Cedar Siding Cost Per Square Foot — 2026 Pricing
Cedar siding pricing varies significantly by style. Clapboard (also called beveled or lap cedar) is the most common and most affordable. Cedar shingles cost more due to the labor-intensive installation pattern. Cedar shakes — thicker, rougher-hewn versions of shingles — sit at the premium end.
| Cedar Style | Material/SqFt | Installed/SqFt | 2,000 SqFt Home |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cedar Clapboard (beveled lap) | $3.00–$6.00 | $6.00–$12.00 | $12,000–$24,000 |
| Cedar Shingles | $4.00–$7.00 | $7.00–$14.00 | $14,000–$28,000 |
| Cedar Shakes (hand-split) | $5.00–$8.00 | $8.00–$15.00 | $16,000–$30,000 |
| Cedar Board & Batten | $4.00–$7.00 | $7.00–$13.00 | $14,000–$26,000 |
Source: Cedar Bureau, NAHB, contractor surveys. Western red cedar pricing — other species may vary.
What Makes Cedar Siding Unique
Western red cedar has natural properties that no engineered product fully replicates. The wood contains thujaplicins — naturally occurring compounds that resist fungal decay and insect damage without chemical treatment. Cedar also has a cellular structure filled with air pockets, giving it an R-value of approximately 1.35 per inch — the highest thermal insulation of any common siding wood. That translates to measurable energy savings, particularly in older homes without wall insulation.
The aesthetic appeal is the primary reason homeowners choose cedar despite its higher cost and maintenance requirements. The tight, straight grain of western red cedar accepts stains beautifully, and the natural color range — from honey gold to reddish brown — gives each home a distinctive appearance. Left unfinished, cedar weathers to a silver-gray patina that many consider equally attractive.
Cedar Siding Cost by Home Size
| Home Size | Clapboard (Low–High) | Shingles (Low–High) |
|---|---|---|
| 1,000 sqft | $6,000–$12,000 | $7,000–$14,000 |
| 1,500 sqft | $9,000–$18,000 | $10,500–$21,000 |
| 2,000 sqft | $12,000–$24,000 | $14,000–$28,000 |
| 2,500 sqft | $15,000–$30,000 | $17,500–$35,000 |
| 3,000 sqft | $18,000–$36,000 | $21,000–$42,000 |
Installed pricing including materials, labor, and trim. Excludes old siding removal.
Factors That Affect Cedar Siding Cost
Cedar Grade
Cedar comes in multiple grades. Clear (knot-free) cedar commands the highest price — $5.00–$8.00/sqft for materials. "A" grade has minimal knots and costs $4.00–$6.00/sqft. "Rustic" or "knotty" cedar is the most affordable at $3.00–$4.50/sqft and has become increasingly popular for farmhouse and cabin aesthetics.
Geographic Location
Cedar siding labor rates vary 25–35% between states per BLS wage data. Pacific Northwest states (Washington, Oregon) often have lower cedar material costs due to proximity to mills. East Coast and Midwest homeowners pay more for shipping. The calculator at the top of this page applies state-specific labor multipliers.
Finish and Staining
Pre-stained cedar adds $1.00–$2.00/sqft to material costs but eliminates on-site staining labor ($1.50–$3.00/sqft). Field-applied stain offers more color options but adds a full day or more to the project timeline. Some homeowners choose to leave cedar unfinished for the natural weathering look — this saves money upfront but may reduce the lifespan in wet climates.
Maintenance Costs Over Time
Cedar requires staining or sealing every 3–5 years — roughly $1.50–$3.00/sqft per cycle, or $3,000–$6,000 for a 2,000 sqft home. Over a 30-year period, that adds $18,000–$36,000 in maintenance. This is the hidden cost that makes cedar significantly more expensive than vinyl or LP SmartSide on a total-cost-of-ownership basis.
Cedar vs Other Siding Materials
| Material | Cost/SqFt | Lifespan | Annual Maint. | Character |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cedar Clapboard | $6.00–$12.00 | 15–40 yrs | High | Natural warmth |
| Vinyl | $3.50–$7.00 | 20–40 yrs | None | Budget option |
| LP SmartSide | $4.50–$9.00 | 20–30 yrs | Low | Wood look, less maint. |
| James Hardie | $6.50–$14.00 | 30–50 yrs | Low | Premium durability |
| Fiber Cement | $6.00–$13.00 | 30–50 yrs | Low | Fire resistant |
How Our Cedar Siding Cost Calculator Works
The calculator on this page uses BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics for siding installers (OCC 47-2211) as the labor baseline. State-level multipliers adjust for regional wage differences. Cedar material pricing comes from the Cedar Bureau, NAHB construction cost reports, and Pacific Northwest mill surveys. Complexity, story count, and removal variables are applied independently. Estimates land within 10–20% of actual contractor quotes.
Cedar Siding Pros and Cons
Pros
- ✓ Unmatched natural beauty and grain depth
- ✓ Natural resistance to decay and insects (thujaplicins)
- ✓ Highest R-value of any siding wood (~1.35/inch)
- ✓ Multiple styles: clapboard, shingle, shake, board & batten
- ✓ Can be refinished repeatedly — never needs replacing
- ✓ Environmentally sustainable (renewable resource)
Cons
- ✗ Requires staining/sealing every 3–5 years
- ✗ High lifetime maintenance cost ($18K–$36K over 30 years)
- ✗ Susceptible to moisture damage in humid climates
- ✗ Can be vulnerable to woodpeckers
- ✗ Fire risk — not Class A rated without treatment
- ✗ More expensive than vinyl or engineered wood
Frequently Asked Questions
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Is cedar siding worth the cost?+
Cedar siding vs Hardie board — which is better?+
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Data Sources & Methodology
📊Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) — Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), OCC 47-2211 & 47-2031
🏠National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) — Construction Cost Survey, 2024-2026 data
🏭James Hardie Corp — Published product pricing and warranty specifications
🌲Western Red Cedar Bureau — Cedar siding grade pricing and specifications
🔧Active contractor pricing surveys — 50-state coverage, updated quarterly
All cost data is updated quarterly. Last comprehensive update: Q1 2026.
Home Exterior Cost Analyst
Sarah Brennan
Sarah Brennan is a construction cost researcher specializing in exterior building envelope systems. With 14 years of experience in residential construction estimating, she transitioned from managing siding installation crews to independent cost research. Her data draws from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, NAHB construction cost reports, manufacturer pricing databases, and active contractor surveys across all 50 states. Sarah is a Certified Construction Specifier (CCS) through the Construction Specifications Institute.
Important Disclaimer
The cost estimates provided by SidingCosts.com are for informational and educational purposes only. Actual siding costs vary based on local labor rates, material availability, site conditions, contractor pricing, and other factors not captured by this calculator. These estimates should not be used as a substitute for professional contractor quotes. SidingCosts.com is not a licensed contractor and does not provide installation services. Always obtain at least 3 written quotes from licensed, insured contractors in your area before starting any siding project. Data sources include the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), and manufacturer published pricing. Last updated: 2026.