How much does wood siding cost?
How much does wood siding cost?
$5 – $15 cost per square foot (installed)
$8,500 – $31,500 average total cost (2,000 – 2,500 SF home)
Average cost of wood siding
Wood siding costs $5 to $15 per square foot installed, or $8,500 to $31,500 total for an average home. Engineered wood siding costs $7 to $12 per square foot for labor and materials. The cost of wood siding depends on the house size and location, wood type, quality, and siding style.
| Home size (square feet) | Approximate siding square footage | Average cost installed |
|---|---|---|
| 900 | 720 | $3,600 – $10,800 |
| 1,000 | 800 | $4,000 – $12,000 |
| 1,100 | 900 | $4,500 – $13,500 |
| 1,200 | 1,000 | $5,000 – $15,000 |
| 1,300 | 1,100 | $5,500 – $16,500 |
| 1,400 | 1,150 | $5,800 – $17,300 |
| 1,500 | 1,200 | $6,000 – $18,000 |
| 1,600 | 1,300 | $6,500 – $19,500 |
| 1,700 | 1,400 | $7,000 – $21,000 |
| 1,800 | 1,500 | $7,500 – $22,500 |
| 1,900 | 1,600 | $8,000 – $24,000 |
| 2,000 | 1,700 | $8,500 – $25,500 |
| 2,200 | 1,850 | $9,300 – $27,800 |
| 2,500 | 2,100 | $10,500 – $31,500 |
| 2,800 | 2,300 | $11,500 – $34,500 |
| 3,000 | 2,500 | $12,500 – $37,500 |
| 3,500 | 2,900 | $14,500 – $43,500 |
| 4,000 | 3,350 | $16,750 – $50,300 |
| 4,500 | 3,800 | $19,000 – $57,000 |
Cost data is from research and project costs reported by HomeGuide members.
Wood siding cost by type
Wood siding costs vary depending on the wood species, quality, and finish. Most siding is produced from softwood trees like cedar, pine, redwood, and fir because these types grow faster, are easier to work with, and typically cost less than denser hardwoods.
| Wood type | Average price* (per square foot) | Total cost installed (per square foot) |
|---|---|---|
| Cedar | $2 – $9 | $6 – $16 |
| Cypress | $2 – $6 | $4 – $16 |
| Fir | $2 – $6 | $4 – $12 |
| Pine | $1 – $5 | $3 – $11 |
| Redwood | $4 – $12 | $6 – $18 |
| Hardwoods(Garapa, Ipe, Teak) | $5 – $20+ | $7 – $26+ |
| Engineered wood | $3 – $5 | $7 – $12 |
| Plywood T1-11 | $0.90 – $2.50 | $2.50 – $8.00 |
*Not including installation
Cedar wood siding
Cedar siding costs $2 to $9 per square foot before labor and $6 to $16 per square foot installed, depending on the grade and style. Cedar is a fragrant, naturally rot-resistant softwood that works well for siding, but it still needs staining or sealing as its protective properties degrade over time.
Cypress wood siding
Cypress wood siding costs $2 to $6 per square foot for materials alone or $4 to $16 per square foot with installation, depending on the type of cypress and the board quality, thickness, and length. Cypress is a durable softwood that naturally resists warping and splitting.
Fir wood siding
Fir wood siding costs $2 to $6 per square foot for the material alone or $4 to $12 per square foot installed. Douglas fir wood is a strong, durable softwood that installs easily and takes well to finish due to its even grain.
Pine wood siding
Pine siding costs $1 to $5 per square foot before labor or $2.50 to $11 per square foot installed. Pine is a budget-friendly, light-colored softwood that is easy to work with. However, pine requires treatment to prevent moisture and insect damage as it lacks the natural protective properties of other wood types.
Redwood siding
Redwood siding costs $4 to $12 per square foot for the material or $6 to $18 per square foot with installation. As the name suggests, redwood has a rich, reddish-brown color. This naturally shrink-resistant softwood works well in any climate but is most popular in the northwest where it's easier to source.
Engineered wood siding
Engineered wood siding material costs $3 to $5 per square foot on average or $7 to $12 per square foot installed. Engineered wood is made of recycled wood strands bound together with resins and waxes. The result resembles the look of natural wood without the inconsistencies and high maintenance.
Engineered wood is also referred to as hardboard, manufactured wood, composite wood, and synthetic wood.
Plywood T1-11 siding
Plywood T1-11 siding costs $0.90 to $2.50 per square foot on average for materials or $2.50 to $8.00 per square foot installed. This low-cost siding—popular from the 1960s to the 1980s—is highly susceptible to water damage and must be installed correctly, sealed, and well-maintained to ensure its longevity.
Wood siding cost by style
Wood siding comes in a variety of styles that can work well for almost any aesthetic, from traditional to contemporary designs.
| Siding style | Average installed cost (per square foot) |
|---|---|
| Log siding | $5 –$15 |
| Lap / bevel | $4 – $12 |
| Shingle | $5 – $15 |
| Shake | $6 – $16 |
| Tongue and groove | $7 – $13 |
| Board and batten | $5 – $14 |
Log siding – Wood log siding costs $5 to $15 per square foot installed. The materials alone cost $3 to $9 per square foot on average, depending on the wood type, grade, and style. Wood log siding gives the look of a log cabin using thinner wood pieces that install easier and cost less.
Lap siding – Wood lap siding costs $4 to $12 per square foot with installation.
Traditional lap siding—one of the most common siding styles in the U.S.—consists of overlapping horizontal boards.
Dutch lap or drop siding is horizontal but the overlap creates more shadow than traditional lap siding.
Shiplap siding is horizontal and overlaps tightly for a nearly flat appearance.
Shake & shingles – Wood shakes and shingles cost $5 to $16 per square foot installed. Shakes were traditionally hand split, resulting in a thicker and rougher texture than machine-made shingles. Today both styles are often machine-made, but shakes are still made with the old hand-split look.
Tongue and groove siding – Wood tongue and groove siding costs $7 to $13 per square foot for labor and materials and uses a system of interlocking wood boards resulting in a flat surface.
Board and batten siding – Wood board and batten siding costs $5 to $14 per square foot installed. The board and batten style uses wide vertical boards joined together by thin vertical "battens" or strips that cover the seams.
Wood siding cost calculator
Many factors affect the cost of wood siding installation, including:
Home size & design – Siding installation costs more for a larger home since it takes more time and more materials. Multi-level homes or homes with complex structural designs take longer and often require extra safety measures and equipment.
Location – Shipping and delivery fees can be extremely high if you live far from where the wood is harvested.
Wood type, grade, & finish –Wood siding material prices range from as low as $0.90 per square foot to as high as $30+ per square foot, depending on the species, quality, and whether it's primed or prefinished.
Siding style – Wood shakes and shingles require more labor to install than lap or other wood siding styles.
Age of home –Siding on homes built before 1970 may have asbestos or lead. Asbestos siding removal costs $7 to $10 per square foot.
Trim, soffit, & fascia – Replacing the soffit and fascia costs $9 to $34 per linear foot to match it to the new siding gives the home a more finished look.
Painting or staining – Exterior painting costs $1 to $4 per square foot, or $1,900 to $6,900 for a typical home. Professionals recommend sealing or painting wood siding to protect the surface and extend its life.
Select a wood type that grows nearby to avoid higher prices and hefty shipping and delivery costs.
Labor cost to install wood siding
Wood siding installation labor costs $1.50 to $6.00 per square foot, depending on the job size, difficulty, siding style, and the professional you hire. Carpenters charge $30 to $200 per hour, depending on their experience. General contractors charge $50 to $150 per hour, or 10% to 20% of the total project cost.
Other labor costs may include:
Prep work –Removing old siding costs $0.70 to $2.00 per square foot. If you decide to remove it yourself, the cost to rent a dumpster for the disposal is $280 to $500 per week.
Permits – Building permits cost $500 to $2,000 for siding installation, depending on the location and project size.
Wood siding grades
Wood siding grades refer to the wood's appearance. Grading indications vary by distributer, but most distributors offer at least three wood grade options.
| Wood grade | Details |
|---|---|
| Premium |
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| Mid-grade |
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| Low-grade |
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Wood siding maintenance costs
Wood siding needs ongoing care to keep it adequately protected from the elements and maximize its lifespan. A typical maintenance schedule for wood siding involves cleaning every 2 to 4 years, and re-staining, re-sealing, or repainting every 3 to 5 years.
Power washing costs $170 to $310 for an average-sized house. Always use low pressure on wood siding.
Wood siding repair costs $4 to $13 per square foot. Repair damage at the first sign of it to keep issues like mold, mildew, and wood rot from spreading.
Wood siding pros and cons
Wood siding offers natural beauty and durability but can deteriorate quickly if not properly maintained. Consider the advantages and disadvantages below to decide if wood siding is the right choice for you:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
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Choose FSC certified wood siding to ensure the lumber was sustainably harvested.
Wood siding vs. other materials
Siding costs $4 to $13 per square foot to install, depending on the material and local labor rates. The table below shows a comparison of the average costs for wood siding vs. vinyl and other materials.
| Siding type | Average installed cost per SF |
|---|---|
| Wood siding | $5 – $15 |
| Aluminum siding cost | $6 – $10 |
| Brick siding cost | $8 – $18 |
| Cultured stone siding cost | $10 – $35 |
| Fiber cement siding | $6 – $15 |
| Hardie Board siding | $6 – $15 |
| Masonite siding cost | $4 – $8 |
| Steel / metal siding cost | $7 – $16 |
| Stone veneer siding cost | $10 – $45 |
| Stucco siding cost | $7 – $17 |
| Vinyl siding cost | $4 – $12 |
Wood siding FAQs
How long does wood siding last?
Wood siding lasts 20 to 40+ years on average when correctly installed and maintained. Wood siding in areas with extreme weather may have a shorter lifespan. Regular repainting or re-staining and repairing or replacing damaged parts as soon as they are discovered will help wood siding last longer.
Can you put new siding over old siding?
You can sometimes put new siding over old siding if the old siding is flat and in good condition. However, experts don't recommend it. Removing the old siding exposes any concealed issues, like structural damage or pest infestations, and allows the new siding to line up better with window and door framing.
Can you pressure wash wood siding?
You can pressure wash wood siding if you use low pressure. High pressure can damage the siding and possibly damage the insulation and wiring beneath it if water gets behind the boards or shingles. Hire a professional with experience cleaning wood siding for the best results.
Professional pressure washing costs $170 to $310 for an average-sized home.
How long does it take to install wood siding?
Wood siding installation takes 2 to 3 weeks on average. Many factors affect the timeline, including the weather, siding style, crew size, house size, design complexity, and the existing condition of the exterior. Lap siding takes less time to install than wood shakes or shingles.
Removing the old siding, if needed, typically takes about a day.
Repairs can add a day or more if unexpected issues surface during the old siding removal.
Can you paint wood siding?
Yes, you can paint wood siding. Most wood siding requires repainting or resealing every 3 to 5 years to maintain the color and keep the wood protected from the elements. The sides of the house with the most sun exposure may fade quicker. Use a high-quality acrylic exterior paint for the best results.
Getting estimates from wood siding installers
Follow these guidelines to find the best wood siding contractors near you:
Compare 3 to 5 in-person estimates with similar details.
Choose a licensed, bonded, and insured company that has been in business for over 5 years.
Browse wood siding installer reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Ask for local references.
Avoid hiring a company with extremely low prices as this often signals low quality work.
Ask for a written contract and workmanship warranty before the work starts.
Don't make your last payment until the job is complete.
Questions to ask
Consider asking the following questions to help you choose the best wood siding installer:
How long have you been licensed?
What experience do you have with installing this type of wood siding?
Do you have a portfolio or website where I can view photos of similar jobs?
Can you provide references?
Do you have liability and workers comp insurance?
Will you be doing the installation, or do you use subcontractors?
How long will the installation take?
Does the estimate include all labor, materials, permit fees, and cleanup?
Who is my main point of contact during the installation?
What other costs might come up during a job like this?
Do you provide a workmanship warranty? What does it cover?