Pricing for 6×6 redwood posts typically hinges on wood grade, length, treatment, regional freight, and installation requirements. This article breakdown covers the cost to buy raw 6×6 redwood posts and the price to install or set them in soil or concrete, with clear low-average-high ranges and per-unit estimates. The goal is to help readers understand the cost drivers and compare quotes accurately for a fencing, deck, or pergola project using 6×6 redwood posts.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6×6 Redwood Post (8 ft) | $18 | $28 | $40 | Redwood grade varies; pressure-treated pulp-free options cost more. |
| 6×6 Redwood Post (10 ft) | $24 | $38 | $60 | Longer length increases shipping and handling. |
| Delivery (within 20 miles) | $25 | $60 | $120 | Depends on volume and supplier. |
| Soil/Concrete Set (per post) | $15 | $35 | $70 | Includes concrete footings and installation time. |
| Labor to Install 6×6 Posts (per post) | $40 | $70 | $120 | Includes fasteners and basic prep. |
| Permits/Fees | $0 | $40 | $300 | Depends on jurisdiction and project scope. |
Assumptions: Midwest labor rates, standard redwood, typical backyard fence or deck framing scope, and standard soil conditions.
What buyers usually pay for the exact keyword
For a typical project using 6×6 redwood posts, buyers should expect a per-post price range of roughly $28-$60 for the timber alone depending on length (8 ft to 10 ft) and grade, with installation bringing the total per post to about $70-$160 when labor and footings are included. This block breaks down the common starting point: raw posts at $18-$40 for 8 ft to 10 ft, plus optional delivery of $25-$120, and labor around $40-$120 per post for setting in concrete or soil. Shorter or thinner posts reduce cost; higher-grade, pressure-treated, or naturally-denser redwood increases cost. Regional freight and supplier minimums influence the final tag.
Assumptions include standard back-yard access, typical soil, and ordinary weather windows for installation. The price also varies with the chosen post finish, such as natural redwood versus kiln-dried or rot-resistant treatments. Buyers comparing quotes should verify post length, grade, and whether the price includes fasteners or requires separate hardware.
Major cost components that shape the quote
A concrete view of the quote shows four to six cost blocks: timber, delivery, installation labor, footings, permits, and any hardware or warranty. A simple table below highlights typical ranges by component.
| Component | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6×6 Redwood Post (per post) | $18 | $28 | $40 | Length and grade drive price. |
| Delivery | $25 | $60 | $120 | Distance and order size matter. |
| Installation Labor | $40 | $70 | $120 | Includes digging or footings prep. |
| Footings (concrete) | $15 | $35 | $70 | Per post or per footing unit. |
| Hardware & Fasteners | $5 | $15 | $40 | Screws, brackets, anchors. |
| Permits | $0 | $40 | $300 | Local code and scope dependent. |
Choosing between a plain set vs. reinforced footings or rot-proof coatings can shift the totals by 10-25% depending on climate and soil stability. Color and treatment options can also move costs by 5-15%.
How wood grade and size affect price per post
Higher-grade redwood and longer lengths raise the per-post price, with 10 ft posts often costing 1.2x to 1.6x more than 8 ft posts. For example, 8 ft untreated posts may run $18-$28, while 10 ft treated or higher-grade posts climb to $40-$60 per post. Grade considerations include heartwood presence, knot density, and resistance to weathering. Redwood that is naturally rot-resistant may reduce maintenance over time, but initial price is higher. Shorter posts reduce installation time and labor costs, while longer posts demand deeper footings and more concrete.
Regional price differences for 6×6 redwood posts
Regional dynamics can swing total job cost by 10-30% depending on supply and labor markets. The U.S. Southeast may carry lower material costs due to timber availability, while West Coast markets may see higher freight and demand-driven pricing. Urban areas tend to incur higher delivery and permit costs than rural sites. Buyers should request regionalized quotes that reflect local taxes, disposal fees, and hauling constraints. A regional price delta table helps compare quotes quickly.
Labor and installation time for 6×6 Redwood Posts
Installation time scales with the number of posts, access, and whether footings are poured in place or pre-formed. Typical installation labor ranges from $40 to $120 per post, equating to 0.5-2 hours per foot of line for simple setups, but longer runs with complex layouts can extend duration. For a 6-post project, expect 3-6 hours of labor plus footings. For 20 posts, labor could be 20-60 hours depending on crew size and digging conditions. Planning for weather delays and material staging reduces overruns.
Alternatives: when to choose treated lumber or composites
Alternatives to all-redwood posts include pressure-treated pine, cedar, or composite substitutes, each with different cost trajectories. Treated lumber tends to cost 10-25% less than redwood per post but may require more maintenance; composites cost more upfront but offer lower long-term maintenance. For projects with tight budgets, mixing 6×6 redwood where aesthetics matter with treated posts in non-visible sections can save money. If a project prioritizes natural appearance and durability, redwood remains a premium choice, reflected in higher upfront pricing.
Ways to trim costs on 6×6 Redwood Post projects
Cost control comes from scope management, planning, and material choices rather than rush labor. Bundle orders to reduce per-post delivery, select the smallest post length that meets structural requirements, and prefer standard treated finishes unless appearance demands premium finishes. Pre-planning trenching, drilling, and alignment can cut on-site labor time. If roof or deck framing requires, negotiate a package price with a single contractor to reduce overhead. Avoid upgrades beyond what the project scope truly requires, and compare multiple quotes with the same assumptions.
Seasonality, demand, and price changes for 6×6 redwood posts
Pricing can shift with seasonality, supplier stock, and demand for outdoor projects. Peak spring and early summer often see higher delivery costs and shorter lead times, while winter downtimes may offer discounts or slower service. Plan for lead times of 1-3 weeks for large orders, and verify warranty terms for seasonal installation conditions. Reading the fine print on delivery windows and installer availability helps prevent premium surge charges.
Mini quote snapshots
Three realistic real-world quotes help anchor expectations. a) 12 posts at 8 ft, standard redwood, with concrete footings and labor: $1,120-$1,800 total. b) 16 posts at 10 ft, premium heartwood redwood, with delivery and full installation: $2,400-$4,000. c) 20 posts at 8 ft, treated redwood, no footings included, regional delivery: $1,900-$3,300. These examples illustrate per-post differences by length, grade, and service scope.
| Scenario | Posts | Length | Material | Delivery | Labor | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic backyard fence | 12 | 8 ft | Redwood | $40 | $640 | $1,200-$1,800 |
| Smaller deck frame | 8 | 10 ft | Premium heartwood | $60 | $480 | $1,400-$1,900 |
| Large perimeter | 20 | 8 ft | Treated redwood | $90 | $1,200 | $2,800-$3,800 |