The Forbes Home editorial team is independent and objective. To help support our reporting work, and to continue our ability to provide this content for free to our readers, we receive compensation from the companies that advertise on the Forbes Home site. This compensation comes from two main sources. First, we provide paid placements to advertisers to present their offers. The compensation we receive for those placements affects how and where advertisers’ offers appear on the site. This site does not include all companies or products available within the market. Second, we also include links to advertisers’ offers in some of our articles; these “affiliate links” may generate income for our site when you click on them. The compensation we receive from advertisers does not influence the recommendations or advice our editorial team provides in our articles or otherwise impact any of the editorial content on Forbes Home. While we work hard to provide accurate and up to date information that we think you will find relevant, Forbes Home does not and cannot guarantee that any information provided is complete and makes no representations or warranties in connection thereto, nor to the accuracy or applicability thereof.
The average cost to install siding on the average 2,500-square-foot home is $14,910. Costs can range from as low as $8,420 up to $52,250 depending largely on the type of siding you choose and the shape of your house. The cost to install siding on a house by area is $10 per square foot on average, though you could pay $45 per square foot or more for a solid material like natural stone. Solid Wood Baseboard
If you picture your dream home, you likely imagine a crisp, clean façade. You can imagine how old, worn or damaged siding can seriously hurt your home’s curb appeal. Not only that, but siding issues open you up to potential damage from insects and the elements. New siding can instantly make your home stand out while keeping it well-protected and energy-efficient. This guide breaks down the factors that affect how much it costs to install siding.
New siding installation costs $10 per square foot on average. This cost will vary by the type of siding material you choose. Vinyl, for instance, tends to have a lower square foot cost than stone.
Every aspect of new siding installation is impacted by home size. Siding materials and labor are typically priced per square foot, as are additional elements like window flashing and insulation. In some locations, you’ll even pay more for building permits when you have a larger home.
One of the biggest siding cost factors homeowners can control is the type of siding material. The best type for you will depend on your local climate, home style and budget. Each siding material also has different maintenance requirements. The price ranges for each account for varying levels of quality, thickness and design detail. Below are a few examples of popular siding materials.
Vinyl siding costs $5 to $11 per square foot, making it a relatively inexpensive option. It can be molded into a variety of patterns and shapes including brick, wood and stone looks. Vinyl is easy to install over almost any other siding material and can be oriented horizontally or vertically. It is moisture-resistant and insect-proof and is practically maintenance-free. While durable, it can crack, warp or melt when stressed.
A classic choice, wood siding costs $4 to $15 per square foot. Different woods have different qualities, and longer-lasting, rot-resistant species such as redwood and cedar fall at the higher end of the cost spectrum. You’ll need to seal, paint and treat wood periodically. Wood is prone to insect damage and will naturally warp and crack with wear, but can be repaired more easily than any other siding material.
Fiber cement siding costs $5 to $10 per square foot. This manufactured product of sand and cardboard looks like natural wood but resists moisture, warping, insect infestation, rot, weathering and flame. It’s easy to paint and customize, but is heavier and takes longer to install.
Stucco requires a specialized artisan to install properly and tends to cost $8 to $13 per square foot. This combination of sand and cement or lime creates a durable, textured finish that provides heat and noise insulation for decades. It is pliable and likely won’t crack or chip, but poorly installed stucco will succumb to damage almost immediately.
Brick is another classic look that costs $8 to $21 per square foot. The wide variation in costs is due to the variation in brick colors and installation patterns. Brick requires little maintenance, but its ability to hold heat may be undesirable in some climates.
The average labor cost to install siding is $1.50 to $4.50 per square foot on top of material costs. These rates vary depending on where you live and how large or complex your job is. Some contractors charge an hourly rate instead, typically between $40 and $90 per hour.
When gathering siding installation quotes from local pros, ask when their calendar is less full. Often, booking a job further out to take advantage of a contractor’s slow season can help you save on labor. Early fall is typically a slower time for siding installers.
Using your home's equity is an easy way to fund your new sidings!
Get prequalified in minutes by clicking on your state.
Understand how the following factors can affect your overall siding costs to accurately budget for your project.
Individual siding materials tend to come in multiple styles. Vinyl is a great example with a variety of looks and textures to choose from. Traditional vinyl lap costs just $2 to $6 per square foot on average, while products that mimic the look of wood, brick or stone cost an average of $5 to $10 per square foot.
The shape and size of your home will impact the amount of material and how long it takes to install your siding. Multiple stories, dormers and unusual roof angles are all factors that can increase siding installation costs.
Where you live will affect your ability to find or ship the materials you need. Vinyl holds up well to cold temperatures and is readily available in northern states. On the other hand, it tends to warp or crack in extreme heat, so it’s not used or stocked as often in southern states.
Siding removal costs $1,000 to $2,500. While vinyl and aluminum can commonly be installed over other siding, many materials require a clean base for installation. You may incur additional labor and disposal costs if the new siding you choose can’t cover the existing siding.
With your materials selected and labor accounted for, there are a few other elements to factor into your siding installation budget.
Some types of siding can also be painted, with exterior painting costs averaging $3,000 for an entire house. Paint can also be an alternative to installing new siding as long as the previous siding isn’t damaged. A fresh coat of paint provides a fresh look for renewed curb appeal.
Once your siding is installed, you’ll pay an average of $1,800 for trim. This finishing element lines the edges, doors and windows of a home and is often included in the total price for siding.
Every local municipality will have different codes for the permits and inspections needed to install new siding. Simple repairs may not require a permit. However, because updating the siding material on an entire home can involve major changes with tax assessment implications, you’ll want to contact your local planning or development authority for an application. Expect permits to cost anywhere from $150 to $3,000 for siding installation.
Whether you’re looking for a unique custom color shade or a highly specific trim style to complement your siding materials, expect an added expense for these special-order customizations.
No matter what type of siding you choose, it will look better and last longer with regular maintenance. Vinyl siding requires almost no maintenance costs since you can rinse it with gentle soap and water. Other materials like stucco, brick or stone should be maintained by a pro who can properly replace mortar. Wood siding can be maintained by a homeowner, but involves expenses related to painting, staining and sealing from moisture and mold.
It’s not always obvious when new siding is needed. Regularly inspect your home’s exterior for the following signs:
Depending on the siding material you choose, DIY siding installation may not be possible while still keeping your warranty intact. On top of that, local building codes and permits may require the work of a licensed, bonded and insured contractor to help you avoid heavy fines.
If local regulations allow and you have the proper tools and skills, you can learn how to install vinyl siding to save you anywhere from $1.50 to $4.50 per square foot on professional labor costs. Be aware that the job often involves lifting heavy materials on ladders and that improper installation can lead to serious moisture issues and other potential damage. For these reasons, we highly recommend hiring a pro.
Compare Quotes From Top-rated Local Siding Contractors
The average cost to install siding on a house can be a lot for any homeowner. If you need to cut costs, consider these tips that don’t sacrifice quality.
To arrive at the average costs in this article, one provider and three cost databases were surveyed on national and local levels. All averaged figures were correct at the time of publication and may be subject to change.
A moisture or vapor barrier is necessary only in certain climates and behind certain walls in a home. To properly protect your house against mold and mildew from water infiltration, your contractor may recommend removing and replacing your siding to install a moisture or vapor barrier between it and the wall behind it.
Yes, siding costs vary by location. This is due largely to variations in climate making certain siding materials more popular and viable in different areas. For example, vinyl is more affordable in colder states where it can withstand year-round temperature shifts. In hotter states where it tends to warp or crack in extreme heat, it can be harder to find and costlier as a result.
To calculate how much siding you’ll need for a 2,000-square-foot house, create an estimate by multiplying the length of the home’s total wall lengths by the home’s height. It’s always a good idea to purchase extra siding materials to account for waste, especially if your home has complex angles.
The most affordable way to side a house is generally with vinyl siding material. Vinyl, especially lower-grade vinyl, is one of the least expensive siding options and by far one of the easiest to install and maintain. You may notice prices for other materials run lower upfront, but vinyl’s minimal maintenance makes it a great choice for homeowners on a budget.
Vinyl siding increases home value by boosting the home’s curb appeal in the eyes of potential buyers. Expect to yield up to an 80% rate of return on your investment in new vinyl siding for your home, especially if you plan on selling your home soon after the siding is replaced. New siding can also reduce a home’s energy bills, making it even more valuable over time.
Nick has been a writer in the home services industry since 2017, having marketed for dozens of flooring and home improvement providers in North America. He loves diving into unfamiliar home topics and demystifying them for others. When he’s not writing, he’s likely cooking, hiking, or traveling with his wife in their DIY-renovated camper van.
Oak Flooring Board Kristin is a deputy editor at Forbes Home and has nearly a decade of professional experience as a writer and editor. She's worked as the front page editor for Talking Points Memo, and as an editor for Insider, Delish and Angi. She has a passion for all things home and lifestyle and has worked on projects focused on cleaning, home renovation, home services, design and more.