Price of Wood Planks: Realistic Costs for Common Sizes and Species 2026

Prices for wood planks vary by species, grade, size, and finish. This article breaks down typical costs in the United States, with clear low, average, and high ranges to help buyers budget accurately. Readers will see per-unit pricing, regional differences, and how project scope influences the total cost.

Note: Prices shown reflect common retail and contractor pricing as of current market conditions.

Item	Low	Average	High	Notes
Pine boards (1×6, common softwood)	$1.20	$2.00	$3.50	Unfinished, standard grade, 8 ft length
Oak boards (1×4, hardwood)	$2.50	$4.00	$7.50	Unfinished, red oak, 8 ft
Cedar decking planks (5/4×6)	$2.80	$4.50	$8.00	Pressure-treated or Western red cedar, 8 ft
Birch plywood planks (3/4 inch thick, unfinished)	$1.90 per sq ft	$2.80 per sq ft	$4.20 per sq ft	Standard 4×8 sheet cut into planks
Finished hardwood boards (oak or maple, 1×6)	$4.50	$7.00	$12.50	Sanded and coated, 8 ft
Wood plank installation (labor)	$1.50	$3.00	$5.50	Per linear foot, contractor rate

Common Wood Plank Sizes and Their Price Ranges

Prices commonly depend on thickness, width, and length. In residential settings, 8 ft lengths are standard, with price per lineal foot rising for longer pieces or wider planks. For example, 1×6 pine typically costs $1.80–$3.00 per linear foot, depending on grade and finish.

Regional variation matters: the Midwest often shows lower softwood prices than the West Coast, while high-demand species like cedar can carry a premium in coastal markets. Assumptions: standard 3/4 inch thickness, normal stock availability, typical home improvement store or mill-direct pricing.

Material Breakdown: Where Your Price Comes From

Understanding cost components helps compare quotes accurately. Major cost drivers include the board species, grade, thickness, width, length, and whether the wood is finished or untreated. For a typical 8 ft 1×6 pine project, the material cost can range from $1.80 to $3.00 per linear foot, with labor adding $1.50–$3.00 per linear foot for installation.

Component	Low	Average	High	Notes
Species	$1.20	$2.00	$4.00	Pine vs hardwood premium
Grade	$0.50	$1.50	$3.00	Clear and knot-free costs higher
Finish	$0.25	$0.90	$2.00	Varnish, polyurethane, or sealant
Length Premium	$0.50	$1.50	$3.50	Longer boards fetch higher price
Labor	$1.50	$3.00	$5.50	Install per linear foot

Labor Costs for Installing Wood Planks

Labor rates for plank installation typically run $1.50–$5.50 per linear foot, depending on complexity, substrate condition, and finish work. Expect higher labor if subfloor prep or precise leveling is required. For a 200 sq ft project using 1×6 pine, installation might add $300–$900 in labor alone, assuming standard subfloor and no specialized fasteners.

Labor calculators often use a simple formula: .

Finish Options and Price Impacts

Finished planks cost more, but reduce final prep work. Unfinished boards require sanding, staining, and coating after installation, which adds time and materials. Finishes may range from $0.80 to $2.00 per linear foot, depending on gloss level, stain quality, and number of coats.

Factory-primed or prefinished planks can save time and may cost 10–40% more than unfinished equivalents per square foot.

Regional Price Differences You Should Expect

Coastal markets often show higher prices due to shipping and demand for treated decking, while rural areas may have more limited stock and longer lead times. For cedar decking, expect roughly a 10–25% regional delta between regions with strong demand and those with abundant supply.

Consider local mills or bulk buying to shave costs.

Concrete Examples: Typical Projects and Totals

Example A: 8 ft pine boards, unfinished, 1×6, installed in a 120 sq ft room. Material: $1.80–$3.00 per lineal ft; 120 sq ft requires about 160 lineal ft; material total around $288–$480. Labor: $240–$480. Total: $528–$960.

Example B: 4×8 sheet of birch plywood cut into planks for a workshop floor, 3/4 inch, unfinished. Material: $1.90 per sq ft; Total for 320 sq ft sheet area is $608. Labor: $480–$720. Total: $1,088–$1,328.

Per-Unit Pricing for Quick Budgeting

When budgeting quickly, use per-unit pricing: pine 1×6 at $1.80–$3.00 per linear foot; cedar 5/4×6 at $4.00–$8.00 per linear foot; finished hardwood 1×6 at $6.50–$12.50 per linear foot. Per-square-foot pricing for sheets or wide planks ranges from $2.80–$4.20 depending on thickness and finish.

Cost-Saving Tactics Specific to Wood Planks

Scope control and material choice are the most impactful levers. Consider using standard widths, avoiding rare species, and selecting unfinished boards to reduce both material and finish costs. Schedule installations during slower seasons to secure lower labor rates. Bundling materials with a single contractor often yields small, but meaningful, discounts.

What Can Change the Quote: Key Variables

The final price can shift with board grade, wider planks, or longer lengths. Thresholds to watch include a 25% price jump when moving from standard two-sawn to clear grade or the introduction of premium finishes that add 20–50% on top of base material costs.

Regional Market Variations by Climate Zone

In hot/humid regions, pressure-treated or cedar decks may carry a premium due to durability needs. In dry areas, less maintenance-grade finishes might reduce long-term costs but initial board costs can be higher for select hardwoods.

Delivery, Handling, and Waste: Hidden Costs

Delivery usually adds $30–$150 depending on distance and order size. Handling fees and waste disposal for off-cuts typically add $0.20–$0.60 per sq ft for standard jobs. Plan for a small contingency to cover unexpected shortages or replacements.

Warranty and After-Sale Considerations

Wood planks often come with a 1–5 year warranty on material defects or finish. Labor warranties vary by contractor. Consider total ownership costs including seasonal sealing and maintenance when comparing prices.