Cedar Wood Cost Guide 2026

Cedar wood prices vary by species, grade, and dimension. Buyers typically pay based on board feet, with factors like grade, treatment, and delivery adding to the total. This guide provides cost estimates in USD, with low–average–high ranges and per-unit details to help budgeting.

Item	Low	Average	High	Notes
Material (cedar lumber)	$2.50/bf	$4.00/bf	$6.00/bf	Western red cedar; all grades
Delivery	$50	$150	$400	Depends on distance and order size
Drying / Kiln costs	$0.25–$0.75/bf	$0.40/bf	$1.00/bf	Optional, varies by supplier
Fasteners / hardware	$10–$50	$25	$150	Stainless or hot-dipped galvanized recommended
Processing / milling	$0.20–$0.60/bf	$0.35/bf	$1.00/bf	Rips, bevels, or square edges

Typical Cost Range

Typical project costs for cedar wood reflect materials, delivery, and minor processing. For budgeting, assume a base of $2.50–$6.00 per board foot (bf) for cedar lumber, with additional 5–20% for related hardware and handling. Assumptions: region, specs, labor hours.

Short examples help illustrate the scale. A small project of 200–400 bf might cost $600–$2,400 for materials, plus delivery. A mid-size project of 600–1,200 bf could run $1,800–$7,200 for materials, with delivery and processing extra. A larger project of 1,500–2,500 bf commonly falls in the $4,500–$15,000 range for materials alone, before any specialized finishes or treatment.

Cost Breakdown

Category	Low	Average	High	Notes
Materials	$2.50/bf	$4.00/bf	$6.00/bf	Species: Western red cedar; grade affects price
Labor	$0	$0–$1.00/bf	$2.00/bf	On-site cutting or milling may add time
Equipment	$0	$0.10–$0.40/bf	$0.80/bf	Shop tools or rental if needed
Delivery/Disposal	$50	$150	$400	Distance and order size drive cost
Warranty	$0	$0–$0.10/bf	$0.25/bf	Material warranty varies by supplier
Taxes & Permits	$0	$0–$0.20/bf	$0.50/bf	State/local charges
Contingency	$0	$0.20/bf	$1.00/bf	Overruns or waste

What Drives Price

Key drivers include species and grade, along with board dimensions and treatment needs. For cedar, price sensitivity comes from grade (Clear, Select, Common), board width and thickness, and whether the cedar is sustainably harvested or kiln-dried. Assumptions: region, specs, labor hours.

• Species and grade: Western red cedar vs. N. white cedar; clear vs. knotty boards.
• Dimensions: wider and thicker boards cost more per bf; specialty profiles add to labor.
• Finish and treatment: exterior finishes, preservative treatment, or UV coatings increase cost.
• Delivery distance: longer trips raise freight charges; palletized orders reduce handling.

Regional Price Differences

Prices vary across regions due to supply, demand, and freight. In the U.S., regional deltas commonly show a modest premium in coastal areas and larger markets. Region A (West Coast) may run 5–12% higher than the national average; Region B (Midwest) often aligns with the average; Region C (Southeast) can be 5–10% lower due to closer cedar mills.

Labor & Installation Time

Labor costs affect total project spend when installation or milling is needed on-site. Typical on-site milling adds 0.10–0.40 per bf, and skilled labor rates can reach $40–$70 per hour depending on local wages. For a 1,000 bf job, expect labor costs to range from $100–$1,000 if milling is required. Plan for 1–2 workers for basic tasks.

Additional & Hidden Costs

Hidden costs can appear from miscellaneous items or service fees. For cedar, expect small charges for offcuts disposal, specialty fasteners, or custom milling. A typical cushion is 5–15% of material costs to cover such extras. Assumptions: region, specs, labor hours.

Real-World Pricing Examples

The following scenario cards illustrate material-only pricing at common project scales. Each card shows specs, assumed labor hours, per-unit pricing, and total estimates for materials.

Assumptions: region, specs, labor hours.