For construction professionals, understanding the cost to install cedar siding is crucial for accurate project planning. Current installation costs range from $7 to $14 per square foot, depending on region and material choices. Labor rates, material quality, and project complexity all influence the final price. Below, we break down these factors to help you plan effectively.
• Western Red vs. Eastern White: Western Red Cedar offers richer color and higher natural oils, commanding a premium.
• Grade: Clear vertical grain is nearly knot-free and costs up to 40% more than knotty grades.
• Profile: Bevel, clapboard, shingle, or tongue-and-groove each carry different board-foot requirements and waste factors.
• Finish: Pre-primed and factory-stained products add 15%–20% but cut site labor dramatically.
The price of skilled siding carpenters varies, but key factors include:
• Region: Metropolitan labor premiums can add $1–$2 per square foot.
• Complexity: Dormers, gables, and architectural details slow production rates.
• Prep Work: Removing old siding, repairing sheathing, or upgrading weather barriers increases crew hours.
Cedar siding's effectiveness depends on proper water management. Essential components include:
• House wrap or rain-screen: $0.25–$0.75 per square foot
• Flashing and trim: Corner boards, drip caps, and penetrations add 10%–15% to materials
• Fasteners: Stainless or hot-dipped nails resist tannin staining but cost 3× standard nails
Demolition debris, dumpster fees, and site access can add $0.50–$1.00 per square foot. Tight urban lots may require material staging or off-hour deliveries, which can increase costs.
Real-time supplier data reveals clear patterns nationwide:
• Pacific Northwest: Abundant cedar supply keeps average installed cost between $7 and $10 per square foot.
• Northeast: Freight surcharges push totals closer to $10–$14 per square foot.
• Midwest & South: Expect $8–$12 per square foot depending on specialty labor availability.
1. Voice Capture: Discuss project scope with our AI assistant.
2. Blueprint Takeoff: Upload PDFs or photos; our tools trace walls and openings automatically.
3. Live Pricing: CountBricks queries partnered yards for cedar, fasteners, and wrap priced to your ZIP code.
4. Labor Database: We cross-reference local carpenter rates and production curves based on wall complexity.
5. Instant Proposal: You receive a branded PDF with scope, timeline, and fixed/allowance breakdowns ready to e-sign.
• Close deals faster by answering budget questions on the spot.
• Protect margins with granular, line-item visibility.
• Update clients instantly when lumber markets fluctuate.
• Opt for factory-finished siding: Higher upfront cost but eliminates on-site staining labor.
• Mix grades strategically: Use clear cedar on street-facing elevations and knotty on less visible sides.
• Plan rain-screen details early: A simple furring strip system avoids expensive moisture repairs later.
• Schedule delivery efficiently: CountBricks groups material drops to minimize freight fees.
A 1,850 sq ft craftsman in suburban Portland received new bevel cedar siding, rain-screen, and custom window trim. Using CountBricks:
• Estimate generated in 9 minutes during initial walk-through.
• Live material feed saved $2,400 by locking lumber prices before a regional hike.
• Homeowner approved the quote the same day via e-signature.
• Final installed cost: $8.75 per square foot—all within 2% of the AI projection.
Ready to see exact numbers for your project? Start a conversation at CountBricks.com or schedule a free blueprint takeoff. Our AI does the heavy lifting so you can focus on delivering beautiful, lasting cedar exteriors.
The upfront cost to install cedar siding is only part of the equation. Longevity and ongoing maintenance are key to maximizing return on investment. Here are essential insights for construction professionals:
• Unfinished cedar lasts 20–25 years before major refinishing.
• Factory-stained or painted boards, when installed over a vented rain-screen, can reach 40 years with minimal touch-ups.
• Proper flashing at windows and penetrations can extend lifespan another 5–7 years by preventing hidden rot.
1. Visual Inspection: Allocate one afternoon each spring to spot-check caulk lines and fasteners, virtually cost-free.
2. Gentle Wash: Low-pressure rinse removes pollen and mildew for about $0.05 per square foot when bundled with gutter cleaning.
3. Finish Refresh: Semi-transparent stains usually need reapplication every 5–7 years at $1.50–$2.50 per square foot.
• Automated Reminders: Our platform schedules finish refreshes inside the customer portal, reducing emergency repairs.
• Material Tracking: Every cedar board is logged by lot number, making warranty claims seamless if defects emerge.
• Predictive Budgeting: AI analyzes historical finish cycles in your climate zone and flags future cash-flow needs, so homeowners aren’t blindsided by large maintenance bills.
• End-seal all cuts on site to block moisture wicking.
• Ventilate attics properly—trapped humidity shortens siding life.
• Keep landscaping 6" away from walls to prevent splash-back and soil contact.
CountBricks partners for the full lifecycle, combining data analytics with field expertise to keep cedar looking fresh decade after decade. Explore our maintenance plans at CountBricks.com and let AI handle the reminders while you enjoy a home that ages as gracefully as the wood itself.
