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

There's nothing quite like the natural charm of a house sided with wood shingles, shakes, planks, or even logs. Wood siding costs between $3 and $10 per square foot on average, or $12,500 for the standard-sized home, including labor and materials. However, the cost to replace wood siding can range from as little as $2,300 to as much as $57,500, depending on numerous factors. 

In the scheme of things, wood siding prices fall in the middle of the range compared to the cost of common types of siding, but maintenance prices can add up over time. Here are all the numbers to keep in mind.

Wood Siding Cost Per Square Foot

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.

Cost of Wood Siding by Wood Type

Choosing the right type of wood for your home, whether in the framing, floors, or siding, has an impact on more than just how it looks. Wood is a classic yet occasionally tricky material to maintain. Many types are prone to damage from the elements of wood-boring bugs. Let's look at the cost of wood siding by type as well as what to know about each one.

Pine

Pine siding costs between $1 and $5 per square foot, and is one of the most popular options on the market, both for its price and classic look. The higher range of the per-square-foot cost accounts for pressure-treated pine, a variety that has undergone chemical processes to prevent warping, rot, and damage from insects.

Douglas Fir

Douglas fir wood is not just a great option for your Christmas tree. This wood siding costs between $3 and $5 per square foot depending on the cut. The wood is often easy to purchase across the country and comes in long boards that simplify the installation process. 

Cedar

Cedar may be more expensive at $3 to $30 per square foot, but it is also one of the most common wood sidings. This sweet-smelling material stains well, is resistant to pests, and stands up in moisture.

Hardwoods

Homeowners enjoy many tropical hardwoods for their appearance and durability, but costs range anywhere from $5 to $20 per square foot. Common varieties include ipe, teak, garapa, and cumaru.

Cypress

Celebrated as one of the most long-lasting wood siding options, you'll pay between $5 and $12 per square foot for cypress. The tough wood can fight off moisture, rot, pests, and fungus. You may find lower prices in the southeast since cypress is more abundant in that region.

Redwood

Homes in the west enjoy more easy access to this softwood that shows off a brilliant red color. You'll pay between $4 and $20 per square foot for redwood siding depending on where you live in the country. While higher-priced, redwood flights off insects, rot, and moisture-related damage.

Wood Siding Contractor Costs

The cost of hiring a siding contractor makes up between 20% and 50% of the project's total price. In exchange for that money, your contractor will handle all aspects of the job. The necessary tasks that you'd otherwise need to perform yourself include planning and obtaining the required building permit. 

A siding contractor will organize and schedule various sub-contractors if any are necessary, manage the demolition and preparation, handle waste disposal, supply the necessary tools and skills, and deal with any unknown situations that happen along the way.

Additional Wood Siding Installation Cost Factors

Several other cost factors can significantly impact your price. These will depend on the specifics of your home and siding project. 

Wood Siding Style

The style of the wood siding affects both material and labor prices. More affordable styles like Dutch lap, clapboard, and board and batten cost between $1 and $12 per square foot for materials and $1 and $3 per square foot for labor. These styles are relatively common, easy to install, and available in a range of materials. 

Once you get into the complex installations and shapes, such as wood shingles and logs, account for $5 to $20 per square foot for materials and $1 and $6 per square foot for labor. The more time it takes to layer and attach the siding, the higher the final price tag.

Wood Grade

Wood grading is not just for the hardwood used on the floors. National lumber and builders associations set strict guidelines for wood grades, categorizing each wood's appearance, defects, and treatments that impact its longevity. For example, premium-grade and mid-grade woods are often kiln-dried for durability, while low-grade woods may be more susceptible to knots, swelling, cracking, and warping. 

Grades also affect wood siding costs by square foot:

Home Design

The design and accessibility of your home can raise labor prices as well. If you have multiple dormers, low-hanging eaves, or a Victorian-style cupola at the top of your house, these areas will be trickier to cover than simple exterior walls. Trees, other homes, and steep hills can also extend the process.

Permits

Building permits are common for large renovations, whether you're removing and replacing the siding or hiring a general contractor for the initial build. The price of permits will range depending on your locality's laws, but expect major construction permits to cost between $150 and $2,000.

Old Siding Removal

If you're residing in your home, costs incorporate the pre-work before adding the new boards, shingles, or shakes. Contractors will charge between $1,000 and $3,000 to remove old siding, or about $0.25 to $0.75 per square foot. 

Wall Repairs

You may find a few surprises under the old siding, such as holes, cracks, or signs of rot. Depending on the material below the siding, add between $50 and $70 an hour for work related to damaged walls. Repairing siding costs anywhere from $2 to $50 per square foot, but wood siding repair ranges closer to between $4 and $13 per square foot. 

Staining and Painting

The cost of painting the exterior of a house, specifically for wood siding, adds $1 to $3 per square foot to your price, or between $700 and $3,000 on average.

Moisture Barrier

Also known as house wrapping, professional installers may use wood, polyurethane, or tar paper to create a protective layer under your wood siding to keep out unwanted moisture. Prices widely vary depending on where the contractor decides to add the barrier. Add between $0.50 and $2 per square foot for the service.

Trim

Exterior wood trim can provide a clean look to the outside of a home, especially for those looking to emulate a historical style. Between materials and labor, you'll pay an extra $2 to $7 per linear foot for the add-on.

Soffit and Fascia

Soffit and fascia boards can add extra protection against moisture, particularly around your home's eaves. The service costs between $3 and $8 per linear foot in addition to the cost of wood siding.

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.

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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