Cedar is one of the most popular woods for decks, fences, and siding, and one of the first questions buyers ask is simple: what does it cost? This guide lays out cedar prices in 2026, from the per board foot rate that mills quote to what you will pay for common boards and decking.
One important note before the numbers. Lumber prices move weekly and vary a lot by region, grade, and supplier. The figures here are 2026 national averages meant for planning, not a quote. Always confirm current pricing with a local yard before you budget. We are not financial advisors, and these ranges are a starting point, not a guarantee.
The Short Answer: Cedar Prices in 2026
If you just want the headline numbers, here they are for western red cedar, the most common decking cedar:
- Per board foot: about $1.50 to $3.50, roughly two to four times the price of pressure-treated pine.
- Per square foot of decking (materials only): about $5 to $10 depending on grade and species.
- Per board: a common 8-foot cedar 1×6 runs about $9 to $15.
Other cedar species shift those numbers. Northern white cedar is the most affordable, and Alaskan yellow cedar sits at the premium end. Let us break it all down.
First, What Is a Board Foot?
Cedar and most lumber is priced by the board foot, so it helps to know the unit. A board foot is a volume of wood equal to a piece 1 inch thick, 12 inches wide, and 12 inches long. The formula is easy:
Board feet = (nominal thickness in inches x nominal width in inches x length in feet) divided by 12.
For example, an 8-foot 2×6 board is (2 x 6 x 8) divided by 12, which equals 8 board feet. Multiply board feet by the per board foot price and you have the material cost. One catch: board foot math uses the nominal size, so a 2×6 counts as a full 2 by 6 even though the actual board is smaller.
Cedar Prices Per Board Foot in 2026
Here is how western red cedar compares to other common decking and building woods on a per board foot basis. Cedar costs more than pine, and that premium buys natural rot and insect resistance without chemical treatment.
By species, the general picture looks like this. Western red cedar runs about $1.50 to $3.50 per board foot. Northern white cedar is usually the cheapest cedar option. Eastern red cedar sits in the middle. Alaskan yellow cedar is the priciest, reflecting its strength and durability. Clear, premium grades of any species cost well above these averages, while knotty grades come in below.
| Cedar species | Decking, per sq ft | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Northern white cedar | $4 to $8 | Most affordable, lighter color, takes stain well |
| Eastern red cedar | $5 to $8 | Aromatic and termite-resistant, denser wood |
| Western red cedar | $5 to $10 | The best all-around decking cedar, warm red tones |
| Alaskan yellow cedar | Premium | The hardest, most durable cedar, priced to match |
Cedar Prices by Board Size
Most buyers do not shop by the board foot at a store, they buy actual boards. Here are typical 2026 prices for common cedar sizes. Remember that grade, length, and region can push these up or down.
| Board or unit | Typical 2026 price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Per board foot (WRC) | $1.50 to $3.50 | The base unit most mills price on |
| Cedar boards, general | $1.50 to $5.00 per linear foot | Varies by grade and width |
| 1×6, 8 ft | $9 to $15 each | Siding, trim, narrow deck boards |
| 1×6, 12 ft | $18 to $25 each | Longer runs cost more per board |
| 2×6 decking | $3 to $7 per linear foot | Popular thicker deck board |
| 2×4, 8 ft | $8 to $16 each | Railings, framing, pergolas |
Cedar Decking Price Per Square Foot
For decking specifically, it helps to think in square feet. In 2026, cedar deck boards cost roughly $5 to $10 per square foot for materials, with the species setting the range. Northern white cedar lands around $4 to $8, eastern red around $5 to $8, and western red cedar around $5 to $10. That is materials only. Once you add framing, hardware, fasteners, and labor, the installed cost of a full cedar deck is much higher, which we cover in our dedicated cedar deck cost guide.
A Quick Cedar Cost Example
Numbers click better with a real example, so here is a simple one. Say you want to cover a 12 by 16 foot deck surface, which is 192 square feet. Using western red cedar 5/4 by 6 decking at around $7 per square foot in materials, the deck boards alone would come to roughly $1,344, before framing, fasteners, and labor.
Now watch how your choices swing that number. Step down to a knotty grade or northern white cedar and the boards get cheaper. Step up to a clear, premium grade and the total climbs well past that figure. Same deck, very different bill, all driven by the grade and species you pick. Treat this as an illustration, not a quote, and price your real project with a local supplier.
What Moves the Price of Cedar Up or Down
Two cedar orders can carry very different price tags. These are the factors that drive the number, and knowing them is the key to buying smart.
Grade is usually the biggest lever. Clear, knot-free cedar can cost several times more than knotty economy stock. Species, kiln drying, grain orientation, board length, and surface finish all add up. Region matters too. The Northeast and Pacific Coast tend to run 15 to 25 percent above national averages, while the Midwest and South often sit near or below them.
Why Cedar Prices Change So Often
If you check prices twice in a month, you may see two different numbers, and that is normal. Cedar, especially western red cedar from Canada and the Pacific Northwest, has seen real price swings in recent years, with lumber costs rising sharply at various points since 2020. Supply and demand, trade conditions, fuel and shipping costs, and the building season all push prices around. This is exactly why every honest supplier tells you to lock a quote rather than trust a published average. Treat the ranges here as a map, then get a real number from a local yard or builder.
How to Save Money on Cedar
You can trim your cedar bill without cutting corners on the parts that matter. A few proven moves:
- Use knotty grades where they hide. Save clear, premium grades for visible surfaces and use economical knotty stock for framing, blocking, and low-traffic areas.
- Buy in bulk and off-peak. Larger orders often unlock volume pricing, and shopping outside peak building season can mean better rates.
- Right-size your lengths. Plan your cuts to reduce waste, and avoid paying for extra-long boards you do not need.
- Compare mills and big-box stores. Local sawmills sometimes beat retail on grade for the price, and factory prefinishing can cost about half of field staining.
- Consider the species. If western red cedar stretches the budget, northern white cedar delivers cedar’s benefits at a lower price.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does cedar cost per board foot?
In 2026, western red cedar averages about $1.50 to $3.50 per board foot. Clear premium grades cost more, and knotty grades cost less. Prices vary weekly and by region, so confirm with a local supplier.
Why is cedar so expensive?
Cedar costs more than pressure-treated pine because it resists rot and insects naturally, without chemical treatment, and because supply of quality western red cedar is limited. You pay a premium for durability, stability, and looks.
Is cedar more expensive than pressure-treated wood?
Yes. Cedar typically costs two to four times more than pressure-treated pine for the same size. The trade-off is a more beautiful, naturally durable wood that many homeowners feel is worth the difference.
What is the cheapest type of cedar?
Northern white cedar is usually the most affordable cedar, at roughly $4 to $8 per square foot for decking materials. It is lighter in color and less dense than western red cedar but still offers natural decay resistance.
How much does a cedar deck cost in total?
Materials alone run about $5 to $10 per square foot, but a fully installed cedar deck with framing, hardware, and labor costs much more. See our cedar deck cost guide for full project budgets by size.
The Bottom Line
Cedar is a mid-priced wood that sits above pressure-treated pine and below tropical hardwoods and premium composite. Budget around $1.50 to $3.50 per board foot for western red cedar in 2026, or $5 to $10 per square foot for decking materials, and adjust for grade, species, and region. Above all, get a current local quote, because cedar prices move often.
Want an accurate cedar estimate for your project? The licensed deck contractors in Naperville homeowners rely on can price your deck with current material costs. Nearby homeowners can also reach a reliable professional deck Barrington Il team for a free quote.