How Much Does Wood Siding Cost to Install? [2026 Data]

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Cost Insights:
  • Wood siding installation costs between $7,000 and $23,000 for your home, with the specific wood species and grade you choose determining your final total.

  • Your home design affects labor costs, as dormers, eaves, and cupolas require more time to cover than simple exterior walls.

  • Set aside $1,150 to $5,000 for old siding removal, building permits, and wall repairs if contractors discover rot underneath.

  • Hiring a local siding professional ensures your wood siding is installed correctly and boosts home value with professional craftsmanship.

In 2026, the national average cost for wood siding installation is $12,500, including labor and materials. Most homeowners spend between $7,000 and $23,000, with final costs driven by the wood species and grade chosen, total square footage, and the complexity of your home's exterior. On the high end, costs can reach up to $57,500, depending on the scope of the project.

How Much Does Wood Siding Cost by Square Foot?

Square footage is the single most impactful cost driver for wood siding, with materials averaging $1 to $5 per square foot and labor adding $2 to $5 per square foot on top of that. Here's how wood siding cost costs compare by house size:

House Size (Square Feet)Average Cost Range in 2026
1,500$4,740–15,800
2,000$5,250–15,800
2,500$7,500–23,000
3,000$9,000–26,000
3,500$10,500–30,000

Square footage will dictate both the material and labor prices of wood siding, making this the most impactful factor on the list. On average, wood siding materials range from $1 to $5 per square foot while labor adds between $2 and $5 per square foot.

There are, however, some outlier material prices in the bunch that can drive the per-square-foot cost pretty high. Highly sought-after and durable materials like cedar and redwood or hardwoods like ipe, and garapa, can reach up to $30 per square foot not including labor.

How Does the Type of Wood Siding Affect Price?

6 wood siding types compared visually, including cypress, redwood, and cedar
Photos: ghornephoto / E+ / Getty images, dlinca / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images, Aleksandr Zubkov / Moment / Getty Images, sorendls / E+ / Getty Images, janniwet / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images, bruceman / E+ / Getty Images

The wood species you choose affects both your upfront cost and your long-term maintenance burden, since some types resist moisture, pests, and rot far better than others. Costs vary widely by species, so understanding what each option offers helps you match your budget to your climate and maintenance tolerance.

Pine

Pine siding costs $1 to $5 per square foot, making it one of the most budget-friendly and widely available wood siding options. The upper end of that range reflects pressure-treated pine, which undergoes chemical processing to resist warping, rot, and insect damage.

Douglas Fir

Douglas fir siding costs $3 to $5 per square foot depending on the cut, and its wide availability across the country keeps sourcing straightforward. The wood comes in long boards that simplify installation, which can help keep labor time and costs in check.

Cedar

Cedar siding costs $3 to $30 per square foot, placing it among the pricier wood options, but it remains one of the most popular choices because it stains well, resists pests, and holds up reliably against moisture.

Hardwoods

Tropical hardwood siding costs $5 to $20 per square foot, with popular varieties including ipe, teak, garapa, and cumaru. These species are prized for their striking appearance and exceptional durability, though their higher price reflects both material quality and the specialized installation they often require.

Cypress

Cypress siding costs $5 to $12 per square foot and is one of the most durable wood siding options available, naturally resisting moisture, rot, pests, and fungus. Homeowners in the Southeast may find lower prices since cypress grows abundantly in that region, making it easier to source locally.

Redwood

Redwood siding costs $4 to $20 per square foot depending on your location, with homeowners in the West typically paying less due to the wood's regional abundance. Despite its higher price point, redwood naturally resists insects, rot, and moisture damage, making it a strong long-term investment for the right climate.

How Much Does a Wood Siding Contractor Cost?

Labor for a wood siding project typically accounts for 20% to 50% of the total project cost, covering far more than just nailing boards to your walls. Your contractor handles planning, permit acquisition, sub-contractor coordination, demolition, waste disposal, and any unexpected issues that arise during the job. That full-service scope is what justifies the labor share of your budget and protects you from costly surprises mid-project.

Wood Siding Cost Factors: What Affects the Price?

Beyond wood species and square footage, several project-specific variables can meaningfully shift your final cost, depending on your home's condition, design, and location.

Wood Siding Style

The siding style you choose affects both material and labor costs, with simpler profiles like Dutch lap, clapboard, and board and batten running $1 to $12 per square foot for materials and $1 to $3 per square foot for labor. More complex installations such as wood shingles and log siding cost $5 to $20 per square foot for materials and $1 to $6 per square foot for labor, reflecting the additional time required to layer and fasten them correctly.

Siding StyleCost Per Sq. Ft. (Materials and Labor) in 2026
Board and Batten$5–$14
Tongue and Groove$7–$20
Shingle$7.50–$21
Shiplap$8.50–$21
Shake$8.50–$23
Log$9–$25

Wood Grade

Wood grade directly affects both the appearance and durability of your siding, with national lumber associations setting strict standards that categorize each board's defects, treatments, and longevity. Premium- and mid-grade woods are typically kiln-dried for added stability, while low-grade options are more prone to knots, swelling, cracking, and warping. Costs vary significantly by grade, as shown in the breakdown below.

GradeCost Per Square Foot in 2026
Low$1–$3
Mid$2–$12
Premium$3–$30

Home Design

Your home's design and site accessibility can raise labor costs when installers must work around complex architectural features. Dormers, low-hanging eaves, and cupolas take more time to cover than flat exterior walls, and obstacles like trees, neighboring structures, or steep terrain can extend the project further.

Permits

Most large siding projects require a building permit, whether you're replacing existing siding or hiring a general contractor for new construction. The price of permits varies by locality, but budget $150 to $2,000 for major construction permits.

Old Siding Removal

If you're residing in your home, plan for removal costs before new siding can go up. Contractors typically charge $1,000 to $3,000 to strip old siding, or roughly $0.25 to $0.75 per square foot.

Wall Repairs

Removing old siding sometimes reveals hidden damage such as holes, cracks, or rot that must be addressed before new siding goes on. Wall repair labor runs $50 to $70 per hour depending on the underlying material, while repairing siding costs range from $2 to $50 per square foot overall, with wood siding repair typically falling between $4 and $13 per square foot.

Staining and Painting

person painting wood siding
PiyawatNandeenoparit / Adobe Stock

Finishing your wood siding with paint or stain adds $1 to $3 per square foot, or $700 to $3,000 on average, per the cost of painting the exterior of a house. This step is essential for protecting wood from moisture and UV damage, so it should be factored into your total budget from the start.

Moisture Barrier

A moisture barrier, also called house wrap, is a protective layer of wood, polyurethane, or tar paper installed beneath your siding to block unwanted moisture from reaching the wall assembly. The cost varies based on where and how extensively the contractor applies it, so budget $0.50 to $2 per square foot for this service.

Trim

Exterior wood trim gives your home a polished, finished appearance and is especially popular for homeowners pursuing a historical aesthetic. Combined materials and labor run $2 to $7 per linear foot for this add-on.

Soffit and Fascia

Soffit and fascia boards protect the area around your eaves from moisture intrusion and add a clean, finished look to your roofline. Adding this service costs $3 to $8 per linear foot on top of your wood siding installation.

Why You Should Hire a Wood Siding Pro

This isn't a beginner-friendly project—and to pull it off, you'll need to feel comfortable working with power tools, taking exact measurements, and working on a ladder. Because of this, we recommend hiring a local siding contractor for the job.

Here's why it's ideal to hire a wood siding pro

Installing wood siding is better left to the pros for several reasons, including:

  • Professionals will bring the right tools and supplies for the job, including saws, nail guns, and scaffolding.

  • Pros have the right personal protection equipment (PPE) and know the safest ways to use power tools, work at heights, and handle raw wood to avoid splinters.

  • They also understand the best techniques for removing old siding and replacing it with fresh, new siding that complements the rest of your house.

  • DIY mistakes can result in air leaks, water damage, and costly repairs.

  • Reliable siding companies have insurance and provide warranties on their work.

  • Experts can finish installing wood siding faster than the average homeowner.

If you want to DIY wood siding installation

Even if you hire a pro to install wood siding, there are several ways you can participate in the project, including:

  • Leaving space in your driveway or in front of your house for a dumpster to dispose of old siding

  • Removing any items—like outdoor furniture, lawn tools, or firewood—from the work site

  • Ensuring there's a clear pathway for pros to transport materials and equipment from their vehicle to the project area

  • Trimming overhanging trees and cutting grass around the installation site

Repairing vs. Replacing Wood Siding

The option to repair your existing wood siding instead of replacing it is often a possibility. There are several factors to consider when deciding to repair or replace it.

From a cost standpoint, the price of repairing wood siding averages $9.50 per square foot but can be as high as $30 per foot, versus between $3 and $10 to replace it. However, the repair costs are highly dependent on the condition of the existing siding. While the average cost to replace wood siding can be less per square foot than repairing it, replacement means replacing all of the siding versus just the portions that require repairs.

When replacing your wood siding, you'll have more options than if you choose to repair it. Replacing it can add a whole new look and style to your home while repairing it can update its appearance, but it won't significantly change the overall style.

How to Save Money on Wood Siding Costs

You don't have to give up your dream of wood siding just because it's a bit more costly than vinyl or fiber cement. Here are the best ways to cut costs when opting for wood siding:

  1. Choose a low-cost wood variety such as pine, douglas fir, or a wood native to your region.

  2. Opt for low- or mid-grade wood if you live in an area that isn't prone to harsh weather.

  3. Remove the old siding yourself.

  4. Keep your schedule flexible to increase your chances of finding better siding prices.

  5. Speak with at least three local siding contractors to compare estimates and reviews.

  6. Schedule your siding project off-season and book your contractor far in advance.

Does Wood Siding Increase Home Value?

The average return on investment (ROI) for installing new siding can reach 80%. However, that number depends on market trends in your location. The ROI is often less impressive in places where wood siding maintenance can be an issue, such as coastal and excessively humid locations.

Homebuyers in most locations will often spend more when purchasing a home with new siding. New siding not only adds value to your home but can also improve its selling and curb appeal, making it an attractive investment.

Next Steps: Finalize Your Project With a Pro
  • Prepare to discuss which type of wood—such as pine, cedar, or redwood—you’d like.

  • To help your pro estimate the scope of the project, be prepared to provide your home’s square footage and the number of stories.

  • Ask your pro if there’s anything you should do to prepare your property before their arrival.

  • Find out if your siding contractor will handle clean-up and disposal of the old materials (or if you’ll need to take care of that).

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. 

Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to [email protected]. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.

Frequently Asked Questions

You can replace vinyl siding with wood siding, provided your home's structure beneath the existing siding meets the building code requirements in your location. Crucial considerations include having a proper, breathable house wrap and maintaining at least six inches from the bottom of the wood siding to the ground. While the cost of vinyl siding averages less than most wood siding types, the price depends on your project's specifics and material choices.

There are several highly durable types of siding that you can build right on top of without removing it, with wood being one of them, provided it's in excellent condition. However, a common reason for siding replacement is to eliminate materials that are in poor condition, making installing new wood siding over old not recommended. Additionally, the cost of adding siding over existing siding can increase costs to between $7 and $13 per square foot.

Wood siding typically lasts between 20 and 40 years on average. However, its lifespan depends on the type of wood, climate conditions, installation quality, and maintenance. Hot, wet climates can shorten its life by exposing it to UV rays, mold, and pests. Regular maintenance like painting, staining, and repairing rotted boards is crucial to protect it from the elements and extend its life. While it requires more upkeep than vinyl or fiber cement, its authentic wood grain provides a timeless aesthetic.

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