How Much Does Cedar Decking Cost? [2025 Data]

Cedar Decking Cost Factors

By now, you’re probably getting pretty excited about the prospect of relaxing on your new deck, but put the umbrella drink back in the freezer for just a minute while we talk numbers. There are a few factors to consider for your overall cedar deck cost, including the cost of lumber, deck size, and labor. Because this type of project relies so heavily on many different factors, speaking with a local deck builder early on to get an accurate estimate for your deck is best. 

Cost per Square Foot

The cedar deck cost per square foot is perhaps the biggest factor in the cost of your project—the bigger the project, the more it’ll cost. You can expect to spend between $4 and $10 per square foot for cedar decking materials alone. When you add in the installation costs, the total cost per square foot jumps to between $14 and $35. While you certainly can build a deck with more budget-friendly materials, cedar is one of the best for its durability. 

Type of Cedar

Not all types of cedar are created equal, and the type of cedar you choose will impact your cedar deck cost. Depending on your climate and decking needs, you might choose one variety of cedar over the other. 

Northern White

Northern white cedar is one of the most affordable options, ranging from $4 to $8 per square foot for materials. This wood is available in lighter colors than other cedar options and holds paint and stain well, making it highly customizable. However, this option is less dense than other varieties of cedar, and could be more susceptible to cracking and rotting. 

Eastern Red

If you live in an area with high humidity, an Eastern red cedar deck might be best for you. This variety of cedar costs $5 to $8 per square foot for materials. It is termite-resistant and a better option than northern white to reduce rot. However, because it’s a more dense variety, it doesn’t hold paint and stain well, limiting your customization. 

Western Red

Boasting a deep red color and a gingerlike scent, western red cedar is a top choice when building a cedar deck. This lumber choice ranges from $5 to $10 per square foot for materials, which places it in the higher-end range for cedar lumber. However, it is naturally resistant to decay and rot, with western red cedar decks lasting between 15 and 25 years. 

Labor

Building a deck is a labor-intensive project, and the costs reflect the difficulty of the job. Labor costs to install a cedar deck range from $10 to $25 per square foot. All told, labor accounts for around 60% to 70% of the total project cost here. Save money by performing some of the easier parts of the job yourself, like staining or painting the deck after it’s finished. 

Deck Size

Size is a primary price factor in the total cost of a cedar deck. Larger decks cost more than smaller decks due to increased materials and labor requirements. With the total cost of building a cedar deck costing between $14 and $35 per square foot, it is easy to see how larger decks max out renovation budgets in no time. Here are some common cedar deck sizes and associated price ranges. 

Foundation 

Your deck’s foundation is quite literally the base of your structure—without it, your deck could experience shifting, moving, and even collapsing. Decking foundations are available in a few different options, like deck blocks, poured concrete, and lots of other choices. You can expect to pay between $75 and $600 of your total cedar deck cost on your foundation.   

Staining or Painting 

Staining a deck is a great way to protect it from the elements and extend its overall lifespan. Staining a deck costs $550 to $1,250, with an average price of $850. Talk to your local deck building pro to see if this cost is included in their overall quote or if it’ll be an extra charge.

Deck Removal 

If you are replacing an old deck rather than starting fresh, budget for removal costs when considering estimates. Removing an existing deck costs $5 to $15 per square foot, depending on the complexity of the original design. 

Save money by going the DIY route, but removing a deck by yourself is a labor-intensive project, though it requires few materials or specialized tools. 

Land Prep

If you are building a deck on your property for the first time, there is a good chance the area requires some land prep before starting the project. The cost to excavate land for a deck ranges from $200 to $1,200, depending on the job's complexity. Additionally, removing trees costs an average of $750 per item. If the job requires additional landscaping, count on paying $4 to $6 per square foot for dethatching, aerating, and basic plant removal. 

Permits 

Your deck might not need a permit if the deck is under 200 square feet and less than 30 inches from the ground. Check with your city for requirements or ask your contractor when building a deck that exceeds these dimensions. 

Acquiring a building permit for an outdoor structure costs up to $500, though prices fluctuate depending on where you live.

Location

You should understand how location affects the cost to build a cedar deck. In certain regions, prices can be significantly higher due to elevated labor rates and higher material expenses. Here are some average cost ranges from various US cities. 

Ongoing Cedar Deck Costs

Expect to spend about $150 to $375 per year on maintenance. An annual visual inspection could catch common deck problems, so speaking with a deck repair pro every year can help you fix issues early. Here are some of the common maintenance tasks.

• Pressure washing a deck costs $100 to $250

• Refinishing costs $980

• Resealing a deck costs $550 to $1,400

• Deck repair costs $860 to $3,500

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

Building a deck yourself is not exactly a DIY-friendly project. If you do it yourself, you’ll save money but not time. That said, if you have the lumber and the tools and are relatively confident regarding your experience level, this can be a rewarding task. You’ll need to budget about $500 for a power drill, power miter, table saw, circular saw, and reciprocating saw, if you don’t already have them. And, you can expect to spend about three weeks of quality time with at least one other person to build a 12-by-24-foot deck. 

By tackling this project without professional help, you’ll save between $10 and $25 per square foot on labor costs. However, local deck builders have the know-how to build a deck efficiently and will handle logistics like material delivery. Plus, they can ensure that the project is done right the first time, without wasting precious time or materials.

Cost of Common Cedar Deck Add-Ons

Beyond labor, materials, and the active work of building the cedar deck, there are some additional cost considerations worth considering.

• Planting flowers: $4 to $6 per square foot

• Extensive landscaping from a local landscaping pro: $6 to $10 per square foot

• Deck lighting: $450 to $800

• Stairs: $25 and $50 per stair

• Railings: $40 and $60 per linear foot (note: railings are often required by law)

• Awning: $1,500 to $4,000

How to Save Money on Cedar Deck Costs

Building a new cedar deck can get pricey, but there are some ways to cut costs. Here are a few money-saving ideas to make your project more affordable.

• Stick to a modest-sized deck with a simple design. The more straightforward your project is, the more you’ll save in labor and material costs.

• Complete the project during a quieter time of year. Some deck builders increase their prices during periods of high demand (that’s spring and summer). Ask around and see if you can get a discount for installing your deck during winter.

• Choose a lower-quality cedar. You can opt for a knottier cedar option that still gives you the great qualities of cedar wood but without the cost of “perfection”.