How Much Does Clapboard Siding Cost? [2025 Data]

Size of the Home

Clapboard siding costs anywhere from $2 to $15 per square foot. The size of your home determines how much siding you need, which directly impacts your cost for labor and materials. A 1,000-square-foot home could cost as low as $2,000, while a 3,000 square foot home can go as high as $45,000.

Materials

Materials play a significant role in the cost of clapboard siding. Wood, once the standard material, fluctuates the most in price—basic pine is the most affordable, while hardwoods like ipe and teak have the highest price tag. Non-wood varieties including fiber cement, vinyl, and composite are all relatively similar in terms of cost, though fiber cement is often the least expensive of the three.

Siding Contractor Costs 

Labor costs for siding installation typically range from $1 to $4 per square foot, depending on the complexity of the job, or an average hourly rate of $40 to $75. While most contractors include labor costs in their estimates, it's important to verify this during the hiring process.

Additional Cost Factors

Don’t forget to factor in these additional costs when creating a budget for your clapboard siding project. 

Removal of Old Siding

Contractors typically charge between $1,000 and $3,000 for removing old siding, which works out to approximately $0.25 to $0.75 per square foot. This task will increase your labor cost, as it will require several hours to remove the existing siding.

Repairs

The cost to repair siding can vary from $2 to $50 per square foot, with wood siding repairs typically falling between $4 and $13 per square foot. You might find unexpected issues beneath the old siding, like holes, cracks, or signs of rot. To help your new siding last and preserve the structural integrity of your home, it’s important to take care of necessary repairs before you install new clapboard siding.

Design 

Your home's shape, the number of stories, and any distinctive characteristics can greatly affect your budget. More intricate home designs will demand additional siding and custom cuts, which can drive up both installation and material expenses.

Permits 

The cost of permits can vary based on local regulations, but you can generally expect major construction permits to fall within the range of $150 to $2,000. When it comes to significant renovations, such as replacing siding or working with a general contractor for new construction, obtaining building permits is often required. Small siding projects might not need a permit, so be sure to check local laws when planning your budget.

DIY Clapboard Siding Installation vs. Hiring a Pro

Installing wood siding on your own is a doable DIY project if you are confident in using power tools, taking precise measurements, and working from a ladder. However, the potential for error is high and repairs can be expensive, plus it can even void the manufacturers’ warranty. Poorly installed siding increases the risk of air and water leaks in your home. By working with a local siding contractor, you can ensure that your siding is installed properly and will last for years to come.

If you decide to tackle this project yourself, you can save between $2 and $5 per square foot or $40 to $90 per hour in labor costs on average. When you install wood siding on your own, your costs will include only the materials, which range from $1 to $30 per square foot, along with any tools you need to purchase.

Home Siding Replacement vs. Repair 

The average cost of siding repair is between $900 and $1,500, depending on the extent of the damage.  If you’re happy with the look of your current siding, and it’s still relatively new with only minor damage, repairs can potentially save you big. If you know how to fix clapboard siding yourself, that can reduce your repair costs even further. On the other hand, siding with rot, severe water damage, or structural issues often calls for a replacement to maintain your home’s structural integrity and energy efficiency.

It’s also worth checking if your siding is under warranty. Many manufacturers provide long-term warranties, and if yours applies, it could help offset repair or replacement costs. Finally, consider the 50% rule: If repairs cost more than half the price of a full replacement, it’s usually more practical to replace the siding. Ultimately, the decision depends on the extent of the damage, the age of the siding, and your budget.

Ways You Can Save Money on Clapboard Siding

Installing clapboard siding can be a high-budget project, but there are a few good ways to help keep your costs down:

1. Opt for cost-effective materials like vinyl or fiber cement instead of traditional wood.

2. Take on the task of removing the old siding yourself.

3. Maintain a flexible timeline to improve your chances of finding lower prices on siding materials

4. Request multiple quotes to compare prices, services, and warranties.

5. Plan your siding project during the off-season and book your contractor well in advance.

Does Clapboard Siding Increase Home Value?

With its durable design and clean, classic style, clapboard siding can potentially increase your home’s value, especially if your current siding is dated, dingy, or damaged. From a functional standpoint, clapboard siding is highly durable and offers excellent protection against the elements, especially when properly maintained. This helps prevent water damage and improves insulation, which can lower energy bills—a significant selling point for potential buyers who want a more turnkey home. They might view this as a smart investment, as it suggests fewer future repairs (and maximizes curb appeal to boot).

How Angi Gets Its Cost Data

Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects. 

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