How much does house siding cost to install or replace?
How much does house siding cost to install or replace?
$4 – $13 average cost per square foot installed
$10,000 – $32,500 average total cost (2,500 SF house)
Average house siding cost
House siding costs $4 to $13 per square foot installed, or $10,000 to $32,500 total on average for a 2,500-square-foot home. The cost to replace siding on a house depends on the material, style, and quality, and the home size and layout. Old siding removal costs $0.70 to $2.00 per square foot extra.
| Home size (square feet) |
Average cost installed |
|---|---|
| 900 | $3,600 – $11,700 |
| 1,000 | $4,000 – $13,000 |
| 1,200 | $4,800 – $15,600 |
| 1,500 | $6,000 – $19,500 |
| 1,800 | $7,200 – $23,400 |
| 2,000 | $8,000 – $26,000 |
| 2,500 | $10,000 – $32,500 |
| 3,000 | $12,000 – $39,000 |
| 3,500 | $14,000 – $45,500 |
Siding cost by material
The material you choose is the biggest factor in the cost of siding. Vinyl and aluminum are popular and affordable options, while fiber cement, wood, and engineered wood are mid-range choices. Steel, brick, stucco, and stone typically cost the most.
| Siding material | Cost per square foot installed |
Average total cost (2,500 SF house) |
Lifespan (years) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vinyl | $4 – $12 | $10,000 – $30,000 | 30 – 40 |
| Aluminum | $6 – $10 | $15,000 – $25,000 | 25 – 40 |
| Board and Batten | $5 – $13 | $12,500 – $32,500 | 20 – 100 |
| Brick | $8 – $18 | $20,000 – $45,000 | 20 – 75 (faux brick) 100+ (real brick) |
| Cedar | $6 – $16 | $15,000 – $40,000 | 20 – 40 |
| Engineered wood | $7 – $12 | $12,500 – $37,500 | 30 – 50 |
| Fiber cement | $6 – $15 | $15,000 – $37,500 | 50 – 75 |
| Log / wood | $5 – $15 | $12,500 – $37,500 | 20 – 40 |
| Masonite | $4 – $8 | $10,000 – $20,000 | 20 – 40 |
| Steel | $7 – $16 | $17,500 – $40,000 | 40 – 70 |
| Stone | $10 – $45 | $10,000 – $25,000* | 30 – 75 |
| Stucco | $7 – $17 | $17,500 – $42,500 | 50 – 80 |
*For partial stone siding to accent the home's architectural features.
Vinyl siding
Vinyl siding costs $4 to $12 per square foot installed or $10,000 to $30,000 for an average 2,500-square-foot house.
Vinyl is the most popular siding material, lasts 30 to 40 years, comes in many colors and styles, and requires little maintenance. However, the color may fade with exposure to direct sunlight, and the boards crack in regions with extreme temperature fluctuations.
Aluminum siding
Aluminum siding costs $6 to $10 per square foot installed or $15,000 to $25,000 for a 2,500-square-foot house. Total costs depend on the panel thickness and quality, and whether you choose raw, unfinished versus pre-painted panels.
Aluminum siding lasts 25 to 40 years and is insect-proof and fire-resistant. However, it is prone to dents and scratches and isn't as energy efficient as vinyl or steel.
Board and batten siding
Board and batten siding costs $5 to $13 per square foot installed or $12,500 to $32,500 for a 2,500-square-foot house. The board and batten style features wide vertical boards with narrow vertical strips, called "battens," fitted over the seams wherever two boards meet.
Board and batten siding comes in a variety of materials. Vinyl, fiber cement, wood, and metal are the most popular.
Vinyl, metal, and fiber cement panels are manufactured with the boards and battens in continuous, pre-formed, interlocking panels, allowing for easy installation.
Wood board and batten is more labor-intensive to install because workers must line up the thin battens over the seams before nailing them in place.
Brick siding
Brick siding costs $8 to $18 per square foot installed or $20,000 to $45,000 for a 2,500-square-foot house, depending on if you're installing thin-brick veneers, faux-brick panels, or real full-size bricks. Faux brick siding lasts 20 to 75 years, and real brick lasts 100 years or more.
Installing new brick siding may also require a concrete footer called a "brick ledge" to support the brick. A concrete footer costs $15 to $30 per square foot for labor and materials.
Cedar siding
Cedar siding costs $6 to $16 per square foot installed or $15,000 to $40,000 on average for a 2,500-square-foot house, depending on the style and the wood type, grade, and thickness. Premium-grade cedar costs the most but has no knots, defects, or imperfections.
Cedar siding is durable, well-insulating, and gives the home a warm, rustic design. However, it is more susceptible to fire, moisture, and insect damage and requires more regular maintenance than most other siding materials.
| Cedar siding style | Average cost installed (per square foot) |
Details |
|---|---|---|
| Cedar shakes | $7 – $16 |
|
| Cedar shingles | $6 – $15 |
|
| Cedar clapboard | $6 – $12 |
|
Wood & log siding
Wood siding costs $5 to $15 per square foot installed or $12,500 to $37,500 for an average 2,500-square-foot house, depending on the wood species, finish, grade, and quality. These prices apply for common woods like plywood, pine wood, fir wood, and cypress. Hardwoods are more expensive.
Wood siding comes in styles like clapboard, lap, shingle, shake, tongue-and-groove, board and batten, and log siding.
Real wood siding lasts 20 to 40+ years on average. Engineered wood siding costs $7 to $12 per square foot installed and is a popular, durable, low-maintenance alternative to real wood.
Cedar, pine, redwood, and fir are the most popular wood species used for siding.
Fiber cement & Hardie Board siding
Fiber cement siding costs $6 to $15 per square foot installed or $15,000 to $37,500 for a 2,500-square-foot house, depending on the home size and siding style. The material is available in planks, shingles, and panels designed to mimic the look of wood, stone, metal, or stucco.
Fiber cement siding is a blend of cellulose fiber, sand, cement, and water. This material is durable, low-maintenance, and resists fire, insects, and moisture. Hardie Board is the most popular fiber cement siding brand.
Masonite siding
Masonite siding costs $4 to $8 per square foot installed or $10,000 to $20,000 for a 2,500-square-foot house, depending on the quality and finish.
Masonite is a composite material made with wood fibers, wax, resin, and binders. This affordable siding type is high-maintenance and prone to rotting, warping, and water damage.
The Masonite Corporation was the first to manufacture Masonite, hence the name. They no longer make siding, but other companies manufacture the material and still refer to it as Masonite.
Steel siding
Steel siding costs $7 to $16 per square foot installed or $17,500 to $40,000 for an average 2,500-square-foot house, depending on the thickness, finish, and fastener-panel design. Thicker 24-gauge steel siding costs 30% to 40% more than 26-gauge siding and is more durable.
Exposed fastener panels cost $7 to $12 per square foot installed.
Concealed fastener panels cost $10 to $16 per square foot installed and are more waterproof and weather resistant. Concealed fastener panels—also called standing seam panels—provide the look most homeowners envision when picturing metal siding.
Stone siding
Natural stone siding costs $15 to $45 per square foot installed, while cultured stone siding costs $10 to $35 per square foot installed. Due to its higher cost, stone siding is typically for accenting architectural features on the front of the home instead of covering the entire house.
Stucco siding
Stucco siding costs $7 to $17 per square foot installed or $17,500 to $42,500 for an average 2,500-square-foot house. Stucco is a mixture of cement, sand, binding agents, and water, applied to the house in multiple layers like a plaster coating.
Stucco is durable with an average lifespan of 50 to 80 years. However, it is not ideal for rainy climates.
Siding cost estimator
Materials make up 50% to 55% of the total project cost, while labor makes up the remaining 45% to 50%.
| Factor | Average cost (per square foot) |
|---|---|
| Materials & supplies | $2 – $7 |
| Labor | $2 – $6 |
| Total cost | $4 – $13 |
Other factors that affect the cost of siding installation and replacement include:
House size & layout – The larger your home, the more labor and materials the project requires. Other home design aspects also impact your costs:
Number of stories – Siding replacement typically costs more for multi-story homes because the installers must use scaffolding and safety equipment.
Shape – The cost to install siding on a rectangular house is lower than for homes with multiple sections and different angles.
Architectural features – A simple ranch house with minimal features is easier to work on than a home with complex dormers, large gables, or turrets.
Siding quality or grade – Thicker, premium-grade siding materials cost up to twice as much as thinner, builder's grade siding but are more durable, better insulating, and fade-resistant.
Season – Siding contractors typically charge a premium during their busiest seasons from late spring to mid fall.
Permits – Replacing the siding may require a permit, depending on your location. Siding permits cost $30 to $200.
Insulation – Replacing the insulation costs $1.00 to $4.50 per square foot, depending on the type, material, and R-value.
Siding repairs – If only a small section of the siding is damaged, siding repair costs $2 to $14 per square foot or $200 to $1,100 on average. However, matching the new siding to the existing color may not be possible if the existing siding is older and faded.
Labor cost
Siding contractors charge $40 to $80 per hour or $2 to $6 per square foot for labor to install or replace siding. Labor costs are typically highest for homes with ornate architectural features or complex angles because measuring, cutting, and fitting each piece takes longer.
Old siding removal and disposal costs $0.70 to $2.00 per square foot, depending on the material.
Confirm your estimate includes removing the old siding and hauling away the debris. Many contractors omit this extra cost from their initial estimate.
Signs your house needs new siding
Look for these signs indicating it's time to replace your siding:
Rotting siding boards or panels
Sheathing or backerboard rotting beneath the siding
Cracks, gaps, or holes
Warped, loose, or buckled panels
Bubbling or blistering on the surface
Flaking or peeling paint
Fading or discoloration
Pest damage
Water damage or mold on interior walls
Higher energy bills
House siding FAQs
Does new siding increase home value?
Yes, new siding typically increases home value. Replacing old siding provides a return on investment (ROI) of 75% to 85% on average, depending on the material. New siding also adds curb appeal, making your home more attractive to potential buyers.
What is the cheapest siding for a house?
The cheapest siding for a house is Masonite at $4 to $8 per square foot or vinyl at $4 to $12 per square foot installed. Of the two materials, vinyl is more durable and energy efficient.
Can you install new siding over old siding?
You can install new siding over old siding if the old exterior is flat, tightly fastened, and in good condition. However, most reputable contractors will not install new siding over existing siding. If the old siding has the smallest signs of rot or damage, it can spread and cause structural decay.
How long does siding last?
The lifespan of siding depends on the material. The most popular is vinyl siding that lasts 30 to 40 years. Most wood sidings last 20 to 40 years. Steel, stone, stucco, and fiber-cement siding last up to 75+ years.
What is the most durable type of siding?
The most durable types of siding are steel, stucco, brick, stone, fiber cement, and engineered wood. These materials have the longest lifespans and withstand harsh weather in extreme temperatures.
Can you paint siding?
Yes, you can paint most siding types. The paint finish on most siding materials lasts 10 to 15 years before beginning to fade or flake off. New paint updates your home's look and extends the life of faded siding. However, painting may void the siding manufacturer's warranty.
| 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.
Getting estimates from siding companies
Before hiring a professional siding contractor, be sure to:
Get at least three onsite estimates with similar siding materials to compare.
Choose licensed, bonded, and insured companies.
Read siding company reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Check out photos of their past projects.
Ask the company for local references with contact information.
Confirm the estimate includes old siding removal and disposal.
Never pay in full before the work begins. Follow a payment schedule for work completed and get receipts.
Questions to ask siding installers
Ask these important questions when evaluating siding installers:
How long have you been in business?
How many siding replacement jobs have you done in the past year?
What types of siding do you specialize it?
Which siding material and style do you recommend for my home, and why?
Can I see photos of your past work?
Can you provide references with contact information?
Does the estimate include old siding removal and disposal?
What other costs might come up during the project?
Do you handle the cleanup?
How long will the project take?
How long will the siding last?
What does the warranty cover, and for how long?
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.