Vinyl Siding Installation Cost Calculator
* Estimates for budgeting. Final costs vary by home height, trim work, and regional labor rates.
Disclaimer: Estimates are for budgeting purposes only. Actual costs vary by location, contractor, material availability, and project complexity. Always get professional quotes for exact pricing.
Vinyl Siding Installation Cost by Grade
| Siding Grade | Price / Sq Ft | 2000 Sq Ft Home |
|---|---|---|
| Economy (0.040") | $3 – $5 | $6,000 – $10,000 |
| Standard (0.044") | $5 – $8 | $10,000 – $16,000 |
| Premium (0.046"+) | $8 – $12 | $16,000 – $24,000 |
* Add $1–$2/sq ft for old siding removal and $0.50–$1.50/sq ft for insulated backing.
How We Calculate
Our vinyl siding installation cost calculator estimates project costs based on wall area and siding grade. Pricing includes materials and professional installation labor.
How the math works: Siding cost = area × price per sq ft (varies by grade). Removal = area × $1–$2/sq ft if included. Insulation = area × $0.50–$1.50/sq ft if included. Total = siding + removal + insulation.
Siding Grade Comparison
Economy Grade ($3–$5/sq ft): 0.040 inches thick. Basic colors (white, beige, gray). Limited warranty (20–25 years). Prone to warping and fading. Cheaper material ($1–$2/sq ft) but similar labor costs. Best for: rentals, flips, tight budgets. Not recommended for primary residence — low resale value and shorter lifespan.
Standard Grade ($5–$8/sq ft): 0.044 inches thick. Wide color selection (20+ colors). Good warranty (30 years transferable). Fade-resistant pigments. Realistic wood grain textures. Most popular choice — best balance of cost and quality. Suitable for most homes. Typical brands: Mastic, Alside, Norandex premium lines.
Premium Grade ($8–$12/sq ft): 0.046+ inches thick. Lifetime warranty (50+ years, transferable). Superior fade resistance (10-year color guarantee). Deep wood grain embossing. Reinforced panels (less prone to cracking). Best for: high-end homes, harsh climates, long-term ownership. Brands: CertainTeed Monogram, James Hardie Aspyre, Mastic Structure.
Installation Components
Materials: Vinyl siding panels (horizontal lap, vertical board-and-batten, or shake styles), J-channel for windows/doors ($1–$2/ft), starter strip at bottom ($0.50/ft), corner posts ($10–$20 each), trim boards ($2–$4/ft), soffit and fascia ($3–$6/sq ft). Accessories add 15–25% to material costs.
Labor ($2–$5/sq ft): Remove old siding if needed (1–2 days). Install moisture barrier/house wrap ($0.30–$0.60/sq ft). Install trim and J-channel around openings. Hang siding panels from bottom to top, overlapping each course. Cut openings for outlets, vents, fixtures. Install soffit, fascia, and trim. Clean up and haul away debris. Takes 3–7 days for average home depending on complexity.
Old siding removal ($1–$2/sq ft): Tear off old siding (wood, aluminum, old vinyl), remove nails, inspect sheathing for damage, repair rotted wood ($200–$500), haul away debris ($200–$500). Required if: old siding damaged, 1+ layer already installed, switching siding types. Skip if old siding is flat and in good condition (saves $2,000–$4,000).
Insulated backing ($0.50–$1.50/sq ft): Rigid foam insulation (0.5–1.5" thick) bonded to back of siding. Adds R-2 to R-5 insulation value. Improves energy efficiency (10–20% savings), impact resistance, and noise reduction. Worth it for uninsulated walls or cold climates. Brands: CertainTeed CedarBoards Insulated, Norandex Sagebrush.
Data Sources
Pricing from HomeAdvisor, Angi, and verified contractor estimates. Installation guidelines per ASTM D3679 vinyl siding standards. We review and update regularly.
Last updated: 2026-02-09
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does vinyl siding installation cost? +
Vinyl siding installation costs $3–$12 per sq ft installed. Economy grade costs $3–$5/sq ft, standard grade $5–$8/sq ft, premium grade $8–$12/sq ft. Average 2000 sq ft home costs $10,000–$16,000 for standard siding. Add $1–$2/sq ft for old siding removal and $0.50–$1.50/sq ft for insulated backing. Includes materials, labor, trim, and soffit work.
How long does vinyl siding last? +
Vinyl siding lasts 20–40 years depending on quality and climate. Economy grade (0.040" thick) lasts 20–25 years. Standard grade (0.044") lasts 25–35 years. Premium grade (0.046"+) lasts 35–40 years with lifetime warranty. Fading starts after 10–15 years in direct sun. Proper installation adds 5–10 years. Harsh climates (extreme heat/cold, hail) reduce lifespan 20–30%. Minimal maintenance required — wash annually.
Can I install vinyl siding myself? +
Yes, but challenging. DIY saves 40–60% on labor but requires skill and special tools. Buy siding ($1–$6/sq ft), J-channel ($1–$2/ft), starter strip ($0.50/ft), trim ($2–$4/ft). Rent: siding brake ($50/day), zip tool ($10), snap lock punch ($15). Steps: install moisture barrier, starter strip, J-channel, lock panels (bottom to top), cut openings, add trim. Takes 2–3 weeks for average home. Poor installation voids warranty and causes water damage.
What is the best vinyl siding brand? +
Top brands: CertainTeed (best warranty, $4–$8/sq ft), James Hardie Aspyre ($5–$9/sq ft, realistic wood look), Mastic ($3–$7/sq ft, owned by Ply Gem), Alside ($3–$6/sq ft, good value), Norandex ($2–$5/sq ft, budget option). All brands offer economy/standard/premium grades. Premium features: thicker panels (0.046"+), lifetime warranty, fade resistance, realistic wood grain. Brand matters less than proper installation — hire experienced contractor.
Do I need to remove old siding first? +
Usually yes. Remove old siding ($1–$2/sq ft) if: old siding is damaged or rotted (water damage behind), switching siding types (wood to vinyl), home already has 1+ layer (building code limit), want to inspect sheathing. Install over old siding only if: existing siding is flat and in good condition (wood or old vinyl), no rot or water damage, building code allows. Installing over saves $2,000–$4,000 but hides potential problems.
What is insulated vinyl siding? +
Insulated vinyl siding has rigid foam backing (0.5–1.5" thick) bonded to siding panel. Adds R-2 to R-5 insulation value. Costs $0.50–$1.50/sq ft more ($1,000–$3,000 for 2000 sq ft home). Benefits: reduces energy bills 10–20%, stronger impact resistance, quieter in wind/rain, improves appearance (flat backing prevents wavy walls). Worth it for: cold climates, uninsulated walls, noisy areas. Not worth it if: home already well-insulated, tight budget.
How do I calculate how much siding I need? +
Measure wall area: (wall height × wall width) for each wall. Add all walls together. Subtract window/door areas (measure each opening). Add 10% waste factor for cuts and mistakes. Example: 40 ft × 25 ft house, 8 ft walls = (40+40+25+25) × 8 = 1,040 sq ft. Minus 200 sq ft openings = 840 sq ft. Plus 10% = 924 sq ft needed. Buy siding in boxes covering 200 sq ft each (5 boxes).
Does vinyl siding increase home value? +
Yes. Vinyl siding replacement recoups 70–80% of cost at resale (among best ROI for exterior projects). Average $16,000 siding project adds $11,000–$13,000 to home value. Benefits: improved curb appeal, lower maintenance vs wood, energy efficiency (insulated), modern look. Best ROI: mid-grade siding in neutral colors (beige, gray, white), full-house replacement (not partial), well-maintained home. Low ROI: economy siding (looks cheap), bright colors, partial replacement.
Related Calculators
Related Guides
Plan Your Next Project
Explore more free calculators to estimate costs and materials for your home improvement projects.