Cedar / redwood deck cost
Short answer
A cedar / redwood deck costs about $20–$38 per square foot installed. A 12 × 16 ft deck (192 sq ft) runs roughly $3,840–$7,296.
Cost / sq ft
$20–$38
12×16 installed
$3,840–$7,296
Boards
29
Joists
13
Cedar / redwood decking
At $20–$38 per square foot installed, a 192 sq ft (12×16 ft) deck in cedar / redwood runs about $3,840–$7,296. That covers framing, decking, fasteners, and labor — railings and stairs are extra.
What drives cedar / redwood deck cost
A cedar / redwood deck runs $20–$38 per square foot installed, so a 12×16 ft deck (192 sq ft) lands around $3,840–$7,296. That price is boards plus the framing, footings, and labor underneath — the substructure is the same work regardless of which decking you pick, which is why cheaper boards save less than the sticker difference suggests.
Cedar / redwood is a natural wood, so factor in upkeep: clean + seal every 2–3 yr to keep it from graying, cracking, and rotting. It costs less upfront than composite or PVC, but over a 15–20 yr life the staining and board replacement add up — worth weighing if you plan to stay.
Beyond the decking, your price moves with deck size and shape, height off the ground (a raised deck needs more posts, footings, and often a railing and stairs), permits and inspections, and whether you add features like built-in benches, lighting, or a pergola. Get bids itemized into framing, decking, and railing so you can compare boards fairly.
What affects your price
| Factor | Effect on cost |
|---|---|
| Deck size | Priced per square foot at $20–$38/sq ft — width × length drives it |
| Height & stairs | Raised decks need more posts, footings, railings, and stairs |
| Substructure | Footings, joists, and ledger board are the same cost under any decking |
| Maintenance | Cedar / redwood: clean + seal every 2–3 yr over a 15–20 yr life |
| Features | Built-in benches, lighting, pergolas, and fascia add cost |
| Permits & region | A deck permit, inspection, and local labor rates change the total |
Cedar / redwood vs other decking
Installed cost for a 12×16 ft deck, plus lifespan and upkeep.
| Material | Per sq ft | Deck total | Lifespan | Upkeep |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pressure-treated wood | $15–$25 | $2,880–$4,800 | 10–15 yr | Clean + re-stain every 1–2 yr |
| Cedar / redwood | $20–$38 | $3,840–$7,296 | 15–20 yr | Clean + seal every 2–3 yr |
| Composite (Trex-style) | $30–$60 | $5,760–$11,520 | 25–30 yr | Wash occasionally; no staining |
| PVC / vinyl | $35–$70 | $6,720–$13,440 | 30+ yr | Wash occasionally; no staining |
Cedar / redwood deck planning tips
- Seal cedar on all sides before install and re-coat every 2–3 years; unsealed cedar silvers and checks quickly.
- Pull a deck permit — most areas require one, and an unpermitted deck can block a home sale later.
- Spend on the substructure: proper footings below the frost line and a flashed ledger board prevent the failures that matter.
- Get bids itemized into framing, decking, and railing so a cheaper board does not hide pricier labor.
Estimate your deck
Open the deck calculatorOther materials
Frequently asked questions
How much does a cedar / redwood deck cost per square foot?
About $20–$38 per square foot installed, including framing, decking, and labor. Height, railings, and stairs push it higher.
How much does a 12 × 16 cedar / redwood deck cost?
Roughly $3,840–$7,296 for 192 sq ft — about 29 deck boards and 13 joists. Enter your size in the calculator.
Is a cedar / redwood deck worth it?
Cedar / redwood is cheaper upfront than composite but needs regular sealing or staining. Weigh the maintenance against the lower cost.