Cellulose Insulation: Complete Buying Guide 2026
Cellulose insulation is made from 85% recycled newspaper treated with borate fire retardants. Dense-pack cellulose fills wall cavities completely, reducing air infiltration better than fiberglass batts while offering excellent sound dampening properties. In 2026, cellulose insulation prices average $1.20 per sq ft, with a typical range of $0.80 to $1.80 depending on your region, supplier relationships, and order quantity.
When budgeting for a project using cellulose insulation, factor in approximately 5% additional material for waste, plus labor costs averaging $0.80 per sq ft for professional installation. A typical project using this material runs approximately $2,500 including both materials and labor.
With an expected lifespan of 30 years, cellulose insulation represents a cost of approximately $0.04 per sq ft per year of service life. This solid lifespan provides good value for most residential and commercial applications.