How much does log siding cost?
How much does log siding cost?
$5 – $15 cost per square foot installed
$8,500 – $31,500 average total cost installed (2,000 – 2,500 SF home)
Average cost of log siding
Log siding costs $5 to $15 per square foot installed or $8,500 to $31,500 total for a typical home. Wood log siding prices are $3 to $9 per square foot for the materials alone. Faux wood log siding prices are $2 to $18 per square foot excluding labor, depending on the material.
| Home size (square feet) | Approximate siding square footage | Average cost installed |
|---|---|---|
| 900 | 720 | $3,600 – $10,800 |
| 1,000 | 800 | $4,000 – $12,000 |
| 1,200 | 1,000 | $5,000 – $15,000 |
| 1,500 | 1,200 | $6,000 – $18,000 |
| 1,800 | 1,500 | $7,500 – $22,500 |
| 2,000 | 1,700 | $8,500 – $25,500 |
| 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 |
Cost data is from research and project costs reported by HomeGuide members.
Log siding prices by material
Log siding comes in natural wood or in vinyl, steel, or concrete materials that mimic the look of real wood with lower maintenance requirements and more rot-, fire-, and insect-resistance.
| Log siding material | Average material price per square foot | Average installed cost per square foot |
|---|---|---|
| Real wood | $3.00 – $9.00 | $5 – $15 |
| Vinyl | $2.00 – $4.00 | $4 – $8 |
| Steel | $5.50 – $6.50 | $11 – $16 |
| Concrete | $8.00 – $18.00 | $13 – $30 |
Wood log siding
Wood log siding costs $5 to $15 per square foot installed or $3 to $9 per square foot for materials alone. Wood log siding gives the home's exterior a log cabin look while keeping the interior walls flat like a stick-built home.
| Type | Average price per square foot* | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Quarter-log | $2.50 – $7.00 |
|
| Half-log | $3.50 – $12.00 |
|
| D-log | $18.00 – $35.00+ |
|
| Shiplap log | $3.50 – $8.50 |
|
*Not including installation
The wood type, grade, and finish also affect the cost:
Pine and cedar are the most common log siding materials. Other options include hemlock and fir.
Premium-grade cedar falls at the higher end of the price range while lower-grade pine falls at the lower end. However, premium-grade cedar has no defects, knots, or imperfections.
Pre-finished log siding costs more but doesn't require painting or staining so quickly after installation.
Hand hewn logs cost more but offer a more natural, authentic look.
Air-dried siding costs less than kiln-dried siding, but kiln drying is best to ensure the wood is free of mold, mildew, and insects.
In comparison, a log cabin kit costs $50 to $100 per square foot for the materials alone to build a full-log cabin shell.
Some distributors use "D log" to refer to quarter log siding. Be sure to confirm the thickness with your contractor so you know you're on the same page.
Vinyl log siding
Vinyl log siding prices are $4 to $8 per square foot installed or $2 to $4 per square foot for the materials alone. Vinyl log siding offers a budget-friendly, insect-resistant, low-maintenance alternative to wood log siding. However, vinyl siding fades with direct sun exposure and doesn't do well in extreme temperatures.
Steel log siding
Steel log siding prices are $11 to $16 per square foot on average with installation or $5.50 to $6.50 per square foot for materials only, depending on the thickness, finish, project size, and design complexity. Steel log siding requires very little maintenance and is resistant to fire, insects, wildlife, mold, and rot.
Concrete log siding
Concrete log siding prices are $13 to $30 per square foot installed or $8 to $18 per square foot for the materials alone. While the initial cost is higher than traditional wood, concrete log siding is lower maintenance, and its superior fire resistance may reduce your homeowners' insurance rates.
Log siding cost calculator
Factors that affect the cost of log siding installation include:
Home size & stories – The larger the home, the more materials and labor you'll need. Siding installation on a one-story home will cost less than a multi-story home that needs extra safety measures and equipment.
Complexity – A complex home with many angles and unique features requires more labor and additional materials.
Location – Shipping and delivery costs vary depending on where you live in relation to the log siding distributor.
Age of house –Siding on pre-1970 homes may contain asbestos or lead. Asbestos siding removal costs $4 to $6 per square foot.
Fascia, soffits, and trim – The cost to replace soffits and fascia is $9 to $34 per linear foot. Matching the trim to your new log siding gives the home's exterior a more uniform look.
Painting or staining – Painting or sealing log siding protects and extends its lifespan. Some woods like cedar have naturally protective properties, but this protection degrades over time.
Repairs
Structural house framing repairs cost $5 to $20 per square foot.
Window frame repair costs $150 to $600, depending on the type, material, and extent of the damage.
Door frame repair costs $75 to $90 for small repairs or $110 to $220 to fix larger problems.
Gutter repair costs $100 to $450 on average.
Labor cost to install log siding
The labor cost to install log siding is $2 to $6 per square foot on average, depending on the job size and complexity. The siding material and thickness also affects the labor required, with heavier materials typically costing more to install.
Hourly labor rates:
General contractor rates are $50 to $150 per hour, or 10% to 20% of the total project cost.
Carpenters charge $30 to $200 per hour, depending on their skill level.
Site prep –The average cost to remove old siding is $0.70 to $2.00 per square foot. If you remove the old siding DIY, the cost to rent a dumpster for the debris is about $280 to $500 per week.
Permits – Permits cost $500 to $2,000 for siding installation, depending on the location and project size.
Confirm whether your estimate includes old siding removal and disposal.
Log siding FAQs
How long does log siding last?
The lifespan of log siding depends greatly on the material. The following table shows the estimated longevity for well-maintained log siding in each material:
| Material | Average lifespan |
|---|---|
| Wood | 20 – 40+ years |
| Vinyl | 30 – 60+ years |
| Steel | 30 – 50+ years |
| Concrete | 50 – 100 years |
How long does it take to install log siding?
Log siding installation takes 2 to 3 weeks on average, depending on the home size, design, the crew size and experience, and the type of log siding you choose. Extra-thick D-log siding is heavier and may take longer to install than quarter-log or half-log boards.
Additional time factors to consider:
Old siding removal typically takes a day to complete.
Necessary repairs discovered during the process can increase the project timeline.
How do I maintain log siding?
Log siding requires ongoing care to protect it from wildlife and the elements. A log siding maintenance schedule typically involves cleaning or power washing at low pressure every 2 to 4 years, and re-staining, re-sealing, or repainting every 3 to 5 years.
Power washing prices are $0.35 to $0.77 per square foot.
Exterior painting costs $1 to $4 per square foot.
Log siding repair costs$4 to $13 per square foot.
Repair or replace damaged siding as soon as possible. Mold, mildew, and wood rot problems spread quickly.
Getting estimates from log siding installers
Follow these guidelines when researching log siding contractors near you:
Get 3 to 5 detailed estimates from well-established companies.
Confirm the company you hire is licensed, bonded, and insured.
Look at log siding installer reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Request a list of references with contact information.
Hire a log siding installer who specializes in the siding material you want.
Beware of extremely low bids as they may signal low-quality work.
Ask for a contract and labor warranty in writing before the project starts.
Don't make the final payment before the work is complete.
Questions to ask
Consider asking the following questions to help you choose the best log siding installer:
How long have you been installing log siding?
Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?
Can you give me a list of references from previous similar jobs?
Do you do the work yourself, or do you use subcontractors?
How long will the installation take?
Does the estimate include all labor, materials, permit fees, and cleanup?
What other costs or problems might come up during a job like this?
Do you handle the permitting and inspection process?
Do you provide a labor warranty?