Lumber prices / Eastern Red Cedar
Eastern Red Cedar Price per Board Foot
Eastern red cedar is the aromatic wood in every cedar chest, and it is far harder than the western cedar people confuse it with. Boards come narrow and knotty because the trees do, so plan on more waste than usual.
Typical price per board foot$4 – $9
TypeSoftwood (Domestic)
Density (12% MC)33 lb/ft³
Weight per board foot2.8 lb
Janka hardness900 lbf
Common usesCloset lining, chests, fence posts, outdoor furniture
What common boards cost
Board feet times the price per board foot. These use the $4 to $9 range above.
| Board | Board feet | Est. cost |
|---|---|---|
| 1 x 6 x 8 ft | 4.00 | $16 – $36 |
| 1 x 8 x 8 ft | 5.33 | $21 – $48 |
| 2 x 4 x 8 ft | 5.33 | $21 – $48 |
To price a full order, put $7 (or your dealer's number) into the board foot calculator and add every board to the tally.
Softwoods with similar hardness
Eastern Red Cedar rates 900 lbf on the Janka scale. These sit closest to it, so they take similar wear and usually swap in without changing how the piece holds up. Price is often the deciding factor.
| Species | Janka | Per board foot |
|---|---|---|
| Southern Yellow Pine | 690 lbf | $2 – $4 |
| Douglas Fir | 620 lbf | $3 – $6 |
| Bald Cypress | 510 lbf | $4 – $8 |
| Sitka Spruce | 510 lbf | $4 – $9 |
Full range on the lumber prices page, and weight per board foot if shipping or floor load matters.
Frequently asked questions
- How much does eastern red cedar cost per board foot?
- Eastern Red Cedar commonly runs about $4 to $9 per board foot at retail, with wide, thick, or figured boards costing more. This is a planning range, not a quote, so confirm with your dealer.
- How much does eastern red cedar weigh?
- About 2.8 pounds per board foot kiln-dried, based on an average density of 33 lb/ft³ at 12% moisture content. Green stock weighs more.
- Is eastern red cedar a hardwood or a softwood?
- Eastern Red Cedar is a softwood (domestic), with a Janka hardness of 900 lbf.