Redwood Decking Cost & Calculator

Redwood decking boards offer unmatched natural beauty with a warm reddish tone that ages to a silvery grey. The heartwood is naturally resistant to decay and insects, requiring no chemical treatment for above-ground use.

Unit Price

$9.50

per board foot

Labor Cost

$3.50

per board foot

Durability

30

years lifespan

Sustainability

3/5

Average

Category: Lumber
Range: $7.00$14.00/board foot
Waste Factor: 10%
Avg Project: $8,500

Material estimate workflow

Estimate Redwood Decking Cost Before You Order or Compare Bids

Step 1

Price Redwood Decking by the right unit

Start with the measured quantity in board foots, then compare the current unit range of $7.00 to $14.00 per board foot.

Step 2

Add waste, labor, and install accessories

Apply the default 10% waste factor, then include labor, fasteners, trim, adhesives, delivery, rental tools, and other project-specific accessories.

Step 3

Use the result to check written bids

Compare the calculator result against supplier units and contractor line items, then verify code, permit, and site-condition assumptions before ordering.

Contractor Takeoff Notes

How to Budget Redwood Decking Without Missing Hidden Costs

Redwood Decking should be budgeted as a complete installed assembly, not only as a commodity unit price. Quantity, waste, labor, local supply, code requirements, and the accessories needed for installation drive the final project cost.

$1,443

sample total for 111 board foots

Price drivers

  • +Unit price ranges from $7.00 to $14.00 per board foot, with $9.50 as the national midpoint used in this calculator.
  • +Labor is modeled at $3.50 per board foot, but local contractor rates and project access can move that number sharply.
  • +The default 10% waste factor covers typical cuts and field losses; complex layouts need a larger buffer.

Ordering checks

  • +Measure the installed quantity in board foots before adding waste or accessories.
  • +Confirm grade, thickness, profile, warranty, and code requirements before comparing quotes.
  • +Price delivery, fasteners, adhesives, trim, reinforcement, disposal, and rental equipment separately.

Quote risks

  • !A low material price can still produce an expensive job when labor, accessories, or rework are missing from the estimate.
  • !Regional supply shortages, minimum delivery charges, and permit requirements can change the final installed cost.

Redwood Decking Cost Calculator

1 board foot1,000 board foots

Order quantity: 111 board foots (100 + 10% waste)

Material Cost

$1,055

incl. $105 waste buffer

Labor Cost

$389

Total Estimated Cost

$1,443

Based on 111 board foots at $9.50/board foot + $3.50/board foot labor. Actual costs vary by location and supplier.

Specifications

GradeConstruction Heart or Deck Heart
Profile5/4×6 radius edge
Heartwood ContentHigh (rot-resistant)
FinishSeal or stain within 6 months

Price Comparison with Alternatives

MaterialPriceDurabilitySustainabilityCost/Year
Redwood Decking (current)$9.50/board foot30 yrs3/5$0.32
Composite Decking$8.00/sq ft30 yrs4/5$0.27
Cedar Lumber$8.50/board foot30 yrs4/5$0.28
Ipe Hardwood$22.00/board foot75 yrs2/5$0.29

Cost/Year = unit price divided by expected lifespan. Lower cost/year indicates better long-term value. Note: units may differ between materials.

Best Uses

  • Deck surfaces
  • Outdoor seating
  • Patio flooring
  • Pool surrounds

Material Details

Average Project Cost

$8,500

Typical project using this material

Sustainability Rating

Averagemoderate environmental impact

Waste Factor

10%

Order 10% extra to account for cuts, breakage, and fitting

Redwood Decking: Complete Buying Guide 2026

Redwood decking boards offer unmatched natural beauty with a warm reddish tone that ages to a silvery grey. The heartwood is naturally resistant to decay and insects, requiring no chemical treatment for above-ground use. In 2026, redwood decking prices average $9.50 per board foot, with a typical range of $7.00 to $14.00 depending on your region, supplier relationships, and order quantity.

When budgeting for a project using redwood decking, factor in approximately 10% additional material for waste, plus labor costs averaging $3.50 per board foot for professional installation. A typical project using this material runs approximately $8,500 including both materials and labor.

With an expected lifespan of 30 years, redwood decking represents a cost of approximately $0.32 per board foot per year of service life. This solid lifespan provides good value for most residential and commercial applications.

For searchers comparing bids, the key number is not only the shelf price. The installed cost for redwood decking depends on accessory materials, waste, job access, minimum order size, delivery, regional labor rates, and whether the project needs permit or code-driven upgrades. This page combines the HammerIO material database with 2026 cost modeling, contractor takeoff assumptions, and public construction cost references.

Methodology & Data Sources — Redwood Decking Cost Data

How we calculate Redwood Decking costs: Our pricing model combines the HammerIO material database, RSMeans-style construction assemblies, EPA Environmentally Preferable Purchasing guidance for sustainability ratings, DOE Building Technologies Office benchmarks for energy-related materials, and contractor takeoff assumptions. Unit prices are reviewed quarterly and cross-checked against common supplier ranges where available.

  1. Unit price ($9.50/board foot): National midpoint estimate for mid-market grade materials sourced through standard supply channels.
  2. Average project cost ($8,500): Derived from material quantity, labor allowance, waste, and typical residential/light commercial installation assumptions.
  3. Waste factor (10%): Per NAHB (National Association of Home Builders) construction waste estimation guidelines, accounting for cuts, breakage, and field adjustments.
  4. Durability (30 years): Lifespan estimates sourced from HUD Residential Rehabilitation Inspection Guide and manufacturer warranty data aggregated by DOE ORNL.
  5. Sustainability rating (3/5): Composite score from EPA Environmentally Preferable Purchasing criteria, including embodied carbon, recyclability, and VOC emissions per LEED v4.1 thresholds.

Disclaimer: Construction material prices vary significantly by region, supplier, project volume, and market conditions. The figures shown represent national averages and should be used for budgeting and comparison purposes only. Always obtain local contractor quotes before committing to a project budget.

Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated May 31, 2026 · Pricing sourced from the HammerIO 2026 material database, RSMeans-style assemblies, public agency guidance, and contractor takeoff assumptions

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does redwood decking cost in 2026?
Redwood Decking costs an average of $9.50 per board foot in 2026. Prices range from $7.00 to $14.00 per board foot depending on your location, supplier, and quantity purchased. A typical project using redwood decking costs approximately $8,500.
How long does redwood decking last?
Redwood Decking has an expected lifespan of approximately 30 years when properly installed and maintained. Actual durability depends on climate exposure, installation quality, and maintenance practices. This provides good long-term value for most residential applications.
What is redwood decking used for?
Redwood Decking is commonly used for Deck surfaces, Outdoor seating, Patio flooring, Pool surrounds. It falls in the Lumber category of construction materials. Redwood decking boards offer unmatched natural beauty with a warm reddish tone that ages to a silvery grey. The heartwood is naturally resistant to decay and insects, requiring no chemical treatment for above-ground use.
How much waste should I plan for with redwood decking?
Plan for approximately 10% waste when ordering redwood decking. For a project requiring 100 board foots of material, you should order 111 board foots to account for cuts, breakage, and fitting. Waste factors vary by project complexity and installer experience.
What are alternatives to redwood decking?
Common alternatives to Redwood Decking include Composite Decking, Cedar Lumber, Ipe Hardwood. Each alternative offers different trade-offs in terms of cost, durability, and performance. Composite Decking costs $8.00 per sq ft and lasts approximately 30 years.
Is redwood decking sustainable?
Redwood Decking has a sustainability rating of 3 out of 5 (Average). This material has an average environmental impact. Consider locally sourced options when available to reduce transportation-related emissions.

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