How much does it cost to paint a house exterior?
How much does it cost to paint a house exterior?
$1.50 – $5.00 average cost per square foot
$3,000 – $10,000 average total cost (2,000 square feet)
Cost to paint the exterior of a house
Professional exterior painting costs $1.50 to $5.00 per square foot or $3,000 to $10,000 total for an average 2,000-square-foot house. The cost to paint a house depends on the home size and number of stories, siding type, surface preparation needed, paint quality, local labor prices.
| Charging method | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Per square foot | $1.50 – $5.00 |
| Per hour | $25 – $75 |
| Total cost (2,000 SF) | $3,000 – $10,000 |
Cost for exterior home painting by size
The main factor in the cost to paint a house exterior is the house's size. The exact square footage varies depending on how many windows and doors you have and how big they are.
| Home size (square feet) |
Approximate paintable area (square feet) |
Average total cost* |
|---|---|---|
| 1,000 | 800 | $1,200 – $4,000 |
| 1,500 | 1,200 | $1,800 – $6,000 |
| 2,000 | 1,700 | $2,600 – $8,500 |
| 2,500 | 2,100 | $3,200 – $10,500 |
| 3,000 | 2,500 | $3,800 – $12,500 |
| 3,500 | 2,900 | $4,400 – $14,500 |
| 4,000 | 3,350 | $5,000 – $16,800 |
*Including labor and materials
Cost to paint house exterior by siding material
Different siding materials require different types of paint and primer, which affects their prices. Painting vinyl siding is the least expensive option, while brick and stucco houses have higher potential costs.
| Siding type | Average cost (per square foot)* |
|---|---|
| Wood | $1.50 – $5.00 |
| Vinyl | $1.50 – $4.50 |
| Stucco | $2.00 – $5.00 |
| Brick | $2.50 – $5.00 |
| Aluminum | $2.00 – $4.50 |
*Including labor and materials
Wood
Painting wood siding costs $1.50 to $5.00 per square foot. Wood siding may need a partial or complete coat of primer, especially if the new paint color is lighter than the existing one.
Vinyl
Painting vinyl siding costs $1.50 to $4.50 per square foot. Vinyl is a little easier to paint than wood or brick since it dries faster, but check your warranty before painting. With some policies, painting vinyl siding will void the warranty.
Stucco
Painting a stucco house costs $2 to $5 per square foot. While you can use acrylic or elastomeric paint on stucco, fog coating lasts longer and doesn't fade as much.
Fog coating costs $2 to $8 per square foot and consists of a thin, cement-based layer that sinks into the surface of the stucco. This breathable sprayed-on coating can refresh the look of cracked or stained stucco without having to replace the siding altogether.
Brick
Painting a brick house costs $2.50 to $5.00 per square foot. Tall homes or detailed work will increase prices.
Whitewashing or limewashing brick costs $2.50 to $6.00 per square foot and lasts longer than paint. Whitewashing uses diluted paint, while limewashing uses hydrated lime, which is more breathable. Both techniques let the brick texture show more than paint.
Aluminum
Painting aluminum siding costs $2.00 to $4.50 per square foot. The best kind of paint for aluminum or other metal siding is 100% acrylic latex paint with a low-gloss or flat finish. Metal siding also requires a layer of oil-based or self-etching primer to prevent bubbling.
Exterior painting cost factors
These factors also influence exterior painting costs:
Number of coats: Multiple coats will increase overall painting costs but will also increase the paint's longevity.
Surface preparation: If your siding needs priming, power washing, or repairs before the painter can start, it will affect labor and material costs.
Home height: Larger, multi-story homes require more paint, labor, and equipment than smaller one-story houses.
Additional features: Painting features like shutters, trim, eaves, the foundation, or gutters will add to the total cost.
Lead paint removal: If your home was built or painted before 1978, it may have lead paint on the exterior or interior. Removing lead paint costs $6 to $17 per square foot.
Location: Exterior painting tends to cost more in urban areas than in suburban or rural areas due to higher living costs.
Labor costs
Professional painter hourly rates range from $25 to $75 per hour, depending on the location and the painters' experience level. Specialty or highly experienced painters may charge more per hour, especially if the job is more complex or requires more skill than average.
Materials
Materials also impact the project cost, with paint costs ranging from $20 to $80 per gallon depending on quality, brand, and finish. Premium-quality paint costs $100+ per gallon. Standard paint covers 350 to 400 square feet per gallon. Primer coats provide slightly less coverage per gallon.
Other painting projects
You may be able to get a discounted rate if you bundle multiple painting projects, like the ones listed below:
| Project | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Exterior trim | $1 – $4 per linear foot |
| Garage door | $1 – $4 per square foot |
| Front door | $1 – $5 per square foot |
| Deck | $2 – $5 per square foot |
| Fence | $1 – $3 per square foot |
| Metal roof | $1.50 – $4.00 per square foot |
Exterior trim: The cost to paint exterior trim is $1 to $4 per linear foot.
Garage door: Painting a garage door costs $1 to $4 per square foot or $100 to $680 total, depending on the door size, paint type, and number of coats. If you choose to include the garage door(s) in the exterior house painting project, it will raise the final cost slightly.
Front door: Painting a door costs $1 to $5 per square foot or $100 to $400 total for a front door or an exterior door.
Deck: Painting a deck costs $2 to $5 per square foot or $600 to $2,000 for the average deck, patio, porch, or pool deck.
Fence: Painting or staining a fence costs $1 to $3 per square foot or $300 to $2,800 total, depending on the fence height and length.
Metal roof: Painting a metal roof costs $1.50 to $4.00 per square foot, depending on the roof size and slope and the paint quality.
Looking for inspiration? Check out our guide on the best exterior house paint colors! Whites, grays, and beiges are solid neutral options. Shades of blue, green, and yellow are popular colors that add a calming or welcoming effect.
How to save on exterior home painting
Painting your home’s exterior doesn’t have to strain your budget. By making strategic choices and taking on some tasks yourself, you can achieve professional results while keeping costs down.
Paint during the off-season: Schedule your project in late fall, winter, or early spring to take advantage of lower contractor rates and special discounts.
Do prep work yourself: Handle basic preparation such as patching holes, cleaning surfaces, moving outdoor furniture, trimming shrubs, and removing fixtures to reduce labor costs.
Limit the scope: Focus only on areas that truly need painting. Skip the trim or features that are still in good condition to save on materials and labor.
Get multiple quotes: Request estimates from several reputable painters. Compare pricing, scope of work, materials, and number of coats to ensure the best value.
Choose quality paint: Invest in high-quality paint for better coverage and durability, which reduces the frequency and cost of repainting in the long run.
Maintain your painted surfaces: Regularly inspect and clean your home’s exterior. Address peeling or cracking paint promptly to extend the life of your paint job and delay the need for a full repaint.
FAQs about exterior painting
How often do you paint a house exterior?
You should paint a house exterior every 5 to 10 years on average. Depending on the location, climate, siding type, and paint quality, exterior paint can last anywhere from 3 to 20 years. Walls facing south and southwest wear faster because they receive more sun exposure.
| Siding type | How often to repaint (years) |
|---|---|
| Aluminum | 5 – 10 |
| Brick | 3 – 20 |
| Cement fiberboard | 10 – 15 |
| Stucco | 5 – 7 |
| Vinyl | 2 – 10 |
| Wood | 3 – 7 |
How long does it take to paint a house exterior?
Most exterior painting projects take about 4 to 5 days to complete. This timeframe includes cleaning, surface preparation, and applying paint. The duration varies based on the home's size, weather conditions, crew size, and the complexity of prep work. Smaller homes may only take 1 to 2 days.
When is the best time of year to paint a house exterior?
The best time to paint your house exterior is early summer or early fall when the weather is warm, dry, and stable. These seasons allow paint to dry and cure properly. Avoid extreme heat, high humidity, or freezing temperatures, as they can cause poor adhesion, cracking, or peeling.
Checking the forecast to ensure several dry days before and after painting helps achieve the best results. Painting during these optimal conditions ensures a smooth, long-lasting finish.
What is the best exterior house paint?
The top-rated exterior house paints are Benjamin Moore Aura, Sherwin-Williams Duration or Emerald, and Behr Marquee. These paints offer excellent durability, weather resistance, and color retention.
Benjamin Moore Aura stands out for its fade resistance, while Sherwin-Williams Duration is highly regarded for protection against cracking and peeling. Behr Marquee is popular for its one-coat coverage and UV protection, making all three top choices for lasting curb appeal and protection.
How many gallons of paint do you need to paint a house exterior?
To paint a house exterior, you typically need about one gallon of paint for every 250 to 400 square feet of surface area, depending on the paint quality and surface texture. For example, a 2,000-square-foot home usually requires 5 to 10 gallons of paint to cover two coats.
Rough or porous surfaces like stucco may require more paint, while smooth surfaces need less. Always measure your home's exterior and check the paint’s coverage rate to calculate the exact amount needed.
Getting estimates from exterior painters
Follow these tips to hire the right exterior painter near you:
Request estimates from at least three painters to compare costs, services, and quality.
Read reviews on Google and HomeGuide, focusing on consistent feedback about workmanship.
Ensure each estimate details the labor, materials, prep work, number of coats, project timeline, and specific paint brands.
Confirm the painters are licensed and insured.
Confirm the painters have experience with multi-unit properties if needed.
Watch out for bids that are significantly lower than others, as these may signal inexperience or shortcuts.
Questions to ask a painter
Before hiring a painting contractor, ask these questions to identify qualified professionals:
How many years of experience do you have painting home exteriors?
Can you provide references from recent exterior painting projects?
Can you show me examples of similar homes you’ve painted?
Are you licensed and insured for residential painting in this area?
What brands and types of paint do you recommend, and why?
How do you handle color selection and provide samples or test patches?
How do you prepare exterior surfaces before painting?
What steps do you take to protect landscaping, windows, and fixtures during the project?
Can you give me a detailed written estimate, including labor, materials, prep work, and the number of coats?
What is your process for handling unexpected repairs or wood rot discovered during prep?
Do you offer a warranty or guarantee on your work, and what does it cover?
Who will be working on my house, and will you supervise the crew?
How long do you expect the project to take from start to finish?
How do you handle weather delays or other scheduling issues?
What safety measures do you follow, especially when working at heights?
How do you address lead paint or other hazardous materials if encountered?
How do you ensure a smooth and even finish on all surfaces?
Will you clean up thoroughly after the job is complete?
What payment schedule do you require?
What is your policy if I am not satisfied with the final result?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.