Prices for red cedar wood vary by grade, dimensions, finish, and regional market demand. This article details common costs, the main price drivers, and practical ranges to help buyers plan a budget for decking, siding, fencing, or framing projects. The cost footprint includes raw timber, processing, and delivery considerations, with concrete per-unit figures where relevant.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Red cedar board per linear ft (rough sawn) | $2.50 | $4.50 | $6.50 | 1×6 to 1×12 profiles common |
| Red cedar board per linear ft (kiln-dried) | $3.50 | $5.75 | $8.25 | Higher stability and finish |
| Decking plank per square foot (2×6 nominal) | $5.00 | $7.75 | $11.50 | Face-grain appearance matters |
| Friction-treated or sealed finish per gallon | $20 | $30 | $45 | Maintenance products vary by finish |
| Delivery fee (within 20 miles) | $50 | $120 | $200 | Distance, load size impact |
Assumptions: Midwest labor rates, standard kiln-dried stock, typical 1×6 to 2×12 profiles, no exotic grades, standard lead times.
What buyers typically pay for red cedar wood by project size
Average total price for a small deck frame (rough sawn ledger, joists, railing posts) typically ranges from $1,800 to $4,500. This includes basic framing lumber, permits not included, and standard grade red cedar sourced locally. Per-square-foot estimates for decking alone usually run $4.50-$7.50, depending on profile and finish. A complete porch or deck project can reach $8,000-$18,000 with more premium grades and larger footprints.
Breakdown of major cost components in cedar wood pricing
Materials dominate the quote, with labor and delivery shaping the final total. A typical material split assumes cedar boards, fasteners, and moisture-control spacers. The table below shows common cost components and ranges.
| Component | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials (cedar boards, glue-less fasteners) | $1.80/sq ft | $4.50/sq ft | $6.50/sq ft | Per square foot for decking; per linear ft for trim |
| Labor (installation, fastening) | $2.00/sq ft | $3.75/sq ft | $6.00/sq ft | Includes basic beveling and nailing |
| Delivery/Hauling | $50 | $120 | $200 | Depends on distance |
| Finishes/Sealants | $0.50/sq ft | $1.50/sq ft | $2.50/sq ft | Oil-based or water-based |
| Waste/Offcuts (trim, scrap) | $0.20/sq ft | $0.50/sq ft | $1.00/sq ft | Contingency for miscuts |
Key variables that most influence red cedar pricing
Grading, moisture level, and board width drive price variability. Higher-grade cedar with tight grain and uniform color costs more, while air-dried stock may be cheaper than kiln-dried. Wider boards increase price per linear foot but can reduce waste in a project. Regional supply and demand swings can shift prices by 10-20% across markets.
How the project scope changes the final price
Scope size and system type alter the cost curve quickly. A 200 square-foot deck will have a lower per-square-foot price than a 600 square-foot deck due to bulk purchasing and fixed setup costs. If the project adds railing, stairs, and skirting, expect increments of $25-$60 per linear foot for railing components and $300-$900 per set of stairs, depending on materials and finish.
Regional differences in red cedar pricing across the United States
Coastal regions with higher trucking costs translate to elevated per-unit pricing. In the Northeast, expect upcharges of 5-12% over national averages, while the Southeast may run 0-8% above the baseline due to availability. The West often mirrors the Midwest with occasional surcharges for premium grades in luxury markets. A midwestern buyer sourcing standard kiln-dried 1×8 boards might see $4.75-$6.75 per linear foot, while a coastal buyer could see $5.50-$8.50 per linear foot for the same stock.
Untreated versus treated red cedar: price impact and longevity
Treated cedar costs more upfront but extends service life in exposed environments. Untreated red cedar typically runs $2.50-$4.50 per linear foot for common profiles, whereas pressure-treated cedar or resin-treated options may push that to $3.50-$6.50 per linear foot. Finishes and sealants can add $0.50-$2.50 per square foot over the life of the project, depending on climate and maintenance plans.
Per-unit and per-area pricing for decking and trim in common profiles
Decking pricing often appears as per-square-foot figures, with trim given per-linear-foot pricing. For example, 2×6 cedar decking installed with standard gaps may cost $5.00-$9.00 per sq ft installed. Trim pieces like fascia or boards for edging typically run $2.00-$5.00 per linear ft, depending on grade and finish. For a 300 sq ft deck, the decking portion could be $1,500-$2,700, with trim and edging adding another $400-$900.
Practical ways to reduce red cedar spending without sacrificing quality
Careful scope definition and material choices cut costs effectively. Consider choosing grade A or B red cedar instead of premium grades for less conspicuous areas. Use standard widths (such as 5.5 inches for decking) to minimize waste, and plan for fewer cuts by aligning layout to board lengths. Scheduling deliveries during off-peak seasons and bundling purchases for a single supplier can yield 5-12% savings on materials and freight. If repair is viable, reusing existing framing can avoid replacement costs.
Labor considerations and installation time impact on total cost
Labor rate and crew size significantly affect the final quote. A typical crew of two to three installers can complete 300-600 square feet per week under normal access. Local hourly rates for skilled carpentry range from $60 to $110 per hour; project-managed installations may cost 10-20% more than self-managed workloads due to coordination. Delays from weather or site constraints can push workloads into extra days, increasing overall labor costs by 15-25% in some markets.
Three real-world quote scenarios for red cedar projects
Scenario A: Small backyard deck with standard kiln-dried cedar. 180 sq ft decking, 1×6 boards, hidden fasteners, mid-range finish. Materials: $1,350-$2,700; Labor: $1,800-$3,600; Delivery: $60-$120; Total: $3,210-$6,420.
Scenario B: Medium deck with railings and stairs, premium grade cedar. 350 sq ft, 2×6 decking, premium grade, basic stain. Materials: $2,800-$5,600; Labor: $3,400-$6,800; Delivery: $100-$180; Total: $6,300-$12,580.
Scenario C: Porch framing with trim and fascia, untreated stock. 200 linear ft of trim, 8x decking, simple finish. Materials: $1,200-$2,100; Labor: $1,900-$3,400; Delivery: $70-$140; Total: $3,170-$5,640.
