Red cedar clapboards price varies by thickness, length, and grade, with typical total project costs influenced by material and installation. This guide outlines current pricing ranges in USD and the main cost drivers buyers should expect when budgeting for cedar clapboard siding.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Material price per linear ft | $2.50 | $3.50 | $5.50 | Depends on grade and surface finish |
| Material price per board (6 in x 12 ft) | $30 | $45 | $75 | Base boards; longer lengths cost more |
| Delivery and handling | $50 | $150 | $400 | Distance and order size matter |
| Labor for installation (per sq ft) | $3.00 | $4.50 | $7.50 | Includes fastening and alignment |
| Labor for removal/prep (per sq ft) | $2.00 | $3.50 | $6.00 | Prep work adds to overall cost |
| Finish coat (primer/sealer) per sq ft | $0.60 | $1.25 | $2.00 | Waterproof and UV protection may vary |
| Waste/trim waste factor | 5% | 8% | 12% | Used to cover offcuts and errors |
Typical Red Cedar Clapboard Prices by Size and Grade
Typical pricing hinges on board thickness (1×6 vs 1×8), length (8 ft, 10 ft, 12 ft), and cedar grade (heartwood, knotty, with sapwood). For budgeting, assume standard 1×6 boards, 8 ft length, with select heartwood grade. Low ranges reflect common stock with minor defects, while high ranges include longer lengths and premium grades.
In practice, a 1500 linear ft job using 1×6 cedar at average $3.50/ft results in material around $5,250 before tax and delivery. Per-square-foot estimates align with typical installations of 40–60 sq ft per bundle, affecting total square footage pricing.
Major Quote Components for Cedar Clapboards
Material costs, labor, and delivery form the bulk of the price. A standard quote breaks down into four to six line items that impact the bottom line, including materials, labor, delivery/handling, finishes, and waste.
| Component | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $2.50/ft | $3.50/ft | $5.50/ft | Includes boards and trim |
| Labor | $3.00/ft^2 | $4.50/ft^2 | $7.50/ft^2 | Fastening, alignment, nailing pattern |
| Delivery/Disposal | $50–$200 | $150–$300 | $400–$600 | Distance dependent |
| Finish/Sealer | $0.60/ft^2 | $1.25/ft^2 | $2.00/ft^2 | Primer and sealant as applicable |
| Waste/Offcuts | 5% | 8% | 12% | Keeps coverage for mistakes |
Key Variables That Drive the Final Price
Board length and thickness have a direct impact on material costs. Longer boards raise both material and handling costs, while thicker profiles or heartwood grades command a premium. Labor rate differences by region and crew size can shift the installed price per square foot by a few dollars.
Two numeric drivers to watch: total linear feet of siding and the percentage of premium grades chosen. For example, upgrading from standard grade to select heartwood adds 15–25% to material cost, while increasing total linears by 20% can push installed price by 8–12% due to handling and waste.
Location matters more than many buyers expect. Cedar prices and labor rates differ by region, with Western states often seeing higher delivery fees and storm-damaged markets maintaining tight supply. Midwest markets tend to offer lower per-foot installation rates, while coastal areas account for higher logistics costs.
Estimate ranges by region: West: $3.75–$5.50/ft material, East: $3.25–$5.00/ft, Midwest: $3.00–$4.50/ft, South: $3.25–$4.75/ft. Installed prices typically add $1.50–$2.50/ft for labor in high-cost regions.
Pricing per sq ft helps compare quotes from different contractors. Expect material costs around $3.00–$5.00 per sq ft of finished siding, with labor in the $3.50–$7.00 per sq ft range depending on complexity and substrate conditions. Per board pricing (6 in by 12 ft) commonly falls between $40 and $80 before finishing, reflecting grade and length.
Prep work and delivery can shift the total by hundreds of dollars. If existing siding needs removal, or if the installation requires reroof edge protection and moisture barriers, the price increases. Bundled delivery or curbside delivery may reduce handling costs, but in remote sites, trucking surcharges can appear.
A small repair job differs from a full exterior re-clad. For a 600 sq ft elevation, expect material costs around $1,800–$3,000 and installed totals near $5,400–$9,000 depending on finish and access. For a full 1,500 sq ft siding over a typical two-story home, materials may be $6,000–$12,000 with installation $9,000–$24,000, plus finish and waste fees.
Scope control and timing can trim the price. Consider selecting standard-grade cedar, batching delivery, and coordinating removal of old siding to reduce trips. Opting for fewer, longer runs reduces cut waste. If compatible, choosing a water-based finish rather than solvent-based coatings can lower upfront costs and time on site.
