Cedar cost per board foot varies widely by grade, species, and market. Buyers typically pay for raw material, milling, and handling, plus any local delivery or treatment. The main cost drivers are species selection, cut type, dimensions, and regional supply.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Raw Cedar Board Foot | $1.50 | $3.75 | $6.50 | Includes common red cedar or western red cedar in standard grade |
| Wood Milling & Sawn Lengths | $0.30 | $0.80 | $1.50 | Planing, ripping, and surfacing may add cost per bf |
| Delivery / Transportation | $0.20 | $0.60 | $1.20 | Distance and fuel surcharges apply |
| Minimum Labor for Small Projects | $50 | $150 | $350 | Includes basic handling and checkout |
| Finishes / Sealants | $0.50 | $1.20 | $2.50 | Oil, stain, or clear sealers |
Assumptions: region, species, grade, and final dimensions affect pricing. This guide uses typical U S market ranges for common cedar species.
Overview Of Costs
Cost overview for cedar board foot pricing shows total project ranges and per unit ranges with typical assumptions. In most projects, raw cedar costs fall in the low to mid range per board foot, while milling, finish, and delivery push the installed price higher. For planning, expect about 60 to 70 percent of budgets to cover raw material, with the rest split between processing, transport, and finishing. The per board foot estimates below reflect common scenarios in residential projects across major markets.
Cost Breakdown
Detailed costs account for materials, labor, and ancillary charges to provide a complete view. The table below uses a mix of totals and per unit pricing to illustrate typical project costs for cedar board foot material and related services. The exact mix depends on project scope and local market conditions.
| Category | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials (Cedar, raw bf) | $1.50 | $3.75 | $6.50 | Standard species such as western red cedar or Alaskan yellow cedar |
| Labor / Milling | $0.30 | $0.80 | $1.50 | Planing, ripping, surfacing per bf |
| Delivery / Logistics | $0.20 | $0.60 | $1.20 | Distance dependent |
| Finishes / Sealants | $0.50 | $1.20 | $2.50 | Oil or varnish options |
| Permits / Local Fees | $0 | $0 | $0.50 | Usually minimal for private projects |
| Overhead / Misc | $0.20 | $0.50 | $1.00 | Shop time, handling, waste |
Factors That Affect Price
Price drivers include species selection, grade, and cut quality as well as regional availability. A higher grade or a species with limited regional supply increases cost per board foot. The cut type matters too; rough sawn cedar is cheaper than premium kiln dried and surfaced boards. For example, a larger diameter log may yield longer boards with fewer joints, but equipment and processing costs rise. In addition, seasonality and market demand can cause short term price shifts.
Ways To Save
Smart budgeting relies on comparing alternatives and planning around timing. Consider pairing larger purchases with delivery to reduce trips, selecting standard dimensions instead of custom sizes, and batching purchases to leverage volume discounts. Finishing cedar in a cost effective manner, such as using a simple penetrating sealant rather than multi-coat finishes, can also reduce total cost. Regional price variability means shopping around within a market can yield meaningful savings.
Regional Price Differences
Prices vary by region due to sourcing, demand, and competition among suppliers. In the Northeast, cedar may carry a modest premium due to transportation costs and local demand. The Midwest often sees balanced prices driven by multiple distributors. The West Coast can show both high initial material costs and favorable delivery economics when suppliers are nearby. Expect regional deltas of roughly ±15 to 25 percent for common cedar bare board foot pricing, depending on species and grade.
Labor & Installation Time
Labor costs add noticeably to cedar projects when on site work is required. Labor rates for carpentry or milling can range from $60 to $95 per hour in many markets, with total hours influenced by board counts, cut complexity, and finish requirements. A small outdoor cedar deck or trim job may need 6–12 hours of skilled labor, while larger projects with intricate joinery or kiln dried boards may exceed 40 hours. The rule of thumb is to factor both per bf labor and estimated crew hours for accurate budgeting.
Extras & Add-Ons
Additional items can shift budget beyond raw board foot pricing. Specialty treatments, water repellents, UV inhibitors, or rot-resistant backing add costs per sq ft or per board. If moisture or humidity is a concern, dehumidification and climate control considerations may appear in the project scope. Packaging, flashing, and fasteners are small but recurring line items that accumulate with scale.
Real-World Pricing Examples
Three scenario cards illustrate typical project ranges with explicit labor and material details.
- Basic Cedar porch railing, rough sawn, 50 bf, no finish. Materials $75–$150; Labor 2–4 hours; Delivery $20–$60; Total $120–$270
- Mid-Range Kiln dried boards, smooth surfaced, 6 ft lengths, market standard grade, sealant. Materials $250–$450; Labor 6–10 hours; Finishes $30–$80; Delivery $40–$120; Total $370–$1,070
- Premium Premium aromatic cedar for siding with premium finish, longer runs, complex trims. Materials $600–$1,000; Labor 20–40 hours; Finishes $100–$300; Delivery $80–$200; Total $880–$1,900
Assumptions: region, species, grade, and project scope vary by scenario.
Price At A Glance
Quick reference on cedar price per board foot and related costs helps with early budgeting. Raw cedar commonly falls within $1.50 to $6.50 per bf, depending on grade and species. Added costs for milling, finishes, and delivery typically push installed costs to $2.50 to $10.00 per bf or more in specialized projects. For planning, consider a blended rate around $3.50 to $5.50 per bf for mid range materials with standard finishes in typical residential work.
