How Much Does It Cost to Build a Cedar Deck? [2023 Data]

Installing a cedar deck costs $4 to $9 per linear foot, on average, with total project prices ranging from $3,000 to $9,000, depending on size, materials, and related factors. On average, most folks pay an average of $4,500 for the project. Cedar decking is a popular choice due to its aesthetic splendor and overall durability. In other words, if you want to lounge outside enjoying dinner or drinks on your deck, a cedar deck is an excellent choice. 

Below we’ve broken down everything you need to know to get started planning for the outdoor space of your dreams.

How Much Does Cedar Decking Cost per Linear Foot?

Cedar decking prices range from $4 to $9 per linear foot. The cost of a cedar wood deck will vary based on the type of cedar you choose, the size of your deck, and the terrain you’re building over. Expect to pay $20 to $40 per square foot for labor in addition to materials if you hire a pro.

"Cedar decking has a timeless look. As long as annual maintenance is completed, that look can be maintained for many years,” says Andy Kilborn, Angi Expert Review Board member and owner of Andy’s Handyman.

Cedar Decking Cost by Type

Your total cedar decking cost will depend on which type of material you choose. Each has pros and cons depending on your decking needs.

Western Red Cedar Decking Prices

Western Red cedar is the most popular choice for decks and costs $5 to $9 per linear foot. It has an appealing red color and grain, but it tends to be rough, so you might want to take your outdoor yoga session elsewhere.

Advantages

• Repels water

• Maintains shape

• Resists decay

• Eco-friendly from Pacific Northwest forests

Disadvantages

• Requires annual deck winterizing, including power washing, staining, and sealing each fall

• Dents and scrapes easily

• Has a rough surface

Northern White Cedar Decking Price

Northern White comes with the lowest price tag at $4 to $7 per linear foot. It’s light, yet strong. Frequently the wood of choice for canoes, northern white is durable enough for decks, fences, and outdoor furniture.

Advantages

• Fine grain is appealing and seen as high-end

• Repels insects

• Repels water

• Holds paint and stain well

Disadvantages

• Weaker than other pressure-treated woods

• More brittle than other cedars

• More likely to rot than red cedars

Eastern Red Cedar Decking Cost

Eastern Red (also called eastern juniper) costs $5 to $8 per linear foot. Its classification as a softwood is misleading, as it is actually quite hard. Its durability and resistance to rot make it ideal for deck posts.

Advantages

• Can be planed smooth

• Maintains shape

• Withstands extreme weather

• Much more rot-resistant than other cedars

• Might repel bugs

• Pleasant aroma

• Does not need to be finished or treated

Disadvantages

• Resists oil-based finishes

Clear Cedar Decking Prices

Clear cedar ranges from $5 to $7 per linear foot. Clear cedar is graded to be nearly free of knots. Wood completely free of knots would be difficult to find and quite expensive. Clear cedar costs more than knotty cedar ($4 to $8 per linear foot), but the latter gives decks a more rustic look.

Advantages:

• Free of blemishes

• Strong and durable

• Rot-resistant

Disadvantages:

• Most expensive option

Cedar Decking Cost Breakdown

By now, you’re probably getting pretty excited about the prospect of relaxing your new deck, but put the umbrella drink back in the freezer for just a minute while we talk numbers. There are a few costs to factor in:

Deck Size

The size of your deck is a primary price factor here and it goes without saying that larger decks cost more than smaller decks, due to an increase in both materials and labor. With materials costing $4 to $9 per linear foot and labor costing $20 to $40 per square foot, it is easy to see how larger decks max out renovation budgets in no time at all. Here are some common cedar deck sizes and associated price ranges.

Lumber

As previously indicated, the cedar itself is a major cost factor here and you have plenty of types to choose from. Western Red cedar is a popular option, costing $5 to $9 per linear foot for materials. Northern White cedar is a bit more economical, at $4 to $7 per linear foot. The rot-resistant Eastern Red cedar costs $5 to $8 per linear foot and knot-resistant clear cedar costs $5 to $7 per linear foot. 

Staining or Painting 

Staining a deck is a great way to protect it from the elements and extend its overall lifespan and painting a deck adds a bit of visual panache to the whole affair. Staining a deck costs $550 to $1,250, with an average price of $850. These costs are impacted by the size of the deck, the type of staining solution or paint used, and any required associated tasks like sanding, removing old paint, and more.

Deck Removal 

If you are replacing an old deck rather than starting fresh, budget for removal costs when considering estimates. Generally speaking, removing a 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 a bit of land prep before starting the project. The cost to excavate land for a deck ranges from $200 to $1,200, depending on the complexity of the job. 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. 

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 ranges from $20 to $40 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.  

Permit 

You might not need a permit if your deck is under 150 square feet and less than 30 feet 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 around $500, though prices fluctuate depending on where you live.

Additional Cedar Cost Factors

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

Lighting

Installing nifty lighting fixtures is practically a requirement if you want to enjoy your cedar deck at night. Deck lighting typically costs $450 to $800 to install and this price includes both materials and labor. The costs fluctuate depending on the design of your lighting scheme, so contact a local outdoor lighting professional for more information and to discuss your specific needs. 

Deck Accessories

When bringing up deck accessories, you are not usually referring to frivolous knick-knacks, but rather denoting important fixtures like stairs and railings. Installing these crucial fixtures costs anywhere from $900 to $3,000 or more, depending on the materials used and the complexity of the job. Stairs are an absolute must if you want your deck to attach to another level of the home and railings help protect your guests as they use the deck.

Landscaping

There is the type of landscaping required to prepare an outdoor area for a new deck, covered above, and there is the type of landscaping used to spruce up a deck once it is built. Basic landscaping tasks like planting flowers near or on the deck costs $4 to $6 per square foot. Extensive landscaping jobs like building flower beds or raised gardens cost $6 to $10 per square foot. Contact a local landscaping pro to discuss options for your outdoor space.

Ongoing Cedar Deck Costs

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Properly maintained, a cedar deck can last a couple of decades, so you can enjoy your investment through many seasons. Expect to spend about $150 to $375 per year on maintenance. An annual visual inspection could catch common deck problems. Deck repair pros near you can take this on.

Cleaning and Power Washing

Performing ongoing maintenance tasks helps keep your deck in pristine condition for years to come. Cleaning is an important aspect of this maintenance process. Performing basic cleaning tasks like sweeping and wiping the deck down with a hose are simple enough DIY projects, but power washing is a surefire way to provide a deep clean. Pressure washing a deck costs $150 to $230, depending on the size of the area. Power wash the deck once each year to maintain the appearance. 

Refinishing

Refinishing the deck, which includes sanding down the top layer and staining, costs about $900 and can make your deck look like new all over again. A local deck refinishing pro near you can help you figure out what kind of work your deck needs.

Stain, Paint and Seal

Resealing a deck costs around $2 per square foot and should be done annually.

Staining the deck is $1–$1.50 per square foot. Do this every two or three years.

Replacements

As your deck advances in years, some planks and boards may run into some serious damage. The cost to replace a plank or two depends on the type of cedar you used to build the deck and the size of the area that needs a bit of TLC. Measure the size of the damaged planks and price out the lumber accordingly. Replace the plank yourself to save money or hit up your pro for a quick service call. 

Repairs

Repair any loose boards, nails sticking up, decay, and rough spots as needed. Deck repair costs anywhere from $800 to $3,200, depending on the issue. Fixing loose stairs falls on the lower end of this spectrum while replacing multiple boards falls on the higher end of the price range. Other common deck repair tasks include replacing railings, clearing out mold and rot, removing popped nails or screws, and exterminating pests like termites. 

How Much Does It Cost to Build a Cedar Deck Yourself?

Building a deck costs between $2,000 to $7,500 depending on square footage and materials. You’ll save money (but not time) if you do it yourself, as local deck builders have the necessary tools and know-how to build a deck properly, and will handle the logistics like material delivery. Expect to spend about three weeks of quality time with at least one other person to build a 12-by-24-foot deck and about $4 to $9 per linear foot for materials. 

If you need to rent tools, budget about $500 for a power drill, power miter, table, circular, and reciprocating saws. You might also want an air compressor with a nail gun.

One way to save on costs is to have a local deck contractor lay the deck, then install the railing yourself. You can also ask your contractor if you can buy the materials on your own.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

Building a deck yourself is not exactly a DIY-friendly project. Even removing a pre-existing deck takes 10 to 15 hours of work by a regular layperson. However, if you have the lumber and the tools and you are relatively confident regarding your experience level, this can be a rewarding task for amateurs. 

Remember, labor accounts for 60% to 70% of the overall project cost, so doing it yourself is extremely tempting. If you are new to extensive projects like deck building, leave it to the pros. If this is not your first cedar-based rodeo, give it a try yourself. 

Candace Nelson contributed to this piece.