How much does cedar siding cost?
How much does cedar siding cost?
$6 – $12 cost per square foot installed (cedar clapboard)
$6 – $15 cost per square foot installed (cedar shingles)
$7 – $16 cost per square foot installed (cedar shakes)
$10,200 – $33,600 average total cost (2,000 – 2,500 SF home)
Average cost of cedar siding
Cedar siding costs $10,200 to $33,600 installed for an average home. Installing thick cedar shake siding costs $7 to $16 per square foot, while thin cedar shingles cost $6 to $15 per square foot total. Cedar clapboard siding costs $6 to $12 per square foot and is the easiest type to install.
| Home size (square feet) | Approximate siding square footage | Average cost installed |
|---|---|---|
| 900 | 720 | $4,300 – $11,500 |
| 1,000 | 800 | $4,800 – $12,800 |
| 1,200 | 1,000 | $6,000 – $16,000 |
| 1,500 | 1,200 | $7,200 – $19,200 |
| 1,800 | 1,500 | $9,000 – $24,000 |
| 2,000 | 1,700 | $10,200 – $27,200 |
| 2,500 | 2,100 | $12,600 – $33,600 |
| 2,800 | 2,300 | $16,800 – $36,800 |
| 3,000 | 2,500 | $15,000 – $48,000 |
| 3,500 | 2,900 | $17,400 – $56,000 |
| 4,000 | 3,350 | $20,100 – $64,000 |
Cost data is from research and project costs reported by HomeGuide members.
Cedar siding cost per square foot by style
Cedar siding comes in a variety of styles, with shakes, shingles, and clapboard being the most common. Other options include log, tongue and groove, and board and batten. Cedar shakes and shingles take longer and require more labor to install than clapboard or other cedar lap siding styles.
| Siding style | Average cost installed (per square foot) |
|---|---|
| Cedar shake | $7 – $16 |
| Cedar shingle | $6 – $15 |
| Cedar clapboard | $6 – $12 |
Cedar shake siding cost
Cedar shake siding costs $7 to $16 per square foot installed. Cedar shakes are thicker than cedar shingles and have a textured, rustic look. While the installation process is basically the same, cedar shakes take more work due to their thickness. This thickness, however, makes them more durable and longer lasting.
Cedar shakes with rounded or wavy bottom edges typically cost more than straight or staggered edges.
Cedar shingle siding cost
Cedar shingle siding costs $6 to $15 per square foot for materials and labor. Compared to cedar shakes, shingles are thinner and have smooth and streamlined aesthetic. Although thinner than cedar shake, properly installed cedar shingles are ideal for coastal and other high-wind areas since the shingles lay flat.
Cedar clapboard siding cost
Cedar clapboard siding—also called cedar lap or cedar bevel siding—costs $6 to $12 per square foot with installation. Cedar clapboard refers to thin, long, horizontal boards installed in an overlapping design. More overlap provides sturdier construction but costs more since more boards are needed to cover the home.
Cedar siding cost by wood type
Cedar siding prices range from $2 to $9 per square foot on average for materials alone, depending on the wood type, quality, and where you live in relation to where the wood is harvested. Western red and Northern white cedar are the most common types for siding.
| Cedar wood type | Average cost (per square foot)* | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Western redwood | $3.00 – $6.50 |
|
| Northern white | $2.00 – $4.00 |
|
| Spanish | $4.00 – $9.00 |
|
*Not including installation
Eastern red and Alaskan yellow cedar are not as common for siding material.
Eastern red cedar is a popular choice for interior panels and furniture.
Alaskan yellow cedar—also called Cypress—is often used in making boats, paddles, and decking.
Choose a cedar type that is milled locally or as close to you as possible to avoid hefty shipping and delivery fees.
Cedar siding installation cost factors
Labor makes up approximately 45% to 65% of the total project cost, while materials make up the remaining 35% to 55%.
| Factor | Average cost per square foot |
|---|---|
| Materials | $2 – $9 |
| Labor & supplies | $4 – $7 |
| Total installed cost | $6 – $16 |
Factors that affect the cost include:
Home size & stories – Siding installation on a larger house requires more materials and labor. Multi-story homes also require extra safety measures and equipment, which increases the installation time.
Complexity – Installing siding on a simple, rectangular-shaped home will take less time than a complex house with many angles and unique features to work around.
Location – Cedar grows more abundantly in the west, so shipping and delivery costs much less for west coast residents.
Wood grade –Premium grade cedar costs more but has no defects, knots, or imperfections.
Wood type – Red cedar costs more than white cedar but is more durable and typically less knotted.
Wood finish – Pre-primed siding material is cheaper than siding that comes pre-finished with paint or sealant.
Wood thickness – Thicker siding costs more but tends to last longer.
Home's age –Siding on homes built before 1970 may contain asbestos or lead. Asbestos siding removal costs $7 to $10 per square foot.
Trim, soffit, & fascia – Updating the soffit and fascia costs $9 to $34 per linear foot. Matching the soffit to the new siding gives the home's exterior a cohesive look.
Painting or staining – Experts recommend sealing cedar siding to protect it and extend its lifespan, as its natural protective oils break down over time. Most cedar siding is stained rather than painted.
Labor cost to install cedar siding
The labor cost to install cedar siding is $4 to $7 per square foot of siding, depending on the job size, complexity, siding style, and the type of professional you hire.
Hourly rates
Carpenters charge $30 to $200 per hour, depending on their skill level.
General contractor rates are $50 to $150 per hour, or 10% to 20% of the total project cost.
Prep work –Old siding removal costs $0.70 to $2.00 per square foot. If you remove the old siding yourself, the average cost to rent a dumpster for the debris is $280 to $500 per week.
Permits – Permits cost $500 to $2,000 to replace siding, depending on the location and project size.
Cedar siding installation requires a skilled hand. It is better to hire a reputable but more expensive contractor to install mid-grade siding than to purchase high-dollar, premium cedar siding and hire a cheaper installer lacking the necessary experience.
Cedar siding grades
Cedar siding comes in varying levels of quality, which greatly affects the material cost.
Premium grade – The most expensive option, "clear" or premium grade wood is harvested from old growth and free from any knots or imperfections.
Mid-grade – Sometimes called "C and better" or "D and better", mid-grade cedar is a budget-friendly option with typically only minor imperfections.
Knotty – Knotty grade cedar—typically the cheapest—is harvested from fast growth trees and has many knots and defects. Still, some people prefer the look of knotty grade wood over premium.
Cedar siding maintenance costs
Cedar siding requires ongoing maintenance to keep it damage free and help extend its lifespan. A maintenance schedule for cedar siding typically includes cleaning or power washing at low pressure every 2 to 4 years, and re-staining, re-sealing, or repainting every 3 to 5 years.
Pressure washing costs $170 to $310 for an average-sized house.
Exterior painting costs $1 to $4 per square foot, or $1,900 to $6,900 for a typical home.
Cedar siding repair costs$4 to $13 per square foot. Repair or replace damage right away to keep the issue from spreading.
Rough-textured cedar requires more maintenance than smooth cedar. The texture increases the surface area, meaning more stain or paint will be required to cover it.
Cedar siding pros and cons
Cedar siding is durable and eco-friendly, gives your home a warm, natural look, and if properly cared for, can last many years. However, cedar siding comes with a higher price point and needs more regular maintenance than some other materials.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
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Cedar siding cost vs. other siding materials
The average cost to install siding is $4 to $13 per square foot, depending on the material. Cedar siding is a visibly beautiful choice but is priced slightly above average and needs regular care. Vinyl and fiber cement come in styles that mimic cedar siding and require less maintenance.
| Siding type | Average installed cost (per square foot) |
|---|---|
| Cedar siding | $6 – $16 |
| Aluminum siding cost | $6 – $10 |
| Brick siding cost | $8 – $18 |
| Cultured stone siding cost | $10 – $35 |
| Engineered wood siding cost | $5 – $15 |
| Fiber cement siding | $6 – $15 |
| Hardie Board siding | $6 – $15 |
| Log siding prices | $5 – $15 |
| Masonite siding cost | $4 – $8 |
| Metal siding cost | $7 – $16 |
| Stone veneer siding cost | $10 – $45 |
| Stucco siding cost | $7 – $17 |
| Vinyl siding cost | $4 – $12 |
Cedar siding FAQs
How long does cedar siding last?
Cedar siding lasts 20 to 40+ years on average with proper installation and maintenance. To keep your cedar siding well protected and ensure its long lifespan, re-stain or repaint every 4 to 7 years, depending on the weather conditions in your area.
How long does it take to install cedar siding?
Cedar siding installation takes 2 to 3 weeks on average, depending on the weather conditions, crew size, house size, design complexity, and the home's existing condition. Removing your old siding typically takes about a day. Repairs can add another day or more if any unexpected issues surface during the removal.
Can you install new siding over old siding?
You can sometimes install new siding over old siding if the old siding is in excellent condition, but most experts don't recommend it. Removing the old siding results in a better looking exterior and ensures there are no issues left underneath it, such as rodents, nests, or structural damage.
Can you paint cedar siding?
Yes, you can paint cedar siding. Most experts recommend staining cedar siding instead of painting it because stain is more breathable, durable, and holds up better to weather fluctuations and the expansion-contraction cycles of the wood. Paint, however, offers more color variety.
Plan to repaint or re-stain every 3 to 5 years, or earlier if the front of the house faces the sun.
Can you power wash cedar siding?
Yes, you can power wash cedar siding safely using low pressure only. Pressure washing costs $170 to $310 for an average-sized house. Cleaning the siding every 2 to 4 years with low pressure and detergent will keep mold and algae from building up and staining or damaging the surface.
Getting estimates from cedar siding installers
Cedar siding must be installed correctly to prevent water from getting behind the wood and causing damage. Follow these guidelines to find the best cedar siding contractors near you:
Get 3 to 5 in-person estimates with similar details to compare.
Hire a company that has been in business for 5+ years and is licensed, bonded, and insured.
Look for cedar siding installer reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Ask for references with contact information.
Beware of extremely low prices as they often signal lower quality work.
Ask for a contract and workmanship warranty in writing before the work begins.
Don't make the final payment before the job is complete.
Questions to ask
Consider asking the following questions to help you choose the best cedar siding installer:
How long have you been installing cedar siding?
Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?
Can you provide references from previous similar jobs?
Will you be doing the work, or do you use subcontractors?
How long will the installation take?
Does the estimate include all labor, materials, permit fees, and cleanup?
Does the estimate include old siding removal and disposal?
What other costs or issues might come up during a job like this?
Do you handle the permitting process for me?
Do you provide a workmanship warranty?