How Much Does It Cost to Build a Cedar Deck?

Cedar Deck Cost by Square Foot

The cost to build a deck ranges from $20 to $40 per square foot. This figure doesn’t include the price of installing stairs and railings, which can cost an extra $900 to $3,000, depending on your deck's size.

Cedar Deck Costs by Lumber Type

The type of cedarwood you choose affects the cost of the deck.

Western Red

Western red cedar decking costs about $5 to $9 per linear foot. Western red cedar is especially resistant to moisture and water damage, so it's a great option if you live in a wet or humid climate. 

Northern White

Northern white cedar decking costs between $4 and $7 per linear foot. This decking material is slightly less expensive than other cedar varieties. Resistant to moisture and insect damage, this type of wood is a durable and affordable choice.

Eastern Red

Eastern red cedar costs between $5 and $8 per linear foot. This material has a distinct “cedar-like” smell thanks to the natural oils present in the wood. The scent can also ward off insects. You can treat and finish eastern red cedar to prolong its life.

Clear Cedar

Clear cedar decking isn’t actually a type of cedarwood. Instead, it refers to the quality of the board, which is free from knots and other defects. Clear cedar decking is slightly more expensive than other types of cedar decking, ranging from $7 to $9 per linear foot.

Cedar Decking Cost Factors

Some of the factors that influence the cost of cedar decking include materials, labor, and the size of your deck.

Deck Size

Carpenters typically charge by a structure's size, so the larger your deck, the more you can expect to pay. 

Lumber Type

Cedar decking planks cost between $4 to $9 per linear foot, on average. Some types of cedar, like clear cedar, are more expensive, while other types, like northern white cedar, are more affordable.

Labor

Labor costs to install cedar decking range between $20 and $40 per square foot.

Permits

Some municipalities require a permit to build permanent structures on your home, like a deck. These permits cost an average of $500. 

Staining or Painting

The cost to stain or paint a deck ranges from $500 to $1,000, with average costs around $700. Staining a deck lets you tailor its appearance to your aesthetic preferences. It can also help an old or faded deck look new again.

Removal of Old Decking

If you need to remove an existing deck before installing a new one, you should budget for removal costs, which are usually between $5 to $15 per square foot, depending on the project's complexity.

Deck Accessories

Deck accessories, like stairs and railings, usually cost an additional $900 to $3,000 beyond the basic cost of the deck. 

Lighting

Deck lighting costs between $445 and $800 to install, which includes the price of the lights and labor. 

Land Preparation

The cost to clear land for a deck typically ranges from $200 to $1,200, depending on how much work needs to be done. If you live in a wooded area, you can expect to pay around $700 per tree for removal. 

Additional Landscaping

The cost of basic landscaping usually ranges from $4 to $6 per square foot. A basic landscaping job typically includes services like dethatching, aerating, planting flowers, and other basic maintenance. If you want more extensive landscaping, like flower beds or raised gardens, you can expect to pay between $6 and $10 per square foot.  

Ongoing Maintenance Costs

Decks require regular maintenance to prolong their life and keep them looking great, such as pressure washing and sealing. You should also budget for board replacements in the event your deck incurs damage. 

Pressure Washing

Many homeowners choose to pressure wash their deck each year to maintain its appearance. Hiring a pro to pressure wash your deck usually costs between $185 and $230, depending on your deck's size. 

Sealing

The cost to seal a deck is about $600 to $1,300. Sealing a deck protects it from the weather elements, which can help add years to your deck’s life.

Board Replacements

Replacing a damaged plank is a fairly straightforward project that most homeowners can complete themselves. Pricing will vary depending on the type of wood you used. 

Cedar Deck Alternatives

Other popular decking materials include redwood, bamboo, mahogany, and ipe. Each of these materials comes with different costs. 

DIY vs. Hire a Decking Pro

If you decide to build a cedar deck yourself, you’ll save between $20 and $40 per square foot in labor costs. Instead, you'll only pay for materials and any related tools you don't own. 

Building a deck is a doable DIY project for homeowners with some construction experience, but the quality of your deck will depend on your expertise. If you’re not confident in your construction skills, you might want to hire a deck company near you. 

FAQs

What is the most affordable kind of cedar decking?

Northern white cedar is typically the most affordable cedar decking type. Western red and eastern red cedar are also relatively affordable options.

Is cedar a good choice for your decking material?

Cedarwood offers a classic look with timeless appeal. However, like most wood decking types, cedar requires more regular maintenance than composite or synthetic decking. You’ll need to reseal the deck regularly to protect against moisture and mold.

Is cedar pressure-treated?

Cedar is naturally resistant to insect damage and decay, and it lasts for 10 to 15 years or longer with regular maintenance, so there’s no need to pressure-treat cedar.