Rough sawn cedar pricing varies by grade, thickness, and where the project takes place. Buyers commonly see price ranges per board foot and per finished board foot depending on processing, fire treatment, and delivery. The numbers below outline typical cost drivers and realistic ranges for U.S. projects.
Assumptions: midrange cedar species, standard 1″ nominal thickness, planed rough sawn, typical urban lumberyard delivery, standard moisture content, no special treatment.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price per board foot (raw rough sawn) | $1.10 | $1.50 | $2.20 | Common in regional markets; varies by grade and supply |
| Delivery fee (per mile typical) | $0.50 | $1.25 | $2.50 | Depends on distance and stock levels |
| Planing/ surfacing cost (per board foot) | $0.20 | $0.40 | $0.75 | Rough sawn may be surfaced to 3/4″ or 1″ finish |
| Waste/trim loss (percent of order) | 5% | 8% | 12% | Depends on board width and milling setup |
| Moisture conditioning (air or kiln, per thousand)** | $8 | $14 | $22 | Controls dimensions and finish quality |
Key takeaway: rough sawn cedar is typically priced by board foot with variable add-ons for delivery, planing, and moisture treatment, impacting total project cost.
What buyers usually pay for rough sawn cedar by the board foot
For rough sawn cedar, the primary price driver is the board-foot size and grade. The typical total price ranges reflect both material cost and processing steps.
Assumptions: cedar species common in U.S. markets (e.g., western red cedar), standard 1″ nominal thickness, delivery within 50 miles.
| Price Component | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Material (board foot) | $1.10 | $1.50 | $2.20 | Base cedar cost by grade |
| Planing/Surfacing (per bf) | $0.25 | $0.40 | $0.75 | Optional depending on order specs |
| Delivery (per order) | $75 | $150 | $300 | Distance-based |
| Moisture control (per order) | $10 | $14 | $22 | Kiln or air-dry handling |
| Waste allowance (percent) | 5% | 8% | 12% | Board width affect |
Formula example: total cost ≈ (board feet × average price) + delivery + surfacing + moisture − waste credit.
Costs broken down: materials, labor, and equipment for rough sawn cedar
Understanding the quote requires dissecting four to six cost components that commonly appear on invoices.
Assumptions: standard labor rates in a regional market, one crew, 8–12 hour milling day, no heavy specialty finishes.
| Component | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials (cedar, rough sawn, bf) | $1.10 | $1.50 | $2.20 | Includes waste factor |
| Labor (milling, loading, stacking, trim) | $0.50 | $0.90 | $1.50 | Per bf; varies with crew size |
| Equipment use (bandsaw, planer, forklift) | $0.15 | $0.25 | $0.60 | Amortized cost per order |
| Delivery/Logistics | $75 | $150 | $300 | Per order, distance-based |
| Waste/Packaging | 5% | 8% | 12% | Board width and length affect |
Labor hours × hourly rate can help forecast depending on order size.
Variables that most shift your rough sawn cedar quote
Size, region, and grade drive the final price, with room tonnage and moisture strategy adding swings.
Assumptions: typical project uses 8–12 ft boards, standard grade, delivery within regional distribution.
- Board width and length: Wider boards reduce waste but raise per-foot cost due to milling setup.
- Moisture content: Kiln-dried cedar commands higher prices but improves stability.
- Region: Coastal markets may carry different transport costs; inland often more affordable.
- Project scope: Single order vs. ongoing supply can alter unit price through bulk discounts.
Ways to trim the rough sawn cedar bill without sacrificing quality
Cost control comes from scope clarity, material choices, and timing.
Assumptions: typical residential or small commercial project; no specialty finishes.
- Lock in a single grade for the project to reduce adjustments.
- Choose standard 1″ thickness instead of custom milling.
- Bundle shipments to reduce per-delivery charges.
- Opt for air-dried cedar if kiln-drying adds unnecessary cost and storage allows.
- Request fixed-price quotes for a defined board-foot quantity to avoid mid-project price shifts.
Prices vary by region due to supply, distance to mills, and labor norms.
Assumptions: comparison between Northeast, Midwest, and West Coast markets with standard logistics.
| Region | Board Foot Range | Delivery Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northeast | $1.20-$2.10 | $100-$260 | Higher transport into dense markets |
| Midwest | $1.15-$1.85 | $80-$180 | Typically competitive milling access |
| West Coast | $1.25-$2.30 | $120-$280 | Longer drives, premium for local mills |
Three example scenarios help anchor expectations for buyers comparing quotes.
Assumptions: midrange cedar grade, 8 ft length, standard moisture, urban delivery.
- Residential deck framing: 2,000 bf total, planed rough finish, delivery to site, moisture conditioning. Price range: $1.40-$1.80 per bf; total $2,800-$3,600.
- Fence boards and crosspieces: 1,200 bf, rough sawn only, inland delivery, basic waste allowance. Price range: $1.20-$1.70 per bf; total $1,440-$2,040.
- Architectural siding panels: 2,500 bf, planed to 3/4″, kiln-dried, regional delivery. Price range: $1.70-$2.20 per bf; total $4,250-$5,500.
Compare unit costs and all add-ons; ensure the scope matches your project to avoid under- or overestimating.
Assumptions: quotes include material, milling, and standard delivery; exclude nonessential finishes.
- Per-foot price vs total price: per-foot helps scale estimates, total price reflects project size.
- Waste and overage: expect a percent-based allowance; ensure it’s stated as a line item.
- Delivery terms: note whether delivery is included or charged per mile, which affects the bottom line.
Use concrete metrics to estimate a realistic budget early in planning.
Assumptions: standard urban development conditions; no expedited delivery.
| Metric | Typical Range | Impact on Budget | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Board feet required | 1,000–3,000 bf | Direct material cost | Higher volume lowers unit price on some mills |
| Delivery distance | 0–50 miles | Delivery charges | Significantly affects final quote |
| Moisture treatment | Air-dried vs kiln-dried | Price increase | Drying method influences stability |
| Finish planing | Yes/No | Per bf charge | Planed finish adds cost but improves fit |
Bottom line: rough sawn cedar pricing in the U.S. is a balance of material cost, milling, and logistics, with regional differences driving the largest swings.
