Prices for redwood lumber vary by grade, size, moisture, and delivery. The cost you’ll see in quotes usually blends material quality, regional availability, and transport. This guide covers typical cost ranges, how price breaks down, and practical steps to trim expenses without compromising results.
Assumptions: Midwest to West regions, standard drying, full-length boards, no specialty finishes.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Redwood board feet (rough, common grade) | $5.00 | $7.50 | $10.50 | Per board foot; includes rough milling |
| Redwood board feet (select grade) | $7.50 | $10.00 | $14.00 | Higher grade, fewer defects |
| Drying/storage costs (per board foot, estimated) | $0.25 | $0.50 | $1.00 | Kiln or air-dried) |
| Delivery (flat fee or per mile) | $50 | $120 | $250 | Depends on distance |
| Waste and planing (per 100 board feet) | $4 | $9 | $16 | Planing and trimming waste |
Raw Redwood Lumber Prices by Grade and Size
Rough-cut redwood common grade typically runs $5–$8 per board foot, while select grades push toward $9–$14 per board foot. For project planning, convert project size to board feet to estimate material costs quickly. Exact price depends on moisture content, board width, and length.
Assumptions: standard 2×4, 2×6, or 1×6 sizes; interior or exterior use; regional supply varies.
| Size | Common Grade per BF | Select Grade per BF | Typical Project Examples | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2×4 (3 ft length average) | $5.00–$6.50 | $7.50–$9.00 | Framing small shed walls | |
| 2×6 (8 ft) | $6.50–$8.50 | $9.50–$12.00 | Rafter or stud pack | |
| 1×6 (8 ft) | $5.50–$7.50 | $9.00–$12.00 | Decorative trim or railing |
Mileage, Delivery, And Handling Costs
Delivery can alter the overall price by a wide margin. Local suppliers may offer free or discounted delivery for large orders, while distant yards charge by mile or a fixed gateway fee. Budget for delivery as a separate line item: delivery often adds 30–60% to material cost if it’s a long haul.
Assumptions: standard curbside delivery, ground-level access, palletized bundles.
| Delivery Scenario | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Within 20 miles | $50–$90 | $60–$120 | $110–$180 | |
| 20–60 miles | $80–$150 | $120–$210 | $180–$300 | |
| Over 60 miles | $150–$250 | $220–$350 | $300–$500 |
Moisture State And Milling Impact On Price
Green or kiln-dried lumber costs more upfront but saves time and waste later. Kiln-dried redwood typically carries a premium of about 20–40% over green stock, depending on region and supplier. Avoiding excessive planing or jointing can keep milling costs in check.
Assumptions: standard interior use, finishes limited to basic sealant.
| Moisture State | Per BF | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Green (moisture content high) | $5.00–$7.50 | Cheaper, heavier, more shrinkage |
| S”h kiln-dried | $6.50–$10.00 | Better stability, less warp |
| Air-dried | $5.50–$8.50 | Mid-range stability |
Per-Unit Pricing For Common Projects
Estimate by project unit: decking boards priced per linear foot; structural members priced per board foot; trim priced per linear foot. For decks, plan on 40–60 BF per 10×10 area for framing and decking, depending on spacing and grade. Per-foot prices help compare quotes quickly.
Assumptions: typical 5/4 or 2x decking, 8–12 ft lengths, standard joist spacing.
| Unit Type | Low | Average | High | Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deck boards (per linear ft) | $1.20–$2.00 | $1.60–$2.50 | $2.50–$3.50 | |
| Rafters/Joists (per linear ft) | $2.50–$4.00 | $3.00–$4.50 | $4.80–$7.00 | |
| Trim boards (per linear ft) | $0.80–$1.50 | $1.00–$2.00 | $2.20–$3.50 |
Regional Price Variations Across U.S. Markets
Redwood prices swing with regional supply and demand, typically higher in coastal markets with dense redwood mills. Anticipate a 5–15% delta between West Coast suppliers and Midwest yards for similar grades. Remote regions may add freight impact that equals 10–25% of material cost.
Assumptions: standard delivery within regional service areas; local taxes not included.
| Region | Typical Range Per BF | Delta From West Coast | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| West Coast | $6.50–$11.50 | Baseline | High availability |
| Midwest | $5.50–$9.50 | -10% to -40% | Longer lead times possible |
| Northeast | $6.00–$10.00 | -5% to -20% | Seasonal price swings |
Labor And Handling Costs When Working With Redwood
Labor for cutting, milling, and finishing often adds a material-wide 20–40% share to the total. For small to medium projects, expect 6–12 hours of skilled labor per 100 board feet, plus loading and unloading. Labor rates vary by region and crew skill level.
Assumptions: crew of two with basic woodworking and machining capabilities.
| Labor Component | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cutting and milling (per 100 BF) | $150–$300 | $230–$420 | $380–$650 | |
| Finish sanding and sealing (per 100 BF) | $60–$120 | $100–$180 | $180–$300 | |
| Assembly and fitting (per project) | $100–$250 | $180–$400 | $420–$700 |
What Drives The Final Redwood Lumber Quote
In pricing redwood lumber, the strongest variables are board grade and length, plus delivery distance. Another decisive factor is moisture content at purchase. Smaller runs emphasize per-foot costs, while larger projects dilute fixed costs. Expect higher quotes for long, defect-prone boards or far-from-mill stock.
Assumptions: single project with standard grading and supply chain.
- Grade and size: higher grades and longer boards raise per BF cost.
- Distance: beyond 60 miles material fees rise noticeably.
- Delivery options: curbside vs. dock deliveries affect price.
- Treatment and finish: exterior-grade coatings add to cost.
- Hidden waste: cut-to-fit allowances vary by cuts required.
Strategies To Lower Redwood Lumber Costs
Scope control, timing, and material choices can reduce spend without compromising structure. Consider using common grade where structural integrity is adequate, pairing with select trim only where visible, and ordering to minimize waste. Schedule shipments during off-peak periods to secure better freight rates.
Assumptions: exterior project with mixed use of boards and trim.
- Consolidate purchases to reduce delivery charges and vendor fees.
- Choose kiln-dried stock for faster assembly and less waste.
- Limit custom milling; opt for standard lengths and widths.
- Compare quotes from multiple suppliers within the same region.
| Cost-Saving Tactics | Expected Impact | Notes | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Use common grade for framing | $0.50–$2.00 BF savings | Visible savings on bulk framing | 2×6 framing board substitution |
| Order in standard lengths | 5–15% less waste | Less custom cutting | 8 ft vs 9 ft where possible |
| Bundle delivery with another project | 5–12% freight reduction | Shared transport costs | Two-site delivery |
