Cedar boards commonly cost by dimension, grade, and source. The main price drivers include species (e.g., Western Red Cedar vs. Eastern White Cedar), board thickness, length, grade, and whether the boards are kiln-dried or rough-cut. Buyers typically pay a per-unit price or a total project price with clear low–average–high ranges for common applications.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1×6 Cedar Boards (common grade, Western Red Cedar) | $2.50/linear ft | $5.00/linear ft | $9.50/linear ft | Rough- or surfaced-cut; premium grades higher |
| 1×8 Cedar Boards (same species/grade) | $3.75/linear ft | $7.50/linear ft | $12.50/linear ft | Longer lengths increase shipping risk |
| Decking Cedar Boards (2×6, kiln-dried) | $1.80-$3.50 | $3.70-$5.50 | $6.50-$9.00 | $/linear ft; higher for premium grades |
| Rough-cut Cedar Boards (mixed grades, per board) | $5.00 | $8.50 | $14.00 | Per board, 8–12 ft typical |
| Labor to Install Cedar Boards (per hour) | $40 | $60 | $90 | Includes basic nailing or screwing |
| Delivery & Waste (per project) | $50 | $150 | $350 | Distance and quantity dependent |
Assumptions: region, specs, labor hours.
Overview Of Costs
Typical project ranges depend on the board type, quantity, and installation scope. For a small outdoor project using Western Red Cedar decking, buyers might see a cost around $2,800-$5,600 for materials plus $1,000-$2,500 for installation depending on crew rates and site conditions. For larger or higher-grade surfaces, totals can climb toward $10,000 or more. The per-unit estimates below illustrate common choices to help budgeters compare options.
Cost Breakdown
Table shows a mix of totals and per-unit pricing to reflect project-level and unit-level decisions. Assumptions: standard North American delivery, typical climate, and mid-range grade.
| Category | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $2,200 | $4,000 | $7,000 | Includes common 1×6 or 1×8 boards; excludes fasteners |
| Labor | $800 | $1,600 | $3,000 | Per project; includes installation crew time |
| Equipment | $0 | $200 | $600 | Tool rental or usage |
| Permits | $0 | $50 | $300 | Depends on local rules |
| Delivery/Disposal | $60 | $150 | $350 | Distance-dependent |
| Warranty | $0 | $100 | $400 | Material and workmanship warranty |
| Taxes | $0 | $150 | $600 | State and local taxes |
What Drives Price
Key drivers include species and grade, board dimensions, finish, and whether boards are kiln-dried. Western Red Cedar commands higher pricing than other cedars, particularly for premium grades and longer lengths. Consider pitch and smoothness: rough-cut boards are cheaper but require more finishing work, while surfaced boards cost more but save labor on site. The difference between 1×6 and 2×6 profiles also shifts material costs by roughly 25–40% for typical yards.
Pricing Variables
Regional differences can swing price by 10–20% between urban and rural markets. Local labor rates, freight costs, and supply chain conditions also influence final costs. Seasonal demand can push prices up in spring and early summer when outdoor projects peak and cedar is in higher demand.
Ways To Save
Strategies to reduce overall costs include choosing product in off-peak season, selecting standard lengths to minimize waste, and balancing grade against project aesthetics. Ordering larger quantities to reduce per-board waste, using measured plans to cut precisely, and combining with other wood purchases can yield volume discounts. Consider alternative cedar grades or complementary species if uniform appearance is not critical to the project.
Regional Price Differences
Three regions show distinct deltas in cedar board pricing. In the West, Western Red Cedar is prevalent, with higher pricing for premium grades. The Midwest often sees competitive pricing driven by local mills, while the Southeast features more Eastern Cedar options with different moisture handling. Typical regional deltas range from roughly −10% in favorable markets to +15% in higher-cost urban hubs, relative to national averages.
Labor & Installation Time
Installation duration depends on project size and crew efficiency. A basic deck can take 1–2 days for a small area, while larger installations may span multiple days. Labor costs scale with crew size and local wage rates, commonly $40–$90 per hour. For planning, include waste handling and fastening hardware as separate line items.
Real-World Pricing Examples
Basic
Specs: 200 linear ft of 1×6 Western Red Cedar boards, standard grade, surfaced; single-story small deck. Labor 16 hours; delivery 60 miles. Assumptions: regional average pricing.
Scenario: Materials: $900; Labor: $1,000; Delivery: $80; Taxes/Permits: $0–$50. Total: $2,100–$2,330. Per-foot: $10.50–$11.65.
Mid-Range
Specs: 400 linear ft of 1×8 cedar boards, mid-grade, kiln-dried; mid-size backyard deck. Labor 28 hours; delivery 75 miles. Assumptions: regional average pricing.
Scenario: Materials: $2,800; Labor: $1,900; Delivery: $150; Permits/Taxes: $100. Total: $4,850–$5,000. Per-foot: $12.25–$12.50.
Premium
Specs: 650 linear ft of 2×6 decking, premium-grade Western Red Cedar, kiln-dried, pre-finished; large multi-level deck. Labor 45 hours; delivery 100 miles. Assumptions: high-end materials and finishes.
Scenario: Materials: $5,500; Labor: $3,000; Delivery: $260; Permits/Taxes: $300. Total: $9,060–$9,800. Per-foot: $13.93–$15.08.
