As a DIYer or a beginner woodworker, you may have wondered if cedar wood costs more than what’s reasonable.
For $9 per linear foot, cedar wood is more expensive than most woods out there. Let me break down the reasons behind its cost to help you decide if it’s worth the investment.
What You Need to Know About Cedar Wood
Cedar is known as an ideal wood for outdoor use because it is more resistant to decay than other wood species. Plus, it can be lighter than you think. This coniferous tree is common on furniture, fences, and decks for its attractiveness and durability.
Cedar is like pine trees. It is found in subtropical regions’ terrains — the Himalayas, Continental US, and Mediterranean coastline. That is why it has different aesthetics and quality, depending on where it comes from.
Cedar Wood Types
Here are some types available in the market:
Western Red Cedar
Western red cedar has medium coarse texture. It is rosy beige with straight grains and dark spots.
It grows in Pacific Northwest, US, and Canada. It has compressive strength of 4560 psi, bending strength of up to 7500 psi, density of 21 lbs/ft³, and hardness of 1560 N. This material is used in guitars, roofs, and even boats.
Eastern Red Cedar
Also called red juniper or pencil cedar, eastern red cedar grows in Eastern North America. It has 900 Lbf resistance to wear and denting. The heartwood is reddish brown with fine and straight-grained fibers.
Pencil cedar is heavier at 32 lbs/ft³ with Janka hardness of 4000 N. However rare, its revealing scent makes it ideal for closets. While having bending strength of 8850 psi is great for crafting bows, carvings, and outdoor furniture.
Northern White Cedar
White cedar is common in papers. It is ideal for shingles and furniture for its light brown surface that is easy on the eyes. Native to northeast North America, it is cheaper than other types of cedar. It has fine overall workability, given its toughness and crack resistance.
Spanish Cedar
Also known as “cedro,” this type is recognizable for having light reddish brown heartwood and indistinct grains. Cedro is farmed in South America and the Caribbean. It is used in cigar boxes, cabinets, and guitars heard in flamenco, reggaeton, and classical music.
It is lightweight at 33 lbs/ft³ and can hold up to 600 pounds of pressure.
Lebanon Cedar
Lebanese cedar is native to Lebanon’s terrains. You can also see this wood on their national flag. Its heartwood is light red-brown with curvy line patterns and random woodgrains on darker spots.
It is among the hardest cedar with 3670 N of Janka hardness, crushing strength of 42MPa, and 10.1 GPa elasticity. It is common in shipbuilding, boxes, and veneer, and its unique appearance improves furniture’s overall attractiveness.
Incense Cedar
Incense cedar grows in Southwest US in California and Oregon. It has uniform woodgrain and medium to fine texture. Weighing 24 lbs/ft³ and hardness of 2090 N, incense cedar is used in constructions, lumber, and Venetian blinds.
Often called California white cedar, you’ll find this wood cheaper in California. It is common in pencils because it is safe to sharpen without getting splinters.
Why is Cedar so Expensive?
Cedar is hard to manufacture overall. It is harder to harvest because it is scarce and harder to grow, which are big contributing factors to cedar wood pricing. Logistics is also a problem, as they only grow in selected places where transportation takes more time and expenses.
Another thing is its impressive durability, appearance, water resistance, weather condition resistance, sturdiness, and ability to repel insects. These characteristics also make it high in demand and costly. Additionally, cedar is a strong wood, which is suitable for many woodworking projects.
Benefits to Know
Below are in-depth explanations of why cedar is in demand.
Sturdy
Cedar has high compressive and bending strength. Wood cedar fiber is elastic enough to stay together when weight and pressure applied.
Cedar also contains phenol, responsible for its resistance to crack, moisture, heat, and decay. You can practically feel its sturdiness just by touching it.
(Speaking of sturdiness, here’s how you can remove mold from wood to maintain its natural look.)
Aesthetic Pattern and Finish
There are different types of cedar wood out there. But it’s agreeable that each is attractive in its own right. When proper finish is applied, natural grains and patterns of cedar stick out even more.
Sound Absorbing
Cedar is a softwood that’s great at absorbing sound. Its porous nature swallows up more noise than it emits, which is why I often see it being used in acoustically treated rooms and even musical instruments. The vibrations die down smoothly due to its soft texture, making it a solid choice for sound-sensitive projects.
Insect Repellant
I always enjoy the smell of cedar, but it’s a different story for bugs and insects. They can’t stand it. Cedarwood oils can also be extracted and sprayed to keep insects, cockroaches, and termites away.
Where to Use Cedar Wood
Cedar wood has more use besides fences and decks. It’s a good choice for the following:
Beams
Cedar has tensile strength. It is light, feasible, and lasts for decades, making it an excellent choice for building beams.
Ceiling Shingles
Ceiling shingles made of cedar create an eccentric look for your house. Cedar roofing is also a great heat insulator.
This type of roofing can withstand harsh weather conditions like snow, storm, and strong winds. It is energy efficient and lasting, and its color fades into gray, aging like fine wine.
Musical Instruments
Acoustic guitars, violins, and pianos made of cedar are very resonant in bass and low-mid frequencies. The natural characteristics of cedar, including its lightweight nature and exceptional sound projection, contribute to creating instruments with warm and vibrant tones.
Clothes Storage
One of the best choices I’ve made is using cedar for clothes storage. The wood naturally keeps the humidity at bay, preserving your garments. Plus, the aroma that cedar infuses into the clothes is like a breath of fresh air every time you open the closet.
It also doubles up by keeping cockroaches and termites off your wardrobe.
Cladding
When it comes to cladding, cedar is one of my go-to options. This wood is water and decay resistant, making it an ideal candidate for your home’s exterior. It also looks beautiful, and it only makes sense to display it.
Cedar Wood Oil
Cedar is rich in wood oil. It is antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, insecticidal, antifungal, and antispasmodic [1]. Researchers find that its scent can help people sleep, and are also formulated for anxiety, hair treatment, skincare, acne, and perfumes.
Cedar Wood Advantages
- Lightweight: It has low density while having high specific strength.
- Resistant to decay, crack, warp, and weather: The Phenol compound inside cedar resists moisture and temperature. It is also responsible for cedar’s scent that repels insects.
- Beautiful look: Its natural grains and prominent smell stand out from other woods.
- Extremely durable: This massive evergreen tree is rigid. It contains natural chemicals that help preserve the tree intact for a long time.
- Lots of variants: Cedars grow in different places within subtropical regions. Each has its distinct appearance you’ll find attractive.
- High workability: Cedar is a softwood. It is easy to work with, even for beginners.
Cedar Wood Disadvantages
- High maintenance: You need to reapply finish yearly to maintain its appearance. And regular cleaning consumes lots of time and money.
- Low-risk toxicity: Red cedar is not safe for food. That’s why it’s unwise to have it as cutting boards. Its smell may also cause asthma.
- Highly flammable: It contains extracts with low flash point and density, which quickly burns when heated.
- Color fades over time: Cells die out, continuously fading to light or pale gray.
FAQ
How much are decking made of cedar?
The cost of decking made of cedar ranges from $7-$15 per square foot. A linear foot of high-quality cedar costs $9, while cheapest is around $4.
Lowest labor costs $20 and almost $70 per square foot if you hire pros. So you should expect to spend more than $3000 on the entire installation, depending on your deck’s dimensions.
Is it great for decking?
Cedar is great for decking because it contains natural oils that help wood fibers inside remain unrotten and protected against water. However expensive and rare, cedar wood can withstand different weather conditions for 15-20 years, given it’s well-maintained.
Furthermore, cedar doesn’t easily crack when applied with weight and pressure, especially if applied with proper finish. It is rigid, compact, and has attractive natural grains.
(Speaking of decking, here’s how to build a wood deck in your backyard!)
What is the cost of red cedar wood?
The cost of red cedar wood ranges from $5-$9 per linear foot. One linear foot of eastern red cedar wood is $4-$8. It is harder than most softwood, ideally for posts and frames.
Western red cedar is more expensive. It can cost up to $4-$10 per linear foot. However, it is more eco-friendly and has better heat insulation properties.
How expensive is it compared to other wood types?
Cedar is expensive compared to other wood types by $8-$5 per linear foot, including labor. An average wood per linear foot range from $2-$3. If you include all expenses, spruce and pine costs $25 and $28 respectively, while a cedar costs $33.
Also Check This Out: Spruce vs Pine vs Fir
Meanwhile, hardwood and redwood costs even more at $50 per linear foot. So cedar is average-priced if you think of it.
Is cedar more expensive than pressure-treated wood?
Cedar is more expensive than pressure-treated wood. Pressure-treated wood is only around $1-$2 per linear foot, while installation costs $12-$20 per square foot.
On the other hand, cedar costs a quarter more than pressure-treated wood if you include all expenses. The good thing about cedar is it requires less maintenance, more durable, lighter, and decays way later.
Read Next: The Most Expensive Wood Types in the World
Conclusion
Going for premium woods like cedar has always been a worthwhile investment for me. I’ve used cedar in multiple projects, and the material consistently shows itself to be both functional and fragrant.
Yes, it’s pricier upfront, but consider it an investment in quality and durability. Just remember, the overall expense isn’t just the wood; you’ll also need to budget for labor and transportation during installation.
Robert Johnson is a passionate furniture maker & carpenter, sought after for his knowledge on the craft.
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.
