Homeowners typically pay for cedar siding installation with labor as the largest share of the price. Main cost drivers include house size, siding thickness, weather exposure, and detailing like soffits and corner boards. This article focuses on labor pricing, with practical ranges in USD and clear per-square-foot estimates.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Labor (siding installation) | $3.50 per sq ft | $5.50 per sq ft | $12.00 per sq ft | Assumes basic cedar boards, standard 1-story home |
| Project range (1,500 sq ft) | $7,500 | $11,000 | $18,000 | Includes trim, fasteners, and basic weatherproofing |
| Per-hour estimate | $45/hour | $65/hour | $95/hour | Labor rates vary by region and crew skill |
Overview Of Costs
Labor costs dominate cedar siding projects, with total prices heavily influenced by square footage, board profile, and project complexity. The following provides total project ranges and per-unit estimates to help with budgeting and bidding. Assumptions: 1,500 sq ft house, standard cedar, one-story, no major repairs.
Cost Breakdown
The cost breakdown below focuses on labor and related items most relevant to installers. A typical cedar siding job combines labor with basic materials and consumables.
| Category | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Labor | $3.50 | $5.50 | $12.00 | Per sq ft; assumes standard profile and fasteners |
| Permits | $0 | $200 | $600 | Dependent on local rules |
| Delivery/Disposal | $0 | $150 | $500 | Assumes moderate waste management |
| Warranty/Insurance | $0 | $100 | $300 | Limited coverage on workmanship |
| Overhead/Profit | $0 | $300 | $1,000 | Contractor margin included in bids |
What Drives Price
Key price drivers include house size, cedar board profile (e.g., bevel vs. channel), and complexity of detailing. Additional factors are height, access, weather exposure, and required site preparation. The following thresholds help set expectations for bids.
Labor, Hours & Rates
Labor hours depend on wall area, removal of old siding, and finish work. Typical ranges are 0.8–1.5 hours per 100 sq ft for single-story, and 1.5–2.5 hours per 100 sq ft for multi-story or complex profiles. Hourly rates vary by region and crew skill level.
Ways To Save
There are practical ways to reduce labor costs without sacrificing quality. Consider optimizing scope, choosing standard profiles, and coordinating schedules to minimize setup time and weather-related delays.
Budget Tips
- Request multiple bids and compare labor-only quotes separate from materials.
- Choose a standard cedar profile and a common thickness to streamline installation.
- Plan for off-peak installation windows when crews are more available and rates are stable.
Regional Price Differences
Costs vary by location due to labor supply, building codes, and permit fees. The table below compares three U.S. regions with approximate labor deltas.
| Region | Low (per sq ft) | Average (per sq ft) | High (per sq ft) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coastal Urban | $4.50 | $7.50 | $12.50 | Higher labor demand and access challenges |
| Midwest Suburban | $3.60 | $5.80 | $9.50 | Balanced pricing, common market |
| Rural Southwest | $2.90 | $5.00 | $8.50 | Typically lower overhead, travel time matters |
Real-World Pricing Examples
Actual bids illustrate a range of project scales and crew configurations. Three scenario cards show typical labor-driven outcomes for Cedar siding installations.
- Basic: 1,200 sq ft, bevel cedar siding, one-story, standard trim. Labor: 1,200–1,800 hours? No—should be 0.8–1.2 hours per 100 sq ft. Total labor: $4,200-$7,200; materials separate.
- Mid-Range: 1,500 sq ft, channel cedar, two-story, basic weatherproofing. Labor: 1.2–2.0 hours per 100 sq ft. Total labor: $8,500-$14,000.
- Premium: 2,000 sq ft, premium profiles, detailed trim, extensive window/door framing. Labor: 1.8–2.6 hours per 100 sq ft. Total labor: $16,000-$28,000.
Assumptions: region, specs, labor hours.
Permits, Codes & Rebates
Permit requirements vary by municipality and can add to labor coordination time. Some regions offer rebates or incentives for energy-efficient or sustainable siding projects, which can indirectly affect the overall price by influencing scope and schedule.
Maintenance & Ownership Costs
Owner costs extend beyond initial installation, including maintenance of cedar exposed to sun and moisture. Periodic staining or sealing every 3–5 years can impact long-term budgeting and labor planning.
