Cedar siding cost per square foot varies widely based on profile, grade, and installation specifics. The main cost drivers are material quality, siding profile (lap, shake, or shingle), surface prep, and labor time. Buyers typically pay a combined installed price that reflects both materials and skilled labor.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials (cedar boards, untreated) | $2.50 | $4.00 | $5.50 | Includes basic cedar grades; higher grades cost more. |
| Labor (installation) | $3.00 | $5.50 | $7.00 | Includes nailing, alignment, and sealing prep. |
| Total Installed Price (per sq ft) | $5.50 | $9.50 | $12.50 | Material + labor combined; varies by profile and region. |
| Maintenance (per sq ft, annualized) | $0.10 | $0.20 | $0.40 | Sealing or staining every 3–5 years. |
Overview Of Costs
Cost ranges for cedar siding installed typically span from about $5.50 to $12.50 per square foot, depending on profile, grade, and labor efficiency. The per-square-foot totals assume standard wall areas, normal climate, and typical building geometry. For a 2,000-square-foot exterior, expect installed costs in the broad range of roughly $11,000 to $25,000 before finishes and permits. Assumptions: region, specs, labor hours.
Cost Breakdown
In a typical installation, the price is driven by materials and labor in roughly equal shares, with additional costs for finishes, fasteners, and prep work. A detailed view can help compare quotes accurately. The following table breaks down common line items and how they contribute to total price.
| Materials | Labor | Equipment | Permits | Delivery/Disposal | Warranty | Overhead | Contingency | Taxes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2.50–$5.50/ft² | $3.00–$7.00/ft² | $0.20–$0.50/ft² | $0–$1.50/ft² | $0.20–$0.60/ft² | Limited lifetime or 25-year typical | $0.50–$1.40/ft² | $0.30–$0.70/ft² | 0–7% depending on locality |
| Assumptions: standard 4–8 inch exposure, single-story home, normal climate. | ||||||||
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Factors That Affect Price
Profile, grade, and installation complexity are the primary price levers. Cedar siding comes in multiple profiles—板lap, channel rustic, shake, and shingle—each with different edge details and installation time. Higher-grade cedar with longer service life, fewer knots, and tighter growth rings commands a premium. Rooflines, corner details, and window/door trim add complexity that drives labor hours higher.
Regional Price Differences
Prices vary by region due to labor markets and material sourcing. In the Northeast, expect higher labor rates and competitive material sourcing, while the Midwest may balance cost and availability differently. The West often shows elevated delivery costs and premium on specialty profiles. A typical regional delta is ±10% to ±25% compared with national averages, with urban areas skewing higher than rural markets.
Labor, Hours & Rates
Labor is a major portion of the installed price and can vary with crew size and experience. Typical crews include 2–3 installers plus a foreman for most residential projects. On average, installation time ranges from 10–14 hours per 1,000 square feet of siding for simple walls, to 20–40 hours for complex elevations with sizable trim and corners. Higher-skilled crews in high-cost markets may charge above the national average.
Additional & Hidden Costs
Surprises often come from prep work and finish choices. Weather-related delays, moisture barriers, and final coating (stain or paint) add to cost. If existing siding must be removed, disposal fees or recycling charges apply. Nails and fasteners (hot-d dipped galvanized or stainless) add a per-square-foot premium, especially with exotic cedar species. Finishes like semi-transparent stains or solid stains influence lifecycle cost and recoat intervals.
Real-World Pricing Examples
Three scenario snapshots illustrate typical outcomes for cedar siding installed in a standard single-family home.
- Basic: 1,000 sq ft of tongue-and-groove cedar lap, standard grade, minimal trim. Materials $2.50/ft², labor $3.50/ft². Total installed around $6.00/ft²; estimate $6,000 before finishes.
- Mid-Range: 2,000 sq ft with knotty cedar, basic shake accents, mid-grade stain. Materials $3.50/ft², labor $5.00/ft². Total installed near $8.50/ft²; estimate $17,000–$20,000 including finishes.
- Premium: 2,500 sq ft with clear vertical-grain cedar, premium profile, extensive trim, high-end finish. Materials $5.00/ft², labor $6.50/ft². Total installed around $11.50/ft²; estimate $28,750–$32,000 with coatings and extras.
Assumptions: region, specs, labor hours.
Pricing FAQ
What impacts price the most: material grade and installation complexity. For a homeowner comparing bids, verify whether estimates include surface prep, primer, and two finish coats. Some contractors quote “installed price” while others itemize materials and labor separately. Always confirm if pruning or trimming around fixtures is included, and whether waste disposal is charged separately.
