The cost of cedar siding varies widely by profile, grade, and installation complexity. Typical price ranges reflect material quality, labor, and regional market conditions. Price insights below help buyers estimate a full project budget, including per-square-foot and per-board considerations.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Material (cedar siding, installed) | $3.50/sq ft | $6.50–$7.50/sq ft | $9.50+/sq ft | Includes boards, priming, and basic finish; millwork varies by profile |
| Labor & Installation | $2.50/sq ft | $4.50–$6.50/sq ft | $7.50+/sq ft | Depends on complexity, weather, and crew skill |
| Materials & Supplies (fasteners, underlayment) | $0.50–$1.00/sq ft | $1.50/sq ft | $2.50+/sq ft | Includes moisture barrier considerations |
| Prep & Repairs | $0.50/sq ft | $1.50–$2.50/sq ft | $3.50+/sq ft | Vertical walls, replacement boards may raise costs |
| Delivery & Handling | $0.10–$0.50/sq ft | $0.25/sq ft | $1.00+/sq ft | Distance from mill to site matters |
| Finishing (stain/paint) | $0.60–$1.50/sq ft | $1.20–$2.50/sq ft | $3.00+/sq ft | Appearance and protection levels vary |
Assumptions: region, cedar grade, profile, climate, and crew experience influence results.
Overview Of Costs
Typical total project ranges for replacing with cedar siding span from about $7,000 to $25,000 for a 1,500–2,000 sq ft home, depending on profile (beveled, tongue-and-groove, shingle), and whether a full removal and wrap is required. For smaller facades, lower totals apply, while premium profiles and high-end finishes push totals higher. data-formula=”Total = (Materials + Labor + Extras)”>
Cost Breakdown
Material choices drive the base price. Cedar comes in several grades and profiles; rough sawn boards may be cheaper than select tight-grain boards but may require more maintenance. The table below shows a typical breakdown with a mix of total and per-square-foot figures.
| Category | Low | Average | High | Notes | Per-Unit Basis |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $3.50/sq ft | $6.50–$7.50/sq ft | $9.50+/sq ft | Boards, trim, and fascia | $/sq ft |
| Labor | $2.50/sq ft | $4.50–$6.50/sq ft | $7.50+/sq ft | Demo, installation, finishing | $/sq ft |
| Underlayment & Prep | $0.50/sq ft | $1.50/sq ft | $2.50/sq ft | Weather barriers, flashing | $/sq ft |
| Delivery | $0.10/sq ft | $0.25/sq ft | $1.00/sq ft | Distance-based | $/sq ft |
| Finish (stain/paint) | $0.60/sq ft | $1.20/sq ft | $3.00/sq ft | Two coats typical | $/sq ft |
| Permits / Inspections | $0 | $50–$300 | $1,000 | Depends on locality | Flat/variable |
Assumptions: region, house size, and scope (full removal vs. overlay) affect final pricing.
Pricing Variables
Key drivers include profile choice and climate considerations. Tongue-and-groove cedar typically costs more than traditional bevel siding due to precision milling. High-grade cedar resists shrinkage and cupping but adds to the material bill. Labor rates rise with roof pitch, two-story elevations, and tight corners. data-formula=”LaborHours × hourlyRate”>
Regional Price Differences
Price levels vary by geography. In the Northeast and West Coast, total project prices often skew higher due to labor and material transport. The Midwest and South generally show lower ranges, though local taxes and permits still matter. A typical delta from region to region can be ±15–25% for similar projects. Assumptions: regional market, labor availability, and material access.
Labor, Hours & Rates
Installation time depends on wall exposure and complexity. A contractor may estimate 1.5–2.5 days for a 1,500 sq ft facade with standard elevations, plus finishing. If the home has intricate trim, gables, or multiple architectural features, crews may require additional days. Assumptions: crew size of 2–4 workers, typical weather window.
Regional Price Differences
Urban vs. Suburban vs. Rural differences matter. Urban sites often incur higher labor costs and permit fees, while rural sites may have lower permitting costs but longer delivery times. Suburban areas typically sit in between. Expect ±10–20% deltas when comparing three regions within the same year. Assumptions: market density, travel time, and supply chain stability.
Real-World Pricing Examples
Three scenario cards illustrate common project scales.
- Basic — 1,200 sq ft of bevel cedar, no complex trim; labor-focused, minimal prep. Materials: $4,200; Labor: $5,400; Permits: $0–$150; Finish: $1,000. Total: around $9,600–$10,800. Assumptions: single-story, average climate, standard access.
- Mid-Range — 1,500 sq ft tongue-and-groove cedar with moderate trim and water-resistive barrier. Materials: $11,000; Labor: $9,000; Prep/Delivery: $1,200; Finish: $2,000. Total: about $23,200. Assumptions: two-story, average climate, mid-range finish.
- Premium — 2,000 sq ft premium cedar with tight grain, extensive trim, and high-grade finish. Materials: $22,000; Labor: $16,000; Permits/Inspections: $600; Delivery/Disposal: $1,000; Finish: $4,000. Total: around $43,600. Assumptions: complex elevations, coastal climate, longer project timeline.
Notes: price snapshots show total ranges and unit costs. Real quotes depend on site conditions and contractor practices.
