Siding Prices & Cost Estimates

Siding is an attractive and durable material covering the exterior of your home. Whether you're building a new home or just doing some updating, new siding can improve the appearance and curb appeal of your house while increasing the overall value of your home. Most siding composes the very outside layer of your home's exterior and serves to protect and insulate.

There are several types of siding available including vinyl, engineered wood, wood, aluminum and James Hardie siding. The type of siding you choose will affect your home's aesthetic appeal and will also determine how much you end up paying for your installation. In addition to materials, the location, size, and style of your home will directly affect the amount it will cost to buy and install your siding. As with all home improvement tasks, it is important to shop around for quotes before deciding on an installation professional for your project. Keep in mind that most installation professionals will not separate out the cost of materials from the cost of labor, but will instead, quote the entire job as one price.  Continue Reading
  • Repair Siding Costs
    Most homeowners spent between:
    $294 - $1,004
    Average cost:
    $621
    Low cost:
    $100
     
    High cost:
    $3,500
  • Repair Trim Costs
    Most homeowners spent between:
    $271 - $909
    Average cost:
    $590
    Low cost:
    $100
     
    High cost:
    $1,790
  • Install Vinyl Siding Costs
    Most homeowners spent between:
    $5,738 - $13,576
    Average cost:
    $9,484
    Low cost:
    $2,100
     
    High cost:
    $20,000

Siding Price Factors

There are a lot of factors that go into the final cost of installing siding. These include:
  • Quality: Keep in mind that low-cost siding may save money in the short-term, but more expensive siding might be more durable and need to be replaced less often, meaning that it will save you money in the long-term.
  • Home size: The more square footage you have to put siding on, the more materials you will need and the longer the installation process will take.
  • Shape of your home: A simple box-shaped home is easier to side than a house with eaves, turrets, and/or multiple stories.
  • Removing or laying over old siding: Some siding can be installed directly over older siding, whereas other homes will need to have the old siding removed before installing a new layer. If old siding must be removed first, the cost for the project will increase. Generally, siding installation is priced by the length of time it takes to complete the project, so anything that adds time to the installation process will also add cost.
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.

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How to Estimate Siding Costs

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 measuring tape, paper, pencil, and a calculator. Here are the steps to take to estimate your siding cost:
  1. 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.
  2. Measure the rectangles and triangles of your wall and write down the measurements on your drawing.
  3. Repeat the above two steps until you have measured your entire house.
  4. 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.
  5. Add the areas together to give you your house's exterior square footage.
  6. 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.
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Vinyl Siding

Vinyl siding is popular due to its low cost and durability. Unlike other siding materials, vinyl siding never needs to be repainted and is not susceptible to rot or insect damage. Here are some average prices for different qualities and types of vinyl siding from Lowe's:

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Costs

  • Georgia Pacific Dutch Lap Vinyl Siding: $9.60 per 10 square feet
  • Coastal Blue/Woodgrain Vinyl Siding: $15.98 per 8.33 square foot
  • Durabilit Blue Ridge Dutch Lap Vinyl Siding: $33.78 per 12.5 square feet
  • Hampton Red/Woodgrain Dutch Lap Vinyl Siding: $13.06 per 9.09 square feet
  • Cellwood Evolutions 4.5 inch Dutch Lap Vinyl Siding: $150 per 200 square feet
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Advantages

  • Durable
  • Low maintenance: never needs to be repainted
  • Low cost compared to other siding materials
  • Resistant to color fading
  • Easy to install

Disadvantages

  • High winds can cause damage so vinyl siding is not the best option for all locations
  • Not waterproof -- water can sometimes get in between the siding and the home's surface, leading to mold, rot, and infestation.
  • Dents and cracks due to extreme weather and high temperatures
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Maintenance

Some vinyl siding manufacturers recommend using a pressure washer once a year, while others advise against using pressure. Be sure to check with your manufacturer's instructions before using a pressure washer as the damage done will be permanent. You can rent a pressure washer from Home Depot for an average of $34 per day, making vinyl maintenance a relatively inexpensive task.

An easy DIY cleaning solution can also be used to clean vinyl siding throughout the year. The combination of 70% water and 30% white vinegar makes a great all-purpose cleanser 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.

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Engineered Wood Siding

Engineered wood is another option for wood siding. Engineered wood is plywood or hardwood sheets made up of bits of wood bonded together with special resins and treated with insecticide and fungicide. It often comes pre-primed and ready to paint or already finished in a number of styles that mimic the look of real wood. Engineered wood is lighter and easier to install than traditional wood, making it a popular choice for DIY projects. The average total cost of installing engineered wood is $3,000-$5,000.

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Average pricing

Engineered Wood:
  • SmartSide 38 Series Beige Engineered Treated Wood Siding Panel: $27.48 per 1440 square feet
  • SmartSide 76 Series Beige Engineered Treated Wood Siding Panel: $11.44 per 1600 square feet
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Advantages

  • Easier to install than wood siding
  • Authentic appearance
  • Cost-Effective
  • Strong & Durable
  • Eco-friendly
  • Easy to customize with finish options

Disadvantages

  • Newer material, so improper installation can result in issues
  • Could trap moisture in humid areas
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Maintenance

After installing engineered wood siding, the only maintenance that should be done is washing once a year with a power washer and possible repainting every 5 to 10 years. The chemical compounds in engineered wood helps withstand mold, rot, and prevent insects.
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Aluminum Siding

Aluminum siding is the most common type of metal siding and it is particularly useful for homeowners who live in areas with extreme cold because it offers superior insulation from the outside elements. Because aluminum is waterproof, it is also a great siding option for coastal homes and those that are exposed to water routinely.

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Average pricing on materials

  • Sell-Even Double 4" Aluminum Horizontal Textured Hollowback Siding: $199 per 100 square feet
  • Sell-Even Double 4" Aluminum Horizontal Textured Foamback Siding: $249 per 100 square feet
  • Sell-Even 8" Aluminum Horizontal Textured Hollowback Siding: $199 per 100 square feet
  • Sell-Even 8" Aluminum Horizontal Textured Foamback Siding: $249 per 100 square feet
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Advantages

  • Lightweight makes for easy installation
  • Insulates houses to save on heating and cooling costs
  • Completely waterproof so it will not swell, rot, or encourage mildew growth when exposed to water
  • Will not rust
  • Fire-resistant
  • Insect-proof
  • Recyclable

Disadvantages

  • Prone to becoming disfigured over time
  • Noisy -- will make a “ping” sound when exposed to extreme heat, storms, and high winds
  • Not as aesthetically appealing as other siding materials
  • Dents easily and can be difficult to match new pieces of siding to existing ones
  • Colors fade over time
  • Exposure to elements leads aluminum to lose its color and/or to gain a chalky color
  • Easily scratched
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Maintenance

One benefit of aluminum siding is that it requires very little in the way of maintenance. However, it should be cleaned about once a year to keep it looking new. You can simply use a combination of laundry detergent and soap along with a soft brush to clean your siding. Use a hose or pressure washer to wash the soap off. Keep the pressure washer on low to avoid denting your siding. Home Depot rents pressure washers for an average of $34 per day.

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Wood Siding

Bevel or clapboard wood siding is a traditional form of siding on homes. Some popular wood siding 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.

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Average pricing

The price of wood varies from year to year and by location. Here are some average prices for wood siding materials:

Cedar:
  • SBC 11 in. x 16 in. Safari Beige Eastern White Cedar Shingle Siding: $78 per 25 square feet
  • SBC 5 in. x 16 in. Natural Kiln Dried Eastern White Cedar Shingle Siding: $54 per 25 square feet
  • SBC 6 in. x 16 in. Pro-Prime Gray Eastern White Cedar Shingle Siding: $75 per 25 square feet
  • Cedar West Red Cedar Shingles:Sidewall / 18" #1 R and R / Natural: $2.79 per square foot
Plywood:
  • 19/32 in. x 48 in. x 96 in. T1-11 8 in. On-Center Fir Plywood Siding: $32 per 32 square feet
  • 19/32 in. x 12 in. Premium RBB OC Plywood Siding: $35 per 32 square feet
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Advantages

  • Easy to install
  • Aesthetic appeal: Wood siding gives homes a classic look and feel
  • Wide arrange of options to work with any homeowner's preference
  • Easy to replace damaged siding, often as DIY project
  • Eco-friendly
  • Easy to customize with paint and stain

Disadvantages

  • Needs routine maintenance to keep wood from rotting, warping, cracking, and/or splitting.
  • Needs repainting every 3-5 years
  • Non-moisture species are susceptible to rot
  • Can be costly
  • Prone to insect and water damage
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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 your area receives. This may require re-staining and/or re-painting. 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 re-painting will cost $2,000-$5,000 total.

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Engineered Wood Siding

Engineered wood is another option for wood siding. Engineered wood is plywood or hardwood sheets made up of bits of wood bonded together with special resins and treated with insecticide and fungicide. It often comes pre-primed and ready to paint or already finished in a number of styles that mimic the look of real wood. Engineered wood is lighter and easier to install than traditional wood, making it a popular choice for DIY projects. The average total cost of installing engineered wood is $3,000-$5,000.

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James Hardie Siding (Fiber Cement Siding)

Fiber cement is a mixture of materials that includes sand and fibers made from cardboard, and James Hardie is the leading brand of Fiber Cement Siding. This type of siding, also known as Hardie Board, has been around for decades and is a low-cost durable siding 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.

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Average pricing

  • HardiePanel HZ10 5/16 in. x 48 in. x 96 in. Fiber Cement Sierra 8 Panel Siding: $33.86 each
  • James Hardie 5/16 in. x 48 in. x 96 in. HZ10 HardiePanel Stucco Vertical Siding: $33.57 each
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Advantages

  • Rot and insect resistant
  • Durable
  • Weather resistant
  • Easy to paint and repaint
  • Non-flammable
  • Looks like wood without the disadvantages of wood siding

Disadvantages

  • Costly installation due to increased manpower and time needed
  • Will need to be re-painted before the siding lifespan is over
  • Heavy and difficult to replace
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Maintenance

James Hardie Fiber Cement is touted as a low-maintenance option for a wood-like appearance. It should be cleaned annually like aluminum, vinyl, and wood siding using soap and water (with or without a pressure washer). 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 of siding you have, but most are fairly simple to fix. Nailing loose sheathing, replacing rotted elements and patching any holes or gaps will help in maintaining your siding for a long time. Always refer to your manufacturer's specific guidelines when it comes to maintenance and repair to avoid further damaging your siding.

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Help others plan and budget for their projects

Donald (Don) White 9 months ago
John a 4x 8 sheet is 32 sq ft not 48
PHUC HUYNH More than 1 year ago
how much it cost to replace the siding&brick on the single house about 3000sq ft
josh Walters More than 1 year ago
I have no idea where you are getting your prices from but being a contractor in Colorado myself there is no place that will sell material for the prices you are showing and your sq ft is off siding comes in 4x8 panel which would be a total of 48 sq ft or in lap which comes in 6-8-12"x12-16' do your math again and see what sq ft you come up with cause what you have now is wrong
Charles Baker More than 1 year ago
I agree on the pricing part, especially when it comes to the smart side and James Hardie. but your math is wrong Josh. A 4' x 8' sheet is 32 sq feet. 4 x 8 = 32. 
Mike Lorimer More than 1 year ago
Verify the LP SmartSide siding cost unit of measure.  Average cost per square inch maybe $0.60 for primed siding since it's available in 8, 9 and 10 foot lengths.  Likewise, the LP SmartSide 9" x192" lap siding cost is about $1.07 per square foot.      

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