Exterior siding typically costs between $5,000 to $14,050, including material and installation. You'll pay less for a material like aluminum, which costs between $2 and $5 per square foot, while brick siding ranges in cost from $9 to $28 per square foot. Common siding materials like vinyl or engineered wood typically range between $3 and $12 per square foot.
Published December 23, 2020
Reviewed by Robert Tschudi, Expert Home Building and Remodeling Contributor.2021 Notice: Material & Labor Prices are Surging
Demand for siding has grown over the past year. And, as a result, manufacturers are increasing materials prices. Prices have gone up 5% to 10% this year, and many parts of the country are experiencing long delivery times. If you're planning a siding project, we recommend starting as early as possible in the season, preparing for potential price fluctuations, and allowing extra time to order materials.
Depending on local labor and material costs plus the size of your house, you could pay as little as $1,700 for affordable stucco or as much as $125,000 for stone siding.
The cost to side a house, including materials, installation and site cleanup, typically ranges from $5,400 to $16,000, or about $10,750 on average. Common siding materials include vinyl siding, which costs about $3 to $12 per square foot. Fiber cement is also popular and starts at $5 per square foot. Brick is more expensive and costs at least $9 per square foot.
Cost factors that affect the overall price of your project include:
Siding quality: Low-cost siding may save money in the short-term, but more expensive material means less replacement in the long-term.
Home size: The larger the home, the more materials you'll need. Additionally, a larger house requires a longer installation process.
Shape of your home: A simple box-shaped home is easier and cheaper to side than a house with eaves, turrets or multiple stories.
Removing or laying over old siding: A pro may decide to install new siding over old, depending on type and condition. Other times, a pro will need to replace it at an extra cost.
Regulated communities: Historical districts and home-owners associations will usually mandate acceptable products.
"For the long-term, we always suggest removing existing siding to expose rot, vermin and nests. When new siding goes over the old, the lines of the windows and doors become less defined and (to some) diminishes the overall appearance."
Robert Tschudi, Expert Home Building & Remodeling Contributor.
Finally, when you have your siding installed can make a big difference in the cost. Installing siding during the off-season will usually grant you a lower price from your contractor. In contrast, installing during the spring and summer months will generally cost a premium since these are the times when contractors are most in demand. Costs vary by region, so where you live will also play a role in how much you will end up paying.
Siding typically costs about $12 per square foot, though the price depends mostly on the material. Wood starts at $2 per square foot while stone can reach $50 per square foot. Talk to siding contractors near you about the specifics of your home and how you'd like it to look.
Homeowners can expect a square (which covers 100 square feet) to run about $1,200 on average.
You'll pay anywhere from $1,200 to $2,400 for a box of siding and installation, depending on the type you choose. Usually, one box covers 200 square feet.
Before you undertake a siding project, you will want to have an estimate of its overall cost. The good news is that you don't need a contractor to estimate your siding costs. All you need is a measuring tape, paper, pencil and a calculator. Here are the steps to take to estimate your siding cost:
Pick a side of your home and draw the walls that will receive siding on your sheet of paper. Break the diagram up into rectangles and triangles.
Measure the rectangles and triangles of your wall and write down the measurements on your drawing.
Repeat the above two steps until you have measured your entire house.
Add up all the rectangles and triangles and calculate their area.
Use the following formulas to get the area for your rectangles and triangles:
Area of rectangle = Height x Length
Area of Triangle = (Height x Length) / 2
These formulas will work with any variation of rectangle or triangle.
Add the areas together to give you your house's exterior square footage.
Add 10% to cover waste with gables, windows and typical errors.
Multiply the figure you came up with in step 5 by the siding cost per square foot. If you want to get even more specific, add in tax.
Before starting, make sure to calculate how much siding you need to avoid overspending or having extra materials.
Homeowners usually pay between $5,400 and $15,500 to side a house, or about $10,300 on average.
| Material | Cost Per Square Foot | Average Total to Install* |
|---|---|---|
| Vinyl | $3 - $12 | $6,150 - $15,900 |
| Engineered Wood | $4 - $9 | $5,400 - $13,000 |
| Aluminum | $2 - 5 | $10,000 - $19,000 |
| Wood | $2 - $5 | $7,000 - $23,000 |
| Fiber Cement | $5 - $13.50 | $6,000 - $20,000 |
| Brick | $9 - $28 | $8,900 - $25,000 |
| Stucco | $5 - $6 | $1,830 - $7,052 |
| Steel | $4 - $8 | $4,000 - $14,600 |
| Stone | $35 - $50 | $87,500 - $125,000 |
*These prices are for a typical single-family home that ranges from 1,500 to 2,500 square feet.
Engineered wood typically costs between $3,000 and $5,000. It's typically a more affordable option than the alternative – wood siding costs between $7,000 and $23,000 to install.
Engineered wood is made up of plywood or hardwood sheets that contain bits of wood bonded together with resins, then treated with insecticide and fungicide. It often comes pre-primed and ready to paint or already finished in a style that mimics the look of real wood. Engineered wood is lighter and easier to install than traditional wood, making it a popular choice for DIY projects.
Advantages
Attractive: authentic appearance that’s easy to customize with finish options.
Strong and durable: also easier to install than wood.
Cost-effective.
Disadvantages
Newer material: improper installation can result in issues.
Porous: could trap moisture in humid areas.
Maintenance
After installing engineered wood, you only to wash it once a year with a power washer. You might also want to budget for repainting every 5 to 10 years. The chemical compounds in engineered wood help withstand mold, rot, and prevent insects.
Vinyl siding costs between $6,100 and $16,500. It's a popular project due to its low cost and durability. Unlike other materials, you don’t need to repaint vinyl and is not susceptible to rot or insect damage. Here are some average prices for different qualities and types of vinyl from Lowe's:
Advantages
Low maintenance: never needs to be repainted.
Low cost and durable: resistant to color fading.
Easy to install.
Disadvantages
Vulnerable to high winds.
Not waterproof: may lead to mold, rot, and infestation.
Vulnerable: Extreme weather and high temps can lead to dents and cracks.
Maintenance
Some vinyl manufacturers recommend using a pressure washer once a year, while others advise against using pressure. Check with your manufacturer's instructions before using a pressure washer since it can cause permanent damage. You can rent a pressure washer from Home Depot starting at about $40 per day, or hire a pressure washing professional to do it for $100 to $200, making vinyl maintenance relatively inexpensive.
You can also use an easy DIY cleaning solution on vinyl throughout the year. The combination of 70% water and 30% white vinegar makes a great all-purpose cleaner that removes light mold and mildew stains. Use a soft brush to clean siding and avoid using anything harsh such as steel wool or other highly-abrasive scrubbers. Be sure to cover all vegetation around the house, as white vinegar will damage and/or kill many types of plants.
Aluminum siding costs between $10,000 and $19,000, or about $14,500 on average. It's the most common type of metal siding and is a good fit for homeowners in areas with extreme cold because it offers superior insulation from the outside elements. It’s also waterproof, so it’s a great option for coastal homes.
Advantages
Light-weight material: makes for easy installation.
Insulates houses: save on heating and cooling costs.
Completely waterproof: doesn’t swell, rot, or encourage mildew growth.
Resistant: Insect-proof, fire-resistant and won’t rust.
Recyclable.
Disadvantages
Noisy: will make a "ping" sound when exposed to extreme heat, storms, and high winds.
Not as attractive: colors fade over time.
Damages easily: Prone to scratches and dents.
Can be difficult to match new pieces to existing ones.
Exposure to elements leads aluminum to lose its color and/or to gain a chalky color.
Wood siding typically costs between $7,000 and $23,000, depending on the size of your project. Some popular options include pine, spruce, cypress, and Douglas fir. These woods are economical and durable. Cedar and redwood are also great options since they naturally contain rot resistance. However, they are more costly than other wood options. The added upfront cost, though, could save you money down the road by preventing termite and other insect damage along with water damage.
No matter which type of wood siding you choose, it will give your home a classic look at a reasonable cost.
Advantages
Easy: install and customization is simple, with plenty of options to choose from.
Aesthetic appeal: Wood siding gives homes a classic look and feel.
Simple maintenance: Not difficult to replace damaged siding, often as a DIY project.
Eco-friendly.
Disadvantages
Needs routine upkeep: maintenance important to keep wood from rotting, warping, cracking, and/or splitting.
Must repaint every 3-5 years.
Vulnerable: watch out for moisture, rot and insect damage
Expensive.
Maintenance
Unlike vinyl and aluminum siding, wood siding requires some additional maintenance. Along with washing siding annually using soap and water, wood siding needs to be treated every four to six years depending on the amount of snow and sun it gets. This may require restaining and/or repainting. It is important to keep on top of wood maintenance to prevent rotting, mold, and insect damage. A complete refinishing job, including clear finishes, semi-transparent stains, and repainting will cost $2,000 to $5,000 total.
The cost of Hardie board siding usually ranges from $6,100 to $20,500, while the cost of fiber cement siding is $6,000 to $20,000. Fiber cement is a mixture of materials that includes sand and fibers made from cardboard, and James Hardie is the leading brand. This type, also known as Hardie Board, has been around for decades and is a low-cost, durable option. It is available at national retailers such as Lowe's and Home Depot, or you can visit their website to request a brochure and quote for your area.
Advantages
Resistant: tough against rot, insect damage and weather.
Durable: non-flammable and simple to paint and repaint.
Looks like wood without the disadvantages of wood. siding
Disadvantages
Costly installation due to increased manpower and time needed
Will need to be repainted before the siding lifespan is over
Heavy and difficult to replace
Maintenance
James Hardie Fiber Cement is touted as a low-maintenance option for a wood-like appearance. You should clean it annually. JamesHardie.com also offers a variety of maintenance products for your specific siding. In addition, any dents, chips, cracks, and other minor surface damage in James Hardie siding and trim products can be filled with a cementitious patching compound.
Always be sure to treat the underlying problem before you repair the siding such as cracks or peeling in the wall. Otherwise the problem may crop up again later. Repair methods vary depending on the type you have, but most are fairly simple to fix. Nailing loose sheathing, replacing rotted elements and patching any holes or gaps will help in long-time maintenance. Always refer to your manufacturer's specific guidelines when it comes to maintenance and repair to avoid further damage.
Comparing siding materials is an important component of your project. Here's a look at siding options you've never considered or maybe aren't sure about.
Brick siding costs about $18,000 but can run as little as $10,000 or up to $75,000 . Homeowners enjoy its aesthetic and durability. It requires little to no maintenance, but easily heats up, so it may not be the best choice if you live in a hot climate.
Stone veneer siding costs approximately $105,000. There are many similarities between this material and brick, and stone can last a lot longer than most other types of siding. While it's durable, it's also heavy and expensive. It's important that it's installed correctly to avoid issues like cracking and collapse.
Log siding costs an average of $14,000. People enjoy the look of full logs without the extra labor of a full log cabin, and the right material can raise your property value. On the downside, this option needs regular treatment and maintenance to protect from water, insect and mold damage.
The cost to side a house usually ranges from $5,400 to $15,500. Materials usually run $1 to $12 per square foot, including 10% for waste and fasteners. Labor usually costs $1 to $4 per square foot, depending on where you live and the difficulty of the installation.
Siding your home yourself will save you anywhere between $1 to $4 per square foot. While it is possible to do this, there are substantial risks in taking on a siding project without professional help. Certain siding, like vinyl, contracts in different temperatures, which you'll have to factor in when cutting. Other materials, like stone, can actually collapse if not done correctly.
Reach out to at least three siding contractors near you to get project estimates and make sure you've found the right pro for the job. You can also learn more about how to find, hire and work with contractors.
The most cost-effective exterior siding is either wood or aluminum, which both cost between $2 and $5 per square foot. However, this is in the short-term. You may find that depending on factors like the size of your house, and the climate you live in, other types may save you more money in the long run.
What does garage siding cost?
Homeowners usually pay between $1,500 and $9,500 to side a 20 by 20-foot garage. You'll pay approximately 25% less for an attached garage.
How much does siding cost for a 2,000 vs. 1,000 square foot house?
Vinyl siding costs about $3,200 for a 2,000 square foot house, or $1,600 for a 1,000 square foot house. This cost doesn’t include labor, but vinyl is a popular DIY material. Here’s a look at what materials only cost based on home size.
| Size of Home | 1 Square (100-square-foot) Siding Boxes Needed | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 800 square feet | 8 | $1,280 |
| 1,000 square feet | 10 | $1,600 |
| 1,200 square feet | 12 | $1,920 |
| 1,500 square feet | 15 | $2,400 |
| 1,800 square feet | 18 | $2,880 |
| 2,000 square feet | 20 | $3,200 |
| 2,500 square feet | 25 | $4,000 |
| 3,000 square feet | 30 | $4,800 |
| 3,500 square feet | 35 | $5,600 |
| 4,000 square feet | 40 | $6,400 |
Board and batten siding costs between $4,000 and $14,000. This is a very popular type of vertical siding. This can be done with wood (plywood boards and wood battens) or with fiber cement boards and battens.
Mobile home siding costs between $3,500 and $8,000. This price is for a typical 16 by 80 foot structure.
Painting a home's exterior costs about $3,000 vs. the cost of siding at $10,300. While painting is the cheaper option, it's less durable and won't last as long. Depending on the character and style of your house, you may not want the physical changes that material brings. Discuss the possibilities with a trusted contractor.
