | $3.50/linear ft | Sealants, stains, flashing, and fasteners vary by product choice. |
Assumptions: region, species grade, project size, and labor hours.
Overview Of Costs
Cost ranges for White Cedar and Red Cedar vary widely by region and project scope. In typical residential siding or deck projects, total installed costs span from roughly $4.50 to $14.50 per linear foot, depending on whether finish work, complex cuts, or premium grades are used. White cedar generally runs at the lower end for basic cladding, while red cedar commonly commands higher material and finishing costs but may offer longer-term rot resistance. Pricing differences reflect both raw material cost and perceived durability.
Cost Breakdown
| Category | White Cedar | Red Cedar | Key Considerations | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $2.50–$4.50/linear ft | $3.50–$8.00/linear ft | Grade, dimension, and surface finish | Red cedar often requires higher-grade planks for a uniform look. |
| Labor | $2.00–$4.50/linear ft | $3.50–$6.50/linear ft | Installation time, weather, access | data-formula=”labor_hours × hourly_rate”> |
| Equipment | $0.50–$1.50/linear ft | $0.50–$2.00/linear ft | Scaffolding, power tools, saw blades | Equipment rental adds if access is tight. |
| Delivery/Disposal | $0.20–$0.60/linear ft | $0.40–$1.20/linear ft | Distance from supplier | Delivered materials reduce on-site handling time. |
| Taxes & Permits | $0.10–$0.50/linear ft | $0.20–$0.70/linear ft | Local codes and permit needs | Permits may apply to large exterior work depending on jurisdiction. |
What Drives Price
Species selection is the primary driver, followed by grade and finish. Red cedar tends to fetch higher material costs due to demand and appearance, while white cedar is often more affordable but can require more maintenance. Labor costs rise with project complexity, including long runs, intricate corners, and high ceilings. The choice between exterior siding, shingles, or fencing products also shifts per-unit pricing and total project cost.
Regional Price Differences
Prices vary by region due to supply chains and local labor rates. In the Northeast and Pacific states, red cedar can carry a higher premium than in the Southeast, where white cedar is more readily available. Urban markets may add logistics charges, while rural areas might offer better bulk pricing. Expect around a 5–15% delta between regions for the same grade and thickness, with higher thresholds if premium finishes or custom milling are required.
Labor, Hours & Rates
Labor hours scale with run length, fastener patterns, and finishing steps. Typical exterior installations require substantially more time for ceilings, intricate trim, or tight corners. Labor rates in the U.S. commonly run $40–$70 per hour for skilled carpenters, with helpers at $25–$40 per hour. For long runs or complex geometry, crews may charge by the linear foot rather than hourly, which can affect the total cost projection.
Additional & Hidden Costs
Hidden or upfront costs can alter the final price picture. Material waste, board pairing for color consistency, and moisture protection add to the bill. Finishing products like sealants or oil-based stains add ongoing maintenance costs to consider in the total cost of ownership. If a permit is required for exterior work, plan for inspection fees and possible code-related adjustments. Delivery surcharges may apply for oversized orders or weekend deliveries.
Real-World Pricing Examples
Actual quotes illustrate range spread across project types. Below are three scenario cards to help benchmark expectations.
Basic scenario: White cedar siding, standard Grade A boards, 1,200 linear ft, no premium finishes. Materials $3,000–$5,400; Labor $2,400–$6,000; Delivery/Disposal $240–$1,440; Finishes $600–$1,000. Total installed range: $6,240–$13,840.
Mid-Range scenario: Red cedar shakes with medium-grade boards, 1,800 linear ft, basic sealant finish. Materials $6,300–$14,400; Labor $6,300–$12,000; Delivery/Disposal $720–$2,160; Finishes $900–$1,800. Total installed range: $14,220–$30,360.
Premium scenario: White cedar premium grade cladding with complex trim, 2,400 linear ft, high-end sealant and color-matched fasteners. Materials $9,600–$19,200; Labor $9,600–$18,000; Delivery/Disposal $1,000–$2,500; Finishes $1,800–$3,500. Total installed range: $21,000–$43,200.
Assumptions: region, specs, labor hours.