When budgeting for Western Red Cedar, buyers typically pay for raw lumber, finishing options, and installation. The main cost drivers include product type, grade, dimensions, regional freight, and labor. This article provides cost ranges in USD with practical price guidance for U.S. buyers, using clear low–average–high figures and per-unit details.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lumber (Western Red Cedar boards, rough sawn) | $2.50/lineal ft | $4.50/lineal ft | $6.50/lineal ft | Grades Select to #2 commonly used for exterior projects |
| Lumber (cedar siding boards, tongue & groove) | $3.50/sq ft | $6.50/sq ft | $9.50/sq ft | Installed material cost varies by thickness and profile |
| Labor & Installation (decking, siding, trim) | $5.00/ft or $25/hr | $8.50/ft or $40/hr | $14.00/ft or $70/hr | Includes fastening, sealing, and basic finishes |
| Finish / Sealer & Stain | $0.50–$1.50/ft2 | $1.00–$2.50/ft2 | $3.00/ft2 | Clear finishes commonly used; exterior UV sealers vary by brand |
| Delivery & Handling | $50–$150 per order | $100–$350 per order | $400+ per order | Depends on distance, weight, and access |
Overview Of Costs
Costs for Western Red Cedar vary by product type and project scope. Material costs dominate for bare boards, while installation and finishing drive overall project pricing. For reference, typical decks, siding, or trim projects combine raw lumber with labor, finishing, and delivery. The table above shows total project ranges and per-unit estimates with assumptions noted in the rows.
Cost Breakdown
Material and labor split often defines final pricing. A project might include cedar boards, fasteners, sealant, and labor hours. The following table summarizes potential cost components and typical shares. data-formula=”labor_hours × hourly_rate”>
| Component | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials (cedar boards) | $2.50/ft | $4.50/ft | $9.50/ft | Includes grade/width variations |
| Labor | $25/hr | $40/hr | $70/hr | Decking vs siding work differ in scale |
| Finishes | $0.50/ft2 | $1.50/ft2 | $3.00/ft2 | Stains, sealers, paints |
| Delivery | $50 | $150 | $400 | Distance and access impact |
| Permits / Fees | $0 | $0–$150 | $500 | Varies by locality and project type |
What Drives Price
Product type and grade are primary price drivers. Rough sawn cedar is cheaper per lineal foot than finished siding, but both are influenced by board width, thickness, and grade. Regional freight, seasonal supply, and local labor rates add variability. For example, tongue-and-groove siding often costs more per square foot installed than plain boards due to milling and fit requirements.
Factors That Affect Price
Key price levers include grade, dimensions, and finish choices. Narrow, high-grade boards command higher prices, while wider boards reduce waste but may incur higher waste costs if a project uses many cuts. Thickness (e.g., 3/4″ vs 1″) affects both material and installation effort, and exterior finishes add ongoing maintenance costs.
Ways To Save
Smart planning can reduce total expenditure. Consider opting for standard profiles and grades, consolidate orders to minimize delivery charges, and schedule work during off-peak seasons to target lower labor rates. Finishes that extend intervals between re-coats can also reduce long-term costs, though upfront costs may be higher.
Regional Price Differences
Prices can vary across regions due to supply, demand, and freight. In the U.S., typical regional deltas might look like this: Northeast/Coastal markets may see higher installation and freight costs; Midwest regions often enjoy moderate labor rates and stable lumber pricing; Western markets can face higher freight to distant projects. Expect price swings of ±10–20% between regions for similar jobs, with rural areas sometimes yielding lower installed costs than dense urban markets.
Real-World Pricing Examples
Three scenario snapshots illustrate common project scales and costs. These examples assume typical grade and standard profiles, with regional variations reflected as noted.
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Basic Deck Build — 200 sq ft of cedar decking using standard 5/4 x 6 boards, no high-end finishes.
Assumptions: region Midwest, 2 days of labor, standard fasteners.Materials: $2.50–$4.00/ft2; Labor: $0.50–$1.00/ft2; Finishes: minimal. Total range: $3,000–$7,000; per sq ft: $15–$35.
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Mid-Range Siding Upgrade — 800 sq ft of tongue-and-groove cedar siding with sealant.
Assumptions: region Northeast, mid-range grade, moderate labor intensity.Materials: $6–$8/ft2; Labor: $2–$3/ft2; Delivery: $100–$250. Total range: $10,000–$23,000; per sq ft: $12–$29.
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Premium Timber Trim Package — specialty sawn cedar trim, quarter-sawn stock, high finish.
Assumptions: region West, higher grade, longer lead times.Materials: $8–$12/ft; Labor: $3–$6/ft; Finishes: $1–$2/ft2. Total range: $14,000–$38,000; per ft: $20–$40.
Assumptions: region, specs, labor hours.
