Buying white cedar or red cedar involves several cost factors, including material grade, dimensions, treatment, and regional availability. Understanding price ranges helps buyers estimate total project costs and compare options.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Material (rough lumber) | $1.50/board ft | $2.20/board ft | $3.50/board ft | Includes select grades; kiln-dried typically higher |
| Labor & Installation | $3.50/linear ft | $5.50/linear ft | $9.00/linear ft | Includes cutting, fastening, and finishing |
| Delivery | $100 | $350 | $750 | Distance-dependent |
| Permits/Inspections | $0 | $50 | $300 | Regional requirements may apply |
| Finish & Sealer | $0.50/sq ft | $1.20/sq ft | $2.00/sq ft | Includes UV protection if specified |
Overview Of Costs
Price ranges vary by species, dimension, and finish, with white cedar typically costing slightly less per board foot than red cedar in comparable grades. The main drivers include board width, thickness, and whether the wood is planed or rough-sawn. For project planning, assume an overall project range from roughly $4,000 to $16,000 depending on scope, with per-unit estimates shown below.
Estimate assumptions: installation is skilled carpentry; outdoor exposure requires protective sealant; regional freight can affect material costs. The totals reflect a mix of material, labor, and ancillary costs for standard exterior applications such as fencing, siding, or decks.
Cost Breakdown
Material costs, labor, and extras together determine the final price, with a few fixed costs like permits remaining constant by region. The following table outlines common components and typical price bands.
| Components | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $1.50/board ft | $2.20/board ft | $3.50/board ft | White vs Red cedar: color/texture preference may shift material cost |
| Labor | $3.50/linear ft | $5.50/linear ft | $9.00/linear ft | Includes fastening, trimming, and staining |
| Equipment | $0.25/linear ft | $0.60/linear ft | $1.50/linear ft | Includes nails, screws, and sealant tools |
| Permits | $0 | $50 | $300 | Depends on local codes |
| Delivery/Disposal | $100 | $350 | $750 | Distance-based |
| Finish & Sealer | $0.50/sq ft | $1.20/sq ft | $2.00/sq ft | Includes UV protection |
What Drives Price
Species selection, grain tightness, and treatment level are major cost variables. White cedar commonly costs less per board foot than red cedar when grades align, but differences grow with planed surfaces, thickness, and moisture content. The most impactful factors are dimensions (width x thickness), total square footage, and whether prefinish or on-site staining is chosen. SEER-like or kiln-dried processing is another price inflection point for outdoor durability.
Two niche drivers to watch: material grade (clear vs knotty) and potential insect treatment or preservative finishes. For decks and siding, typical trims of 1×6 or 2×4 boards carry distinct per-unit pricing that can shift substantially between species.
Ways To Save
Material selection and project scope offer the biggest savings opportunities. Consider alternates such as using smaller dimensional stock, selecting knotty grades, or batching orders to reduce freight. Opting for rough-sawn stock that requires less finish work can cut both material and labor costs. Seasonal promotions from suppliers can also yield meaningful discounts.
Regional Price Differences
Prices vary across markets due to supply, freight, and demand. In the Northeast, expect higher freight and moisture-adjustment costs, while the Mountain West may show steadier lumber prices with higher delivery fees. The South often benefits from larger regional mills but may incur higher finish costs for coastal finishes due to humidity. A typical delta between Urban, Suburban, and Rural markets can be ±12% to ±20% depending on supplier networks and volume discounts.
Labor & Installation Time
Installation complexity affects the overall cost beyond material price. Decks, siding, or fences require different crew sizes and durations. Labor rates commonly range from $5 to $9 per linear foot for professional installation, with longer runs or intricate patterns pushing costs higher. If a project requires custom milling or on-site sealing, expect additional hours and corresponding costs.
Real-World Pricing Examples
Three scenario cards illustrate typical ranges for White Cedar vs Red Cedar projects. Each card lists specs, labor hours, per-unit prices, and totals to help compare realistic outcomes.
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Basic: 120 linear ft of white cedar siding (1×6 boards), no finish
Specs: rough-sawn, standard grade, 3/4 in thickness, untreated
Labor: 6–8 hours
Materials: $1.60/board ft; 3/4 in boards
Total: $4,000–$5,500
Assumptions: region, basic install, no upgrades. -
Mid-Range: 180 linear ft of red cedar fencing with stain
Specs: 5/4 x 6 boards, pressure-treated posts, semi-transparent stain
Labor: 10–14 hours
Materials: $2.30/board ft; hardware included
Total: $7,000–$9,800
Assumptions: standard climate zone, mid-grade pickets. -
Premium: 250 sq ft cedar siding (1×8), prefinish, moisture barrier
Specs: red cedar, clear grade, groove-and-tin installation
Labor: 20–28 hours
Materials: $3.00/board ft; finish $1.80/sq ft
Total: $14,000–$19,500
Assumptions: coastal exposure, premium finish.
Maintenance & Ownership Costs
Long-term ownership adds maintenance costs that affect total cost of ownership. Cedar typically requires periodic cleaning and re-sealing every 2–5 years, with staining cost ranging from $0.70 to $2.50 per square foot per treatment depending on product and climate. Durable finishes can extend intervals between reapplications but may increase upfront spend. Over a 5-year horizon, maintenance can add $1,200–$4,500 depending on area and frequency.
