Cedar wood posts carry a distinct price profile driven by size, grade, and regional sourcing. This article presents the current cost outlook for cedar posts, with clear low, average, and high ranges and the main price drivers buyers should consider.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small 4×4 cedar post (8 ft) | $6.50 | $9.50 | $13.50 | Common for short fences |
| Medium 6×6 cedar post (8 ft) | $12 | $18 | $28 | Standard durability in most climates |
| Premium Cedar (6×6, seasoned, pressure-treated) | $22 | $30 | $40 | Higher grade and treatment |
| Delivery per mile | $2 | $5 | $12 | Depends on distance |
| Installation labor (per post) | $15 | $40 | $85 | Includes setting and alignment |
Cedar Wood Post Pricing by Size and Grade
Typical price ranges reflect 4×4 and 6×6 cross-sections, with 8-foot lengths most common. For a standard fence line, buyers often see a low of about $6.50 per 4×4 post and averages around $9.50, rising to $13.50 for premium grades. Labor to install a single post can range from $15 to $85 per post, depending on access and soil conditions. Assumptions: Midwest market, standard grade cedar, ground installation, no concrete footing beyond basic setting.
Prices scale with post size, length, and treatment. A 6×6 post moves from $12-$28 in raw material, while premium, kiln-dried cedar can push to $40 per post. Labor adds a significant portion of the on-site cost when trenching, setting posts, and aligning panels.
Quotes break down into a few major areas: materials, labor, equipment, and delivery. The following table highlights the typical allocations buyers should expect on a cedar post project.
| Category | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $4-$12 per post | $8-$25 per post | $22-$40 per post | Post size and grade drive variance |
| Labor | $15-$40 per post | $25-$60 per post | $70-$85 per post | Site access and trenching impact |
| Delivery/Min. Delivery | $2 per mile | $5 per mile | $12 per mile | Distance matters |
| Equipment | $0-$5 per post | $3-$8 per post | $10-$15 per post | Use of augers or trenchers |
| Permits/Inspections | $0-$50 | $10-$30 | $100 | Depends on local codes |
| Disposal/Return | $0-$5 | $2-$8 | $15 | Removed damaged wood or soil |
Typical labor hours per post include digging, set, and backfill; local crews may use 1.0–2.5 hours per post depending on soil and existing conditions. Expect higher totals in rocky or hard soil regions.
Cedar post pricing varies by region due to timber availability, climate impact on treatment needs, and trucking costs. The West and Northeast often see higher raw material costs, while the Midwest and Southeast may offer more favorable lumber access. For a mid-range 6×6 post, regional price deltas can swing raw material costs by 15%–25% compared with national averages. Assumptions: standard kiln-dried cedar, no premium sealing.
Delivery fees compound quickly in rural areas, sometimes adding $10–$20 per mile beyond a regional hub.
Many installations use concrete footings to stabilize posts, which adds material and labor. A typical footing costs $8-$15 per post in materials, plus $15-$40 per post in labor for mixing and setting. If a contractor uses pre-mixed quick-set concrete, expect the number to lean toward the higher end. Footings are often the single largest additional cost beyond the post itself.
When buying in bulk, per-post pricing improves, but there are minimum order requirements. A 10-post bundle might reduce material cost per post by $0.50-$2.50, while installation charges may be quoted as a flat rate per panel section rather than per post. Assumptions: 8-foot posts, standard fencing panels, no specialty hardware.
Most cedar post installs require 1–2 workers for basic installations, with a crew of 2–4 for longer fence lines. Estimated labor costs per hour range from $40–$75 depending on region and demand. A 50-foot run with 6 posts might take 2–3 hours, while a 200-foot run could take 6–12 hours. Schedule and weather can shift total price by 10%–25%.
Alternative post materials, such as pressure-treated pine or metal posts, affect total project cost. Cedar offers natural rot resistance, which can reduce long-term maintenance costs, but initial price per post is higher. A typical 6×6 cedar post may cost $18-$30 on average, compared with $12-$18 for pressure-treated pine. Choosing cedar can save maintenance costs over a 10–20 year horizon.
Prep work like removing old posts, grading, or accommodating uneven terrain adds to the total. Additional charges include removal of debris ($0-$15 per post), soil stabilization, and extra backfill. A complex site can push installation labor to the upper end of the range. Plan for a contingency of 10%–20% on complex sites.
