How much does it cost to paint a house exterior?
How much does it cost to paint a house exterior?
$1 – $4 cost per square foot
$1,900 – $6,900 average total house painting cost
Cost to paint a house
The average cost to paint a house is $1,900 to $6,900. Exterior house painting costs $1 to $4 per square foot, depending on the paintable area outside, siding material and condition, number of stories, prep work, and repainting labor.
| Home size (square feet) | Average cost |
|---|---|
| 1,000 | $800 – $3,200 |
| 1,500 | $1,200 – $4,800 |
| 2,000 | $1,700 – $6,800 |
| 2,500 | $2,100 – $8,400 |
| 3,000 | $2,500 – $10,000 |
| 3,500 | $2,900 – $11,600 |
| 4,000 | $3,400 – $13,400 |
| 5,000 | $4,200 – $16,800 |
Painting a house takes 4 to 5 days and boosts curb appeal and home value.
Paint on a house exterior lasts 5 to 10 years on average.
The total cost to paint a house interior is $1,300 to $6,300.
Exterior painting cost calculator
The following table shows the average exterior house painting estimate.
| National average cost | $4,200 |
| Minimum cost | $750 |
| Maximum cost | $17,000 |
| Average cost range | $1,900 to $6,900 |
* Cost data is from research and project costs reported by HomeGuide members.
Average cost to paint a house exterior
The average cost to paint a house exterior is $1,900 to $6,900. Labor makes up most of the cost. DIY painting a house exterior costs $400 to $1,800 for materials only.
House repainting costs depend on several factors, including:
The home's exterior size and condition
Number of stories
Number of windows and doors
Paint quality
Siding material
Prep work
Repairs
Exterior house painting cost per square foot
Exterior house painting costs $1 to $4 per square foot on average. Labor costs increase for homes with multiple stories, repairs, and obstructions like trees, bushes, or uneven ground.
| Home size (square feet) | Paintable area (square feet)* | Average cost |
|---|---|---|
| 900 | 720 | $750 – $2,900 |
| 1,000 | 800 | $800 – $3,200 |
| 1,100 | 900 | $900 – $3,600 |
| 1,200 | 1,000 | $1,000 – $4,000 |
| 1,300 | 1,100 | $1,100 – $4,400 |
| 1,400 | 1,150 | $1,200 – $4,600 |
| 1,500 | 1,200 | $1,200 – $4,800 |
| 1,600 | 1,300 | $1,300 – $5,200 |
| 1,700 | 1,400 | $1,400 – $5,600 |
| 1,800 | 1,500 | $1,500 – $6,000 |
| 1,900 | 1,600 | $1,600 – $6,400 |
| 2,000 | 1,700 | $1,700 – $6,800 |
| 2,200 | 1,850 | $1,900 – $7,400 |
| 2,500 | 2,100 | $2,100 – $8,400 |
| 2,700 | 2,250 | $2,300 – $9,200 |
| 3,000 | 2,500 | $2,500 – $10,000 |
| 3,500 | 2,900 | $2,900 – $11,600 |
| 4,000 | 3,350 | $3,400 – $13,400 |
| 4,500 | 3,800 | $3,800 – $15,200 |
| 5,000 | 4,200 | $4,200 – $16,800 |
*Paintable area can vary significantly from house to house.
Cost to paint a 2-story house vs. ranch-style
The average cost to paint a 2-story house is $2,000 to $10,500 or 25% to 50% more than a single-story home. Multi-story homes require more paint and supplies, prep work, labor, and ladders or scaffolding. A scaffolding permit adds $100 to $300.
| Home stories | Square footage | Average total cost |
|---|---|---|
| Single story | 1,000 – 2,000 | $1,000 – $6,400 |
| Two story | 1,500 – 2,500 | $2,000 – $10,500 |
| Three story | 2,500 – 3,000+ | $3,200 – $18,000 |
Labor cost to paint a house exterior
The labor cost to paint a house exterior is $0.80 to $2.80 per square foot or 70% to 80% of the total cost. Professional painter hourly rates are $20 to $50 plus materials or $200 to $500 per day on average.
Exterior painting prep work includes sanding, washing, caulking, and repairs:
Siding repair costs $200 to $1,100, depending on the material and damage.
Window frame repair costs $150 to $600.
Roof eaves repair costs $500 to $2,600 on average.
Gutter repair costs $100 to $450.
Scraping, sanding, and stripping old paint or siding costs $2 to $8 per square foot.
Caulking and masking costs $0.50 to $4.00 per linear foot.
Power washing a house costs $170 to $360.
Exterior paint cost per gallon
Exterior paint costs $30 to $80 per gallon for standard acrylic or latex. Mineral-based exterior brick paint costs $100 to $150 per gallon. The total cost of exterior paint for an average house is $200 to $1,200.
One gallon of paint covers 250 to 400 square feet with one coat.
Two coats are recommended for long-lasting coverage.
| Home size (SF) | Paintable surface (SF) | Gallons needed (two coats) | Total paint cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1,000 | 800 | 4 – 6 | $120 – $480 |
| 1,200 | 1,000 | 5 – 8 | $150 – $640 |
| 1,500 | 1,200 | 6 – 10 | $180 – $800 |
| 1,800 | 1,500 | 8 – 12 | $240 – $960 |
| 2,400 | 2,000 | 10 – 16 | $300 – $1,300 |
| 3,000 | 2,500 | 12 – 20 | $360 – $1,600 |
| 3,500 | 3,000 | 16 – 24 | $480 – $1,920 |
*Average cost for two coats of acrylic or latex paint, excluding primer.
Primer costs $20 to $50 per gallon and covers 200 to 300 square feet. Primer is required on most bare surfaces and recommended on all surfaces for the best results.
Two coats do not always require double the paint because the second coat often uses less paint.
Porous and textured surfaces like brick, stucco, and concrete require more paint.
Estimate one gallon of trim paint for every 6 to 8 gallons of exterior paint.
Cost to paint siding outside of house
The average cost to paint siding is $1.00 to $5.50 per square foot, depending on the home's exterior size and material type. Painting exterior siding adds curb appeal and increases its lifespan.
| Type | Cost per square foot | 2,000 SF house* |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminum or metal siding | $1.00 – $4.00 | $1,700 – $6,800 |
| Brick exterior | $1.50 – $4.50 | $2,600 – $7,700 |
| Concrete siding | $1.00 – $3.50 | $1,700 – $6,000 |
| Exterior foundation | $1.00 – $4.00 | $200 – $1,100 |
| Stucco exterior | $1.00 – $5.50 | $1,700 – $9,400 |
| Vinyl siding | $1.00 – $3.00 | $1,700 – $5,100 |
| Wood siding | $1.00 – $4.00 | $1,700 – $6,800 |
*Average cost to paint a 2,000 square foot, 1-story house.
In comparison, siding replacement costs $3 to $11 per square foot when panels are too worn to paint.
Cost to paint a stucco house exterior
Painting a stucco house costs $1.00 to $5.50 per square foot or $1,700 to $9,400 on average. The rougher the stucco texture, the more surface area and paint required.
Stucco repairs cost $8 to $50 per square foot to fix cracks, holes, and chips before painting.
The cost to re-stucco a house is $8 to $21 per square foot.
Cost to paint vinyl siding
Painting vinyl siding costs $1 to $3 per square foot or $1,700 to $5,100 for a 2,000 SF home. Painting vinyl siding refreshes worn siding's appearance. Vinyl siding typically lasts up to 25 years or more but may fade sooner with extreme weather or sun exposure.
Replacing vinyl siding costs $3 to $11 per square foot for siding too worn or damaged to paint.
Cost to paint wood siding
Painting wood siding costs $1 to $4 per square foot or $1,700 to $6,800 on average. Repainting wood siding typically falls at the lower end of the price range because the surface only requires spot priming. Wood siding may need a complete primer coat if the new color is lighter than the existing one.
Painting a brick house exterior
Painting a brick house costs $1.50 to $4.50 per square foot or $2,600 to $7,700 for a 2,000 SF home. Mineral-based paints cost the most but last the longest and maintain the brick's breathability to prevent deterioration. Painting raw brick requires a primer coat.
Brick staining costs $1 to $4 per square foot and changes the brick's color with dye while allowing it to remain breathable.
The cost to brick a house is $8 to $18 per square foot for siding too damaged for painting.
House painters cost for concrete siding
Painting concrete siding costs $1.00 to $3.50 per square foot or $1,700 to $6,000 on average. Concrete or fiber cement siding is porous and absorbent, requiring a sealant, primer, and multiple coats for complete coverage. Old paint may need removing for new paint to adhere correctly.
Painting aluminum and metal siding
Painting aluminum siding costs $1 to $4 per square foot or $1,500 to $7,000 on average. Prep work is typically required to remove the chalky powder residue before painting. Painting metal siding revives its appearance and hides minor cosmetic imperfections.
Cost to repaint a house by type
Repainting a mobile home or townhouse costs $1 to $4 per square foot or $750 to $4,300 on average. Repainting costs more if the existing surface is in poor condition, and additional repairs and prep work are required.
| House type | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Mobile home | $750 – $4,200 |
| Townhouse | $1,000 – $4,300 |
| Standard house | $1,700 – $6,800 |
Cost to repaint a townhouse
Painting a townhouse costs $1,000 to $4,300 on average, depending on the size, siding type, and the number of stories. Painting a townhouse only includes the front and back walls because most townhomes share one or both sidewalls with neighboring units.
Cost to paint exterior of mobile home
Painting a mobile home exterior costs $750 to $4,200 on average. DIY painting a mobile home costs $250 to $750, depending on the size, siding condition, and paint type.
Exterior painting cost estimates
Exterior wall painting costs $1 to $4 per square foot, with a minimum of $250 to $500. When estimating an exterior painting project, be sure to include the doors, foundation, garage, shutters, trim, or other home features:
| Item | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Deck, patio, or porch | $2 – $5 per square foot |
| Eaves, fascia, and soffit | $2 – $6 per linear foot |
| Exterior door | $100 – $225 per door |
| Exterior shutters | $60 – $150 per pair |
| Exterior trim | $1 – $4 per linear foot |
| Exterior wall | $1 – $4 per square foot |
| Detached garage + door | $350 – $2,800 |
| Garage door | $100 – $680 |
| Foundation | $200 – $1,100 |
| Gutters and downspouts | $100 – $900 |
| Window frame | $45 – $150 per window |
Cost to paint a garage
Painting a one-car detached garage costs $350 to $1,900, including the garage door. The average cost to paint a 2-car garage and garage door is $600 to $2,800. House painting estimates typically include the garage's outer walls.
Painting a garage door alone costs $100 to $680.
An epoxy garage floor coating costs $1,600 to $5,800 on average.
Painting exterior trim, fascia, soffit, and eaves
Painting exterior trim costs $1 to $4 per linear foot. Trim painting may not be included in house painting estimates.
The average cost to paint fascia and soffit is $2 to $6 per linear foot each.
Cost to paint shutters and windows
Painting exterior shutters costs $60 to $150 per pair. Painting an exterior window costs $40 to $150 per window. The price depends on window and shutter size, material, and location.
Deck, patio, and porch staining or painting
Painting a deck, front porch, or patio costs $2 to $5 per square foot, depending on the size, material, layout, and condition.
Deck, patio, and porch painting or staining cost
Type | Average cost |
|---|---|
Staining a deck cost | $450 – $1,000 |
Deck painting cost | $600 – $2,000 |
Patio painting cost | $300 – $1,000 |
Front port painting cost | $200 – $750, plus $20 – $100 per column |
Painting exterior doors
Painting an exterior door costs $100 to $225 on average. Painters charge $150 to $300 to paint a front door and the exterior frame.
Cost to paint exterior foundation
Painting an exterior foundation costs $200 to $1,100 on average. Concrete foundations are porous and should be sealed and primed before painting with paint formulated explicitly for concrete.
Cost to paint gutters and downspouts
Painting gutters costs $1 to $4 per linear foot or $100 to $900 for an average home. Gutter and downspout painting is not always included in an exterior house painting estimate.
DIY cost to paint a house exterior
The cost to paint a house exterior yourself is $400 to $1,800 for supplies, equipment, and paint for a 1,500 square foot home, including renting a paint sprayer for up to 5 days. Hiring a painting contractor to help costs $20 to $50 per hour.
| Item | Average cost (each) |
|---|---|
| Brushes | $2 – $15 |
| Buckets (5-gallon) | $6 – $8 |
| Caulk (10 oz. tub) | $6 – $9 |
| Ladder | $80 – $300 |
| Painter's tape | $3 – $10 |
| Paint trays | $2 – $5 |
| Paint roller kit | $10 – $25 |
| Plastic drop cloths | $5 – $30 |
| Sandpaper | $5 – $15 |
| Scrapers | $6 – $20 |
| Trisodium phosphate (TSP) | $5 – $12 |
| Paint sprayer / power roller rental (per day) | $30 – $50 |
| Scaffolding rental (per day) | $50 – $100 |
| Exterior paint (per gallon) | $30 – $150 |
| Primer (per gallon) | $20 – $50 |
House painting FAQs
How long does it take to paint a house?
Painting a house takes 4 to 5 days on average, including cleaning, preparation, and painting. Painting time depends on the home and crew size, weather, and prep work required.
Smaller homes may take 1 to 2 days.
Larger houses or homes needing repairs may take 7 to 10 days.
How often should you paint your house?
A house exterior should be painted every 5 to 10 years on average. Exterior paint may last up to 20 years or as little as 3 years, depending on the location, climate, siding type, and paint type and quality. Southern- and southwestern-facing walls wear faster due to increased sun exposure.
| Siding type | Repainting schedule (years) |
|---|---|
| Aluminum | 5 – 10 |
| Brick | 3 – 20 |
| Cement fiberboard | 10 – 15 |
| Stucco | 5 – 7 |
| Vinyl | 2 – 10 |
| Wood | 3 – 7 |
When is the best time of year to paint a house exterior?
Late spring, summer, and early fall are the best times to paint a house exterior. Painting in the fall or early winter is ideal in southern states that stay warm year-round. Optimal painting weather is warm and dry.
Painting contractors in colder regions often offer discounts in late fall or early winter.
How much does it cost to paint an exterior commercial building?
Painting a commercial building's exterior costs $1 to $6 per square foot. Exterior commercial painting often requires additional equipment and special scaffolding, depending on the building size and number of stories.
How much does it cost to test and remove lead paint?
Houses built before 1978 may require lead paint testing and removal.
Lead paint inspections cost $300 to $600.
EPA-approved lead paint testing kits cost $10 to $40.
Removing lead paint costs $8 to $15 per square foot.
What is the difference between interior and exterior paint prices?
Interior paint prices are $15 to $50 per gallon. Exterior paint costs $30 to $80 per gallon and is formulated to withstand weather exposure and resist dirt, moisture, and UV rays.
How to prep for an exterior house painting job?
Follow these steps to prepare the exterior and create an ideal surface for a long-lasting paint job:
Cover surrounding plants and water features with drop cloths. Remove them daily to prevent damaging the plants.
Hand clean or pressure wash all paintable surfaces.
Scrape off loose and flaking paint and fill any holes or dents with caulk.
Repair and sand any damaged siding.
Remove old caulk from windows and door trim and replace with paintable exterior caulk.
Allow all surfaces to dry.
Prime bare areas or the entire surface if needed.
Allow each coat to dry before painting the next coat.
Getting house painting quotes
Before hiring house painters near you, remember to:
Get at least three estimates to compare.
Look for licensed, insured, and bonded contractors with experience painting your home's siding type.
Ask for references or a portfolio of past projects.
Browse their reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Avoid selecting the lowest quote as quality may suffer.
Get a detailed estimate, contract, and warranty in writing before the work begins.
Never pay in full before the project starts. Use a payment plan instead for work completed.
Questions to ask exterior painters
Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?
What house painting experience do you have?
Do you have a portfolio of your previous jobs?
Do you use subcontractors?
How many painters will be working on the project?
How long will the project take?
Do you spray, brush and roll, or both?
What brand and type of paint do you recommend for my house, and why?
How many coats will my house need?
Is a primer required?
What finish do you recommend for my house?
Do you recommend painting the gutters and downspouts?
How will you protect the area before painting?
How long until the paint is dry?
How long should the paint job last?
Is there a warranty, and if so, what does it include?
What is and is not included in the estimate?
What additional costs should I expect?
Do you need a permit to paint my house?