Thanks to its rot-resistance and distinctive grain, cedar became famous for deck building and outdoor furniture pieces. The only problem is these materials don’t come in one variation and fixed pricing.
In my experience, navigating the fluctuating prices of cedar wood can indeed make budgeting a bit tricky. That’s why I’ll be sharing insights on the latest pricing trends to assist you in managing your expenses effectively.
How Much is Cedar Wood per Square Foot?
If you’re buying cedar lumber, the material alone can cost up to $15. Wood boards with a decent quality range at $9, while the cheapest (if you can find one) is approximately $4. Remember that this estimation excludes labor expenses, which we’ll discuss later in this post.
How Much is Cedar Worth a Board Foot?
The cost of cedar per board foot heavily relies on the material’s thickness, width, and length. Considering these factors, the average price range can be between $3 to $7. The cost can fluctuate more than this estimation, especially if you want premium-quality boards.
Cost of 4/4 Cedar Lumber
After reviewing the current offerings from various lumber suppliers, most 4/4 cedar options typically fall within the $4 to $6 per board foot range. However, it’s worth noting that prices can exceed $10 in certain cases, influenced by factors such as the seller’s or buyer’s location and the quality of the material.
Cost of 5/4 Cedar Lumber
If you’re buying 5/4 cedar boards that underwent milling procedures, the lowest cost range you can expect is $4 to $12 per linear foot. From my current and prior knowledge of the market, the material’s length can also cause the price to increase.
Cost of 6/4 Cedar Lumber
While 6/4 cedar lumber materials aren’t the most typical size variations in today’s market, you can buy them as low as $4.50 to $5. If you’re eyeing higher wood grades, it can cost up to $12 per board foot.
Cost of 8/4 Cedar Lumber
Based on my experience in woodworking and market observations, the most budget-friendly 8/4 cedar lumber you’ll come across typically falls in the range of $7 to $12.
Occasionally, you might find lower prices, but those deals tend to be fleeting due to frequent stock shortages. Additionally, it’s important to note that premium cedar species often command higher prices.
Rough Cut Cedar Lumber
The pricing of rough-cut Cedar materials is typically determined by the seller, who may have fixed rates per board foot or linear foot.
When it comes to linear foot pricing, buyers can expect to pay around $2.50 to $7.00 per foot, while board foot pricing ranges from approximately $3 to $8.
Thus, the price ranges provide a general idea of the cost variations depending on the length and type of rough-cut Cedar materials being purchased.
These wooden materials underwent no finishing procedures, so you must prep them before using them. You can sand or plane these lumber pieces to yield a smooth finish.
Tip: To know how much wood you’ll need, you’ll want to use the board foot calculator.
Cedar Wood Fencing
Making a fence out of cedar material is more expensive than vinyl ones, but the cost depends on your desired style and design. If you’re installing it alone, the material expenses alone cost around $7 to $12.00 per linear foot [1].
You’ll need to pay $15 to $30 if you include the fence posts, hardware, and installation costs. Even then, the price can increase depending on your area’s labor costs and the design’s complexity.
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Cedar Wood Decking
Cedar wood decking materials can cost between $4 and $8 per linear foot. However, you can find more budget-friendly options that sell at a $3 price point. If you want high-quality boards, prepare to spend at least $10 per linear ft.
Cedar Wood Siding
If you combine the materials and installation costs for making Cedar wood siding, your spending can reach $3.50 to $10.50 per square foot. Since most US homes have 1,500 square feet of exterior walls, the overall expense ranges from $5,250 to $15,750.
Cedar Wood Cladding
While the creation of Cedar wood cladding only costs $3 to $8 per square foot, you have to factor in other materials to build this project. From my experience, these expenses should include nails, screws, and installation hardware.
Reclaimed Cedar Wood
Reclaimed cedar wood boards may be repurposed or salvaged from old structures, but most are authentic and durable. Considering this fact, it’s unsurprising that they cost $5 to $15 per square foot.
Because of their unique attributes and history, reclaimed cedar wood can be more expensive than new cedar materials.
Pricing of Red Cedar vs. Other Cedar Options
Red cedars are slow-growing wood species, so it’s natural that they’re more expensive than other options. Besides excellent durability and natural aesthetic, these materials have higher price tags mainly because they’re rare.
Unlike other widely-available wood boards, Red Cedar trees can only be seen in the Pacific Northwest of North America.
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Conclusion
Having worked with various types of wood over the years, I’ve observed that cedar tends to be pricier than many other lumbers. While the cost might give you pause, trust me when I say it’s a sound long-term investment.
Cedar is incredibly durable, potentially lasting decades. And with the right care, it can significantly enhance the value of your property!
You've probably seen his down-to-earth wisdom in USA Today, Bobvila, Family Handyman, and The Spruce, where he has shared commentary and guidance on various woodworking topics.
Robert is the brain behind Sawinery, where he aims to share tips, tricks, and a passion for all things carpentry.
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