How Much Does Cedar Decking Cost? [2026 Data]

In 2026, the national average cost for cedar decking runs $6,500. Most homeowners pay between $3,600 and $9,000, with the spread driven by cedar species, deck size, and local labor rates. You should also set aside room in your budget for permits, which can run up to $500.

Cedar Decking Cost Factors: What Affects the Price?

Several variables shape the total cost of a cedar deck, with lumber, deck size, and labor being the primary drivers. Speaking with a local deck builder early in the planning process is the most reliable way to get an accurate estimate for your specific project.

Cost per Square Foot

Cedar decking materials run $4 to $10 per square foot. Once installation is factored in, the total cost rises to $14 to $35 per square foot. While you certainly can build a deck with more budget-friendly materials, cedar is one of the most durable options. 

Type of Cedar

The cedar variety you choose directly affects your material costs, and the right choice depends on your climate and performance priorities. See how the type of cedar affects your total decking cost in the table below:

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

Labor is the single largest line item in a cedar deck budget, costing $10 to $25 per square foot and accounting for roughly 60% to 70% of the total project cost. You can reduce that expense by handling simpler finishing tasks yourself, such as staining or painting the deck once construction is complete.

Deck Size

Deck size is one of the most direct cost drivers when building a cedar deck, since larger footprints require more materials and more labor hours. See how size affects your total cedar decking cost in the table below:

Foundation 

A properly built foundation is essential to keeping your deck stable and safe, since a weak base can lead to shifting, movement, or collapse. Foundation options range from deck blocks to poured concrete, with costs falling between $75 and $600 depending on the type and complexity of the system you choose.

Staining or Painting

Staining or painting your cedar deck protects it from the elements and extends its lifespan, with staining a deck costs ranging from $550 to $1,250 and averaging $850. Ask your local deck building pro upfront whether this service is included in their overall quote or billed as a separate charge.

Deck Removal

If you’re replacing an existing deck, plan to budget $5 to $15 per square foot for removal, with the final cost depending on the complexity of the original structure. Removing a deck by yourself can reduce that expense, though it is physically demanding and requires few specialized tools or materials.

Land Prep

First-time deck installations often require land preparation before any building can begin, with excavation costs ranging from $200 to $1,200 depending on the complexity of the site. If trees need to come down, removing trees costs an average of $750 per tree. Additional landscaping work such as dethatching, aerating, and basic plant removal adds $4 to $6 per square foot to the overall prep budget.

Permits

Your deck might not need a permit if it is under 200 square feet and less than 30 inches from the ground, but decks that exceed either threshold typically require one. A building permit for an outdoor structure costs up to $500, though the exact amount varies by municipality, so confirm requirements with your city or contractor before breaking ground.

Location

Where you live has a meaningful impact on cedar deck costs, with elevated labor rates and higher material expenses raising prices in certain regions. The table below shows the average cost to build a cedar deck in various U.S. cities:

Ongoing Cedar Deck Costs: What to Budget For

Owning a cedar deck means budgeting $150 to $375 per year for routine maintenance, including pressure washing, refinishing, resealing, and repairs. Scheduling an annual inspection with a deck repair pro helps you catch common deck problems before they become costly, keeping your deck in good shape for years to come. Here are some expected maintenance costs for a cedar deck:

• Pressure washing a deck: $100–$250

• Refinishing: $980

• Resealing a deck: $550–$1,400

• Deck repair: $860–$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

Along with essential labor and material costs, these additional features can impact your total deck budget:

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

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

• Deck lighting: $450–$800

• Stairs: $25–$50 per stair

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

• Awning: $1,500–$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”.