Prices for Western Red Cedar lumber vary by size, grade, and region, with typical costs spanning per-board-foot and per-length formats. This guide highlights the cost drivers and provides practical pricing ranges to help buyers budget accurately.

Assumptions: Midwest or Pacific Northwest markets, standard 2×4 to 2×12 sizes, common FAS and Select grades, typical rough sawn or surfaced finishes, normal access, and standard delivery.

What Buyers Typically Pay for Western Red Cedar Lumber

Typical total price ranges reflect overall project scope, grade, and length choices. For a small project using common 1×6 to 1×12 boards, expect a total material cost near the $300-$1,000 range for 50-150 linear feet of cedar lumber. For larger decks or siding projects using premium Select or Clear grades, budgets commonly run $2,000-$6,000 plus delivery. Assumptions: standard yard quantities, no specialty tempering or finish coatings, and standard regional freight.

Price Components for Cedar Lumber Quotation

Understanding the quote structure helps compare offers fairly and plan contingencies. A typical cedar price quote breaks into four to six components, with labor often minimal for raw lumber purchases but notable in milling or finishing scenarios.

Assumptions: standard 2×6 to 2×12, no custom milling beyond basic ripping, and normal delivery routes.

How Width, Grade, and Species Affect the Price

Grade and size are the primary price levers for Western Red Cedar lumber. Clear or Select grades command the highest prices, especially for longer lengths. A 10′ 2×6 Clear piece may fetch two to three times the price of a standard 2×6 Grade #2 at the same length. Width also shifts cost: 1×6 boards are markedly cheaper than 2×12 boards. Expect roughly a 20% to 60% price delta when moving from standard to premium grades or from 1x to 2x stock. Assumptions: typical residential-grade cedar, Midwest or Pacific Northwest markets, standard moisture content.

Regional Price Variations by U.S. Market

Geography matters for Cedar lumber prices due to supply proximity and freight. In the Pacific Northwest, prices often trend slightly higher for premium grades due to local supply, while Midwest markets may show wider spreads between budget and premium stock. Expect regional deltas of about 5% to 15% between coast and inland regions, with urban-area delivery surcharges sometimes adding 5%–12% on large orders. Assumptions: comparable grades, standard delivery within regional hubs.

Common Size Breakdowns: Boards, Planks, and Timbers

Size and profile determine unit pricing and usable yield. Typical buyers stock a mix of 1×6, 1×8, 1×10, and 2×6 to 2×12 for siding, decking, or trim. For decking, 5/4×4 treated or cedar boards priced per lineal foot average $4-$9 for 8′ to 12′ lengths, while premium 2×10 or 2×12 boards run higher. For siding, 6″ to 8″ exposure boards may price per linear foot in the $3-$8 range, with additional costs for hidden fasteners or finishes. Assumptions: residential decking or siding project, standard exposure, no exotic species blends.

Delivery, Handling, and Wastage Costs

Delivery and waste can shift total project price noticeably. Freight is typically $40-$180 depending on distance and order size, with offload and staging adding time. Wastage allowances of 5%–10% are common for long runs or irregular shop cuts. If a supplier bills per mile, a 25–75 mile round trip can add $60-$200. For full truckload orders, delivery may be included or discounted. Assumptions: standard residential job site, no lift gate required.

Seasonal Trends and Availability Impacts

Timing can swing prices by a noticeable margin. Peak construction seasons in spring and summer often see tighter supply and higher quotes, while late fall shortages or weather delays may push prices up further. Availability of clear or knotty stock can cause 10%–25% swings within a quarter. Orders placed well in advance typically secure more stable pricing. Assumptions: typical regional demand patterns, standard milling lead times.

Cost-Saving Tactics Without Compromising Quality

Smart planning can trim costs without sacrificing cedar performance. Consider using Premium Clear for high-visibility components and Select for less conspicuous parts to balance aesthetics and price. If shipping weeks in advance isn’t feasible, secure stock early and opt for longer, uniform lengths to minimize waste. Bundling orders with similar grades or volumes often reduces per-unit freight. Reheated or rust-resistant fasteners and water-repellent sealants add long-term value but should be scoped into the price early. Assumptions: standard installation over a single project site, no custom milling beyond basic ripping.

Regional Quote Examples (for planning only)

Real-world quotes vary by mill, stock, and region. Example A: 100 BF of 2×8 Select in Midwest, $3.60-$4.20 per BF, plus $100 delivery. Example B: 150 BF of 1×6 Clear in Pacific Northwest, $5.20-$6.50 per BF, plus $60 delivery. Example C: Decking package, 300 BF of 5/4×6 Cedar, $4.80-$6.20 per BF, including basic wastage and delivery. Assumptions: standard moisture, no preservative treatment, typical site access.

Assumptions: standard regional freight; typical moisture content; no coating costs included.