Prices for Western Red Cedar vary by grade, dimension, and finish. The main cost drivers include material grade, board size, surface treatment, and regional labor rates, plus delivery and any specialty cuts. The following price ranges help buyers budget with realistic expectations for cedar projects.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Western Red Cedar 1×4 boards (per linear ft) | $2.00 | $3.50 | $5.50 | Standard KD, unspecified grade |
| Western Red Cedar 1×6 boards (per linear ft) | $3.00 | $5.50 | $9.00 | Common for siding or trim |
| Western Red Cedar 2×6 boards (per linear ft) | $6.00 | $9.50 | $14.00 | Structural-grade or finished face |
| Patterned Cedar Siding (per sq ft installed) | $8.00 | $12.50 | $20.00 | Includes installation labor |
| Labor for Cedar Decking Install (per sq ft) | $3.50 | $5.50 | $8.50 | Includes fasteners and grading |
| Delivery Fee (regional average) | $50 | $120 | $250 | Depends on distance and access |
| Finish/Sealant (per gallon) | $20 | $35 | $70 | Oil-based or waterborne |
Assumptions: Midwest labor rates, standard KD cedar, typical 1x and 2x stock, residential exterior project, standard access.
Typical Price Range for Western Red Cedar Boards by Grade
Prices differ by grade: clear or Select grades cost more than common grades, and higher grades command a premium for appearance. A common project might source 1×6 and 2×6 boards in KD, unfinished, and request basic smoothing on the face. Expected total for a small siding job in a suburban region often lands between $1,800 and $4,800, depending on area and waste.
Assumptions: Standard exterior use, no premium finishes, 8–12% waste, regional freight included in delivery.
Cost Breakout for Western Red Cedar Materials, Labor, and Delivery
The quote commonly splits into four main parts: materials, labor, delivery, and finish/sealant. The table shows a representative breakdown for a mid-sized exterior project. Materials typically drive the bulk of the price, with labor close behind for installation.
| Cost Component | Low Range | Average Range | High Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials (stock cedar by size) | $1,200 | $2,400 | $5,000 | Includes boards, fasteners, and spacers |
| Labor (installation) | $1,000 | $2,000 | $4,000 | Per project scope and crew size |
| Delivery/Handling | $50 | $120 | $250 | Distance dependent |
| Finish/Sealing | $60 | $180 | $420 | One or two coats; type varies |
| Permits or inspections | $0 | $0 | $150 | Region-dependent |
| Total Installed (example) | $2,310 | $4,720 | $9,820 | Mid-range project with average waste |
How Size and Grade Constrain the Price
Board width, length, and thickness directly affect material cost and waste. A 1×6 board is cheaper per lineal foot than a 2×6 by weight and quantity. Additionally, higher-grade stock such as Clear or Select increases price substantially because yields are lower. Expect per-foot costs to rise about 30–60% when upgrading from standard to premium grades.
Assumptions: Typical residential siding or deck framing, standard exposure, and normal access.
Regional Variations Across U.S. Markets
Prices swing with regional lumber costs and local labor markets. Coastal states often see higher delivery charges, while inland areas may benefit from shorter transit. A suburban Northeast project can run 10–20% higher than similar jobs in the Midwest. Regional delta examples show ranges of roughly 10% to 25% from national averages.
| Region | Material Range (per ft) | Delivery/Logistics | Labor Adjustment | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Midwest | $2.50–$5.50 | $50–$150 | $3.50–$6.50 per sq ft | Balanced costs |
| Northeast | $3.00–$6.50 | $60–$220 | $4.00–$7.50 per sq ft | Higher freight impact |
| West | $2.80–$6.00 | $70–$200 | $3.75–$7.25 per sq ft | Variable by state |
| Southeast | $2.40–$5.00 | $50–$170 | $3.25–$6.25 per sq ft | Moderate range |
Assumptions: Typical suburban installations, standard board stock, regional freight patterns.
Common Project Scenarios with Per-Unit and Total Costs
Scenario A covers cedar siding with 1×6 boards, finished with a clear sealant. Scenario B uses 2×6 boards for a small deck. Scenario C applies tight-grain Select stock for a premium look. For Scenario A, per-square-foot installed costs often run $8.00–$12.50, depending on finish and trim. Scenario B decks commonly total $3,000–$6,000 for mid-size builds, excluding permits.
Assumptions: 150–250 sq ft siding project for Scenario A; 200 sq ft deck for Scenario B; Scenario C uses premium Select grade.
Ways to Reduce Western Red Cedar Costs Without Skimping on Quality
Control scope by sizing the project to standard board lengths and avoiding custom milling. Choose lower-cost grades for non-visible areas, optimize layout to minimize waste, and schedule deliveries during favorable weather. Bundling multiple items in one order can reduce logistics. Opting for a well-planned scope can cut total costs by 10–25% compared with piecemeal purchases.
Assumptions: Local labor available, standard fasteners, no unusual site obstacles.
Delivery Fees, Waste, and Hidden Expenses to Expect
Delivery charges can vary with distance, access, and whether curbside or dock delivery is required. Waste disposal or debris removal adds a modest line item. A quote that omits waste should be treated with caution. Hidden costs often emerge from overage, last-minute changes, or premium finishes.
Assumptions: Typical curbside delivery, standard packaging, no hazardous materials.
