Cedar plank siding cost varies widely based on material grade, plank thickness, profile, and whether existing siding is removed. Typical price factors include the cedar species, sizing, underlayment, weatherproofing, and labor for installation or removal. This article outlines realistic pricing ranges and practical cost drivers for U.S. homeowners.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $2.50/sq ft | $5.50/sq ft | $9.00/sq ft | Includes cedar planks, finishing, sealant. |
| Labor | $4.00/sq ft | $9.50/sq ft | $16.00/sq ft | Install, removal of old siding, trim work. |
| Permits | $100 | $350 | $1,000 | Depends on locality and project scope. |
| Delivery/Disposal | $0.50/sq ft | $1.50/sq ft | $3.00/sq ft | Includes debris removal and packaging. |
| Contingency | 5% | 10% | 15% | Unforeseen issues or upgrades. |
| Taxes | 0-2% | 6% | 9% | Based on local rates and materials. |
Assumptions: region, cedar species, plank profile, and labor hours. Prices assume installation on a typical single-family home with standard elevation and no major structural changes.
Overview Of Costs
Typical project ranges for cedar plank siding install or retrofit span roughly $8,000 to $22,000 for a 1,500-square-foot home, depending on siding thickness, profile, and labor conditions. A mid-range project often lands near $12,000-$16,000, while premium systems with premium cedar, custom millwork, and extensive trim can exceed $25,000. data-formula=”labor_hours × hourly_rate”>
Cost Breakdown
Table-based view shows total ranges and per-unit pricing with essential drivers. The following breakdown uses a mix of total project ranges and per-square-foot estimates. Per-unit pricing helps when comparing bids for different wall areas.
| Category | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $2.50/sq ft | $5.50/sq ft | $9.00/sq ft | Includes planks, underlayment, finish. |
| Labor | $4.00/sq ft | $9.50/sq ft | $16.00/sq ft | Crew time, removal, nails, prep. |
| Permits | $100 | $350 | $1,000 | Varies by city/county. |
| Delivery/Disposal | $0.50/sq ft | $1.50/sq ft | $3.00/sq ft | Waste and transport fees. |
| Contingency | 5% | 10% | 15% | Budget buffer for surprises. |
| Taxes | 0-2% | 6% | 9% | State and local taxes. |
What Drives Price
Material grade and profile are key cost levers. Higher-grade cedar with tight knots, fuller boards, and hand-split profiles cost more but offer longer life and better aesthetics. Room for customization like bevel textures, recessed channels, or pre-finished coatings also increases price. The project’s size, existing siding removal, and weatherproofing add to labor time and materials.
Factors That Affect Price
Geography, climate, and local labor markets influence pricing strongly. For example, urban markets tend to have higher labor rates than rural areas. Availability of cedar species (e.g., Western red cedar vs. eastern white cedar) can shift material costs by 10–30%. Assorted project specifics like wall height and corner trim complexity can add hours and cost.
Regional Price Differences
Price variations across regions show how location affects total cost. In the Northeast, expect higher labor and permit costs; the Midwest may offer mid-range pricing; the Southwest often features lower deliveries but higher finish materials due to desert storage needs. Typical regional deltas: Northeast +8–14%, Midwest ±0–6%, West +5–12% compared to national average.
Labor & Installation Time
Installation speed correlates with crew size and wall complexity. A standard two-person crew can install approximately 50–100 sq ft per day for cedar plank siding, depending on board profile and weather. Assuming 6–8 hours per day, total labor hours scale with wall area and if extensive trim is required.
Additional & Hidden Costs
Expect extras beyond the main bid. Common add-ons include scaffold or lift rental, moisture barrier retrofit, caulking joints, painting or stain sealing, and sealing penetrations around windows and doors. Hidden costs may arise from revamping trim, repairing rot behind existing siding, or upgrading underlayment for moisture control.
Real-World Pricing Examples
Three scenario cards illustrate typical bids for a 1,500 sq ft exterior with standard two-story complexity and existing siding removal. All include cedar plank siding materials and installation, finish, and basic trim work.
Assumptions: region, project scope, and crew availability for each scenario.
- Basic: Materials $2.50/sq ft; Labor $4.00/sq ft; 1,500 sq ft; Total $13,500–$18,000. Per-unit: $6.50–$12.00/sq ft.
- Mid-Range: Materials $4.50/sq ft; Labor $9.50/sq ft; 1,500 sq ft; Total $25,500–$34,000. Per-unit: $11.00–$16.50/sq ft.
- Premium: Materials $8.00/sq ft; Labor $12.50/sq ft; 1,800 sq ft; Total $39,000–$52,000. Per-unit: $14.00–$29.00/sq ft.
Assumptions: Northeast urban market, standard two-story home, no major rot, no extensive custom millwork.
Cost Compared To Alternatives
Cedar plank siding vs. alternatives such as fiber cement or engineered wood varies by life-cycle costs. Cedar generally offers natural aesthetics and longer aging with maintenance; fiber cement may have higher upfront material costs but lower long-term maintenance, while engineered wood provides intermediate performance. For comparison, fiber cement typically runs $6.50–$12.00 per sq ft installed, while engineered wood ranges $5.00–$9.50 per sq ft installed, influencing overall budget decisions.
Maintenance & Ownership Costs
Ongoing costs accumulate after installation. Expect periodic sealing every 3–5 years in harsher climates, plus occasional refinishing. Maintenance intervals and wood care products add $0.25–$0.75 per sq ft per year, depending on climate and exposure. Lifetime cost considerations include potential rot repair and repaint cycles, which can occur every 10–15 years if not properly maintained.
