Average buyers typically pay for cedar board feet based on grade, thickness, regional supply, and quantity. This article breaks down the cost drivers, with clear low-average-high ranges in USD and per-unit pricing to help budgeting.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cedar board foot price | $3.50 | $6.00 | $9.50 | Includes select common grades; excludes custom milling |
| Per linear foot (1×6, 3/4″ thick) | $2.25 | $3.75 | $5.25 | Assumes standard 1×6 conversion |
| Delivery charge (regional) | $0 | $75 | $150 | Based on distance and minimum order |
| Scrap/waste factor | 5% | 10% | 20% | Depends on cut pattern and rip layout |
| Finishing & treatment | $1.00 | $2.50 | $5.00 | Oil, sealant, or stain per sq ft equivalent |
Assumptions: Midwest or Southeast lumber rates, standard 3/4″ thickness, yard delivery, plain-sawn Cedar, weathered storage, no specialty cuts.
Cost Components Behind Cedar Board Foot Quotes
buyers often see a breakdown into materials, labor, and delivery when pricing cedar board feet, with total estimates ranging from $3.50 to $9.50 per board foot depending on grade and region.
| Components | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials (cedar, grade) | $2.50 | $5.00 | $8.50 | Includes rough sawn cedar; higher grades cost more |
| Labor (milling, planing) | $0.75 | $1.50 | $2.50 | Per board foot; depends on shop hourly rate |
| Delivery | $0 | $60 | $120 | Distance driven, minimum order |
| Waste & handling | $0.20 | $0.80 | $1.50 | Rips and trimming included |
| Finishing options | $0.25 | $0.75 | $2.00 | Stain/sealant per sq ft equivalent |
Key Factors That Shift Cedar Board Foot Pricing
Grade, thickness, and regional supply are the top price drivers for cedar board feet in the U.S.
- Grade: Select, Common, and Premium grades create noticeable price gaps per board foot.
- Thickness: 3/4″ boards fetch higher per-foot pricing than thinner stock.
- Region: West coast cedar often carries different freight costs than the Midwest.
- Quantity: Bulk purchases typically reduce unit price due to fixed setup costs.
Regional Variations That Change the Cedar Cost Picture
Prices can swing by region by up to 20–40% when factoring freight, supply, and local demand.
| Region | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| West Coast | $3.75 | $6.75 | $9.25 | Higher freight into inland markets |
| Midwest | $3.25 | $5.50 | $9.00 | Balanced supply and demand |
| Southeast | $3.00 | $5.25 | $8.75 | Often lower waste due to proximity to mills |
Quantity Scenarios: Small vs. Large Cedar Orders
Small projects show higher per-foot costs, while larger orders reduce the unit price due to fixed costs being spread out.
- Small project (100–300 board feet): $4.50–$9.50 per foot
- Medium project (300–1,000 board feet): $3.75–$7.50 per foot
- Large project (above 1,000 board feet): $3.50–$6.50 per foot
Delivery, Handling, And Milling: How These Add To The Cedar Price
Delivery charges and milling work can add 10%–30% to the raw board foot cost.
- Delivery: flat fee or distance-based
- Milling: planing, surfacing, ripping
- Storage: potential fee if boards sit idle
Comparing Cedar Board Feet To Other Softwoods
When priced against pine or fir, cedar often carries a premium for rot resistance and aroma, typically adding 1.0x to 1.5x the price per foot in common grades.
| Wood Type | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pine | $2.00 | $3.50 | $5.50 | Common for framing |
| Cedar | $3.50 | $6.00 | $9.50 | Rot resistance and scent |
| Redwood | $4.00 | $7.50 | $12.00 | Premium exterior use |
Assurance Costs: Grade, Certs, And Warranty Impacts
Certifications or warranty options can push per-foot costs upward by a small margin, typically 0.25$–1.00$ per foot.
- Grade certificates may incur a one-time fee
- Limited warranty on planed stock
- Moisture content pricing adjustments at sale
Practical Ways To Reduce Cedar Board Foot Costs
Smart scope choices and timing can materially lower total costs without sacrificing structural needs.
- Choose lower-grade cedar where appearance is secondary
- Order cubed loads to reduce waste
- Plan for off-season purchasing when mills lower rates
- Opt for standard dimensions instead of custom milling
- Group deliveries to cut multiple trip fees
What A Typical Cedar Board Foot Quote Looks Like
Real-world quotes mix per-foot pricing with a per-project delivery line and a waste estimate, giving a clear range for budgeting.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Board feet (1×6, 3/4″) | 200 ft | 500 ft | 2,000 ft | Standard project scope |
| Material cost | $700 | $2,500 | $9,500 | Grade dependent |
| Labor & milling | $150 | $900 | $2,000 | Shop time and handling |
| Delivery | $0 | $80 | $180 | Distance-based |
| Finished options | $50 | $150 | $600 | Sealant or stain |