Redwood vs Cedar Cost Guide for Homeowners 2026
When evaluating redwood versus cedar for outdoor projects, buyers typically face material costs that vary by grade, thickness, mill, and treatment. The main cost drivers are species availability, grade, milling, and installation labor. This guide presents practical price ranges in USD to help set a budget and compare alternatives objectively, focusing on cost and value rather than aesthetics alone.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Material (Decking boards, 2×6, Cedar) | $2.50 | $4.50 | $7.00 | Common lengths 8-16 ft; pressure treatment varies by region |
| Material (Decking boards, 2×6, Redwood) | $3.20 | $5.50 | $9.00 | Premium grades; source-dependent |
| Finishes & Sealants | $0.50 | $1.50 | $3.00 | Clear or tinted sealers; repeat every 1–3 years |
| Labor & Installation (Decking) | $6.50 | $12.00 | $20.00 | Per square foot; includes fasteners and basic framing |
| Hardware & Fasteners | $0.50 | $1.50 | $4.00 | Canche or stainless steel; corrosion resistance matters |
| Permits & Inspections | $0 | $200 | $1,000 | Depends on local rules and project scope |
| Delivery & Waste | $0 | $150 | $500 | Distance from mill; disposal fees may apply |
Assumptions: region, project scope (decking or fencing), species availability, labor hours.
Overview Of Costs
Cost ranges for redwood vs cedar reflect both materials and labor. Redwood typically commands a higher per-board price in most markets, while cedar can offer similar aesthetics at a slightly lower material cost in some regions. When budgeting, buyers should consider total project cost rather than board price alone, including sealants, fasteners, and long-term maintenance. The per-square-foot pricing commonly used for decks is a practical planning tool, with typical ranges from about $8 to $22 per square foot installed for cedar and $9 to $28 per square foot installed for redwood depending on grade and finish.
Low, average, and high ranges are driven by board grade, length, and finish choices. For example, clear grades with minimal knots cost more upfront but often yield less maintenance over time. Regional price shifts, shipping, and seasonal material availability can shift totals by ±10–25 percent.
Cost Breakdown
| Materials | Labor | Equipment | Permits | Delivery/Disposal | Warranty | Overhead | Taxes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Redwood: clear-to-select grades | $4.50 | $5.50 | $0.50 | $0 | $0.75 | $0.50 | $1.25 |
| Cedar: common-to-grade A | $3.50 | $4.50 | $0.50 | $0 | $0.50 | $0.40 | $1.00 |
Color-graded finishes and rot resistance add to the total, with optional pressure treatments affecting both cost and service life. Labor costs include measurement, layout, fastener installation, and finish prep. Contractors may adjust rates based on access, project complexity, and required permits. Formula: labor hours × hourly_rate
What Drives Price
Material choice is the largest driver. Redwood generally costs more per board than cedar in many markets, but the gap narrows with purchased volumes, delivery options, or if local cedar is scarce. Other significant drivers include grade and size (2×6 vs 5/4; 8 ft vs 16 ft boards), moisture content at install, and whether the project requires fast-curing finishes. Knot density, board length, and the need for waterproof underlayment also influence price.
Ways To Save
Several practical strategies can reduce overall cost without sacrificing structural integrity. Consider longer spans with fewer boards, select standard lengths, and pair high-grade redwood with cedar accents to balance aesthetics and price. Scheduling work in the off-season may reduce labor rates, and bulk purchasing or negotiating bundled material + labor packages can yield meaningful savings.
Regional Price Differences
Pricing for redwood and cedar varies by region due to supply chains, freight costs, and local demand. In the West, redwood often commands a higher base price, whereas cedar may be relatively affordable in the Southeast where cedar mills are more common. In urban markets, premium decking grades can push averages higher, while rural areas may offer lower material costs but higher delivery fees. Expect region-based deltas of roughly -10% to +15% relative to national averages.
Labor & Installation Time
Labor costs are a major portion of total project pricing. Decking installations typically run 10–20 hours for small to medium projects and 40–80 hours for full-size builds. Cedar projects may require more frequent maintenance, impacting long-term labor expectations. Redwood installations can be faster if boards are straighter and less prone to warping; however, higher end redwood grades may require careful handling and more precise layout. data-formula=”labor_hours × hourly_rate”> Variation in crew size and timing can shift total by ±20%.
Additional & Hidden Costs
Hidden costs can include drainage adjustments, railing hardware upgrades, or specialized sealants for UV protection. If the project requires permits, inspection fees can add $100–$1,000 depending on locality. Waste disposal fees may apply for treated wood, and incidental repairs to substructure (joists, beams) add to the bottom line. Cedar may necessitate more frequent refinishing in warm climates, while redwood may require longer-term sealant cycles. Always include a contingency of 5–15% for unexpected needs.
Real-World Pricing Examples
Three scenario cards illustrate typical totals and per-unit costs for common decks using redwood vs cedar. All figures assume standard 2×6 deck boards, outdoor sealant, basic fasteners, and standard labor rates in a midwestern metro area.
Basic
Specs: 200 sq ft deck, cedar, standard grade, no railing upgrade, no complex cutouts. Labor: 12 hours; materials: cedar boards at $3.50 per sq ft installed; finishes at $0.75 per sq ft. Total: $3,800-$4,600. Per sq ft: $19-$23. Notes: Cedar is budget-friendly upfront; maintenance may add future costs.
Mid-Range
Specs: 350 sq ft deck, redwood select-grade, basic railing, standard stairs. Labor: 28 hours; materials: redwood at $5.75 per sq ft installed; sealant at $0.95 per sq ft. Total: $9,800-$12,400. Per sq ft: $28-$35. Notes: Redwood offers a longer-lasting finish with fewer maintenance cycles.
Premium
Specs: 500 sq ft deck, redwood clear-grade, upgraded railing, built-in seating, custom cutouts. Labor: 45 hours; materials: redwood at $7.00 per sq ft installed; premium sealant at $1.50 per sq ft. Total: $17,000-$22,500. Per sq ft: $34-$45. Notes: Highest upfront cost but potential for superior longevity and appearance.
Material choice affects not only upfront price but long-term maintenance costs. Redwood’s natural rot resistance and longer service life can offset higher initial costs in some climates, while cedar’s lower price and easier working properties may offer better value where maintenance is less intensive. Assumptions: project scope, grade, finish, and local labor rates.