But we all know that wood costs have been rising for several years now. Cedar decking cost per square foot changed and keeps changing as years go by and other materials come up on the market.
While composite is rapidly gaining more ground, many of our customers still want a beautiful cedar deck in their backyard. If you’re looking to get one yourself, here’s the cedar decking cost per square foot in 2024 in Omaha.
Let’s begin!
Cedar Decking Cost Per square foot
The cedar decking cost per square foot is usually between $5 to $10 per linear foot. While clear cedar decking (a cedar board that’s virtually clear of knots) is more expensive, the knotty cedar will be more affordable, just like the northern white cedar or the western red cedar.
Let’s look at some cost averages.
The most common cedar deck boards we’re using are 2×4-12′ S4S CEDAR PREMIUM KNOTTY 1F, and we’re buying them at around $35. This is 12′ long, so it works great for most deck dimensions, and can also be cut to fit in different areas. For a 2×6 of 12′, we’re paying around $55. If we’re using 2×6, you’ll use less boards, but it will impact the look of your decking surface.
Note: This is cedar premium knotty with the highest grade of quality. If you’re looking for something cheaper, at the cost of sacrificing both quality and aesthetics, we can also find cedar boards that are more budget-friendly from Lowe’s or Home Depot.
However, both 2×6 and 2×4 are great for decking surfaces, but going further, like 2×8 can make the decking look funny and not as great.
Cedar Posts Cost Averages
For deck posts and frames, if money is not an issue, we recommend using the steel or aluminum frame from Fortress Building Products. These are incredibly durable, strong, and will guarantee a deck that’ll last for a lifetime and more.
The traditional option for both deck posts and frames, however, remains the pressure treated wood. The most expensive post you can get would be a 6×6 of 20′ long, and it’ll cost around $250 per post. At that stage, you might as well get a metal frame. 4×4 posts can sometimes work, but on larger decks with a lot of weight, these can bend and quickly become unsafe. Which is why we work with 6×6 posts most of the time.
For example, for a 6×6 of 8′ long, Pressure Treated Wood Grade #1 rated with ground-contact, we’re paying around $60. Depending on how long the post will be, the price will increase. Therefore, if you’re looking to get an elevated deck, know that the longer the posts, the more expensive they’ll be.
For a cedar deck frame, a 6×6 rough sawn cedar of 8′ long would cost around 180$.
So, Is Cedar Decking Cost Worth It?
From our experience, it really depends on the type of homeowner you are. If you love spending time maintaining your deck, a cedar deck might be worth it. If, on the other hand, you don’t want to have to think about upkeeping, you’d better choose a different material.
Alternatives To Cedar Decking
- The best alternative to a cedar wood deck, and wood decking in general, would be composite decking. Composite is a low-maintenance material that requires virtually no attention during its lifetime. A power wash once every year should be enough to keep your composite deck look good and functional at full capacity.
- PVC decking is another decent option that's quite similar to composite. Although they have similar properties, PVC doesn't look as good as composite, and you can tell that from a distance. In fact, different types of composite can resemble the natural look of wood, something that PVC decking can't.
- Hardwood decking like mahogany, ipe, tigerwood, or teak are, in many ways, much better than cedar. These are more durable, stronger, require less maintenance, and will offer your deck a more high-end look.
Other Decking Materials Costs
So, we discussed the cedar decking cost per square foot, but let’s see some other decking materials and their associated cost.
- Natural wood ($3.75 to $20+ per square foot) is durable and beautiful, but costs can run high.
- Pressure-treated lumber ($1.50 to $2.50 per square foot) is a popular and affordable wooden alternative.
- Composite decking ($4 to $10 per square foot) offers durability and attractiveness for minimum maintenance.
- Plastic decking ($7 to 10 per square foot) stands up well over time, but the synthetic surface doesn’t look as natural.
- Aluminum decking ($7 to $10+ per square foot) boasts many advantages.
Conclusion
So, this is the cedar decking cost per square foot in 2024. If it feels like more than what you expected, remember that these are premium boards with increased quality and aesthetics. They’re ready to take stains and sealants directly, so you won’t have to wait for it to dry.
Like we mentioned above, if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly alternative, our deck designers will guide you through all your options and help you choose the best solution for your particular needs.
At Deck Bros, we offer professional deck building installation services with one goal in mind: To see you fully satisfied with your new deck and fall in love with your backyard again.
If you’re interested in learning more about the cost of various decking materials, get in touch with us today! You’ll speak with one of our experts that’ll explain to you every option available, and which will be the most cost-effective material that you can get!
Call us at (402) 369-5724 and get expert’s advice on your upcoming deck building project!
