Cedar wood cladding price ranges vary by board type, finish, and installation scope. This guide breaks down typical costs, per-square-foot estimates, and regional differences to help homeowners budget for cedar siding projects. The total price includes material, labor, and common extras to provide a realistic installed cost picture.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Material (cedar boards) | $2.50 | $4.50 | $7.50 | Prices per board, regional hardwoods vary |
| Installed price per sq ft | $8.50 | $12.50 | $20.00 | Includes labor, fasteners, trim |
| Labor (installation) | $4.50 | $8.50 | $12.50 | Per sq ft, regional rates apply |
| Delivery/Delivery fees | $0.50 | $1.50 | $4.00 | Distance-based |
| Finish/sealant | $0.75 | $1.75 | $4.00 | Includes stain or clear coat |
Assumptions: Midwest labor rates, standard kiln-dried boards, typical 1-story home, smooth face, standard 0.75-1 inch thickness.
Cedar Cladding Price Per Square Foot and Installed Range
Typical installed cedar cladding ranges from $8.50 to $20.00 per sq ft depending on board selection, profile, and access. The low end covers standard #1 heartwood cedar run as straight boards with basic trim; the high end covers premium patterns, tight joints, and moisture-management detailing. In most U.S. markets, plan for a mid-range installed price around $12.50–$16.50 per sq ft for a full exterior finish.
Assumptions: single-story, standard gable or rectangle footprint, no specialized shaping, normal access.
Material Choices: Sawn Cedar vs. KD Cedar Boards
Material type drives both price and finishing needs. Sawn cedar boards are typically $2.75–$5.75 per sq ft material, while kiln-dried (KD) cedar may push materials to $3.25–$6.50 per sq ft. Installed costs scale with pattern, such as vertical boards versus shiplap or channel styles. For a 1,500 sq ft façade, this material split can shift total installed cost by roughly $2,400–$5,500 depending on pattern and grade.
Assumptions: Grade select, treated, no exotic species, standard vehicle access.
Labor and Install: Typical Rates by Region
Labor dominates the installed price. Regional hourly rates for cedar cladding installation commonly range from $40 to $75 per hour per crew, equating to roughly $4.50–$12.50 per sq ft when averaged across a whole project. A 1,500 sq ft siding install may require 6–9 crew days, influencing the total labor portion. Expect variations with crew size, weather windows, and slope challenges.
Assumptions: Two-person crew, standard two-week window, no structural remediation.
System Type Impact: Rustic Plank vs. Channel Shiplap
Design and profile strongly affect price. Rustic plank layouts with simple nailing patterns may sit at the lower end of installed pricing, while channel or shiplap systems with tight seams and hidden fasteners raise material waste and labor time. Expect roughly $1.50–$5.50 per sq ft differential between simple planks and advanced joint systems, depending on profile and board width.
Assumptions: Typical 0.75–1 inch thick boards, standard hidden fasteners for higher-end profiles.
Size and Coverage: Typical Home Exterior Areas
Coverage area directly tiers material quantities and labor needs. A modest 1,200–1,800 sq ft exterior façade commonly lands in the $9,600–$28,800 installed range, while larger homes can exceed $40,000 when premium cedar and multi-story access are involved. Per-square-foot pricing helps compare options across sizes and styles.
Assumptions: One-story to two-story home, typical gable ends, standard door/window openings.
Ancillary Costs: Fasteners, Sealant, and Finish Options
Don’t overlook fasteners, sealants, and finish coats. Fasteners (stainless or aluminum) add roughly $0.20–$0.75 per sq ft, while finish coats (stain/clear sealant) run about $0.75–$1.75 per sq ft. If inspections or warranty work are needed, add a contingency of 5–10% of total material and labor.
Assumptions: Standard 2-coat finish, no specialty coatings, normal exposure.
Delivery, Waste, and Handling Fees
Delivery fees typically vary by distance and load size. Expect $0.50–$4.00 per sq ft in transport and unloading costs, with higher charges for remote jobsites or heavy boards. Waste removal for off-cuts and packaging can add $200–$600 on mid-size projects.
Assumptions: Normal access, standard palletized loads, no extra crane or hauler requirements.
Maintenance and Replacement Cycle Costs
Cecan cedar cladding life depends on climate and maintenance. Plan for periodic cleaning and sealing every 3–5 years, with reseal costs around $0.50–$1.50 per sq ft per event. If repairs or full panel replacements are needed due to rot or impact, anticipate higher per-unit pricing later in the project lifecycle.
Assumptions: Mild-to-moderate humidity region, typical spray-on or wipe-on finishes, standard warranty terms.
Cost Components In Quote
| Component | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials (cedar boards) | $2.50 | $4.50 | $7.50 | Includes grade and profile |
| Labor | $4.50 | $8.50 | $12.50 | Installed price per sq ft |
| Finish/Sealant | $0.75 | $1.75 | $4.00 | Two-coat system typical |
| Fasteners | $0.20 | $0.50 | $0.75 | Stainless/aluminum |
| Delivery/Disposal | $0.50 | $1.50 | $4.00 | Distance-based |
| Contingency | 0% | 5% | 10% | Weather/Access risks |
Assumptions: Regional labor costs reflect standard markets; no structural remediation required.
Variables That Strongly Shift Cedar Cladding Quotes
Primary price drivers include project size in square feet and profile complexity. A larger home with vertical planks and hidden fasteners can push installed costs up to the higher end. Additional drivers include climate exposure, access constraints (ladders, scaffolding), and trim complexity. For example, multi-story installations can add 15–25% to labor and equipment costs due to safety measures.
Assumptions: Typical residential exterior, no major remediation, standard access.
Ways to Trim Cedar Cladding Costs Without Compromise
Control scope to reduce price. Bundle finish options, reuse existing trim where feasible, and plan for mid-range profiles rather than premium channel systems. Scheduling during favorable weather and avoiding rush quotes can cut upfront labor fees by 5–15%. Consider repair-focused upgrades over full replacement when cedar shows localized damage, and compare quotes from at least two installers to capture market pricing.
Assumptions: No major structural repairs required; standard 1,500 sq ft scope.
