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Highlights
- Most cedar siding costs average $13,000, but homeowners can expect to spend between $8,000 and $45,000.
- The home size, type and grade of wood, style of siding, labor fees, existing siding removal fees, finishing stain or paint, and other factors all influence the cost of installing cedar siding.
- Cedar is a popular wood for outdoor projects like siding since it’s durable, sustainable, rot- and pest-resistant, and serves as a noise dampener.
- The time and effort involved in removing and installing new siding makes this project ideal for a contractor who has the tools and expertise to ensure a high-quality finish.
Exterior cedar siding offers homes a unique aesthetic that demonstrates the natural beauty of wood while using a strong functional design. The slats of the cedar siding overlap just enough so that rain and snow won’t run into the joints between the cedar siding panels. This design also allows the horizontal cedar siding planks to stick out slightly from the wall, creating an interesting contrast between the top and bottom of each plank for added depth and texture.
If the look of cedar siding on a house is appealing, homeowners can hire a crew to install cedar lap siding for an average of $13,000, according to Angi. However, the cost of cedar siding may range from as little as $8,000 to as much as $45,000 depending on several key cost factors, including the home size, wood grade, siding style, and more. Homeowners can gain an understanding of the factors that influence cedar siding cost in order to put together an accurate budget for this job.
Key Cost Factors
Before starting a modern cedar siding installation project, homeowners can consider the various factors that can impact the cedar siding cost estimates. Common cost factors include the size of the home, the grade and type of wood, siding style, and local labor rates.
Home Size
The most important factor for homeowners to consider when pricing a cedar siding project is the size of the home. While many homeowners will use cedar siding for the entire exterior of the house, others may prefer to only partially cover the front or back of the house. Measuring the area intended to be covered by cedar siding will help homeowners build a more accurate estimate.
On average, cedar siding costs about $5 to $11 per square foot depending on how thick the siding is. However, some cheap cedar wood may be available for as little as $3 per square foot, while premium cedar wood options may cost up to $30 per square foot. A siding installer can provide a general cost estimate based on the size of the house and the average cost of the wood.
| Home Size | Average Cost (Materials and Labor) |
| 500 square feet | $2,500 to $5,500 |
| 1,000 square feet | $5,000 to $11,000 |
| 1,500 square feet | $7,500 to $16,500 |
| 2,000 square feet | $10,000 to $22,000 |
| 2,500 square feet | $12,500 to $27,500 |
Wood Grade and Type
Another primary cost factor is the wood grade or the quality of the wood. Cedar siding wood grades range from knotty to premium. Knotty wood is less expensive at about $2.50 to $5 per square foot, but it contains a lot of natural imperfections. Mid-grade wood has an attractive balance of minor imperfections and rich color and costs about $5 to $15 per square foot. Premium-grade wood is the most expensive option at $10 to $30 per square foot. It comes from more mature trees that offer better texture and color consistency, along with the fewest natural imperfections.
Homeowners can also consider the type of cedar wood and how it fits their design choice and budget. Alaskan yellow cedar ($9 to $11 per square foot), eastern red cedar ($5 to $8 per square foot), and Spanish cedar ($6 to $10 per square foot) tend to be more difficult to source, leading to higher material costs.
Northern white cedar ($4 to $7 per square foot) and western red cedar ($3 to $5 per square foot) are more cost-effective, though the prices for these materials may increase when purchased farther from the region of origin.
Siding Style
The style of siding can also influence the installation cost. Cedar siding is available in a variety of siding styles, including sheet siding, clapboard, shingle siding, shakes, board and batten, tongue and groove, and shiplap.
- Sheet siding is a type of basic plywood with cedar facing. It comes in a range of textures and is ideal for outbuildings or barns. Sheet siding typically costs about $5,605 to $10,432 to install.
- Clapboard is a wedge-shaped style of cedar siding with overlapping horizontal planks. Homeowners who choose this type of siding style will need to budget for about $12,611 to $23,470 on average.
- Shingle and shake siding are similar styles. Cedar shingle siding costs about $22,649 to $42,152, which is also the average cost for shake siding. Shingle siding is made up of rows of straight or scalloped pieces that overlap each other. Shake siding has the same general appearance, but the rectangular pieces of cedar are hand-split for a more irregular appearance.
- Board-and-batten siding features wide, vertically installed cedar boards. The boards then have narrow strips installed over the seams to add texture and prevent moisture from seeping into the joints. Cedar board-and-batten siding costs about $12,533 to $23,325.
- Tongue-and-groove siding is one of the more common options. The horizontal planks have a grooved edge on one side that fits into the tongue of the other board for a tight fit. Homeowners can expect to spend $14,869 to $27,675 for tongue-and-groove cedar siding.
- Shiplap siding is made with horizontal planks that have one L-shaped edge that interlocks into the next plank. The planks will lie flat but have a small gap milled in the middle of the board as an unmistakable shiplap feature. Shiplap cedar siding costs about $11,952 to $22,244 to install.
Labor
The labor for cedar siding installation will generally make up between 15 and 40 percent of the total cost. This means that homeowners can expect to pay about $1 to $5 per square foot in labor costs. However, DIYers can reduce the overall labor cost of the project by tackling certain parts of the job that they’re comfortable with and experienced at doing. Some possible tasks include removing the existing siding, making minor repairs, and painting or staining the siding.
Homeowners can speak with several siding installation companies to discover the local average labor rate to ensure they get a fair rate. They can also ask what parts of the project are included in the base estimate and what would be considered an add-on.
Additional Costs and Considerations
Beyond the primary cedar siding cost factors, homeowners will also want to be aware of the additional tasks that could increase the overall project cost, including the removal of the existing house siding, staining or painting, repairs, and ongoing maintenance.
Existing Siding Removal
DIYers with enough time and the proper tools can choose to remove any existing siding on their own. It’s important for homeowners to remember that once the siding is removed, that layer of protection against weather and pests is gone. It’s essential to have the cedar siding installation take place as soon as possible after the old siding is removed. Juggling priorities and timing can be challenging, which is why many homeowners leave this job to the installers.
A professional cedar siding installation company can remove existing siding for about $1,000 to $3,000. Additionally, the homeowner may need to budget for junk removal costs, which often costs $240 to $500. If the home was built before the 1980s, then there’s a chance that the siding may contain asbestos. Asbestos siding removal costs about $150 per square foot, which will significantly increase the price.
Staining or Painting
An experienced DIYer may decide that they can handle the staining or painting on their own to reduce costs. But if the homeowner chooses to hire a crew to paint the siding, it will cost about $3 to $6 per square foot for both materials and labor. Staining the cedar siding costs a little less than painting, at $2 to $5 per square foot, though the cost of the job can vary depending on the specific brand of paint or stain. Painting will require primer and more than one coat of paint, but using one of the best stains for cedar often requires only one coat, which reduces the cost of labor.
Trim, Fascia, and Soffit Replacement
After replacing the cedar siding, the trim, fascia, and soffit may stand out in an unappealing way. However, this can be remedied by replacing the trim, fascia, and soffit for about $9 to $34 per linear foot. Selecting a color and style that matches or enhances the appearance of the new cedar siding gives the exterior of the home a more cohesive and attractive aesthetic. This extra step can make all the difference if the property will be put up for sale in the near future since a coordinated design will enhance the home’s curb appeal.
Maintenance
It’s important to keep in mind that even after the cedar siding is installed, sealed, and finished, the homeowner will need to keep up with regular maintenance to ensure the siding lasts as long as possible. Cedar siding maintenance includes washing the siding, making repairs, and resealing the cedar about once every 3 to 5 years. Homeowners can pay to have the cedar siding pressure washed for about $170 to $310. Hiring a cedar siding contractor to make repairs costs about $4 to $13 per square foot.
Types of Cedar Siding
There are several different types of cedar wood siding for a homeowner to consider when starting a cedar house siding installation job. The cost to replace cedar siding varies based on the specific type and thickness of wood selected, so it’s important to consider which wood siding option looks ideal and meets the budget.
| Type of Cedar Siding | Average Cost (Materials and Labor) |
| Alaskan yellow cedar | $9 to $11 per square foot |
| Eastern red cedar | $5 to $8 per square foot |
| Northern white cedar | $4 to $7 per square foot |
| Spanish cedar | $6 to $10 per square foot |
| Western red cedar | $3 to $5 per square foot |
Alaskan Yellow Cedar
One of the more expensive cedar siding options is Alaskan yellow cedar. This type of cedar wood isn’t as common as northern white, Spanish, or western cedar, which means higher material costs. Alaskan yellow cedar is extremely resistant to rot, decay, insect damage, and marine pests, which is why it is regularly used in boat construction projects more often than in homes. Homeowners can expect to spend about $9 to $11 per square foot for this material.
Eastern Red Cedar
Similar to Alaskan yellow cedar, eastern red cedar is more difficult to source and not as frequently used. Eastern red cedar costs significantly less than Alaskan yellow cedar at just $5 to $8 per square foot. Typically, eastern red cedar is used for indoor renovation projects, but it can be an effective exterior siding choice. This type of cedar wood is more commonly found on the East Coast of the U.S., so it may have a lower price point in that region.
Eastern red cedar doesn’t shrink, warp, swell, or decay, making it an ideal option for indoor and outdoor use. It’s also rot-resistant and insect-repellant, ensuring the siding remains in good condition for years to come.
Northern White Cedar
Northern white cedar, like most other cedar wood types, is naturally resistant to rot and decay. It also repels insects and other pests, which is why it is commonly used for outdoor building projects. This type of wood is less expensive than Alaskan yellow cedar, eastern red cedar, and Spanish cedar. Homeowners will want to budget about $4 to $7 per square foot for northern white cedar if they like a cedar that has a nearly white or light brown color to it.
Spanish Cedar
On average, Spanish cedar costs about $6 to $10 per square foot. This type of cedar wood also has natural aromatic oils that repel insects and a natural resistance to rotting and decay. Spanish cedar is also moisture-resistant, which is why it is commonly used in humid locations that are prone to high levels of precipitation. This type of cedar wood is also difficult to source, which leads to a higher cost.
Western Red Cedar
The least expensive option for cedar siding is western red cedar, which grows primarily in the Pacific Northwest. This type is easier to source than other cedar wood types, though transporting it to eastern states may increase the cost. On average, homeowners can expect to pay about $3 to $5 per square foot for western red cedar wood. Western red cedar siding is known to be pest-resistant and fire-resistant, and it is one of the most common types of wood used for siding.
Benefits of Choosing Cedar Siding
The aesthetic appeal of cedar siding is one of the main reasons it’s a popular exterior finish, but the look isn’t the only benefit. Other benefits of cedar house siding include durability, sustainability, rot and insect damage resistance, and insulation and noise dampening.
Durability
Cedar siding is a highly durable product that can resist degradation due to UV radiation, rain, sleet, hail, snow, and ice longer than most other types of wood. Assuming the homeowner keeps up with regular cleaning and sealing, cedar siding will last for 20 to 40 years before needing to be replaced.
Sustainability
Not only is cedar siding a durable option that can last for decades before needing to be replaced, but it’s also made with natural materials that may have been harvested in a sustainable way. Instead of investing in manufactured or composite products that use chemicals and unnatural materials, homeowners can opt for natural cedar wood siding if they prefer a more natural option for a home.
The longevity of this material, combined with the eco-friendly harvesting methods, makes cedar siding an excellent choice for homeowners that are concerned about the environmental impact of various housing materials.
Rot and Insect Damage Resistance
Cedar is well known for being a rot- and insect-resistant wood. It’s often a primary building material for fencing and decks since it can withstand rain, hail, sleet, and snow and resist rotting or weathering for many years, especially when regularly sealed.
Cedar wood makes an effective outdoor building material since it is repellent to a wide variety of pests, including silverfish, termites, carpet beetles, and cockroaches. If the area has significant pest problems, it’s recommended to invest in western red cedar wood siding. Western red cedar is one of the best cedar types for repelling pests due to the natural preservatives in the wood.
Insulation and Noise Dampening
Cedar siding makes for a great noise dampener that reduces the transmission of sound through the walls of the house. This dampening effect happens because cedar is a porous wood and has a high ability to absorb sound.
Cedar wood siding also acts as an insulator to maintain a more consistent temperature. This helps keep the home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer, which reduces energy costs.
Aesthetic Appeal
While there are a number of great reasons to invest in adding cedar siding to a home, many people make this decision purely on the aesthetic appeal. Cedar siding has a natural look that can be more attractive than painted vinyl siding, stucco, or brick. The natural wood siding gives the home a warm-looking exterior that can catch the eye.
The rustic style improves the curb appeal of the house and may even increase the sale price depending on where the property is located and the local real estate trends. Additionally, cedar wood siding has an alluring woodsy fragrance that both repels insects and appeals to the senses of humans.
Cedar Siding Installation: DIY vs. Hiring a Professional
The cost of house siding installation is not insignificant. And replacing the exterior siding of the house is no small task and can take several days to do if only one DIYer is doing the work. If the DIYer has the time and knowledge to remove siding without damaging the house, then they may be able to save between $4,000 to $8,250 on this project.
However, a house without siding is at risk of pest and weather damage. Many homeowners realize they don’t have the time to remove siding quickly enough to keep the house protected before the installers add new cedar siding. So hiring a professional installer is usually the better option. Contractors have the proper tools and experience to work with cedar wood and install it in a way that looks sharp and protects the house.
If the siding is not properly installed, then it can lead to significant problems such as leaks, water damage, mold growth, and wood rot. In most cases, it’s recommended to hire professional cedar siding installers to tackle a project of this scope.
How to Save Money
Cedar siding cost ranges from $8,000 to $45,000, so reducing the overall price of the job can help homeowners save on any extra expenses. Homeowners can shop around for better prices, select cost-effective materials, or even take on part of the job themselves.
- Schedule for the offseason. By scheduling the job early in the spring or late in the fall when the demand is not as high, homeowners may be able to get a reduced rate for the installation.
- Shop around for better prices. Homeowners can spend some time researching different installation companies and checking cedar siding prices to ensure they get the best deal for both the labor and materials.
- Select inexpensive cedar siding material. Opting for lower-grade cedar or choosing a cheaper type of cedar can significantly reduce material costs.
- Choose prestained or prepainted siding. Not only does staining and painting take time, but it also increases the cost of the job. Purchasing prestained or prepainted siding can help reduce labor costs.
- DIY part of the job. DIYers may be able to remove the siding and paint or stain the siding on their own, which can save on labor costs.
Questions to Ask a Pro
Asking various siding installation companies a series of direct questions can help homeowners get a better idea of how the process works and how to choose siding material. Even after deciding on an installation company, there are several important questions to ask before, during, and after the completion of the job.
- How long have you been installing cedar siding?
- Where is your office located?
- Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?
- Can you provide references from previous similar jobs?
- In your quote/estimate, will you itemize each cost?
- Do you have a portfolio or website where I can view photos of similar jobs?
- Will you be doing the work, or do you use subcontractors?
- Who is my main point of contact during the installation?
- How long will the installation take?
- How will you handle any repairs that are identified during the project?
- Does the estimate include all labor, materials, permit fees, and cleanup?
- Do you handle the permitting process for me?
- What do you charge for old siding removal and disposal?
- What color options are available?
- What other costs or issues might come up during a job like this?
- When is payment required?
- How do I go about cleaning/maintaining the siding?
- Do you provide a workmanship warranty?
- What does the workmanship warranty cover?
FAQs
Most homeowners and DIYers are not experienced with removing or installing cedar siding. Still, homeowners can learn as much as possible about the process so they can monitor the progress of the installation crew. The answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about cedar siding can help provide additional clarity.
Cedar siding lasts about as long as vinyl siding from one of the best vinyl siding brands. Homeowners can expect cedar siding to last between 20 to 40 years with proper maintenance like regular inspections, repairs, and resealing when necessary.
The decision between one siding material or another often comes down to price. The cost to install cedar siding tends to be more expensive than the average vinyl siding cost, though the extra investment may be worth it to get the desired exterior house aesthetic. Generally, cedar siding costs about $6 to $16 per square foot, while vinyl siding costs $4 to $12 per square foot.
Cedar siding naturally resists decay and pests, though this protection can wane over time if the material is not properly installed, sealed, and maintained. Additionally, cedar siding is both expensive and high maintenance. However, most of the weaknesses of cedar siding can be managed with regular resealing and ongoing maintenance.
Angi, HomeGuide, Fixr