How Much Does New Siding Cost?
Average siding installation costs by material, including labor, removal of old siding, and trim work.
| Item / Category | Low End | Average | High End |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vinyl Siding (1,500 sq ft) | $4,500 | $7,500 | $10,500 |
| Fiber Cement Siding (1,500 sq ft) | $9,000 | $14,250 | $19,500 |
| Wood Siding (1,500 sq ft) | $10,500 | $16,500 | $22,500 |
| Engineered Wood (1,500 sq ft) | $6,000 | $9,750 | $13,500 |
| Old Siding Removal | $1,000 | $2,000 | $3,500 |
| Trim & Soffit Work | $500 | $1,500 | $3,000 |
| House Wrap/Insulation Board | $500 | $1,200 | $2,500 |
Siding Cost by Material
Choosing the right siding material involves balancing upfront cost, maintenance requirements, durability, and appearance. Here's a detailed breakdown of each major option.
Vinyl ($3–$7 per sq ft installed): Vinyl remains the most popular siding choice in the United States thanks to its low cost and minimal maintenance. Modern vinyl siding comes in a wide range of colors and profiles, including options that mimic wood grain convincingly. It never needs painting, won't rot, and resists insect damage. Standard vinyl runs $3–$5 per sq ft installed, while insulated vinyl with built-in foam backing costs $5–$7 per sq ft and improves energy efficiency. The main drawbacks are that vinyl can crack in extreme cold, fade over time, and melt near heat sources like grills. It also offers less impact resistance than fiber cement or wood, and very low-end vinyl can look cheap.
Fiber Cement ($6–$13 per sq ft installed): Fiber cement siding, with James Hardie being the most recognized brand, has become the go-to choice for homeowners who want premium performance. Made from a mixture of cement, sand, and cellulose fibers, it's extremely durable, fire-resistant, and immune to termites and rot. Fiber cement can be manufactured to closely resemble wood lap siding, shingles, or board-and-batten, and it holds paint exceptionally well. Factory-primed fiber cement runs $6–$9 per sq ft installed, while pre-painted (ColorPlus) options cost $9–$13 per sq ft. The higher price includes the specialized labor required — fiber cement is heavy and requires careful handling and cutting with dust protection.
Wood ($7–$15 per sq ft installed): Real wood siding delivers unmatched natural beauty and character. Cedar is the most common choice at $7–$12 per sq ft, while redwood and cypress cost $10–$15 per sq ft. Wood siding can be configured as lap (clapboard), shingle, tongue-and-groove, or board-and-batten. The natural grain and texture make wood the premium aesthetic choice, and it can be painted or stained in any color. The significant downside is maintenance — wood siding needs repainting or restaining every 3–7 years, is susceptible to rot, termites, and woodpecker damage, and requires prompt attention when moisture issues arise. In damp climates, wood siding can be an ongoing maintenance burden.
Engineered Wood ($4–$9 per sq ft installed): Engineered wood siding (like LP SmartSide) is made from wood strands bonded with resin and treated with zinc borate for rot and insect resistance. It offers the look and workability of real wood at a lower price point, with better moisture and pest resistance. Engineered wood comes pre-primed and can be painted any color. It's lighter and easier to cut than fiber cement, making it more DIY-friendly. At $4–$9 per sq ft installed, it fills the gap between vinyl and fiber cement in both cost and performance. The main concern is that engineered wood, while improved over older products, doesn't have the same multi-decade track record as vinyl or fiber cement.
Siding Cost by Home Size
Your home's total exterior wall area determines the amount of siding needed. The numbers below assume standard one- or two-story homes with typical window and door openings.
| Exterior Sq Ft | Vinyl | Fiber Cement | Wood | Engineered Wood |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1,000 sq ft | $3,000–$7,000 | $6,000–$13,000 | $7,000–$15,000 | $4,000–$9,000 |
| 1,500 sq ft | $4,500–$10,500 | $9,000–$19,500 | $10,500–$22,500 | $6,000–$13,500 |
| 2,000 sq ft | $6,000–$14,000 | $12,000–$26,000 | $14,000–$30,000 | $8,000–$18,000 |
| 2,500 sq ft | $7,500–$17,500 | $15,000–$32,500 | $17,500–$37,500 | $10,000–$22,500 |
Labor Costs for Siding Installation
Labor is a significant portion of siding costs, and it varies by material due to the different skills and tools required:
- Vinyl siding: $2–$5 per sq ft for labor. Vinyl is the fastest siding to install since it's lightweight, snaps together, and requires only basic tools. Most crews can side a 1,500 sq ft home in 3–5 days.
- Fiber cement siding: $3–$7 per sq ft for labor. Fiber cement is heavier and requires specialized cutting tools with dust collection. Installation takes longer and demands more precision, so experienced crews charge a premium.
- Wood siding: $4–$8 per sq ft for labor. Wood siding requires careful nailing, precise cuts, and often custom fitting around trim and corners. It's the most labor-intensive option, especially for intricate profiles like shingles or board-and-batten.
- Engineered wood: $2–$5 per sq ft for labor. Similar to vinyl in ease of installation since it cuts and handles like real wood but is lighter than fiber cement. Most siding contractors are comfortable working with it.
Factors That Affect Siding Cost
Several variables can push your siding project above or below the average ranges:
- Number of stories: Two-story homes cost 15–25% more per square foot due to scaffolding requirements and the added difficulty of working at height. Three-story homes add even more.
- Wall complexity: Homes with many dormers, gables, angles, and bump-outs require more cutting, fitting, and trim work. A simple rectangular home is the least expensive to side.
- Old siding removal: Stripping the existing siding adds $1,000–$3,500 depending on material. Some siding can be installed over existing surfaces, but this isn't always recommended.
- Insulation upgrades: Adding rigid foam insulation board or house wrap during the siding project costs $500–$2,500 extra but improves energy efficiency and can reduce heating and cooling bills.
- Regional pricing: Labor and material costs vary substantially by region. The Northeast and West Coast typically run 20–35% higher than the Southeast and Midwest for equivalent projects.
- Trim and accessories: Window trim, corner posts, soffits, fascia, and J-channel add $500–$3,000+ depending on the quantity and material. These finishing details are essential for a polished look.
How Long Does Each Siding Type Last?
| Siding Type | Expected Lifespan | Maintenance Required |
|---|---|---|
| Vinyl | 20–40 years | Occasional washing; no painting needed |
| Fiber Cement | 30–50 years | Repaint every 10–15 years; caulk joints |
| Wood | 15–40 years | Repaint/restain every 3–7 years; repair rot promptly |
| Engineered Wood | 20–30 years | Repaint every 8–12 years; seal cut edges |
Lifespan depends heavily on climate, installation quality, and maintenance consistency. Fiber cement siding has the longest expected lifespan and the lowest maintenance burden, which is why it often delivers the best value over the life of a home despite its higher upfront cost. Vinyl siding offers the best value for budget-conscious homeowners who plan to stay in their home for 15–25 years, while wood siding is best suited for homeowners who enjoy the look of natural wood and are committed to regular upkeep.
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Open Siding Calculator →Frequently Asked Questions
Vinyl siding at $3–$7 per sq ft installed is the most affordable siding option. For a typical 1,500 sq ft home exterior, the total cost is $4,500–$10,500 including labor and materials. Insulated vinyl costs slightly more but improves energy efficiency. Vinyl's low maintenance requirements — no painting or staining needed — also make it the cheapest option over the long term for many homeowners.
Yes, for most homeowners fiber cement siding is worth the extra cost. It lasts 30–50 years, resists fire and pests, and doesn't warp or rot. The higher upfront cost is offset by lower maintenance costs over time — fiber cement only needs repainting every 10–15 years compared to every 3–7 years for wood. It also holds paint better than any other siding material and maintains a crisp, clean appearance for decades. Fiber cement siding also tends to increase home resale value more than vinyl.
Vinyl siding is the most DIY-friendly option, potentially saving 40–50% on labor costs. It's lightweight, cuts with standard tools, and the interlocking system is straightforward to learn. Engineered wood is also manageable for skilled DIYers. Fiber cement and wood siding require more experience, specialized tools, and careful technique to install properly — mistakes with these materials can lead to moisture intrusion and structural damage. For any DIY siding project, invest time in learning proper flashing and waterproofing techniques, as these are the most critical aspects of a long-lasting installation.
A typical 1,500 sq ft home takes 1–2 weeks for a professional crew, depending on the material. Vinyl is the fastest at 3–5 days for installation, while fiber cement takes the longest at 7–14 days due to its weight and cutting requirements. Wood siding falls in the 5–10 day range. Add 1–3 days if old siding needs to be removed first, and another 1–2 days if insulation board or house wrap is being added. Weather delays, complex trim work, and multi-story homes can extend the timeline further.