The price of cedar lap siding varies by wood grade, profile, and installation scope. Typical cedar lap siding cost factors include material quality, panel width, labor time for removal and wrap, and finish options. This article provides cost ranges in USD and practical budgeting guidance for U.S. buyers.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials (Cedar Lap Siding) | $1.75 | $3.50 | $6.50 | Material only; thin-cedar options and grades vary |
| Installed Cost (Total) | $8,000 | $14,000 | $26,000 | House size and labor rates drive totals |
| Labor (Installed) | $3.00 | $6.00 | $11.00 | Per sq ft; includes removal, prep, and nailing |
| Labor Time | 120 hours | 260 hours | 420 hours | Depends on porch, multi-story, and prep |
Assumptions: region, house size, siding profile, and labor hours.
Overview Of Costs
The total cost for cedar lap siding includes materials and installation, with per-square-foot and total project ranges. Typical installed prices span from $8,000 to $26,000 for standard homes, with per-square-foot installed in the $6.50–$12.50 range depending on profile and finish. Basic material-only costs can be around $2.50–$5.00 per sq ft, while premium clear cedar with tight grain can push material to $7.00–$9.00 per sq ft. Assumptions include standard 2×6 framing and weather-ready flashing; larger homes or custom trim raise the budget. Labor is a major driver, often 40–70% of the total, depending on size and complexity.
Cost Breakdown
| Category | Low | Average | High | Notes | Unit/Formula |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $1.75 | $3.50 | $6.50 | Includes siding boards, channeling, fasteners | $ / sq ft |
| Labor | $3.00 | $6.00 | $11.00 | Removal, underlayment, flashing, reside | $ / sq ft |
| Permits | $100 | $500 | $1,200 | Depends on jurisdiction and project size | $ |
| Delivery/Disposal | $50 | $250 | $800 | Site debris and packaging | $ |
| Trim & Accessories | $150 | $600 | $2,000 | Soffit, corner boards, nails, sealant | $ |
| Warranty & Overhead | $200 | $600 | $2,000 | Project overhead and warranties | $ |
data-formula=”labor_hours × hourly_rate”> For example, if 260 hours of labor at $45/hour are required, labor would be $11,700 before materials and permits.
What Drives Price
Key cost drivers include cedar grade and profile, house size, and labor intensity. Clear-grade cedar and tight-grain boards cost more than standard options. Wider planks and pre-finished options add to both materials and installation time. Higher labor costs occur in regions with skilled carpenters and in projects with complex geometry, e.g., multi-story elevations or detailed corner work. Perimeter preparation, moisture barriers, and flashing sequences also influence the final price.
Regional Price Differences
Prices vary by region due to local labor rates and material availability. In the Northeast, installed Cedar Lap Siding often trends higher than the Midwest or Southeast. Urban areas typically show a +5% to +15% delta versus rural markets, while coastal regions may add moisture-control requirements that affect labor and materials. For a representative project, expect approximately: Northeast: 8–12% higher total; Midwest: base levels; South: 0–8% lower than national average. Regional pricing can shift total costs by several thousand dollars on a typical home.
Labor, Time & Installation Details
Installation time correlates with house size, existing siding condition, and crew efficiency. A 1,500–2,000 sq ft home may require 120–200 hours of labor, while larger homes or challenging terrain can exceed 400 hours. Typical labor rates range from $40–$70 per hour in many markets, with premium crews approaching $85–$120 per hour. Labor efficiency improves with pre-ordered materials and experienced crews, while extensive prep work or asbestos-containing old siding adds time and cost.
Real-World Pricing Examples
Three scenario cards illustrate practical budgets and outcomes.
-
Basic — 1,200 sq ft home, standard Cedar Lap Siding, minimal extras.
Specs: standard grade, 6″ profiles, basic trim, standard flashing.
Labor: 110 hours; Materials: $2.75 per sq ft; Total: $9,000–$12,500. -
Mid-Range — 1,800 sq ft home, premium cedar, complete wrap, mid-level trim.
Specs: clear cedar, 4- or 6-inch profile, upgraded flashing, moisture barrier.
Labor: 180–230 hours; Materials: $3.75 per sq ft; Total: $14,500–$20,000. -
Premium — 2,400 sq ft home, high-grade cedar, custom trim, wide planks.
Specs: tight grain, 8″ profile, custom corner boards, sealed finish.
Labor: 260–340 hours; Materials: $6.25 per sq ft; Total: $26,000–$40,000.
Assumptions: region, specs, labor hours.
Additional & Hidden Costs
Surprises often arise from weather delays, decking or wrap repairs, and disposal fees. Extra costs include scaffold or lift rental, debris containment, temporary weather protection, and permit corrections. Some contractors bill separately for vapor barrier replacement, termite ensuring, and caulking compounds. Seasonal demand can push rates up in late spring and early summer, while off-season work may yield modest discounts.
Ways To Save
Budget-conscious strategies can reduce cedar lap siding costs without sacrificing durability. Consider choosing standard grades, narrower planks, and paint-ready finishes instead of premium clear cedar. If board availability is tight, order slightly extra to account for waste. Pair siding with cost-efficient flashing and skip nonessential trim upgrades. Scheduling in late fall or winter may yield lower labor rates in some markets, and obtaining multiple quotes helps compare regional price differences.
