Cayers of cedar siding pricing often hinge on grade, width, and installation scope. This article presents the cost per linear foot and shows how size, material choice, and labor shape the final bill. Expect to see ranges for materials and labor so readers can budget accurately.
Assumptions: Midwest labor rates, standard 1×6 and 1×8 cedar boards, normal access, no custom profiles, and typical coastal or inland weather exposure.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Material (per linear ft) | $2.50 | $4.50 | $6.50 | Includes boards, priming, and fasteners |
| Labor to install (per linear ft) | $2.00 | $4.00 | $6.00 | Includes basic prep and fastening |
| Prep and removal (per linear ft) | $0.50 | $1.50 | $3.00 | Old siding removal if applicable |
| Finishing and coatings (per linear ft) | $0.50 | $1.50 | $3.00 | Primer, paint or stain, sealant |
| Total installed (per linear ft) | $5.50 | $11.00 | $18.50 | Depends on grade, profile, climate zone |
Cedar Siding Cost Per Linear Foot by Grade and Width
The base price varies with cedar grade and the width of the board. Typical widths are 6 inches and 8 inches, with 1×6 and 1×8 nominal boards most commonly used. Clear Grade Cedar fetches a higher price than Select or Rustic grades. Expect a per-linear-foot range from roughly $2.50 to $6.50 for material alone, with installation driving the total higher.
Assumptions: standard 8-foot boards, standard grooved profile, no exotic species, and normal climate exposure.
| Grade | Width | Material Range | Per Foot | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clear Heartwood | 6″ | Premium | $4.50-$5.50 | High durability, minimal knots |
| Select/Clear Face | 8″ | Mid | $3.50-$4.50 | Visible grain varies |
| Rough/Rustic | 6″-8″ | Budget | $2.50-$3.50 | More knots, varied color |
Labor Rates and Installation Time for Cedar Siding
Labor costs reflect crew size, region, and efficiency. The typical crew for a standard single-story home uses 2-3 workers over several days. The per-foot labor range is commonly $2.00 to $6.00, with faster installs on straight runs and more time for corners, windows, and doors. Labor often constitutes a large portion of the total cost.
Assumptions: 8–12 hours per 100 linear feet, mid-range crew, weekday scheduling.
| Labor Component | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Initial framing and weather barrier install | $0.50 | $1.25 | $2.50 | Assists siding performance |
| Board cutting and fit | $0.75 | $1.50 | $2.50 | Precision for tight gaps |
| Fastening and alignment | $0.75 | $1.50 | $3.00 | Corner and edge work |
| Finishing coat application | $0.25 | $0.75 | $1.50 | Paint or stain |
Material Choices That Drive the Cedar Price per Linear Foot
Material choices include clear, select, and rustic grades, plus whether to use grooved panels or bevel siding. Clear cedar generally costs more but withstands weather with less maintenance. Beveled siding requires more precise cutting and might elevate waste and time. A practical price range to expect for the installed cost per foot spans roughly $5 to $18, depending on grade and finish. Clear Grade with a protective finish tends to push toward the higher end.
Assumptions: standard grooved bevel siding, weather barrier in place, exterior grade finishes.
| Option | Per Foot Installed | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Clear Grade, 6″ grooved | $12.00-$18.00 | Premium look, tight grain |
| Select Grade, 8″ bevel | $7.00-$11.00 | Good value, visible knots |
| Rustic Grade, 6″ bevel | $5.00-$8.00 | Lowest cost, more variation |
Regional Variations in Cedar Siding Pricing
Prices shift by climate, local labor markets, and supply. The West Coast and Northeast tend to have higher material costs due to demand and logistics, while the Southeast can show lower labor costs but higher treatment needs for humidity. On a per-foot installed basis, regional deltas can be 10%–25% between markets. Budget planning should adjust for local differences.
Assumptions: coastal markets with standard delivery; inland markets with typical supply lines.
| Region | Installed Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| West Coast | $9.50-$17.50 | Higher material and permit costs |
| Northeast | $9.00-$16.50 | Labor rates higher in many areas |
| Southeast | $8.00-$15.50 | Humidity considerations raise finish prep |
| Midwest | $7.50-$14.50 | Balanced material and labor costs |
Remodel Details That Alter the Cedar Bill
Prep work, removal of old siding, and site access all influence price. If substantial removal is needed or access is restricted, expect added charges in the range of $0.50 to $3.00 per linear foot for each labor pass. Rough terrain or tight access can increase total costs sharply.
Assumptions: one-story home, standard access, no hazardous materials inside walls.
| Scenario | Per Foot Impact | Typical Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Old siding removal | +$0.50-$1.50 | $1.00 | Depends on layers and nails |
| Gaps, knots, and planing | +$0.25-$0.75 | $0.50 | Quality control factor |
| Access issues (ladder/time) | +$0.50-$1.00 | $0.75 | Safety measures required |
Finishing choices, trim, and sealant add to the cost per linear foot. A basic stain or primer plus two coats of finish can add roughly $0.50 to $2.50 per foot depending on product quality and color requirements. Finishing not only protects cedar but also affects longevity and maintenance cycles. Higher-quality finishes can double as long-term savings on repaint cycles.
Assumptions: standard color choices, waterborne enamel or exterior stain, typical trim profiles.
| Finishing Type | Installed Per Foot | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Primer + two coats stain | $0.75-$1.75 | Common exterior protection |
| Solid paint finish | $1.50-$2.50 | Longer-lasting color, higher cost |
| Clear sealant or water repellent | $0.50-$1.00 | Enhances water resistance |
A Practical Comparison: Replace or Repair Cedar Siding
In some cases, replacing boards is cheaper than repairing warped or severely weathered sections, especially on older homes. A replacement strategy typically runs $7.00-$14.00 per linear foot installed, depending on grade and finish, while repair work on damaged boards might sit in the $2.50-$6.50 per foot range. Consider regional labor and material inflation when budgeting for a multi-year renovation. Replacement can reduce ongoing maintenance in exchange for higher upfront costs.
Assumptions: single-story home, standard 1×6 or 1×8 bevel profiles, normal climate.
| Option | Installed Range | When It Makes Sense |
|---|---|---|
| Repair damaged boards | $2.50-$6.50 | Localized issues, minimal scope |
| Full replacement with cedar | $7.00-$14.00 | Extensive damage or moisture exposure |
Three example scenarios show how scope changes cost. A small, single-story home with 150 linear feet of 6″ Select Grade siding and basic finish may land near $1,800-$2,800 installed. A mid-size home with 350 linear feet of 8″ Clear Grade bevel and premium finish could run $5,500-$9,500. A larger two-story project with 600 linear feet and high-grade cedar might reach $11,000-$20,000. Always request a breakdown by materials, labor, and finishing to compare quotes fairly.
Assumptions: typical Midwest climate, standard trim, no major structural changes.
| Scenario | Linear Feet | Grade | Finishes | Installed Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small home | 150 | Select | Stain | $1,800-$2,800 |
| Mid-size, single story | 350 | Clear | Premium | $5,500-$9,500 |
| Large two-story | 600 | Clear | Premium | $11,000-$20,000 |
