Rough Sawn Cedar Lumber Prices and What Affects the Cost 2026
Rough sawn cedar lumber prices typically range with grade, dimensions, moisture content, and regional supply. This article breaks down the cost drivers, typical totals, and per-unit pricing readers should expect when budgeting for cedar lumber projects.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lumber (rough sawn cedar, common sizes) | $2.00 | $3.50 | $6.50 | Per linear foot for standard boards |
| Cost per board foot | $0.60 | $1.20 | $2.50 | Depends on width, thickness, grade |
| Delivery | $50 | $150 | $400 | Distance and order size affect price |
| Waste/yardage allowance | 5–10% | 10–15% | 20% | Factor in cuts and knots |
| Moisture content upgrade | $0 | $0.25 | $1.20 | Kiln-dried or air-dried notes |
| Labor for cutting/handling | $0 | $0.50 | $1.50 | If on-site processing required |
| Permits/inspection | $0 | $0 | $100 | Only in specific structural use cases |
Rough Sawn Cedar Lumber Price Range by Grade and Size
Typical totals for common projects vary by grade and size, with rough sawn cedar priced per foot and per board foot. For a standard outdoor framing or fencing project using #1 or #2 grade cedar, expect a wide spread: low-cost options around $2.50–$3.50 per linear foot for 2×6 boards, and $0.95–$1.40 per board foot depending on thickness and width. Higher grades or larger dimensions push per-foot pricing up to the mid $4s to $6s, especially for 6×8 or 8×12 rough sawn timbers. A typical homeowner project may run $1,000–$2,500 for materials alone, excluding delivery and waste. Assumptions: Midwest or South region, standard 8–15% waste, loose-grain or tight-grain mixes, moisture near ambient.
Per-Unit Costs: Linear Foot vs Board Foot for Cedar Lumber
Costs split between per-linear-foot and per-board-foot pricing two common ways. Rough sawn cedar often quotes at $2.50–$4.00 per linear foot for typical 2×4 to 2×6 profiles in common grades, while board feet can range $0.85–$1.60 for the same boards depending on width and thickness. In larger timbers or specialty profiles, per-board-foot pricing can exceed $2.00. Per-foot estimates help when sizing wide planks for decks; per-board-foot pricing helps when estimating material volume for framing. Assumptions: regional kiln-drying choice, standard straight-grain stock, accessible yard pickup.
Cost Components in a Rough Sawn Cedar Quote
A complete quote separates materials, labor, and logistics into clear parts. The typical breakdown includes Materials ($2.00–$6.50 per linear foot or $0.75–$2.20 per board foot, depending on grade and size), Labor ($0.50–$1.50 per board foot for on-site cutting and handling), Delivery ($50–$400 based on distance and order size), and Waste/Overage (10–15%). A small job with simple pickup may skip some line items, while a large project adds Permits and possibly Warranty or Contingency. Assumptions: single-branch supplier, normal access, standard weather window.
Key Variables That Shift Rough Sawn Cedar Prices
The quote can swing with grain quality, moisture method, and order scale. Primary drivers include Grade (Select vs. Common), Size (2×4 vs. 6×8 or larger timbers), and Region (Northeast or West Coast markets typically show higher lumber costs). Others include Moisture Content (air-dried vs kiln-dried, impacting weight and price) and Lead Time (rush orders add 10–30% surcharges). Regional supply shortages during construction boom months can push quotes higher by 5–20%. Assumptions: standard building season, supply availability in core markets, typical home-improvement scope.
Regional Price Variations Across U.S. for Rough Sawn Cedar
Region matters: coastal markets tend to carry higher base prices than interior regions. On average, rough sawn cedar can be 10–25% more expensive in the Northeast and Pacific Northwest than in the Southeast or Midwest, driven by transport costs and local sawmill capacity. Seaboard regions may also face longer lead times, increasing the total project cost. In rural markets, prices can be 5–15% lower but with limited supply choices. Assumptions: standard delivery radius, typical regional tax structure, local mill pricing.
Delivery, Handling, and Waste Considerations
Delivery and waste share a meaningful slice of the total price. Delivery commonly adds $50–$150 for short distances, or $250–$400 for longer haul or large orders. Handling costs appear when on-site cutting, stacking, or loading into a truck is needed, often $0–$1.50 per board foot if done by a contractor. Waste allowance typically adds 10–15% to cover knots and unusable cuts. Planning ahead reduces last-minute cost spikes and helps align order size with the yard’s stock. Assumptions: standard loading dock access, ground-level delivery, typical yard waste.
How to Compare Quotes: Practical Checklist for Cedar Lumber
To avoid surprises, compare quotes on identical bases: grade, size, moisture, and delivery scope. Ask suppliers to itemize Materials, Labor, Delivery, and Waste separately, and request per-unit pricing for board feet or linear feet. Check if kiln-dried stock is priced higher and whether it reduces finish work later. Request a single-page quote with assumptions and an explicit waste factor, then run a quick sensitivity analysis by adjusting grade, size, and delivery distance. Assumptions: standard structural use, no special treating or coatings.
Cost-Saving Tactics When Buying Rough Sawn Cedar
Careful scope control and material choices can trim the total price. Opt for the lower grade (Common) for non-structural exterior uses, reduce waste by ordering exact lengths and including returns, and combine multiple trips with one larger order to save delivery costs. Consider dried stock only if it reduces on-site processing time, and compare on-site cutting vs pre-cut packs to balance labor. Bundling purchases (lumber plus fasteners, sealants, and protective coatings) often yields small but real savings. Assumptions: exterior project, standard weather, no specialty finishes.