You'll spend an average of $12,500 to install wood siding on your home
We totally get it: there's nothing quite like the natural charm of a house sided with wood shingles, shakes, planks, or even logs. The cost to install wood siding falls between $3 and $10 per square foot on average, or $7,000 to $23,000 for the standard-sized home, including prep and common add-ons. In the scheme of things, wood siding prices fall in the middle of the range compared to the cost of common types of siding, but maintenance prices can add up over time. Here are all the numbers to keep in mind.
| Low Cost | Average Cost | High Cost |
|---|---|---|
| $7,000 | $12,500 | $23,000 |
Common Cost Factors of Wood Siding
When comparing wood vs. vinyl siding or wood vs. stucco siding, you may pay more for wood siding on average, but you will also achieve an unmatched beauty that can even raise the value of your home. Here's how to break down your potential wood siding estimate.
Home Size
Square footage will dictate both the material and labor prices of wood siding, making this the most impactful factor on the list. On average, wood siding materials range from $1 to $5 per square foot while labor adds between $2 and $5 per square foot.
There are, however, some outlier material prices in the bunch that can drive the per-square-foot cost pretty high. Highly sought-after and durable materials like cedar and redwood or hardwoods like ipe, and garapa, can reach up to $30 per square foot not including labor.
Siding Material
The variety of wood siding materials offers homeowners plenty of options, both in look and budget. Expect wood siding to cost anywhere from $1 to $35 per square foot for materials alone, depending on which wood you choose. The materials in the higher range offer features like UV protection, rot resistance, and properties that deter insects from nibbling away at the side of your home. We'll lay out individual siding materials below.
Siding Style
The style of the wood siding affects both material and labor prices. More affordable styles like Dutch lap, clapboard, and board and batten cost between $1 and $12 per square foot for materials and $1 and $3 per square foot for labor. These styles are relatively common, easy to install, and available in a range of materials.
Once you get into the complex installations and shapes, such as wood shingles and logs, account for $5 to $20 per square foot for materials and $1 and $6 per square foot for labor. The more time it takes to layer and attach the siding, the higher the final price tag.
| Siding Style | Cost Per Sq. Ft. (Materials and Labor) |
|---|---|
| Board and Batten | $5 – $14 |
| Tongue and Groove | $7 – $20 |
| Shingle | $7.50 – $21 |
| Shiplap | $8.50 – $21 |
| Shake | $8.50 – $23 |
| Log | $9 – $25 |
Wood Grade
Wood grading is not just for the hardwood used on the floors. National lumber and builders associations set strict guidelines for wood grades, categorizing each wood's appearance, defects, and treatments that impact its longevity. For example, premium-grade and mid-grade woods are often kiln-dried for durability, while low-grade woods may be more susceptible to knots, swelling, cracking, and warping.
Grades also affect wood siding costs by square foot:
Low-grade: $1–$3 per square foot
Mid-grade: $2–$12 per square foot
Premium-grade: $3–$30 per square foot
Home Design
The design and accessibility of your home can raise labor prices as well. If you have multiple dormers, low-hanging eaves, or a Victorian-style cupola at the top of your house, these areas will be trickier to cover than simple exterior walls. Trees, other homes, and steep hills can also extend the process.
Cost of Wood Siding Materials
Choosing the right type of wood for your home, whether in the framing, floors, or siding, has an impact on more than just how it looks. Wood is a classic yet occasionally tricky material to maintain. Many types are prone to damage from the elements of wood-boring bugs. Let's look at the cost of wood siding by type as well as what to know about each one.
Pine
Pine siding costs between $1 and $5 per square foot, and is one of the most popular options on the market, both for its price and classic look. The higher range of the per-square-foot cost accounts for pressure-treated pine, a variety that has undergone chemical processes to prevent warping, rot, and damage from insects.
Douglas Fir
Douglas fir wood is not just a great option for your Christmas tree. This wood siding costs between $3 and $5 per square foot depending on the cut. The wood is often easy to purchase across the country and comes in long boards that simplify the installation process.
Cedar
Cedar may be more expensive at $3 to $30 per square foot, but it is also one of the most common wood sidings. This sweet-smelling material stains well, is resistant to pests, and stands up in moisture.
Hardwoods
Homeowners enjoy many tropical hardwoods for their appearance and durability, but costs range anywhere from $5 to $20 per square foot. Common varieties include ipe, teak, garapa, and cumaru.
Cypress
Celebrated as one of the most long-lasting wood siding options, you'll pay between $5 and $12 per square foot for cypress. The tough wood can fight off moisture, rot, pests, and fungus. You may find lower prices in the southeast since cypress is more abundant in that region.
Redwood
Homes in the west enjoy more easy access to this softwood that shows off a brilliant red color. You'll pay between $4 and $20 per square foot for redwood siding depending on where you live in the country. While higher-priced, redwood flights off insects, rot, and moisture-related damage.
Additional Costs to Consider
Installing wood siding often falls within a larger project, even if you don't predict the extra work ahead of time. Here are some related costs to wood siding installation.
Permits
Building permits are common for large renovations, whether you're removing and replacing the siding or hiring a general contractor for the initial build. The price of permits will range depending on your locality's laws, but expect major construction permits to cost between $150 and $2,000.
Old Siding Removal
If you're residing your home, costs incorporate the pre-work before adding the new boards, shingles, or shakes. Contractors will charge between $1,000 and $3,000 to remove old siding, or about $0.25 to $0.75 per square foot.
Installing Over Old Siding
There are several highly durable types of siding that you can build right on top of without removing it. Your contractor can help you weigh the pros and cons of this method, both for long-term durability and its costs. Installing wood siding over other varieties pushes the prices to between $7 and $13 per square foot for labor and materials.
Wall Repairs
You may find a few surprises under the old siding, such as holes, cracks, or signs of rot. Depending on the material below the siding, add between $50 and $70 an hour for work related to damaged walls.
Ongoing Maintenance
While wood siding should last at least 20 years without major repairs, storms, bugs, and other headaches can occur. Repairing siding costs anywhere from $2 to $50 per square foot, but wood siding ranges closer to between $4 and $13 per square foot.
Cost to Install Wood Siding Yourself
Installing wood siding yourself is a doable DIY if you are highly confident with power tools, exact measurements, and working on a ladder. Keep in mind, however, that mistakes can lead to costly repairs. Poorly installed wood siding can make your home more prone to air and water leaks.
Cost to Install It Yourself vs. Hiring a Contractor
If you choose to go the DIY route, you'll say between $2 and $5 per square foot on average, or even more if you opt for complex styles like shingles or logs. When installing wood siding yourself, you will only pay for the materials at $1 to $30 per square foot plus the cost of any tools you do not already own to install them.
Cost of Common Wood Siding Add-Ons
How about all the finishing touches that show off your home's unique style? Wood siding is very versatile, and many varieties respond well to paint, stain, and protective layers.
Staining and Painting
The cost of painting the exterior of a house, specifically for wood siding, adds $1 to $3 per square foot to your price, or between $700 and $3,000 on average.
Moisture Barrier
Also known as house wrapping, professional installers may use wood, polyurethane, or tar paper to create a protective layer under your wood siding to keep out unwanted moisture. Prices widely vary depending on where the contractor decides to add the barrier. Add between $0.50 and $2 per square foot for the service.
Wood Trim
Exterior wood trim can provide a clean look to the outside of a home, especially for those looking to emulate a historical style. Between materials and labor, you'll pay an extra $2 to $7 per linear foot for the add-on.
Wood Soffits and Fascia
Soffit and fascia boards can add extra protection against moisture, particularly around your home's eaves. The service costs between $3 and $8 per linear foot in addition to the cost of wood siding.
How to Reduce the Cost of Wood Siding
You don't have to give up your dream of wood siding just because it's a bit more costly than vinyl or fiber cement. Here are the best ways to cut costs when opting for wood siding:
Choose a low-cost wood variety such as pine, douglas fir, or a wood native to your region.
Opt for low- or mid-grade wood if you live in an area that isn't prone to harsh weather.
Remove the old siding yourself.
Keep your schedule flexible to increase your chances of finding better siding prices.
Speak with at least three local siding contractors to compare estimates and reviews.
Schedule your siding project off-season and book your contractor far in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions
On average, the cost of vinyl siding is less than wood siding, but it depends on the variety of each option that you choose. For example, pine wood siding prices are on par with many vinyl siding options, and outside of complex wood siding styles, cost about the same to install.
Wood siding may be renowned for its appearance, eco-conscious perks, and affordability, but there are some downsides. Wood siding requires a new coat of paint or stain at least every five years. And without a protective coating, wood siding is more prone to rot, fungus, and pests than materials like stucco, stone, and vinyl.
The typical lifespan of wood siding is between 20 and 40 years on average, though wood siding will need some repairs, maintenance, and general TLC during that time. You can make wood siding last longer by repainting, re-staining, or replacing rotted boards if they've fallen prey to moisture, UV rays, pests, or mold.
