Homeowners typically pay for cedar lumber based on species, grade, dimensions, and delivery. The cost is driven by board count, thickness, total length, and regional availability. This guide provides cost estimates, per-unit pricing, and real-world scenarios to help plan a cedar project on a budget.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $2.00/linear ft | $6.50/linear ft | $12.00/linear ft | Clear heartwood cedar vs. natural line grades; rough vs. smooth finish |
| Labor | $0.50/linear ft | $2.50/linear ft | $5.00/linear ft | Installation, cutting, and fastening |
| Equipment | $0.10/linear ft | $0.50/linear ft | $1.00/linear ft | Tools, rental, or depreciation |
| Delivery | $50 | $180 | $400 | Distance and order size matter |
| Waste & Offcuts | $0.05/linear ft | $0.25/linear ft | $0.60/linear ft | Scrap and trim waste |
| Fasteners & Accessories | $0.20/linear ft | $0.60/linear ft | $1.50/linear ft | Stainless or hot-dipped galvanized options |
| Warranty & Overhead | $0.05/linear ft | $0.25/linear ft | $0.50/linear ft | Contractor overhead and material warranty |
| Taxes | Varies by state | Varies by state | Varies by state | Sales or use tax |
Assumptions: region, specs, labor hours.
Overview Of Costs
Cost ranges reflect typical cedar lumber projects for residential use, including decking, fencing, and siding. The total project price usually combines materials, labor, and delivery, with per-unit pricing shown to help scale estimates. A basic cedar deck uses lower-grade, rough-sawn boards, while premium decks use heartwood stock with fewer knots and a smoother finish.
Clear heartwood cedar boards generally command higher prices than common grade. Local availability and seasonality can shift pricing by 10–25% in peak building months.
Cost Breakdown
| Materials | Labor | Equipment | Delivery/Disposition | Accessories | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2.00–$12.00/linear ft | $0.50–$5.00/linear ft | $0.10–$1.00/linear ft | $50–$400 total | $0.20–$1.50/linear ft | $0.05–$0.50/linear ft |
Regional supply and board dimension choices drive the spread. Plan for waste and cutoffs when calculating total feet required.
What Drives Price
data-formula=”labor_hours × hourly_rate”> Cedar lumber price is influenced by species (western red cedar, eastern red cedar), grade (clear, select, heartwood), dimensions (2×4, 5/4×6 decking, etc.), and finish (rough sawn vs. smooth).
Regional availability and seasonality are major price drivers. Cedar is more expensive in areas far from primary cedar forests or mills.
Ways To Save
Assuming mid-range specs, consider lower-grade stock or longer planks with careful fastening to minimize waste. Purchasing in bulk, scheduling delivery in off-peak months, and combining with a broader project can reduce per-unit costs.
Plan for long-term savings with durable fasteners and proper sealing. Proper sealing reduces maintenance costs and extends deck life.
Regional Price Differences
Cedar pricing can vary by region due to mill proximity, demand, and shipping costs. In the Northeast, expect a modest premium for heartwood stock; the Midwest often has a steadier supply; the West Coast may see competitive pricing from local mills.
Regional variations can shift totals by roughly ±15–25% for the same board count and grade. Always request local quotes for accuracy.
Labor, Hours & Rates
Even if you source materials yourself, installation labor can double the project cost if carpenters are needed for precise joinery and drainage considerations. Typical crew rates range from $60 to $120 per hour, depending on region and scope.
Labor costs scale with project complexity, deck size, and railing systems. Shorter runs and simpler layouts reduce hours and price.
Real-World Pricing Examples
Assumptions: heartwood cedar, smooth finish, 5/4×6 decking, standard joist spacing, and basic railing.
Basic
Deck area: 200 sq ft; boards: 1,600 linear ft; Labor: 18 hours; Delivery: $120. Total range: $5,000–$6,800.
These figures include materials, fasteners, and basic sealant, with mid-range grades.
Mid-Range
Deck area: 350 sq ft; boards: 2,900 linear ft; Labor: 35 hours; Delivery: $250. Total range: $9,200–$12,400.
Higher-grade stock and extras like better railing or hidden fasteners raise the price.
Premium
Deck area: 500 sq ft; boards: 4,000 linear ft; Labor: 60 hours; Delivery: $350. Total range: $15,500–$22,500.
Assumptions: region, specs, labor hours.
Price By Region
Urban areas often have higher delivery and labor costs but better access to mills, which can moderate material costs. Suburban markets may balance delivery with competitive labor quotes. Rural regions may see lower labor costs but higher delivery charges due to distance.
Expect a regional delta of roughly ±10–25% on total costs for the same project. Compare multiple suppliers and factor local taxes and permit needs where applicable.
Additional & Hidden Costs
Hidden costs may include supplementary weather protection for ongoing projects, extra trims, or specialty fasteners for treated or non-wood components. If the decking requires drainage modifications or permits, add synthetic underlayment or flashing costs.
Always budget a contingency of 5–10% for waste, error corrections, and unexpected site conditions.
Permits, Codes & Rebates
Some municipalities require building permits for decks over a certain size, adding permit fees and possible inspections to the budget. Rebate programs or local incentives for sustainable wood use can offset some costs, but availability varies by locality.
Check local regulations before finalizing material choices or dimensions.
FAQs
Q: Is cedar decking more expensive than composite? A: Yes, generally cedar costs more upfront, but maintenance costs may differ over time. Q: How long does cedar last outdoors? A: With proper sealing and maintenance, cedar can last 15–25 years in typical climates.
Specific price depends on grade, size, and finish, with clear cedar commanding the higher end.
Assumptions: region, specs, labor hours.
