Cedar Siding Cost
Cedar is generally the most expensive common siding material, driven by the natural material's grading, milling, and ongoing finishing requirements.
Typical installed price
| Per square foot, installed | $9 – $18 |
| Per square (100 sq ft), installed | $900 – $1,800 |
| Example: 1,700 sq ft of wall | $15,300 – $30,600 |
Planning range for US projects, including labor and routine accessories; not a quote. Reviewed September 2026. See how much siding costs for other materials and the factors behind these numbers.
What affects the cost
- • Grade — clear, knotty, and select grades are priced very differently based on appearance quality.
- • Profile — bevel, shingle, and shake styles require different amounts of material and labor.
- • Waste from culling knots and defects, which is higher for natural wood than manufactured products.
- • Finishing — stain or sealant material and labor, plus ongoing re-finishing every several years.
- • Installation labor, which can be higher due to careful handling and pattern matching requirements.
Relative cost position
Compared to other siding materials, this option is generally on the high to highest end of the range for material cost. Labor, region, and project complexity still matter more than material choice alone for your final total.
No fixed national pricing
Frequently asked questions
How much does cedar siding cost per square foot?
Installed, cedar siding typically runs about $9–$18 per sq ft, or roughly $900–$1,800 per square, with grade, milling and finish driving the range. Plan for periodic re-staining too.
Why is cedar siding so expensive?
It’s a natural material with higher grading and milling costs, more waste from culling defects, and ongoing finishing requirements that manufactured sidings don’t need.
Does cedar siding need ongoing maintenance cost?
Yes — most cedar siding needs re-staining or re-sealing every several years to maintain its appearance and weather resistance.