Prospective buyers often pay for cedar by the lineal foot or by the board foot depending on grade, species, and finish. The price per foot can vary with board width, treatment, and whether the project uses cedar boards, tongue-and-groove panels, or dimensional timbers. This article presents cost ranges in USD and explains the main drivers behind cedar wood pricing, helping readers estimate total project costs.
Assumptions: Midwest to Southeast markets, standard kiln-dried cedar, southern yellow cedar common in residential siding, typical 1×6 or 1×8 boards, no exotic species, standard finish, no heavy labor shortages. Assumptions: Midwest labor rates, standard materials, normal access.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cedar boards (per linear foot) | $2.00 | $3.50 | $6.50 | Standard 1×6 or 1×8, untreated |
| Cedar siding panels (per sq ft) | $3.00 | $5.00 | $9.00 | Tongue-and-groove or bevel siding |
| Labor (installation per linear ft or per sq ft) | $1.50 | $3.00 | $6.00 | Framing, cladding, finishing |
| Finish/Sealant (per linear ft) | $0.50 | $1.50 | $4.00 | Stain or clear sealant |
| Shipping/Delivery (per order) | $25 | $60 | $150 | Distance-dependent |
Formula reference:
What Cedar Wood Cost Per Foot Typically Looks Like
In residential projects, cedar boards for fencing, trim, or siding commonly run between $2 and $6 per lineal foot for untreated common grades. Higher grades, longer lengths, or pre-finished options push prices toward the upper end. Exterior siding using tongue-and-groove cedar typically ranges from $5 to $9 per sq ft installed, which translates to roughly $0.50 to $1.00 per linear foot when converted through common siding widths. Typical total project from a few hundred to several thousand dollars is driven by scope, board width, and finish.
For a basic yard fencing project using standard cedar boards, expect roughly $3 per linear foot as an installed average, with $2 per foot as a low-end material cost and $6 per foot as a high-end material and finish combination. Labor and finish choices materially affect the final price.
Major Cost Components in Cedar Wood By Foot
The cost breakdown below reflects a typical order for cedar boards used in siding or fence construction, with a focus on price per unit and installed outcomes. Understanding each component helps readers compare quotes accurately.
| Component | Low | Average | High | What drives the cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials: Cedar boards | $2.00 | $3.50 | $6.50 | Grade, width, species, treatment |
| Labor: Installation | $1.50 | $3.00 | $6.00 | Access, complexity, fasteners |
| Finish/Sealing | $0.50 | $1.50 | $4.00 | Stain, sealant, color |
| Delivery | $25 | $60 | $150 | Distance, carrier, volume |
| Waste/Offcuts | $0.20 | $0.60 | $2.00 | Cutting loss, planing |
Key Variables That Drive Cedar Pricing
Two primary drivers often shift the final cedar price per foot: board grade and project scale. A second driver is finish type and exposure to weather. For example, premium tight-grain cedar used for high-end siding or decking can push material costs by 40–60% versus economy grades. Meanwhile, a large-scale fence or deck project may reduce per-foot labor costs due to efficiencies and bulk buys. Region and access can add or subtract 10–25% on total cost.
Other influential factors include moisture content at purchase, kiln-dried versus air-dried timing, and the availability of pre-stained or pre-finished options. A typical threshold is 1×6 boards at 8 to 12 feet long with standard knot patterns; higher lengths and lower knot counts raise the price per foot. Assumptions: standard lengths and common knot patterns.
Regional Price Differences You Should Expect
Prices for cedar wood vary by region due to supply chains, climate, and building norms. The coastal regions often see higher costs for cedar siding due to higher demand and shipping, while some interior markets keep material costs closer to the low end. Expect regional deltas of roughly 5–15% between neighboring states and up to 20–30% between distant regions. When comparing quotes, request a regional adjustment note to ensure apples-to-apples pricing. Assumptions: regional variations reflect typical market spreads.
Per-Unit Comparisons: Boards vs Panels vs Timbers
Cedar pricing per unit varies by product type. Boards for trim or fencing are commonly sold by the linear foot, while siding panels are priced per square foot, and timbers or posts are priced per piece or per board foot. A typical installed range might be $2–$6 per linear foot for boards, $5–$9 per sq ft for siding panels, and $8–$20 per linear foot for larger timbers or beams. Installation complexity and spacing requirements alter these numbers.
For smaller interior projects using cedar molding, pricing can be lower, while exterior decks using cedar boards with water-repellent finishes push costs higher due to finish cycles and longer installation times. Assumptions: standard spacing and fasteners, no exotic species.
How Labor Impacts Cedar Cost Per Foot
Labor rates for cedar work typically range from $2 to $6 per linear foot installed, depending on crew size and regional wage levels. A typical crew for siding or fencing includes two tradespeople, with install times varying by weather, access, and board quality. Labor efficiency, job complexity, and access drive significant variation.
When estimating a project, include potential overtime during peak season or scheduling limitations that may add 5–15% to labor costs. A basic installation with straightforward access yields the lower end; complex framing or tight tolerances push the number toward the higher end. Assumptions: standard workweek, normal weather.
Strategies To Reduce Cedar Footage Costs Without Compromising Quality
Smart cost-control moves help keep cedar projects within budget. Scope control: keep board width and length consistent to reduce waste. Material choices: opt for select-grade cedar with standard grain instead of premium grades for non-visible areas. Timing: buy material in shoulder seasons to avoid peak demand surcharges. Bundling: combine delivery with other materials to save on shipping. Replacement options: consider graded but unused stock or reclaimed cedar where suitable. Careful planning minimizes both material waste and labor hours.
Consider alternative finishes or sealants that require fewer maintenance cycles in the first five years. Sunset color choices can also affect color-fade expectations and long-term maintenance costs. Assumptions: mid-range finishes and standard color options.
Practical Quote Scenarios And How They Break Down
Real-world quotes help readers compare apples to apples. Scenario A uses cedar boards for a 200 linear foot fence with standard 1×6 boards and minimal finishing. Scenario B covers cedar siding for a 1,200 sq ft exterior wall with premium grade boards and a durable finish. Scenario C explores a mid-sized deck using tongue-and-groove cedar boards. Each scenario highlights per-foot material costs, per-square-foot installation, and total quotes with contingencies.
| Scenario | Material Cost (Low) | Labor Cost (Avg) | Finish/Sealant | Delivery | Total Installed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fence, 200 ft, 1×6 boards | $400 | $600 | $100 | $50 | $1,150 |
| Siding, 1,200 sq ft | $7,200 | $4,800 | $1,800 | $350 | $14,150 |
| Deck, 400 sq ft, tongue-and-groove | $3,000 | $2,400 | $600 | $150 | $6,150 |
Note: Quotes depend on local labor rates, access, and the chosen cedar grade. Consider obtaining at least three estimates to gauge market norms. Assumptions: standard deck, siding, or fence projects.
Frequently Observed Hidden Costs In Cedar Projects
Hidden costs can distort a cedar project’s final price. Include allowances for hardware and fasteners, hidden moisture issues, or unexpected trimming. Permits or inspections may apply for large exterior projects and can add $100–$500 in small jurisdictions or more in regions with strict codes. Budget a contingency of 5–15% for unexpected conditions discovered during installation. Careful planning reduces the surprise factor at completion.
