How much does cedar decking cost?
How much does cedar decking cost?
$30 – $50 average cost per square foot installed
$4,300 – $7,200 average cost for 12'x12' deck
$12,000 — $20,000 average cost for 20'x20' deck
Average cedar decking cost
A cedar deck costs $30 to $50 per square foot installed on average. The material for cedar decking costs $5 to $10 per square foot, depending on the species and grade. Structural components, hardware, and labor make up the remaining costs. A 12x12 cedar deck costs $4,300 to $7,200, while a larger 20x20 deck costs $12,000 to $20,000.
| Factor | Average cost per square foot |
|---|---|
| Cedar decking boards | $5 – $10 |
| Other materials & supplies | $5 – $10 |
| Labor | $20 – $30 |
| Total installed cost | $30 – $50 |
Cedar decking prices by type
Cedar decking costs $5 to $10 per square foot on average for the boards alone, depending on the species and grade. Species refers to the cedar tree type, while grade determines lumber quality by evaluating defects, knots, and appearance. Clear grades have minimal knots and command premium prices, while knotty grades offer a rustic appearance at a lower price.
| Species and grades | Average price (per square foot)* |
Description |
|---|---|---|
| Northern white cedar | $4 — $8 |
|
| Eastern red cedar | $5 — $8 |
|
| Western red cedar (Standard) | $5 — $10 |
|
| Clear cedar | $8 — $12 |
|
| Knotty cedar | $4 — $8 |
|
*Material price for deck boards only
Cost for cedar deck by size
Cedar decking costs $30 to $50 per square foot installed, with deck size being the primary factor determining your overall project cost. Larger decks require more materials, labor, and structural support, which drives up the total construction cost.
| Deck size | Square feet | Average installed cost |
|---|---|---|
| 8' x 10' | 80 | $2,400 — $4,000 |
| 10' x 10' | 100 | $3,000 — $5,000 |
| 10' x 12' | 120 | $3,600 — $6,000 |
| 12' x 12' | 144 | $4,300 — $7,200 |
| 12' x 14' | 168 | $5,050 — $8,400 |
| 12' x 16' | 192 | $5,750 — $9,600 |
| 12' x 18' | 216 | $6,500 — $10,800 |
| 12' x 20' | 240 | $7,200 — $12,000 |
| 14' x 20' | 280 | $8,400 — $14,000 |
| 16' x 16' | 256 | $7,700 — $12,800 |
| 20' x 20' | 400 | $12,000 — $20,000 |
Cedar deck cost factors
Several factors beyond material choice and deck size affect your total deck construction cost:
Deck structure
While cedar decking prices make up one cost component, the deck support structure must also be factored into your budget. The deck frame materials and supplies add $5 to $10 per square foot to the total installation cost to cover the posts, beams, and joists that support your cedar boards, as well as fasteners or hardware for building. The deck height and soil conditions can increase these foundation costs.
Labor costs
Labor represents a significant portion of your deck construction budget, accounting for 40% to 60% of the total project cost. Professional installation labor ranges from $20 to $30 per square foot, reflecting the skilled carpentry work required for proper framing, structural support, and precise installation of decking materials.
Deck complexity
Simple rectangular decks cost less than elaborate designs with multiple levels, curved edges, or intricate board patterns like herringbone and chevron. Complex designs require additional cutting, specialized installation techniques, and custom hardware solutions that increase both material waste and labor time.
Elevated decks cost significantly more than ground-level installations, increasing overall project costs by 20% to 50%. The higher costs come from additional structural support requirements, including more posts, beams, and deeper footings for stability.
Second-story and multi-level decks are the most expensive type due to the complex designs and reinforced foundations needed to support the additional height and weight.
Other factors
Several additional factors can significantly impact the cost to build a cedar deck:
Permits and inspections: Building permits cost $100 to $500, with additional inspection fees required at various construction stages to ensure code compliance.
Site preparation: Clearing vegetation, grading or leveling the ground, and excavating for footings can add $500 to $2,000, depending on the terrain difficulty and accessibility.
Railings and stairs: Deck railings cost $20 to $60 per linear foot, while stairs add $150 to $300 per step, depending on the materials and complexity.
Geographic location: Regional material costs and local labor rates vary significantly, with urban areas paying higher prices than rural locations.
Seasonal timing: Building during peak construction season (spring/summer) increases costs, while off-season projects may offer savings.
Contractor experience: Specialized deck builders charge premium rates but deliver superior results, while general contractors may offer lower prices with varying quality levels.
Additional features: Built-in benches, planters, lighting, and pergolas can add $1,000 to $5,000 or more, depending on the complexity and materials chosen.
Cedar decking FAQs
How long does a cedar deck last?
Cedar decking lasts 15 to 20 years with proper maintenance. The lifespan depends heavily on maintenance frequency, with well-maintained decks lasting significantly longer than neglected ones.
How do I clean the cedar deck?
Clean your cedar deck annually using a mixture of mild soap and water, scrubbing with a stiff brush after pre-rinsing the surface. For stubborn stains, use a diluted oxygen bleach solution. Never use a pressure washer on cedar as it can damage the wood fibers and make the deck susceptible to rot.
Is cedar good for decks?
Cedar is an excellent choice for decking due to its natural resistance to rot, decay, and insects, plus it stays flat and straight without warping. However, it requires annual cleaning and sealing every 2 to 3 years to maintain its appearance and longevity.
Can you paint cedar decking?
While cedar can be painted, staining is a much better option that preserves the wood's natural beauty and grain while protecting it from moisture and UV damage. Paint creates a thick film that can trap moisture and peel over time, requiring more frequent maintenance than quality deck stains that penetrate the wood fibers.
Getting estimates from deck builders
When getting estimates from cedar deck builders near you, follow these steps to ensure you hire the best contractor for the job:
Define your deck's size, shape, and main purpose before contacting contractors.
Gather inspiration photos or sketches to show contractors what you want.
Get at least three quotes from licensed and insured deck specialists.
Ask about their experience, references, and recent deck projects.
Confirm who handles permits and understand their payment schedule.
Request details about materials, brands, and project timelines.
Compare the full scope of work, not just the total price.
Consider that higher quotes may offer better materials or warranties.
Avoid contractors who pressure you to decide immediately.
Don't automatically choose the lowest bid without checking quality differences.
Questions to ask a deck builder
Ask these essential questions to evaluate deck builders for your project:
Are you licensed, bonded, and insured for deck construction in this area?
How many years have you been building decks specifically?
Can you provide references from customers with similar deck projects?
Will you handle all permits and inspections?
What warranty do you offer on materials and workmanship?
What's your estimated timeline from start to completion?
What's your payment schedule and policy on change orders?
How do you handle job site cleanup and debris removal?
What happens if weather or other issues cause delays?
Can you provide a detailed written contract before work begins?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.