Cedar Wood Cost Per Foot: Prices for Cedar Lumber and Projects 2026
Buying cedar wood by the foot involves several price drivers including species, grade, finish, and whether it’s rough sawn or planed. This article presents cost ranges in USD per linear foot to help builders and homeowners budget cedar projects accurately.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cedar board price per foot | $0.75 | $1.50 | $3.50 | Species, grade, and surface affect the per-foot rate |
| Labor for installation per foot | $1.50 | $3.00 | $6.00 | Decking or siding labor varies by region |
| Finish and sealant per foot | $0.25 | $0.75 | $1.50 | Oil, stain, or sealant type matters |
| Delivery per foot (average distance) | $0.05 | $0.15 | $0.50 | Regional fuel and access impact |
| Waste/ Offcuts per foot | $0.05 | $0.15 | $0.40 | Typically 5–15% waste factoring in cuts |
Assumptions: Midwest-to-South labor rates, standard 1×6 to 2×6 stock, normal site access, common cedar species like Western Red Cedar or Eastern White Cedar.
Typical Cedar Wood Price Per Foot by Grade and Species
Prices vary primarily by species and grade, with Western Red Cedar commanding higher per-foot costs than Eastern White Cedar. A common range for planed, graded boards is $1.00-$2.50 per linear foot for select stock, rising to $3.00-$3.50 per foot for premium, knot-free material. Rough sawn cedar sits about 20–40% lower than planed stock, typically $0.75-$1.25 per foot. Regional demand and log availability can move these figures by 10–20% in peak seasons.
Assumptions: standard 1×6 to 2×6 dimensions, plain milled finish, normal climate exposure, typical residential projects.
| Grade | Species | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rough sawn | Western Red Cedar | $0.75 | $1.10 | $1.70 | Better for structural uses, less finish |
| Planed, board-graded | Western Red Cedar | $1.20 | $2.00 | $3.50 | Higher finish quality |
| Eastern White Cedar | White Cedar | $0.95 | $1.60 | $2.50 | Lower price relative to Western Red Cedar |
Major Cost Components in Cedar Timber Pricing
Most cedar quotes separate materials, labor, and delivery, plus finish options; per-foot totals reflect all three. A typical per-foot price sum includes board materials ($0.75-$3.50), installation labor ($1.50-$6.00), and finish or sealant ($0.25-$1.50). Some projects also add permits or delivery surcharges, especially for long runs or gated sites. The following table shows a representative breakdown.
| Component | Low | Average | High | Common Scenario |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $0.75 | $1.50 | $3.50 | Planed, graded cedar boards |
| Labor | $1.50 | $3.00 | $6.00 | Decking or siding install |
| Finish/Sealant | $0.25 | $0.75 | $1.50 | Oil-based or water-based sealants |
| Delivery | $0.05 | $0.15 | $0.50 | Regional distance and access |
| Permits/Inspections | $0.00 | $0.10 | $0.50 | Dependent on locality |
Formula: total per-foot cost = materials + labor + finish + delivery + permits.
How Size and Finish Drive Price Per Foot
Board thickness, width, and surface finish are direct price levers. For cedar decking, 5/4 stock (1 inch actual) costs more per foot than 2×4 structural stock due to extra material and faster installation time. Finish choices like transparent stain vs solid stain can add $0.15-$0.75 per foot. Larger projects maximize any bulk delivery savings, while small, irregular runs may increase per-foot waste.
Assumptions: standard residential deck sizes, typical 6-8 inch wide decking, northern climate exposure considerations.
Regional Variations: Cedar Pricing Across U.S. Markets
Pricing can vary by region due to supply, demand, and freight costs. In the Pacific Northwest, planed Western Red Cedar may sit at the higher end of the range, while the Southeast offers Eastern White Cedar at a lower per-foot rate. Expect regional deltas of roughly 10-25% between coastal markets and inland areas. Storage, access, and weather windows can also affect per-foot pricing in different climates.
Labor and Installation: Per Foot for Cedar Decking or Siding
Labor intensity differs by installation type and height. Decking typically incurs higher per-foot labor than simple siding due to fastener patterns and joist work. Typical labor rates range from $2.00-$6.00 per foot for finished decking, depending on crew size, access, and trims. Siding installations hover around $2.50-$5.50 per foot with finish work included. Unforeseen site obstacles (benches, stairs, or irregular boards) can add 10-25% to labor costs.
Key Variables That Change a Cedar Price Quote
Two numeric thresholds commonly shift quotes: board length and grade quality. Shorter runs under 8 feet reduce waste and may lower price, while longer runs (16 feet and up) require longer stock, increasing both material cost and waste. A higher-grade, knot-free stock can raise per-foot costs by 40-60% versus standard grade. Region and project scope (deck vs siding) are second-order drivers that push quotes up or down by 10-20%.
Ways to Reduce Cedar Cost Without Sacrificing Quality
Smart scope management and timing can trim price significantly. Consider batching deliveries, choosing dimensional stock sizes that minimize waste, opting for more economical finishes, and arranging work during off-peak demand seasons. If long-term maintenance is acceptable, planed stock with a durable finish often delivers better value than premium premium-grade boards. Compare quotes from multiple suppliers and factor in delivery charges and waste disposal fees to the per-foot total.
Compare Cedar vs Other Substitutes by Cost Per Foot
Alternative woods can alter the long-term cost profile. For purely upfront cost, pressure-treated pine or spruce may run $0.50-$1.20 per foot for basic stock, but Cedar often lasts longer and resists rot and pests without chemical treatments. If maintenance and replacement cycles are factored in, cedar’s long-term cost per foot may be competitive or higher depending on climate, maintenance plan, and project type.
Practical example quotes for context
Example 1: 150 linear feet of planed Western Red Cedar decking, grade A, with mid-range stain, installed by a two-person crew. Materials: $1.40/ft; Labor: $3.25/ft; Finish: $0.60/ft; Delivery: $0.15/ft. Total per foot: about $5.40; Total project: ~$810.
Example 2: 200 linear feet of Eastern White Cedar siding, standard grade, weathered finish, single-story home, mid-size crew. Materials: $0.95/ft; Labor: $2.80/ft; Finish: $0.50/ft; Delivery: $0.10/ft. Total per foot: about $4.35; Total project: ~$870.