Cedar shiplap cladding price varies by wood grade, thickness, finish, and project scope. This article provides realistic cost ranges in USD and breaks down the main drivers behind the price, including material quality, labor, and regional differences. Buyers can use these figures to budget for both new installations and renovations, with a focus on the actual price you will pay at checkout.
Assumptions: standard 1×6 cedar boards, factory-applied finish, standard exterior exposure, and normal access in suburban U.S. markets.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Material cost (cedar shiplap boards) | $2.25/linear ft | $3.50/linear ft | $6.00/linear ft | Clear or knotty grades differ in price |
| Labor for installation | $3.50/linear ft | $5.50/linear ft | $9.50/linear ft | Includes basic fastening and alignment |
| Finish and sealant (optional) | $0.60/linear ft | $1.25/linear ft | $2.50/linear ft | Water-based or penetrating sealers |
| Tools and consumables | $0.20/linear ft | $0.50/linear ft | $1.00/linear ft | Nails, trims, caulk, cleaner |
| Delivery | $0.10/linear ft | $0.25/linear ft | $0.60/linear ft | Distance from mill to site matters |
| Permits and inspections | $150 | $400 | $1,000 | varies by locality |
| Waste disposal | $0.05/linear ft | $0.15/linear ft | $0.50/linear ft | Includes debris haul-off |
Cedar Shiplap Cladding Cost Breakdown by Material Quality
Material quality is the primary driver of price for cedar shiplap cladding. Lower-grade boards with more knots are less expensive, while clear, straight-grain boards command higher prices and tighter tolerances. In typical exterior installations, expect a material price range tied to grade and thickness: 5/16 inch or 3/8 inch thick boards are common in residential projects, with 1×6 dimensions standard for shiplap cladding.
Low-end material costs reflect knotty or standard-grade cedar with basic surface prep. Mid-range prices cover better grade materials with minimal knots and longer lengths to reduce seams. High-end pricing includes premium, knot-free stock, prefinished or factory-coated finishes, and kiln-dried stock to reduce cupping. The per-linear-foot cost compounds when boards must be cut to fit around openings or stairwells.
Assumptions: standard 8-foot-long boards, exterior-grade cedar, non-coated finish in humid regions.
Per-Unit Pricing: Cedar Shiplap Boards by Foot or Panel
Per-foot pricing helps compare online quotes and local bids for both single-wall and multi-wall installations. Contractors commonly quote per linear foot installed and per board, with separate line items for finish, trim, and accessories. For a typical 1×6 cedar shiplap, you’ll see material pricing around $2.25-$6.00 per linear foot depending on grade, plus installation multipliers that reflect labor and site conditions.
In practice, a 150 linear foot project might show material costs in the $340-$900 range, with labor adding $525-$1,350, before finishes and extras. Using a per-square-foot lens can also help: roughly $3.50-$9.50 per square foot installed, depending on board length, pattern, and waste allowances.
Assumptions: 8-foot boards, standard vertical application, no specialty profiles beyond basic shiplap.
Labor and Installation: Regional Rates for Cedar Cladding
Labor rates vary by region, crew size, and access to the job site. In the Midwest and South, skilled carpenters typically bill $35-$65 per hour, while West Coast markets may range $60-$90 per hour due to higher overheads. For framing, a two-person crew often completes about 80-120 linear feet of cedar shiplap per day under normal conditions, with overhead and cleanup included in the daily rate.
As a rough guide, installation labor can be $3.50-$9.50 per linear foot, reflecting crew efficiency, waste, and complexity of detailing around windows, doors, and corners. When multiple walls or complex patterns are involved, expect the labor portion to climb toward the high end of the range.
Assumptions: standard ground-level access, dry weather window, minimal rework.
Additional Costs: Fasteners, Finishes, and Prep Work
Beyond the boards themselves, fasteners, finishes, and surface prep can substantially alter the total. Stainless steel or coated nails prevent corrosion in coastal or humid environments, typically adding $0.15-$0.50 per linear foot. Finishing with a UV-cut, water-repellent sealant can add $0.60-$2.50 per linear foot, depending on the product and number of coats. Prep work such as moisture testing, sheathing repair, or cleaning surfaces adds time and cost, generally $300-$1,000 in a small-to-medium project.
Finishes may be applied on-site or purchased pre-finished. Pre-finished cedar shiplap reduces finishing time on-site but can increase material cost by 5-15% per linear foot. The choice between semi-transparent stains and solid-color finishes influences both price and maintenance needs over time.
Assumptions: coastal climate with salty air or high humidity; standard two-coat sealant regime.
Weather and Climate: How Region Impacts Price
Regional climate drives cost through material performance needs and labor conditions. In harsher climates with higher UV exposure or salt spray, buyers may pay more for higher-grade cedar and premium finishes that resist weathering. Regions with longer dry spells and more accessible exterior walls may reduce installation delays, affecting overall project durations and labor costs.
Prices can shift by region: coastal markets often see higher material premiums and delivery fees, while inland markets may offer lower labor costs but longer lead times for premium stock. Planning for seasonal demand spikes in spring and early summer is prudent for budgeting and scheduling.
Assumptions: oceanfront or high-humidity exposure in coastal counties vs. inland zones with standard Sun exposure.
Size and Scope: How Square Footage Drives Total
Project size directly scales material and labor requirements. A smaller cottage with 600-800 sq ft of exterior cedar shiplap may land in the $4,000-$8,000 range installed, while a 2,000 sq ft home could require $14,000-$28,000 depending on finish, waste, and detailing. The key is accounting for waste factors of 5-15% based on layouts and cuts around doors, windows, and angles.
Low-end projects use standard lines with straightforward runs and minimal features; mid-range projects include better-grade boards and more precise cuts; high-end projects emphasize premium stock, prefinished panels, and complex patterns or inset accents.
Assumptions: standard exterior walls with typical door and window openings, 8-foot ceiling height in the wall plane.
Replacement vs New Build: Cedar Shiplap for Renovations
Deciding between replacement and new-build applications changes the cost structure. For renovations, removal of existing siding and disposal adds $0.20-$0.70 per linear foot and increases labor hours. If the existing substrate requires repair, add $2-$6 per square foot for patching or reinforcing sheathing. New builds avoid removal costs but may incur higher initial material orders to accommodate longer spans or specialty cuts.
New construction tends to lean toward higher-grade stock given long-term exposure and warranty considerations, while renovations may emphasize cost-effective grades if the existing structure remains sound. The difference in price between renovation and new build projects often comes down to removal, surface prep, and waste handling.
Assumptions: existing structure in good condition; no structural remediation required beyond basic weatherproofing.
Budgeting Scenarios in Regions: Midwest, South, and Coastal Markets
Location affects both material availability and labor pricing. In the Midwest, lower labor rates can offset higher shipping costs for cedar, yielding a mid-range installed price of about $6-$12 per square foot. In the South, expect $5-$11 per square foot on average, with variations based on humidity and finish choice. Coastal markets may see $9-$15 per square foot due to premium stock, faster job timelines, and higher delivery fees.
For a 1,500 sq ft exterior remodel using mid-range cedar with a standard sealant, a practical budget could run $9,000-$18,000 in the Midwest, $12,000-$23,000 in the South, and $13,500-$22,500 along the coast, depending on waste, pattern, and access.
Assumptions: standardized wall exposure, moderate climate, and typical permit requirements.
