How much does cedar siding cost?
Ashburn, VA

How much does cedar siding cost?

Ashburn, VA

How much does cedar siding cost?

$6 – $12cost per square foot installed (cedar clapboard)
$6 – $15cost per square foot installed (cedar shingles)
$7 – $16cost per square foot installed (cedar shakes)
$10,200 – $33,600average total cost (2,000 – 2,500 SF home)

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$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)


Get free estimates for your project or view our cost guide below:
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Tara Farmer
Written by
Tara Farmer
Edited by
Kristen Cramer
Fact-checked by
Tom Grupa

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.

Average cost of cedar siding
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.

Get free estimates from siding contractors near you.

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.

Cedar siding cost per square foot by style - Chart
Cedar siding cost per square foot by style - Chart
Cedar siding cost by style
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.

A close-up of new cedar shake siding on a house.
A close-up of new cedar shake siding on a house.

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.

A contemporary house with cedar clapboard siding and stone siding accents.
A contemporary house with cedar clapboard siding and stone siding accents.

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 siding prices by wood type
Cedar wood type Average cost (per square foot)* Details
Western redwood $3.00 – $6.50
  • Grows mostly in the Pacific Northwest
  • Reddish to pinkish-brown color with medium to coarse grain texture
  • Denser than white cedar
  • More naturally insect resistant than white cedar
Northern white $2.00 – $4.00
  • Grows mostly in the Northeast
  • Light brown or nearly white color
  • Lightweight and soft
  • Stronger aroma than other types
Spanish $4.00 – $9.00
  • Grows in Central/South America and the Caribbean
  • Pale pinkish to reddish-brown color with even colored grain
  • Higher moisture resistance; ideal for humid climates
  • More difficult to source

*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.

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%.

Cedar siding installation costs
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.

A luxury house with cedar shake siding and stone siding accents.
A luxury house with cedar shake siding and stone siding accents.

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

  • 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 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.

Get free estimates from siding contractors near you.

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.

Cedar siding pros and cons
Pros Cons
  • Durable if well-maintained
  • Sustainable
  • Good insulator and noise dampener
  • Warm, rustic design; high curb appeal
  • Appealing woodsy fragrance
  • Expensive
  • High maintenance
  • Requires resealing every few years
  • Susceptible to fire, moisture, and insect damage if not properly maintained
  • Less likely to rot than other wood types

Cedar siding cost vs. other siding materials

Get free estimates from siding contractors near you.

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.

Cedar siding cost vs. other materials
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.

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?


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