The typical cost to install vinyl log siding ranges from $5 to $11 per square foot
Vinyl log siding is a more durable alternative to wood and can give a house a rustic cabin-like charm. It’s economical, doesn’t require staining, and is rot-resistant. For an average home requiring 1,500 square feet of siding, vinyl log siding costs range between $7,500 to $16,500, including materials and installation. Expect to pay more for complex house shapes.
How Much Does Vinyl Log Siding Cost per Square Foot?
On average, vinyl log siding costs between $5 and $11 per square foot for materials and installation. Because some companies sell boards by straight-line linear feet rather than square feet, always check you have the correct measurements before purchasing.
An average U.S. home will require around 1,500 square feet of siding. The costs to buy and install vinyl log siding to cover this are typically between $7,500 and $16,500.
Vinyl Log Siding Cost Breakdown
Vinyl log siding typically costs between $3 and $5 per square foot to purchase. It depends on the thickness, insulation, and materials used.
The cost of installation by a professional local siding contractor runs from around $2 to $5 per square foot. This varies depending on your location and the shape of your house.
How Much Does It Cost to Install Vinyl Log Siding Yourself?
For a home requiring around 1,500 square feet of materials, you could save yourself $3,000 to $7,500 or more by installing the vinyl log siding yourself.
Generally, however, it’s better to leave the job to the professionals. Siding installation is tricky, physically demanding, and time-consuming. You need to account for siding expansion and contraction. Plus, if you don’t fasten the siding properly or have improper spacing or sealing, it could create costly and inconvenient issues further down the line.
What Factors Influence the Cost to Install Vinyl Log Siding?
As well as the size of the house and the quality of the materials, other factors can influence the cost of vinyl log siding.
Removal of Existing Siding
If existing siding requires removal before the job begins, it will typically cost between $2,000 and $5,000 to hire a professional. If you have the time and the DIY skills, you could tackle the removal yourself to make some savings.
Also, lead paint or asbestos could be present if you have a home where the original siding installation was before 1978. Expect to pay around $400 to $800 for an asbestos test and $300 for a lead test. If tests detect either substance, a professional will need to remove it. The average cost of asbestos removal is $1,900.
Material Waste
It’s good to add another 10% of materials to the amount required for your job to account for wastage during the installation process and any slight errors in measurements. That way, you’re less likely to have any hassle trying to source more materials once the job is underway, preventing delays or unexpected additions to your budget.
House Shape
For homes with a complex configuration, the labor costs to install vinyl log siding could run up to 25% higher than average.
Insulation
Vinyl log siding can be unbacked or have an insulating material on the reverse side. Unsurprisingly, insulated boards are more expensive. However, the additional expense can be worth it because of the possible long-term savings on your energy bills.
FAQs About Vinyl Log Siding
Can I install new vinyl log siding over old siding?
Although installing new vinyl over the old is possible, it’s usually better to remove the old materials first. There will be a clearer delineation of doors and windows, and it will uncover any hidden problems with rot or vermin behind the old siding before the installation goes ahead.
How do I calculate how much vinyl log siding to purchase?
To calculate how many square feet of siding you need for exterior walls, first measure the height and width of the rectangular walls. For the triangular gable walls, measure the width and then the height from the ground to the tallest gable point.
For the rectangular walls, the calculation is: length x height
For the triangular gable walls, the calculation is: (length x height) / 2
Once you add these up, include an additional 10% to account for any wastage.
What maintenance does vinyl log siding need?
Vinyl log siding is durable, rot-resistant, colorfast, and scratch-resistant. You won’t need to repaint or restain this type of siding every several years like you would with wood. Although it’s relatively low-maintenance, you should still wash your vinyl log siding twice per year.
Doing so will increase its longevity, remove any mold, and retain your home’s curb appeal. With the proper care and maintenance, vinyl siding can last 20 to 60 years or more.
Is a building permit required for vinyl log siding installation?
Most local municipalities require a building permit for new siding installation projects. The cost for building permits varies depending on your location, but budget for up to $2,000 for this.
When you’re only replacing or repairing a section of siding, you may not need a permit. If you use a reputable local siding contractor to complete the job, they should advise you of the local requirements. They may even support you through the permit application process.
