Siding Replacement Cost Factors
There’s so much to consider when replacing your house’s siding. Because each property is a different shape, style, and size, you have to consider multiple factors before choosing the right material. Your contractor will help you determine the final costs. Remember to interview at least three local siding contractors to get estimates.
Home Size
The bigger house, the more materials you’ll need to buy, and the more time you’ll need to schedule for installation. Here is a breakdown of what your budget could look like for more common siding options versus their premium counterparts.
| Home Size (Square Feet) | Average Cost for Siding (Vinyl, Wood, Aluminum, Fiber Cement) | Average Cost for Brick or Stone Siding |
|---|---|---|
| 1,000 | $1,000–$13,500 | $9,000–$50,000 |
| 1,500 | $1,500–$20,250 | $13,500–$75,000 |
| 2,000 | $2,000–$27,000 | $18,000–$100,000 |
| 2,500 | $2,500–$33,750 | $22,500–$125,000 |
| 3,000 | $3,000–$40,500 | $27,000–$150,000 |
Two-Story Homes
Living in a two-story house costs 15% to 30% more than living in a ranch-style one-story house when it comes to replacing siding. Access to a second level requires additional equipment such as scaffolding, resulting in more labor time and extra costs.
Home Shape
If your home has a simple box shape, your costs will be lower than a neighbor who custom-built a turret on the side of their home. Multiple-story homes also require more time and labor.
Material Types
On average, homeowners pay about $11,421 for siding replacement. It’s a good idea to consider siding as a long-term investment. Properly installed, quality siding will protect your home for decades. Inexpensive siding might seem attractive initially, but if you go low-cost first, you’ll kick the fees for another round of siding down the road by only a few years. Lower-end materials don’t hold up to weather and damage as well.
Design
The design of your home is also an important factor when considering the cost of new siding. The shape of the home, the number of stories, and any unique features can all significantly impact your budget. More complex house designs require more siding and custom cuts, increasing installation and material costs.
Old Siding Removal
Contractors often advise homeowners to remove the old siding (at an additional cost) because it allows them to correct problems with pests, nests, and rot. However, layering more siding on the existing siding can also diminish the overall look of the finished product. To save your budget from ballooning, your pro might suggest layering over the current siding if the age and condition of the siding permit.
Old Siding Condition
The condition of your old siding will also influence your replacement cost. If your old siding is in great disrepair, with lots of chipping and wear, you’ll pay more to remove it and prepare the exterior surface for new siding. If your previous siding was in decent shape, but just a little aged, your home will likely require less preparation and will therefore cost a little less.
Time of Year
Talk to your contractor about off-season installation pricing and timelines. If they have fewer clients competing for time, they might finish your large home faster. Plus, if the company offers off-season discounts, there might be savings, regardless of the size of your house.
Location
The typical price of siding replacement also depends on location. Some areas of the country have lower siding costs, while others see higher prices. Here’s a look at average costs in several popular U.S. regions.
Boston, MA: $9,800–$24,300
New York City: $8,300–$20,500
Chicago, IL: $6,700–$18,700
Los Angeles, CA: $3,200–$10,100
Denver, CO: $7,000–$19,200
Des Moines, IA: $7,600–$12,900
Miami, FL: $1,800–$6,300
Labor
Labor costs to install siding are around $1 to $4 per square foot depending on the difficulty of the installation and your location, or an average hourly rate of $40 to $75 per hour. Most contractors factor in the cost of labor in their estimates, but be sure to confirm this during the hiring process. More challenging installations, such as putting siding up on a second or third floor, will carry additional labor costs.
Permits
Building permits can cost anywhere from $150 to $1,500, depending on local government regulations and the type of work you are doing. Many siding projects require appropriate local and state permits to begin. Some small siding projects may not even require a permit, so always check with a professional siding installer or your local municipality to be sure.
Siding Cost by Type
It’s easy to get caught up on how much new siding will change the look of your home, but it’s helpful to know which types of replacement siding fit your budget before your planning starts.
| Siding Type | Cost per Square Foot |
|---|---|
| Vinyl | $3–$12 |
| Wood | $1–$15 |
| Engineered Wood | $1–$6 |
| Aluminum | $3–$6 |
| Fiber Cement | $5–$14 |
| Brick | $10–$20 |
| Stone | $7–$30 |
| Stone Veneer | $5–$11 |
Vinyl Siding
Vinyl siding is used widely because it’s inexpensive and durable, costing between $3,000 to $30,000. This is one of the most common siding choices because it’s affordable, relatively low maintenance, and comes in a variety of colors.
Vinyl Siding Maintenance and Energy Efficiency
Unlike wood, vinyl siding doesn’t require paint, so there’s no need to spend your summer weekends painting. However, you will need to make sure your high-heat grill is far enough away to avoid warping or melting.
Weather also affects vinyl siding. Watch for damage from high winds and extreme temperature swings that can cause dents and cracks. Vinyl siding is not waterproof and could be ruined by forceful water, making pressure washing a challenge. If your manufacturer does recommend high-power washing, vinyl siding needs cleaning about once a year. If not, you’ll need to clean it by hand or with the help of a gentle hose spray.
Vinyl siding: 20 to 40 years
Wood Siding
Depending on your house’s size, wood siding typically costs between $1,000 and $37,500. Wood siding remains popular because of its classic good looks and relative affordability. Homeowners often choose durable pine, spruce, cypress, and Douglas fir siding. Cedar and redwood have higher price points because they resist rot better than the others.
Wood Siding Maintenance and Energy Efficiency
Wood siding is appealing to many homeowners because of its natural look and can be easily repaired even by a weekend DIYer, but it needs regular maintenance. Rot and insect damage are normal, and you’ll want to stay ahead of warping and cracking. You should also plan for the cost of an exterior paint job every three to five years in addition to a weather treatment every four to six. A complete refinishing/paint process costs $2,000 to $5,000.
After watching a few mountain home real estate shows, you might have your heart set on siding that transforms your home into a cozy log cabin. Log siding is similar to wood siding in aesthetics and takes on the same maintenance and treatment needs. Full log (vs. half log) siding costs an average of $14,000.
Wood siding: 20 to 40 years
Engineered Wood Siding
Engineered wood siding typically costs between $1,000 to $15,000. If you like the look of wood siding but have a strict budget, consider engineered wood siding. Homeowners like this option because it mimics wood siding, yet it’s more affordable and customizable, arriving pre-primed and ready to paint. It only needs a new coat of paint every five to 10 years—perfect timing to try an on-trend color.
Engineered Wood Siding Maintenance and Energy Efficiency
Engineered wood siding is produced with plywood sheets and pretreated with insecticide and fungicide, helping to repel damage. The DIY crowd likes this material because it's light and easy to install, but be careful; there is little room for error. If installed incorrectly, moisture damage is a big problem, especially in humid areas.
To avoid problems, make sure you’re properly installing siding starter strips, use the correct nail length, and leave enough space between the siding for expansion.
Engineered wood siding: 20 to 40 years
Aluminum Siding
A favorite of homeowners in cold climates and on the coast, aluminum siding is priced between $10,000 and $19,000. Aluminum siding is waterproof and provides insulation, helping to keep heating and cooling bills low. It also repels rust, fire, mildew, and insects.
Aluminum Siding Maintenance and Energy Efficiency
Aluminum siding is noisy, known to “ping” during extreme heat, storms, and high winds. And if debris or hail flies, you’ll know it because you'll see scratches and dents in the siding. Over time, aluminum loses its color in weather, but unfortunately, it gains a chalky hue. Matching pieces can be hard to find if you plan to make repairs, and you might need new siding.
Aluminum siding: 20 to 40 years
Fiber Cement Siding
The cost of fiber cement siding ranges between $5,000 and $35,000. You may know this type of siding by the leading brand name, James Hardie, or by the term “Hardie board.” Fiber cement siding is an affordable, durable option that homeowners love because it looks like wood siding, but it’s weather and pest-resistant.
Fiber Cement Siding Maintenance and Energy Efficiency
Although fiber cement siding is low maintenance and needs once-a-year cleaning and an occasional painting, installation prices rise because the material is heavy and labor-intensive. If you need repairs later, it’s best to call a local siding repair professional.
Fiber cement siding: Around 50 years
Brick Siding
The cost range for brick siding is $10,000 to $75,000. A premium siding choice, brick offers a classic, luxurious look that is charming and timeless. However, it is also very heavy and requires a strong foundation.
Brick Siding Maintenance and Energy Efficiency
Brick siding is maintenance-free and extremely durable, with natural resistance to rot and insects. It’s a less-common choice for hot climates because it retains heat. Still, homeowners who don’t worry about the warm-up will appreciate the charming look of brick siding.
Brick siding: At least 100 years
Stone Siding
Stone siding typically costs anywhere between $7,000 to $75,000. Although it’s not a budget-conscious choice, it boasts an elegant and luxurious look that’s sure to last and last.
Stone Siding Maintenance and Energy Efficiency
Stone siding is extremely durable and virtually maintenance-free. It also naturally resists mold, rot, and insects, so it’s very unlikely to suffer any premature wear and tear. Since it’s a heavy, premium material, it’s necessary to have this professionally installed to preserve its beauty and longevity.
Stone siding: At least 100 years
Stone Veneer Siding
Stone veneer siding costs between $5,000 and $27,500. This siding is middle-of-the-road in terms of cost but much less expensive than solid stone. To save even more money, some homeowners use stone veneer siding as a decorative exterior feature or a focal point against less-expensive options such as wood or vinyl.
Stone Veneer Siding Maintenance and Energy Efficiency
Stone veneer siding is long-lasting and requires little maintenance if installed correctly. Improper installation could mean repairing cracks and collapse as the years go on.
As for its energy efficiency, stone veneer siding is a great choice if you’re trying to save on your utility bill. It naturally insulates, protecting your home from frigid winds in the winter and sealing in cool air from your AC in the summer.
Cost to DIY Siding Replacement
If you choose to DIY your siding replacement, you'll save between $40 and $90 per hour in labor fees. Your only costs to DIY will be for the material itself, which, as previously mentioned, ranges in price depending on your preferences. If you merely have to replace a small section of damaged siding, your costs will be even lower. For instance, some siding repair kits cost between $15 and $40 for vinyl. You should also budget for any new tools you'll need to buy if you don't already own them.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro for Siding Replacement
Siding installation is not suitable as a DIY unless you’re experienced with similar projects, though it can still be very daunting for even the most skilled DIY-er. Hiring a local siding contractor means getting the job done right in a timely manner, the first time, without the hassle of taking things on yourself. Contractors can also get better prices on siding materials, plus they are well-versed in the risks involved on the job and have tons of experience working with the material at hand. Improper installations can have a significantly shorter lifespan and may even void manufacturer warranties, so it’s often best to leave this project to the pros.
How to Lower Siding Costs
Consider hiring for this project during the off-season, typically early spring or fall, when contractors aren’t as busy and are charging lower rates.
Get at least three estimates from reputable siding contractors before you commit.
Choose brick or stone veneers to achieve the same look for less.
Feature premium-priced stone or brick siding as a facade that’s accented with lower-priced options such as vinyl or wood.
Install insulated siding or rigid board insulation under your siding to lower your energy costs over time.
Things to Consider Before Replacing Your Siding
1. HOA Restrictions
Don’t jump into a siding project without first consulting your HOA or historical governing body. There’s a good chance they’ll have an approved siding list with restrictions on the colors and the choice of material for your siding.
2. Quality of Siding
It’s always tempting to go with the lowest price, but before you make a decision on your siding, it’s important to also weigh the quality you’re getting against the cost. Choosing low-quality siding can actually end up costing you far more in the long run, as it will often need to be replaced much sooner than a high-quality product. If you plan on staying in your home for the foreseeable future, it’s better to invest in quality that will last for years to come.
3. Colors
Color is another important consideration when it comes to choosing siding. Ensure that the color of your siding complements the colors of your roof, as well as your home’s facade. If you plan on selling your home, it’s also helpful to consider more neutral and buyer-friendly colors rather than a statement-making bright red or blue.
4. Energy Efficiency
Certain types of siding, such as wood and insulated vinyl, can save you in energy costs, so they’re worth considering if you plan on staying in your home long-term. Also, if you live in a hot climate, choosing a light color will help reflect the sun’s harsh rays and keep your home cooler.
5. Maintenance
Maintenance is another important point to consider when shopping for siding. Common choices such as vinyl and aluminum require little more than the occasional power washing to remove dirt and buildup. Brick repels and camouflages dirt, so it’s virtually maintenance-free. Wood siding, on the other hand, is more prone to mold and mildew and requires re-staining and re-sealing every two or three years to prevent moisture damage.
6. Preparing for Your Siding Replacement
To prepare for your siding replacement, you’ll likely need to budget for the removal of old siding, which can cost between $1,000 to $3,000, or $0.25 to $0.75 per square foot. Some homeowners install vinyl or metal siding directly over existing wood siding, so check with your contractor to see if this is an option. Along with that, you may need to budget extra if there are underlying structural concerns, such as rotting wood or termite damage.
Dawn M. Smith contributed to this piece.
