Prices for redwood and cedar lumber and decking vary by species, grade, treatment, and installation specifics. This guide focuses on cost differences, including material prices, labor, and related factors that influence the overall budget.
Introduction note: Buyers typically see material costs dominate the budget, with labor, fasteners, and finishing adding meaningful variation. The price gap often hinges on timber type, dimensions, and local market conditions.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Material (redwood decking boards) | $3.50/linear ft | $6.50/linear ft | $9.50/linear ft | Includes common heartwood grades |
| Material (cedar decking boards) | $2.50/linear ft | $4.50/linear ft | $6.50/linear ft | |
| Labor (installation, decking) | $4.00-$6.50/linear ft | $6.50-$10.50/linear ft | Includes fastening and layout | |
| Finish & Sealer | $0.50-$1.50/sq ft | $1.20-$2.50/sq ft | $3.00+/sq ft | |
| Delivery | $50-$150 | $150-$350 | Depends on distance | |
| Waste & Disposal | $20-$60 | $60-$120 | Remove scrap and pallets | |
| Maintenance (5-year estimate) | $0.20-$0.60/sq ft | $0.40-$0.90/sq ft | $1.50+/sq ft |
Assumptions: region, specs, labor hours.
Overview Of Costs
Material and labor costs set the baseline for Redwood vs Cedar projects, with redwood typically commanding higher material prices but offering longer-term beauty and decay resistance. This section covers total project ranges and per-unit ranges, along with common assumptions such as deck or fencing projects, standard spans, and typical board thickness.
The typical deck or fencing project uses 300–500 linear feet of decking material, 5/4 boards, and standard 1-inch to 1-1/8-inch thickness. For materials, redwood commonly ranges from $6.50 to $9.50 per linear foot, while cedar ranges from $4.50 to $6.50 per linear foot. Labor tends to follow decking board price ranges, running roughly $6.50 to $10.50 per linear foot for a mid-skill crew. A complete project often falls within the following totals when finishing, fasteners, and basic sealing are included:
data-formula=”material_cost + labor_cost + finish_cost + delivery + waste”>
Low-end scenarios reflect smaller, darker-grade boards with minimal finish work; high-end scenarios use premium grades, longer spans, and full sealing systems.
Cost Breakdown
Breaking out the costs helps compare redwood and cedar beyond sticker price, including hidden or optional expenses. The table below uses four to six columns to cover major cost elements and shows both totals and per-unit values where relevant.
| Cost Component | Redwood (Low) | Redwood (Avg) | Cedar (Low) | Cedar (Avg) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $3.50/ft | $6.50/ft | $2.50/ft | $4.50/ft | Board price by species |
| Labor | $4.00/ft | $6.50/ft | $4.00/ft | $6.50/ft | Install, layout, nailing |
| Equipment | $0.60/ft | $0.90/ft | $0.60/ft | $0.90/ft | Cutting tools, fasteners |
| Delivery/Disposal | $80 | $180 | $80 | $180 | Distance dependent |
| Finish & Sealant | $0.80/sq ft | $1.80/sq ft | $0.60/sq ft | $1.30/sq ft | Sealants and coatings |
| Permits & Fees | $0 | $40 | $0 | $40 | Local requirements |
| Warranty | $0.10-$0.40/ft | $0.25-$0.60/ft | $0.10-$0.40/ft | $0.25-$0.60/ft | Durability coverage |
| Contingency | $0.20/ft | $0.50/ft | $0.20/ft | $0.50/ft | Unforeseen fixes |
| Taxes | $0.25/ft | $0.55/ft | $0.25/ft | $0.55/ft | State/local rates |
Assumptions: 350 linear ft deck, 6 in wide boards, mid-range grade, standard finish.
What Drives Price
Key drivers include species price per board, board grade, dimensions, and installation complexity. Redwood often costs more per linear foot due to slower growth, knots, and supply constraints, while cedar tends to be cheaper upfront but may require more maintenance over time to preserve color and integrity.
Other drivers include board width, thickness, and whether the project uses pressure-treated or natural finishes. A 5/4 deck board in redwood may cost roughly $6–$9.50 per linear foot, while cedar 5/4 boards often fall in the $4–$6.50 range. The gap narrows for thinner boards or lower grades, but premium finishes or longer spans can widen the total.
Seasonality matters: prices can rise in spring and early summer when lumber demand peaks, and fall during slower months, especially in regions with strong outdoor construction markets.
Ways To Save
Smart budgeting includes choosing Grade A or B for trims, bundling orders, and optimizing layout to reduce waste. Saving strategies focus on material choice, installation methods, and timing.
Consider selecting cedar if a lower upfront cost is a priority, or redwood if longevity and color stability are critical and the budget permits. Using standard lengths and minimizing unusual cuts lowers waste and labor time. Finishes that require fewer coats or a shallow seal can also reduce both materials and labor costs.
Regional Price Differences
Prices vary by region due to supply, climate, and shipping. Three broad U.S. regions illustrate the delta:
- West Coast: redwood often commands a premium, with higher per-foot material costs but comparable labor to other regions.
- Midwest/Great Plains: cedar tends to be more readily available; price gaps between redwood and cedar can be smaller here.
- South East & Suburban markets: local species availability and shipping influence both materials and delivery charges.
Regional deltas can be ±10–25% relative to national averages, depending on demand, transport costs, and local supply.
Labor & Installation Time
Labor costs are a meaningful portion of total cost, especially for large decks or fences. Installation time depends on board width, layout complexity, and whether features such as stair runners, bevels, or decorative edges are included. Redwoods with tight grain and high knot density can slow cutting and fastening, while cedar may require more maintenance steps later on. A typical deck installation might take 2–4 days for a 300–500 sq ft space, with crew rates contributing a sizable share of the overall price.
Formula note: data-formula=”labor_hours × hourly_rate”> This helps explain why small changes in crew size or hourly rate noticeably impact the final bill.
Real-World Pricing Examples
Three scenario cards illustrate typical outcomes for Redwood vs Cedar projects with standard finishes.
- Basic: 350 ft of 5/4 decking, standard grade redwood, no premium sealant. Labor 6 hours per 100 ft, finish minimal. Total: around $2,800–$4,200.
- Mid-Range: 420 ft of 5/4 cedar, mid-grade boards, two-coat sealant, standard debris removal. Labor 8 hours per 100 ft. Total: around $4,800–$7,400.
- Premium: 500 ft redwood with premium grade boards, high-end sealant, custom edging, and full warranty. Labor 10 hours per 100 ft. Total: around $7,000–$11,000.
Assumptions: region, specs, labor hours.
Maintenance & Ownership Costs
Long-term value stems from maintenance and durability over time. Redwood’s natural oils offer decay resistance with less treatment, potentially reducing maintenance costs in the long run. Cedar requires periodic sealing to retain color and moisture resistance, which adds ongoing expenses. Five-year cost projections show cedar may incur higher maintenance fees, while redwood can maintain its look with fewer applications if kept clean and sheltered.
Expected maintenance costs typically range from $0.40 to $1.30 per square foot over five years, depending on climate, exposure, and finish quality. Painting or staining cycles, hardware replacements, and occasional refinishing contribute to the total.
