Prices for cedar lumber vary by grade, size, and region, but buyers typically see a price range that reflects board foot costs plus handling. This article covers the cost to buy cedar lumber in the United States, including per-board-foot pricing, common dimensions, and how project scope changes the total price.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cedar Board Foot Price | $2.00 | $3.50 | $6.50 | Includes common heartwood grades |
| 2×4 Lumber (8 ft) | $3.50 | $5.50 | $9.00 | Common framing size |
| 2×6 Lumber (12 ft) | $4.50 | $7.00 | $12.00 | Longer length, higher price |
| Delivery Fee | $35 | $75 | $150 | Based on distance |
| Waste/Trim (per board). | $1.00 | $2.50 | $6.00 | Overage factored into project |
| Total Project Sample (100 board feet) | $200 | $350 | $650 | Assumes standard grade and 2-3 locations |
Average Cedar Lumber Price Per Board Foot by Grade
Typical heartwood cedar costs range from $3.00 to $6.50 per board foot, with clear grades pushing toward the higher end. Assumptions: Midwest regional pricing, standard kiln-dried boards, no exotic species.
Lower grades or knotty boards can drop toward the $2.00–$3.50 per board foot area, while premium clear heartwood for exterior siding or decorative trim often lands around $5.50–$6.50.
Common Cedar Lumber Lengths And Per-Foot Pricing
Most projects source cedar in common lengths such as 8 ft, 10 ft, and 12 ft. Per-foot pricing commonly translates to roughly $0.50–$0.75 per linear foot for 2x4s when measured along the length, with width and thickness driving the base price per board foot.
For example, an 8 ft 2×4 board is priced roughly $3.50–$5.50 depending on grade and region. Longer boards cost more per board as waste and handling rise.
Material Quality Impacts on Cost: Heartwood vs Sapwood
Heartwood cedar typically commands higher pricing than sapwood indistinguishable in appearance. Sapwood-grade boards might run about 10–25% cheaper per board foot, while clear, tight-grain heartwood can push pricing to the upper end of the range.
Factory-applied finishes, pressure-treatment resistance, and regional species availability also shift costs. Choosing a lower-grade option can reduce the material bill substantially if appearance tolerates more knots.
Regional Price Variations Across U.S. Markets
Cedar lumber prices differ by region due to supply chains and demand intensity. Western markets may see higher base prices for certain cedar species, while the Southeast might offer more competition and lower freight costs. Typical regional deltas reach ±15% around the national averages.
Project planning should consider local availability and nearby mills. Delivery distance dramatically affects the final price.
Delivery, Waste, And Handling Fees In Cedar Projects
Delivery can add $35–$150 per order depending on distance and order size. On-site handling and waste disposal add minor costs but accumulate with larger projects. Per-board waste allowances often run 5–10% of purchase volume.
Proper measurement and layout can minimize field waste. Coordination with suppliers to batch orders reduces multiple delivery fees.
Seasonal Price Trends For Cedar Lumber
Cedar lumber prices tend to rise in spring and early summer due to building booms and supply constraints, then ease in late summer. Seasonal volatility of 5–15% is common within a calendar year.
Forecasting orders a few weeks ahead can lock in lower quotes if stock is available. Avoid peak-season urgency fees by scheduling ahead.
Cost Breakdown: Materials, Labor, And Tools For DIY Cedar Projects
For a small deck or fascia project, the cost split often centers on materials, with labor and tool rental adding a meaningful share. A typical DIY project may allocate 60–75% of costs to cedar boards, 15–25% to fasteners and accessories, and 5–15% to tools and rental fees.
A sample breakdown for a 200-board-foot project might show material costs at $600–$1,000, labor at $400–$900, and tools/consumables at $50–$150, depending on scope.
Careful planning of sizes and quantities reduces overage and trips to the supplier.
Cost Reduction Tactics For Cedar Lumber Purchases
To lower the total price, consider purchasing select grades that meet structural needs, consolidate orders to reduce delivery charges, and compare multiple regional suppliers. Opting for standard sizes and avoiding exotic profiles can cut costs meaningfully.
Assumptions: bulk purchasing, typical residential project, regular stock Cedar species.
Bundling orders with related materials often yields bulk discounts or reduced freight.
