The rough sawn cedar lumber price depends on size, grade, moisture, regional supply, and whether the purchase is from a lumberyard or a sawmill. Buyers typically see a wide cost spread from low to high ranges based on board feet, dimensions, and delivery needs. This article breaks down the cost factors and provides practical USD pricing to help builders and homeowners budget for cedar projects.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rough sawn cedar per board foot | $0.85 | $1.60 | $3.00 | Region and grade drive variance |
| 2×6 rough sawn cedar per linear foot | $1.85 | $3.50 | $6.50 | Common sizes vary by region |
| 8 ft rough sawn 1×6 boards per piece | $6.00 | $11.00 | $20.00 | Includes rough milling and waste |
| Delivery charge (regional) | $25 | $60 | $150 | Distance and load size factor |
| Moisture consideration (air-dried vs kiln-dried) | $0 | $0.50 | $1.50 | Drying method affects final price |
Introduction continuation: The price of rough sawn cedar lumber reflects not only the raw wood but also handling, drying, and regional market conditions. This guide captures typical price ranges in USD, with clear per-unit figures and real-world assumptions to help you quote, budget, or compare options.
A breakdown of rough sawn cedar lumber price by grade and size
Different cedar grades and sizes drive distinct price bands. For rough sawn stock, expect lower costs for common grades with fewer knots and straight grain, while higher-grade boards with tight growth rings or specialty cuts push pricing upward. Size compounds the effect: per board foot costs rise when you scale from 1×6 to 2×6 or thicker in the same length. A typical residential project may use 6–8 ft lengths in 1×6 to 2×8 ranges, with per-foot and per-board-foot pricing showing together in the quote.
| Grade | Typical width/thickness | Low price (per ft or per bf) | Average price | High price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Appearance grade (clear, minimal knots) | 1×6 to 2×8 max | $1.80 bf | $2.90 bf | $4.50 bf | Higher premium for finishing quality |
| Construction grade (knots acceptable) | 1×6 to 2×8 | $1.00 bf | $1.70 bf | $3.00 bf | Common in framing and siding rough stock |
| Premium rustic (dense grain, color variances) | 2×6 to 2×8 | $2.20 bf | $3.20 bf | $5.00 bf | Favored for visible projects |
| Board size example: 8 ft 2×6 | 8 ft length | $12.00 each | $18.00 each | $28.00 each | Per piece pricing with rough sawn milling |
Assumptions: Midwest lumber markets, standard green (undried) stock, typical yard margins, standard loading/unloading.
Major cost components in cedar rough sawn lumber quotes
A detailed breakdown helps buyers compare quotes and spot where costs accumulate. The primary elements are the raw lumber, material grade, handling and milling, drying, delivery, and sometimes waste disposal or pickup fees. In rough sawn form, material cost dominates, but labor for cutting, stacking, and loading adds to the total. Shipping distance and vehicle access can push delivery charges up or down, while a larger order may unlock volume discounts.
| Component | Typical Range | Notes | Per-unit example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Materials (board feet) | $0.85–$3.00 bf | Depends on grade and thickness | $1.60 bf avg |
| Labor (cutting, stacking) | $0.25–$0.75 bf | Depends on complexity and access | $0.50 bf |
| Drying/mill finishing | $0.10–$0.60 bf | Air vs kiln drying impacts price | $0.30 bf |
| Delivery/Logistics | $25–$150 per order | Distance and crane access if needed | $60 per order |
| Waste/Offcuts | 5–15% of order | Cut to length adds waste | 10% of materials |
| Permits or fees | $0–$30 | Usually none for simple lumber purchase | $0 |
How size, grade, and moisture affect rough sawn cedar price
Size, grade, and moisture are the top price levers for rough sawn cedar lumber. Larger dimensions raise price per piece and per board foot, while higher grades command a premium for clean appearance and fewer defects. Moisture changes add cost: air-dried cedar is usually cheaper upfront, but kiln-dried stock reduces shrinkage and handling during construction. For outdoor uses where dimensional stability matters, many builders accept a higher upfront cost for kiln-dried stock.
Ways to reduce cost on rough sawn cedar lumber purchases
Smart choices can trim total cost without sacrificing structural or aesthetic outcomes. Consider selecting construction-grade stock with modest knot content, grouping orders to secure volume discounts, and coordinating pick-up to avoid delivery fees. If the project tolerates mixed widths, you can reduce waste by buying a wider stock and cross-cutting. Compare kiln-dried versus air-dried options by timing the project around a cooler season to minimize storage costs. Finally, evaluate whether rough stock can be substituted with appearance-grade plywood or composite boards for decorative applications to save material costs.
Regional price differences for rough sawn cedar lumber
Prices vary notably by region due to harvest proximity, sawmill capacity, and transport costs. In cedar-heavy regions of the Pacific Northwest, prices may skew lower due to local supply, while the Northeast can show higher freight charges. The South often features mid-range pricing with regional mills supplying both kiln- and air-dried options. A typical regional delta for rough sawn cedar is a few dollars per board foot between markets, with delivery adding variability. Knowing local lumber prices helps you set a realistic budget before shipping estimates are requested.
| Region | Low bf | Avg bf | High bf | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pacific Northwest | $0.95 | $1.70 | $2.90 | Strong local supply |
| Midwest | $1.00 | $1.60 | $2.80 | Balanced market |
| Northeast | $1.20 | $2.00 | $3.40 | Higher freight impact |
| South | $0.90 | $1.50 | $2.60 | Regional mills common |
Assumptions: standard delivery radius within 100 miles; typical residential-grade rough stock; mixed moisture content by region.
Labor, delivery, and disposal considerations for cedar stock
Labor and logistics significantly influence final costs on rough sawn cedar orders. If a project requires on-site cutting, stacking, or weatherproofing prep, expect higher labor charges. Delivery charges depend on mileage, access, and whether lift equipment is needed. Some yards charge for return trips if the driver must return for missing items. On-site disposal of scraps and offcuts may incur a separate fee, or be included as a minor percentage of the order. Planning a precise pickup window can reduce labor surcharges from fast-moving jobs or last-minute changes.
| Delivery Option | Typical Fee | Access Notes | Impact on Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard curbside | $25–$60 | Limited loading dock needs | Low impact |
| Tailgate or docked | $50–$120 | Level access improves efficiency | Moderate impact |
| White-glove inside delivery | $120–$250 | Premium service, placement help | Higher impact |
| Disposal of scraps | $0–$20 | Often included if full order is large | Low to moderate |
Concrete scenarios help translate per-foot and per-board-foot quotes into a project budget. Scenario A assumes 6×8 framing stock over a 1,000 board feet order with mid-grade, air-dried stock and standard delivery. Scenario B uses 2×6 appearance-grade cedar for a decorative fence project, 400 board feet, kiln-dried, with curbside delivery. Scenario C looks at 8 ft lengths of 1×6 construction stock for a patio area, 600 board feet, mixed moisture, typical local dealer pickup. The price bands reflect these variables and show how total costs adjust with volume, grade, and drying method.
Scenario A: 1,000 board feet of rough sawn 2×6 construction stock
Low range $1.20 bf; Average $1.70 bf; High $2.60 bf. Delivery and handling add $60–$120. Total range: $1,320–$2,320 before taxes.
Scenario B: 400 board feet of kiln-dried appearance-grade 2×6
Low range $2.60 bf; Average $3.40 bf; High $4.80 bf. Total for stock: $1,040–$1,920. Delivery: $50–$90.
Scenario C: 600 board feet of rough 1×6 construction stock, regional mix
Low range $0.95 bf; Average $1.50 bf; High $2.20 bf. Total stock: $570–$1,320. Pickup options reduce delivery cost by $0–$30.
Assumptions: orders in typical residential markets, standard 8–12% waste factor, no custom reshaping beyond basic cross-cutting.
