Homeowners typically pay a range for decking materials based on species, grade, and board width, with price gaps driven by durability and aesthetics. The main cost drivers are material type, installation labor, and maintenance. This article compares cedar and pressure-treated wood, focusing on cost, price ranges, and practical budgeting.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cedar Materials | $2.50/sq ft | $4.50/sq ft | $7.00+/sq ft | Includes high-grade boards; excludes install |
| Pressure-Treated Materials | $1.50/sq ft | $2.75/sq ft | $4.50+/sq ft | Includes treated pine; excludes install |
| Labor & Installation | $6.00/sq ft | $9.50/sq ft | $12.50+/sq ft | Includes framing, fasteners, basic railing |
| Delivery | $100 | $250 | $500 | Depends on distance and quantity |
| Maintenance (5-year) | $0.50/sq ft/yr | $0.80/sq ft/yr | $1.20+/sq ft/yr | Stain/seal, cleaning, minor repairs |
Overview Of Costs
Cedar typically carries a higher upfront price than pressure-treated wood, but offers natural rot resistance and a distinctive appearance. Cost ranges reflect grade, width, and regional supply. Per-square-foot estimates apply to materials plus installation, with labor driving the bulk of the total for most decks. Assumptions: standard 5/4×6 boards, 200 sq ft deck, mid-grade cedar, or standard pressure-treated pine; basic railing included in install.
Cost Breakdown
Below is a typical breakdown for a 200 sq ft deck, showing both material families. The table uses totals and per-square-foot figures to aid budgeting.
| Category | Cedar | Pressure-Treated | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Materials (total) | $500–$1,200 | $300–$700 | Assumes 200 sq ft; high-grade cedar costs more |
| Labor | $1,200–$2,400 | $1,000–$1,800 | Includes framing, decking, fasteners |
| Delivery | $100–$250 | $100–$250 | Distance dependent |
| Permits | $0–$300 | $0–$300 | Depends on locality |
| Warranty/Overhead | $50–$150 | $40–$130 | Typical contractor margins |
| Contingency | $100–$400 | $80–$300 | Backup for material waste |
| Taxes | $30–$120 | $25–$100 | State/local rates apply |
Assumptions: region, specs, labor hours.
What Drives Price
Material durability and service life are the dominant price drivers. Cedar costs more due to natural resistance to rot and insects, while pressure-treated lumber is cheaper upfront but may incur higher maintenance over time. Other variables include board width, species grade, moisture content, and finishing requirements. For cedar, premium clear grades raise the price significantly, and wider boards increase material costs per square foot. For pressure-treated, treating and condition of lumber (ground contact vs. elevated) can shift costs modestly.
Cost Drivers
Two niche-specific drivers affect cedar and pressure-treated pricing:
- Deck size and shape: irregular layouts increase waste and labor hours, impacting both materials and installation costs.
- Finish and protection: cedar often requires penetrating sealants, seals, or oil-based finishes; pressure-treated may need waterproofing and stain to maintain appearance, adding to annual maintenance.
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Regional Price Differences
Prices vary by region due to wood supply, climate, and labor markets. In the Northeast, cedar may run higher due to local availability; the Southeast may offer more competitive pressure-treated pricing due to material abundance; the West often features higher installation rates driven by contractor demand. Expect roughly ±10–25% deltas between regions for both material types, with cedar showing larger regional variability due to grade and mill access.
Labor & Installation Time
Labor costs hinge on deck complexity and crew size. A simple 200 sq ft deck may need a two-person crew for 3–4 days; more elaborate railings or stair layouts extend both time and cost. Cedar decks can require longer install times if finger-jointed or warped boards are minimized by labor, while pressure-treated decks might use faster installation with consistent boards.
Additional & Hidden Costs
Hidden costs can include moisture testing, leveling substructure, fastener corrosion considerations, and staining/sealing products. Cedar often needs monthly cleaning in the first year and periodic maintenance thereafter, while pressure-treated decks may require more frequent sealant refreshment to reduce surface checking and color loss.
Real-World Pricing Examples
Three scenario cards illustrate typical budgeting outcomes. Each includes specs, labor hours, per-unit prices, and totals.
Basic Scenario: 150 sq ft, standard 5/4×6 cedar boards, no custom railing, simple stairs. Materials: $375–$900; Labor: $900–$1,600; Delivery: $100; Permits: $0; Total: $1,375–$3,000.
Mid-Range Scenario: 200 sq ft cedar with basic railing, mid-grade boards, water sealant. Materials: $900–$1,600; Labor: $1,200–$2,400; Delivery: $150; Permit: $50–$150; Total: $2,300–$4,200.
Premium Scenario: 350 sq ft, high-grade cedar, complex railing, curved sections. Materials: $2,000–$3,700; Labor: $2,800–$5,000; Delivery: $250–$350; Permits: $100–$500; Total: $4,100–$9,550.
Prices above reflect typical regional ranges and assume standard hardware. Assumptions: region, specs, labor hours.
