Prices for landscape timbers vary by size, material, and installation details. In this article, readers will see the cost and price ranges for common landscape timber projects, including per-foot and per-piece pricing, plus the major drivers that affect total costs. The term landscape timber price and cost are used to reflect typical budgeting needs for U.S. homeowners and contractors.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pressure-treated pine timber (6x6x8 ft) | $9 | $15 | $25 | Common edging/raised bed size |
| Cedar timber (4x6x8 ft) | $20 | $28 | $45 | Higher durability, natural look |
| Composite timber (per linear ft) | $4 | $7 | $12 | Per linear foot, includes coating |
| Installation labor (per linear ft) | $1.50 | $3 | $6 | Varies by soil and access |
| Delivery fee (within 20 miles) | $25 | $50 | $120 | Distance affects price |
Landscape Timber Price Ranges by Size and Type
Typical total price. For an 8-foot run of 6×6 pressure-treated pine landscape timbers, expect a price range of $9-$25 per piece, depending on grade and local availability. For cedar, the same size runs about $28-$45 per piece, reflecting natural durability and appearance. Per linear foot pricing better communicates scale: pressure-treated pine generally costs $1.50-$3.50 per linear ft, cedar runs $2.50-$5.50 per linear ft, and composite timbers fall in the $4-$12 per linear ft range. Assumptions: standard residential yard, normal access, Midwest-to-South labor, standard grade timber.
Material Breakdown: Pressure-Treated Wood, Cedar, and Composite Costs
Different materials drive the bottom line. Pressure-treated pine is the most economical option, typically $1.50-$3.50 per linear ft or $9-$25 per 8-foot piece. Cedar timber adds aroma and natural rot resistance, usually $2.50-$5.50 per linear ft or $20-$45 per 8-foot piece. Composite timbers offer long-term durability and low maintenance, priced at approximately $4-$12 per linear ft. Material choice affects not only price but maintenance needs and lifespan, influencing 5- to 15-year ownership costs.
Labor and Installation: Per Linear Foot and Project Scope
Labor costs typically range from $1.50-$6 per linear foot for landscape timber installation, depending on terrain, trenching requirements, and soil compaction. A simple edging project along a straight border may sit on the lower end, while curved borders, steep slopes, or combined retaining features push costs higher. Labor duration and crew size are regularly the biggest variables, with a typical crew of 1-2 people handling small to mid-size installations in 1-2 days in suburban settings.
Regional Price Variations Across U.S. Markets
Prices shift with regional demand, lumber availability, and labor rates. In the Southeast and Plains states, pressure-treated pine remains the most economical, while coastal regions where cedar is popular may show higher cedar pricing. Contractors in high-cost urban markets may add delivery surcharges and minimum project charges. Expect a 10-25% delta between regions for similar timber sizes and grades, with labor rate differences contributing most to the gap.
Additional Costs: Fasteners, Edging, and Drainage Accessories
Project cost isn’t only the timber. Fasteners (galvanized or stainless steel) typically add $0.15-$0.60 per linear ft. Edging materials (plastic or metal) can push the total by $0.50-$2.00 per linear ft. Small drainage components or landscape fabric add another $0.25-$1.00 per linear ft. For complex installations, delivery, and disposal fees may be separate line items, especially on larger projects.
Common Project Scenarios: Garden Edging, Raised Beds, and Retaining Walls
Garden edging projects using 6×6 timbers usually target 8- to 12-foot runs, with per-piece prices of $9-$28 depending on material. Raised-bed configurations often require multiple timbers per side, driving up total material costs; plan $25-$60 per linear foot for mixed timber types in high-traffic areas. For short retaining-walls of 1-2 tiers, expect higher per-piece pricing due to added cutting and precise alignment, typically $30-$60 per piece for cedar or $25-$50 for pressure-treated options. Project scope and height of the border or wall are the main cost drivers here.
Permits, Delivery, and Waste Disposal Fees
In most residential landscape timber projects, permits are not required, but large or boundary-related builds may trigger local rules. Delivery fees usually run $25-$120 depending on distance, with extra charges for very heavy loads or weekend delivery. Waste disposal or soil/old timber hauling may add $50-$150. Delivery distance and load size are the top drivers of these fees, followed by disposal needs.
Ways to Cut Landscape Timber Costs Without Compromising Quality
To manage costs, control scope and optimize material choice. Choose pressure-treated pine or consistent cedar grade without decorative cuts to keep per-piece prices predictable. Use straight-line runs instead of long curved borders to reduce labor hours. Consider using timber pairs for borders instead of continuous, high-detail edging for budget projects. Scheduling installations during slower seasons may also reduce hourly rates and trip charges.
| Cost Component | What to Expect | Typical Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | Timber, fasteners, edging | $9-$60 per piece depending on size and material | Budget for 6×6 pine and cedar mixes |
| Labor | Cutting, trenching, set-in-place | $1.50-$6 per linear ft | Higher for curves and slopes |
| Delivery/Disposal | Distance fees, haul-away | $25-$120 | Distance-driven costs |
| Accessories | Fasteners, fabric, edging | $0.25-$2 per linear ft | Compatibility with timber type matters |
| Taxes/Permits | Sales tax, occasional permit | $0-$20 per project | Regional variation |
| Contingency | Cost cushion for errors | 5-10% | Include in overall budget |
Assumptions: Midwest labor rates, standard domestic timber, typical suburban yards, and standard-grade timbers.