The price of T&G cedar siding varies by board profile, grade, and installation details. Typical total costs reflect material selections, labor rates, regional differences, and how the project scope is defined. This article provides practical price ranges and clear factors that influence the cost of T&G cedar siding for residential homes in the United States.

Item	Low	Average	High	Notes
Material (T&G Cedar Siding, 6″ exposure)	$2.50 per sq ft	$4.25 per sq ft	$6.50 per sq ft	Rough-cut to prime grades vary by species
Labor (installation)	$3.50 per sq ft	$5.75 per sq ft	$9.00 per sq ft	Includes nailing, prep, and fastening
Finishes & Prep	$0.50 per sq ft	$1.50 per sq ft	$3.00 per sq ft	Stain or paint, primer, sealant
Delivery & Handling	$0.25 per sq ft	$0.75 per sq ft	$1.50 per sq ft	Based on distance from mill
Waste & Cutouts	$0.25 per sq ft	$0.60 per sq ft	$1.20 per sq ft	Allowance for off-cuts and defects
Total Installed (per sq ft)	$6.00	$10.60	$19.20	Assumes standard 2x house with typical climate zone

Cedar T&G Siding Costs by Board Size and Grade

Assumptions: Midwestern labor rates, standard 6-inch exposure, prefinished cedar options vary by grade. T&G profiles in cedar commonly range from 4″ to 6″ or wider. The price is driven by grade, wood thickness, and whether the boards are rough cut or surfaced. Higher grade, smooth face boards cost more but reduce finishing labor. Typical material ranges account for common 6″ exposure cedar T&G boards in either rough-sawn or planed finishes.

Material cost usually sits between $2.50 and $6.50 per square foot for raw cedar, with planed or premium grades skewing toward the higher end. When installed, total per-square-foot costs generally fall in the $6.00 to $19.20 range, depending on local labor rates, climate-related prep, and fastener choices. Expect larger gaps if the project uses wider boards or premium grades.

Material Costs: Rough-Sawn Versus Select Grade Cedar

Assumptions: Coastal regions, standard vertical reveal, minimal knots. Rough-sawn cedar tends to be cheaper upfront, while select or clear grades provide uniform color and knot pattern, reducing hidden staining later. Rough-sawn boards may require more finishing time, increasing labor costs. Finishing quality levels directly affect total price.

Rough-sawn material typically ranges from $2.50 to $4.50 per sq ft, whereas select grade cedar can be $4.50 to $6.50 per sq ft for the material alone. Installed prices usually range from $6.50 to $16.00 per sq ft for many scenarios, with higher labor and finish requirements pushing toward the upper end.

Labor and Installation Rates by Region

Assumptions: 1-2 labor crews, typical single-story home, normal access. Regional cost differences are a major driver. The same job may cost 10–25% more in high-cost metro areas compared with rural regions. Labor contributes a large share of the installed price, often $3.50 to $9.00 per sq ft. Schedule coordination and crew availability influence final quotes.

In the Northeast and West Coast, expect higher rates, while the Southeast and Midwest often run lower. For a standard 1,500 sq ft façade, labor could range from $5,250 to $13,500 depending on crew size and project complexity.

Siding System Types: Traditional Tongue-and-Groove vs Prefinished Panels

Assumptions: Standard wall areas, dry climate, vinyl-free substrate. Traditional T&G cedar requires more on-site finishing, while prefinished panels may speed installation and provide a longer-lasting aesthetic with less staining work. Prefinished systems can reduce long-term maintenance costs.

Traditional T&G installation often sits at the lower to mid material range but higher finishing labor, while prefinished T&G panels cost more upfront (roughly $4.50–$6.50 per sq ft material) yet may reduce painting or staining labor by $1.00–$2.50 per sq ft in total project time.

Project Scope Impacts: Per-Square-Foot Pricing vs Fixed-Job Quotes

Assumptions: One-story home, 1,500–2,000 sq ft exterior surface. Project scope dramatically affects pricing. A simple wrap with minimal repairs costs less than a full retrofit including windows, corners, and soffits. Ask for a per-sq-ft price plus a fixed mobilization charge to compare quotes fairly.

Typical per-square-foot installed ranges are $6.00–$12.50 for straightforward jobs, with full replacements and complex trims drifting to $12.50–$19.20 per sq ft. A fixed mobilization/delivery fee of $500–$1,500 is common on larger projects.

Delivery, Handling, and Waste Management

Assumptions: Local mill within 150 miles, standard packaging. Delivery costs add a modest per-sq-ft line item but can spike with long-haul shipments or special packaging. Proper disposal of cedar offcuts may incur a small charge or included waste allowance. Waste control lowers final price because less material waste reduces reorder penalties.

Delivery and handling commonly add $0.25–$1.50 per sq ft. Waste allowances typically add $0.25–$1.20 per sq ft, depending on job-site cleanliness and cut requirements. For a 1,800 sq ft project, this can add $450–$2,000 to the bill depending on distance and packaging.

Maintenance and Long-Term Ownership Costs

Assumptions: 15–25 year finish life with periodic staining or sealing needs. Cedar is aesthetically pleasing but requires ongoing care. Finishes may need reapplication every 5–7 years in sun-drenched environments, potentially adding ongoing costs of $0.50–$1.25 per sq ft per year. Maintenance planning reduces unexpected price spikes at recoat time.

Long-term ownership costs include periodic sealing, stain or paint refresh, and eventual refinishing or re-siding decisions. If a homeowner opts for a durable, high-quality finish upfront, annual maintenance costs may be lower but initial price is higher.

Regional Price Variation: Northeast vs Southeast vs Midwest

Assumptions: Typical single-story home, standard wood species, standard climate exposure. Region impacts include labor rates, freight, and climate-related prep like moisture barriers. In general, Northeast markets tend to be 10–25% higher than Midwest regions, while the Southeast can be 5–15% lower depending on port access and subcontractor availability. Region is a major lever on the installed price.

For the same 1,800 sq ft project, installed price could range roughly from $10,800 to $28,000 depending on region, board grade, and labor costs. Always compare quotes across nearby towns to capture regional deltas.

Quote Comparison Tactics and Common Cost Pitfalls

Assumptions: Quotes received from three local contractors. When evaluating quotes, compare both material grades and finish schedules, not just total price. A lower upfront price may reflect thinner boards or fewer finishes, increasing long-term costs. Clarify finish cycles, warranty terms, and included labor hours in every quote.

Ask each contractor to itemize materials, labor, finishes, delivery, and disposal. Look for consistency in square-foot pricing and verify assumed house size, access, and roof line complexity. A well-structured quote reduces price surprises during project execution.