Cedar Wood Cost and Price Guide for U.S. Markets 2026

Cedar wood cost varies by grade, size, and finish, but buyers typically see a spread that reflects quality, location, and delivery. This guide explains the current price ranges, the major cost drivers, and practical ways to budget cedar lumber for projects like fencing, decking, siding, or framing. The keyword cost appears early to align with search intent.

Item	Low	Average	High	Notes
Typical Cedar Fencing Boards (6’)	$3.50	$5.50	$8.50	Western red cedar; untreated
Decking Cedar Boards (5/4 x 6, 8 ft)	$6.00	$10.00	$14.50	Clear grade; kiln-dried
Ceiling or Siding Cedar Planks (8 ft)	$5.00	$9.00	$15.00	Rough or smooth finishes
Labor To Install Cedar Decking (per sq ft)	$3.00	$5.00	$9.00	Includes fastening; basic finish
Delivery Fee (regional)	$50	$120	$260	Zone-based pricing

Assumptions: Midwest labor rates, standard cedar grades, standard 1–2 week lead times, typical home-use scope.

Cedar Lumber Price Range By Grade And Size

Price depends on grade (clear vs. character) and thickness (e.g., 5/4 vs. 2x lumber). For residential use, expect low ranges around $2.50–$4.50 per linear foot for common grades and 5/4 x 4 boards, with averages near $5–$9 per linear foot for premium clear stock. High-end, kiln-dried, premium clear Cedar boards can exceed $10 per linear foot, especially for longer lengths or wider planks. Assumptions: standard grading, 8–12 ft lengths, regional drought risk not affecting current stock.

Typical Cedar Board Prices Per Linear Foot

Per-foot pricing helps plan short runs and trim work without guessing board counts. Expect roughly $2.50–$4.50 for basic common cedar, $5.50–$9.50 for select grades, and $9.50–$14+ for premium clear stock used in exterior siding or decorative applications. Shorter lengths under 6 ft skew lower; longer planks push price up due to waste and handling. Assumptions: straight-grained stock, standard moisture content, local supply aligns with regional wholesale rates.

Per-Unit Costs For Common Cedar Profiles

Knowing per-unit costs helps compare fence pickets, decking boards, and siding panels side by side. Deck boards typically run $6–$12 per linear foot depending on grade and profile. Fence pickets in 6–8 ft lengths often fall in the $3–$8 per piece range. Siding panels such as 1×6 or 1×8 boards run roughly $5–$12 per linear foot installed, with higher numbers for premium finishes. Assumptions: weighted toward Western red cedar, standard factory finishes, and typical contractor margins.

Regional Variations In Cedar Wood Costs Across the U.S.

Prices swing with regional demand, transport costs, and local mills. The Northeast tends to see higher plank costs due to transport, while the Southeast often has lower base lumber prices but higher moisture risk premiums. The West can show higher freight charges, especially for long runs. Expect a regional delta of roughly 10–25% between markets depending on distance from mills. Assumptions: typical distribution networks, no unusual tariffs, standard lead times.

Labor And Installation: Cedar Wood Price Components

Labor dominates total installed cost for cedar projects. Installation rates commonly span $3–$9 per sq ft for decking, including fasteners and basic finish, while trimming or siding installation can run $5–$12 per sq ft. Crew size often ranges from 2–4 workers, with job duration influenced by length, complexity, and access. Assumptions: mid-range crew, standard weather, no major site prep or custom milling.

Delivery, Handling, And Waste: Extra Cedar Costs

Delivery adds a predictable line item, and waste affects overall material cost. Delivery fees typically run $50–$260 depending on distance, with large orders sometimes included in freight terms. Offcuts, knots, and planing waste can add 5–15% to material cost if not accounted for during ordering. Assumptions: standard palletized packaging, no rush-order surcharge.

Impact Of Treated Or Finished Cedar On Total Price

Finishing cedar or opting for rot-resistant treatments shifts the price. Finished cedar (stain, sealant, or paint-ready surfaces) can add $0.75–$2.50 per sq ft of material cost or require separate labor. Treated cedar for exterior use may cost 10–25% more per board than untreated stock due to preservative treatment and moisture-control steps. Assumptions: typical exterior usage, standard protective coatings, regional climate considerations.

Smart Ways To Reduce Cedar Costs Without Compromising Quality

Budget-conscious choices can trim price without sacrificing durability. Consider selecting slightly lower grade stock, using longer spans to reduce joints, batching purchases to secure regional discounts, and scheduling deliveries in off-peak months. Compare quotes across vendors, and bundle cedar with related carpentry needs to leverage contractor discounts. Assumptions: mid-year pricing, no rush installation, standard substrate condition.

Quote Breakdown Snapshot: Cedar Project Example

Understanding a sample quote helps anchor expectations. For a 300 sq ft cedar deck with 5/4 x 6 boards, expect material costs around $2,100–$3,600, labor $900–$1,800, delivery $60–$150, and finishes $150–$350, totaling roughly $3,210–$5,900 depending on grade and region. Assumptions: mid-range grade, moderate complexity, standard fasteners, no raised platform.

Cost Component	Low	Average	High	Example Notes
Materials (cedar boards)	$2,100	$3,100	$3,900	Decking and trim, 300 sq ft
Labor	$900	$1,350	$1,800	Deck installation, framing, railings
Delivery	$60	$110	$150	Regional freight
Finishes	$150	$250	$350	Stain/sealant prep
Permits/Inspections	$0	$50	$150	Depending on jurisdiction
Total	$3,210	$4,860	$5,900	Deck project, mid-range grade

Assumptions: mid-range cedar grade, standard 8–12 ft boards, typical residential site, no custom milling.

Note on per-unit pricing and regional variation keeps estimates practical for budgeting and quote comparison. Buyers should request a written breakdown with per-unit costs, line-item labor hours, and anticipated waste factors to compare apples-to-apples across suppliers.