Cedar Siding Price Guide for Homes 2026
Homeowners typically pay for cedar siding based on material grade, profile, and installation complexity. The main cost drivers include material quality, surface prep, removal of existing siding, and square footage installed. This guide outlines cost ranges in USD, with per-unit estimates to help plan budgets and compare quotes.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials (cedar siding) | $2.50/sq ft | $4.50/sq ft | $6.50/sq ft | Softwood grades vary; longer boards cost more |
| Labor & Installation | $4.00/sq ft | $8.00/sq ft | $12.00/sq ft | Includes removal, fastening, and sealing prep |
| Delivery & Handling | $0.50/sq ft | $1.50/sq ft | $2.50/sq ft | Distance affects cost |
| Finishes & Accessories | $0.50/sq ft | $1.50/sq ft | $3.00/sq ft | Stains, sealers, trim, fasteners |
| Permits & Inspections | $100 | $600 | $1,400 | Depends on locality |
Assumptions: region, siding profile, grade, house size, and crew hours.
Typical Cost Range
Material price range: Cedar siding typically costs $2.50–$6.50 per sq ft, depending on grade (clear, knotty, heartwood), profile (lap, bevel, board-and-batten), and thickness. Installed price range generally runs $8–$15 per sq ft, combining materials, labor, and finish work. For a standard 2,000 sq ft wall area, expect total project costs roughly between $16,000 and $30,000, with midpoints around $22,000–$26,000 if higher-end boards and thorough finishes are used. Labor hours and crew size scale with house complexity and access.
Cost Breakdown
| Category | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $4,000 | $9,000 | $14,000 | Grade and profile drive variance |
| Labor | $6,000 | $12,000 | $18,000 | Includes removal of old siding |
| Equipment | $500 | $1,500 | $3,000 | Ladders, lifts, and safety gear |
| Permits | $100 | $600 | $1,400 | Municipal permit fees vary |
| Delivery/Disposal | $200 | $1,000 | $2,000 | Delivery distance impacts cost |
| Finishes & Trim | $600 | $2,000 | $4,000 | Stains, sealants, and trim work |
| Warranty | $200 | $1,000 | $2,000 | Labor and material coverage |
Factors That Affect Price
Grade and profile determine material cost per square foot; higher clarity and longer lengths raise price. Project complexity includes wall geometry, corners, and architectural details that extend labor time. A span of 10–12 hours per 1,000 sq ft is common for standard installations, but steep pitches or difficult access raise crew hours.
Ways To Save
Shop multiple quotes to compare material grades and profiles. Choose installer-ready boards to reduce waste and labor time. data-formula=”labor_hours × hourly_rate”> Plan for mid-season windows when crews are available but avoid peak summer demand.
Regional Price Differences
The Cedar Siding market shows regional variation. In the Northeast, higher energy costs and skilled labor push prices up by roughly 5–12% versus national averages. The Southeast can be 0–7% lower due to abundant wood supply and milder weather; the West often sits 3–9% higher due to remote sourcing and higher labor rates. Local factors like access, permit stringency, and disposal costs further influence final bids.
Labor & Installation Time
Labor costs reflect crew size and time on site. A typical install uses 2–3 workers for 1,000 sq ft of wall area; larger homes may require 4–6 workers. Expect longer durations for intricate trims and weatherproofing, which can add days to the project timeline and affect mobilization charges.
Additional & Hidden Costs
Hidden fees can include old siding removal, surface prep, moisture barriers, and specialty fasteners. Sealing and coating after installation adds ongoing maintenance costs but improves durability. Unexpected moisture damage or rot repairs can substantially increase total spend.
Real-World Pricing Examples
Scenario 1 — Basic: 1,200 sq ft exterior, knotty cedar, standard lap siding, minimal trim. Materials $3.50/sq ft, Labor $7.50/sq ft, permits $300. Total around $8,000–$12,000; per sq ft installed $8–$12. Assumes good access and dry weather.
Scenario 2 — Mid-Range: 2,000 sq ft, clear cedar, premium profile with detailed trim. Materials $5.50/sq ft, Labor $9.50/sq ft, finishes $1.50/sq ft, permits $600. Total around $28,000–$38,000; per sq ft installed $14–$19.
Scenario 3 — Premium: 3,000 sq ft, premium clear cedar, custom bevel profile, extensive sealing and trim. Materials $6.50/sq ft, Labor $12.00/sq ft, finishes $3.00/sq ft, permits $1,100. Total around $60,000–$84,000; per sq ft installed $20–$28.