Cedar Decking Cost Per Linear Foot: Materials, Installation, and Maintenance

Cedar decking remains a popular choice in American yards for its natural beauty, durability, and ease of work. Understanding the cost per linear foot helps homeowners estimate budgets accurately and compare options across grades, profiles, and installation scenarios. This article breaks down what influences cedar decking costs, typical price ranges, and practical guidance for planning a cedar deck project.

What Affects Cedar Decking Cost

Several factors drive the price per linear foot of cedar decking. The most impactful are the grade and species of cedar, board width and thickness, profile (tongue-and-groove, bevel, or square-edged), and the length of boards you choose. The complexity of the deck design, site prep needs, and whether fasteners, spacers, or hidden fastening systems are used also influence cost. Material costs can fluctuate with supply, regional availability, and market demand, making precise estimates essential for budgeting.

Material Costs: Cedar Grades and Types

For cedar decking, cost per linear foot varies with grade, species, and finish. Common cedar choices include Western red cedar and Alaska yellow cedar, both valued for rot resistance and aesthetics. Prices typically fall within these ranges per linear foot for boards without labor:

• Economy/Rail-grade Western Red Cedar: about $2.50–$4.50 per linear foot for standard 1×6 boards, depending on thickness and moisture content.
• Mid-grade Western Red Cedar: roughly $4.00–$6.00 per linear foot for common profile boards.
• Premium Grade or Clear Cedar: around $6.50–$9.00+ per linear foot, depending on width (e.g., 5/4×6 or 2×6) and finish.

Board width affects the number of boards needed and, by extension, material costs. For instance, 5/4×6 boards cover more area per board than 1×6 boards, impacting the total linear footage required. Knot presence and grade also influence both appearance and price; clear or knot-free boards command higher prices but reduce finish maintenance in exposed areas.

Labor and Installation Costs

Installation costs can rival or exceed material costs, especially on complex layouts, elevated decks, or sites with challenging terrain. Labor is typically quoted per square foot for decking projects, but it can be translated into a per-linear-foot estimate based on board length and deck width. Typical ranges include:

• Basic installation: $8–$12 per square foot, including substructure, decking, and basic fastening.
• Standard-quality installation with hidden fasteners: $12–$18 per square foot.
• Premium or complex installations (multi-level, curved layouts, extensive framing): $18–$25+ per square foot.

To convert to per-linear-foot terms, multiply the cost per square foot by the deck’s width (in feet). For example, a 12-foot wide deck at $15 per square foot costs about $180 per linear foot of deck length. Other factors that push labor costs higher include: proper drainage considerations, substructure replacement, railing installation, and protective coatings.

Maintenance and Long-Term Costs

Cedar’s natural rot resistance reduces certain maintenance needs, but ongoing care is essential to extend deck life and preserve color. Typical maintenance considerations and costs include:

• Sealing and staining: every 2–3 years, cost ranges from $0.50–$1.50 per square foot if DIY, or $1.50–$3.00 per square foot for professional service.
• Cleaning and mildew prevention: annual power washing or cleaning, $0.20–$0.50 per square foot if professional; DIY cleanup costs are lower but require time.
• Rot repair and board replacement: variable; damaged boards may be replaced at $5–$15 per linear foot for materials plus labor.
• Comparative durability: cedar ages gracefully with a silvery gray patina if left untreated, or retains color with maintenance, potentially extending deck lifespan beyond cheaper alternatives.

Indirect maintenance costs include hardware corrosion resistance (stainless or ceramic-coated fasteners are common), railing coatings, and the need for occasional structural inspections. Proper ventilation and drainage reduce aging and maintenance needs, improving long-term value.

Cost Comparisons: Cedar vs Other Decking

Understanding where cedar sits among decking options helps with decision-making. Typical cost comparisons per square foot installed are:

• installed range roughly $12–$25+ per square foot, depending on grade and complexity.
• often $8–$15 per square foot installed, cheaper material but shorter lifespan if untreated.
• $20–$40+ per square foot installed, longer lifespan but higher upfront cost.
• $25–$40+ per square foot installed, high durability but higher material costs and specialized installation.