White cedar siding typically costs $8-$16 per sq. ft. installed, while red cedar siding often runs $9-$20 per sq. ft. White cedar vs red cedar cost depends on product style, grade, board thickness, labor, and location; decking prices also vary by board dimensions and framing needs.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| White cedar siding, installed | $8/sq. ft. | $12/sq. ft. | $16/sq. ft. | Standard boards or shingles, typical access |
| Red cedar siding, installed | $9/sq. ft. | $14/sq. ft. | $20/sq. ft. | Grade and finish affect price |
| White cedar decking, materials | $3/sq. ft. | $5/sq. ft. | $8/sq. ft. | Basic to select-grade boards |
| Red cedar decking, materials | $4/sq. ft. | $7/sq. ft. | $11/sq. ft. | Premium or clear boards cost more |
Assumptions: U.S. contractor pricing, standard materials, straightforward installation, and no major structural repairs.
Installed siding prices for white and red cedar
For a typical 1,500-sq.-ft. siding area, white cedar may total $12,000-$24,000 installed, compared with about $13,500-$30,000 for red cedar. The lower ends generally reflect standard-grade products, simple wall layouts, and moderate labor rates; premium grades, custom profiles, and difficult access push costs upward.
White cedar is often the lower-cost siding choice, while red cedar usually commands a premium for select appearance and product availability. These estimates cover siding installation, not full removal of existing cladding, sheathing repairs, or extensive trim work. Shingles and beveled boards may have different material prices, so quotes should identify the product style and measured wall area.
What materials and labor add to each cedar quote
Material prices below are planning ranges for siding projects. Contractor quotes may combine several line items, and local availability can change the delivered price.
| Quote item | White cedar | Red cedar | What changes the charge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Siding materials | $3-$8/sq. ft. | $4-$10/sq. ft. | Grade, profile, thickness |
| Installation labor | $4-$8/sq. ft. | $4-$9/sq. ft. | Wall height, layout, crew rates |
| Underlayment and flashing | $0.75-$2/sq. ft. | $0.75-$2/sq. ft. | Weather barrier and openings |
| Removal and disposal | $1-$3/sq. ft. | $1-$3/sq. ft. | Old material and disposal fees |
| Stain or sealer | $1-$3/sq. ft. | $1-$3/sq. ft. | Product and application method |
Labor, removal, and finishing can erase the material-price difference between species. The labor estimate includes ordinary fastening and fitting, but not carpentry repairs or extensive corner detailing.
Board grade, thickness, and layout shift cedar pricing
Species alone does not determine the quote. Clear or select-grade boards generally cost more than knotty or standard grades; thicker stock and custom profiles also add material expense. A 6-inch exposure on siding uses more boards than a wider exposure across the same wall area, while intricate gables and many windows increase cutting time.
Compare equivalent grade, profile, and finished coverage rather than comparing price per board. A board’s nominal width may exceed its exposed width after overlapping installation. Decking estimates likewise depend on actual board width, spacing, joist condition, and whether the quote includes fasteners and fascia.
How much more do urban and remote cedar jobs cost?
Labor and freight can move installed prices substantially. Dense metro markets may run roughly 10%-25% above a national midrange, especially where labor demand is high. Rural or remote projects can also cost 10%-20% more when crews travel farther or delivery requires special handling; lower local labor rates do not always offset freight.
Ask for a delivered-material price and a separate labor amount to see whether the location premium is reasonable. White cedar is more readily sourced in some northeastern markets, while red cedar supply and freight vary by region. A locally stocked species may therefore beat the nominally cheaper option after delivery is included.
Typical installation time and crew charges
A two-person crew may need about 5-10 working days for 1,500 sq. ft. of straightforward siding, depending on wall height, openings, weather barrier work, and trim detail. Contractors may quote labor by area or use hourly rates around $50-$100 per worker. Small jobs can carry minimum charges because setup and delivery take time even when the measured area is limited.
Confirm whether the estimate includes setup, trim, cleanup, and protection around windows. Cedar siding installation can take longer than a simple area calculation suggests when old cladding must be removed or walls need leveling. Decking labor is separate and can rise if joists, stairs, or railings need replacement.
Three cedar project examples with different scopes
A 600-sq.-ft. white cedar siding repair using standard boards might cost $4,800-$9,600 installed at $8-$16 per sq. ft., assuming limited trim replacement. A 1,500-sq.-ft. red cedar siding replacement could run $15,000-$30,000 at $10-$20 per sq. ft. when old siding removal and disposal are included.
For a 250-sq.-ft. deck surface, budget about $750-$2,000 for white cedar boards or $1,000-$2,750 for red cedar boards, before installation. If labor and basic fasteners add $8-$18 per sq. ft., a complete deck-board replacement may total roughly $2,750-$7,250 for white cedar or $3,000-$7,250 for red cedar, excluding structural repairs. Examples vary by board grade and local labor.
When white cedar or red cedar earns its added price
Both species are used for exterior applications, but durability depends on exposure, installation, ventilation, maintenance, and product quality. Red cedar’s distinctive color and broad selection of grades can justify a higher quote for visible siding. White cedar may be a practical value where it is locally available and the desired profile does not require premium stock.
Choose by installed cost and required appearance, not species name alone. Request samples and confirm whether boards are unfinished, stained, or factory-finished; coatings affect both upfront cost and future upkeep. For decking, compare the quoted grade and recommended maintenance rather than assuming either species needs no treatment.
Ways to lower cedar siding or deck costs
Keep the project dimensions and profile straightforward, and avoid mixing several custom widths or trim styles. Get at least three itemized quotes using the same species, grade, thickness, measured area, and finish. Scheduling outside the busiest local building season may improve contractor availability, though weather can limit exterior work in some regions.
Preserve sound framing and replace only damaged areas when a full tear-off is not necessary. Handle simple site clearing or move outdoor items before the crew arrives, but leave structural preparation and weatherproofing to qualified installers. Compare the total price after delivery, removal, finishing, and disposal rather than choosing the lowest board price.