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
The average homeowner pays between $5,000 and $14,050 for siding to be installed on their home exterior. Vinyl siding costs about $0.90 to $2.50 per square foot compared to fiber cement at $0.70 to $5.25 and brick at about $3.50 per square foot. Aside from the material, your home's size and shape will also impact the price of installing siding.
Siding Cost by Type
Material
Cost Per Square Foot
Average Total to Install
Vinyl
$2-$7
$5,655-$13,890
Engineered Wood
$11-$28
$3,000-$5,000
Aluminum
$3.50-$4.75
$8,750-$11,875
Wood
$3.25-$15.75
$7,000-$23,000
Fiber Cement
$0.70-$5.25
$5,540-$17,530
Brick
$6-$10
$8,900-$25,000
Stucco
$6-$9
$1,700-$5,960
Steel
$4-$5
$10,000-$12,500
Stone
$35-$50
$87,500-$125,000
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.
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:
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.
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.
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:Return to Top
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
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.
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.
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.
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.Return to Top
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.Return to Top
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.Return to Top
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
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.
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.
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.Return to Top
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
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.
I wish the cost of wood siding (25 sq. ft.) vs hardie board (1 board is in inches) was in same terms. After reading this i have no idea how much one is compared to the other.
Richard Neider
More than 1 year ago
How about some info on Steel Siding??
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.
Barb Mackey
4 months ago
Would you compare the cost and +/- of a product similar to Hardieboard called LP Engineered Wood siding? Is that the same as the engineered wood described above?
Helen Mitchell
More than 1 year ago
I think I am more confused as to what siding i should pick now than i was before! And the pricing, espically after reading the contractors comments, has me baffled.
Lena Sim
More than 1 year ago
Improve my knowledge, thank
Lonnie Higgins
More than 1 year ago
I’m thinking of doing the Hardi Straight shingle and Lap
Chuck Andrews
More than 1 year ago
What about synthetic stucco siding like Dryvit? I have that on my house and it's cracked all off so I need it repaired.
Donald (Don) White
More than 1 year ago
John a 4x 8 sheet is 32 sq ft not 48
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.
Barb Mackey
4 months ago
I was quoted $200 for 100 sq ft so that is $2/ sq ft, right?