Home builders and remodelers frequently weigh the cost of Douglas Fir against Cedar before selecting framing, decking, or trim. This article presents clear price ranges in USD, top cost drivers, and practical ways to estimate a project budget tied to this timber choice.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Douglas Fir, rough sawn lumber (per 6 ft stick) | $3.50 | $5.50 | $9.00 | Common grades; regional variability |
| Cedar, premium heartwood decking boards (per 6 ft) | $6.50 | $9.50 | $14.50 | Western red cedar typical; aromatic species |
| Delivery and handling (per load) | $50 | $150 | $350 | Distance-based surcharge |
| Installation labor (per hour) | $20 | $40 | $65 | Carpenter rate variance by region |
| Finish and treatment (per sq ft) | $0.50 | $1.50 | $3.00 | Stain, sealant, or preservative |
Douglas Fir Lumber Price Per Board Foot and Thickness Options
Typical total price ranges for Douglas Fir framing lumber run from $0.60 to $1.20 per board foot depending on grade and moisture content. The most common rough sawn grades used in structural framing sit around $0.60-$0.80 per board foot, while select structural grades approach $1.00-$1.20 per board foot.
Assumptions: 2×4 to 2×12 sizes, standard kiln-dried moisture content, midwestern or southern U.S. pricing bands. Labor and delivery are separate costs.
Per-unit example: a 1,000-board-foot project could be roughly $600-$1,000 material only, before labor and delivery are added.
Cedar Lumber Price Per Board Foot and Common Grades
Cedar typically costs more per board foot than Douglas Fir, often $2.50-$5.00 per board foot for common deck and siding grades, and $5.50-$9.00 for premium heartwood grades. The difference reflects durability, rot resistance, and beauty.
Assumptions: Western cedar species, standard heat-treated or naturally decay-resistant heartwood, moisture-adjusted kiln-dried stock.
Per-unit example: a 500-board-foot deck project might range from $1,250 to $4,000 just for the wood, before fasteners and finishing.
Regional Price Variations Across U.S. For Fir and Cedar
Prices can swing 15% to 35% between regions due to supply, demand, and transport costs. For example, the Southeast often shows lower Douglas Fir prices than the Northeast, while Cedar may be substantially pricier in coastal regions with higher shipping costs.
Assumptions: typical 100–500 board foot orders; standard access; regional lumberyard pricing.
Formula: regional delta ≈ local freight rate + regional tax adjustments.
Labor and Installation Costs for Timber Framing or Decking
Installation labor for framing or decking generally runs $25-$60 per hour, depending on crew size and local wage scales. A typical 2-person crew may spend 40–120 hours on a mid-size project, translating to $1,000-$7,200 in labor per project batch.
Assumptions: standard joinery, no specialized finishing, weather permitting.
Delivery, Handling, and Waste Disposal Expenses
Delivery typically adds $50-$350 per shipment, driven by distance, weight, and access. Waste disposal or offcut recycling may add another $20-$100 depending on local fees.
Assumptions: single truckload for mid-size projects; urban yards incur higher handling fees.
Finish, Treatment, and Maintenance Price Influences
Finishing costs vary by product and method, ranging from $0.50-$3.00 per sq ft for sealants, stains, or protective coatings. Premium finishes or multiple coats raise price, especially for Cedar’s deep-tint or clear-coat options.
Assumptions: minimal prep, even surface, and uniform coating coverage over exterior exposures.
Cost‑Driven Size and Grade Scenarios For Quick Benchmarks
Smaller projects using 1×8 or 2×6 Fir can run $1.00-$2.50 per linear foot, while Cedar deck boards in premium grades may land at $4.50-$9.00 per linear foot. Scale with length, thickness, and grade choice, not just species.
Assumptions: standard 10–16 ft deck boards; exterior exposure; typical knot patterns allowed by grade.
Major Cost Components by Timber Type
| Component | Douglas Fir Range | Cedar Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $0.60-$1.20 per board foot | $2.50-$9.00 per board foot | Depends on grade and thickness |
| Labor | $20-$40 per hour | $25-$60 per hour | Crew skill impacts rate |
| Delivery/Handling | $50-$200 per load | $80-$350 per load | Distance matters |
| Finish/Treatment | $0.50-$1.50 per sq ft | $0.75-$3.00 per sq ft | Protection adds cost |
| Waste/Disposal | $0-$20 per project | $20-$100 per project | Yard waste policy varies |
| Permits/Inspections | $0-$150 | $0-$150 | Local rules apply |
Strongest Variables That Change the Final Quote
Key drivers include board foot quantity and the chosen grade—premium Cedar heartwood can easily push costs higher than standard Fir. Size, span, and load requirements also shift pricing, especially for structural uses.
Assumptions: typical residential framing or deck scope, standard environmental exposure, no exotic species.
Practical Ways to Reduce the Price Without Sacrificing Quality
Control scope by standardizing board sizes and avoiding over‑ly engineered profiles to cut material waste. Consider mid-grade Fir for framing and reserve Cedar for exterior accents to balance aesthetics and price.
Assumptions: project uses common sizes; no custom milling; plan ahead to avoid rush orders.
Consider delaying noncritical finishing work to secure lower material costs during off-peak seasons.
