Siding Cost Calculator
Estimated Total Cost
$4,500 – $10,500
$3.00 – $7.00 per sq ft (installed)
Material
$1,500 – $4,500
Labor
$3,000 – $6,000
Wall Area
1,500 sq ft
Siding Type
Vinyl
Tip: Get at least 3 quotes from licensed siding contractors. Prices vary significantly by region, season, and contractor availability. Ask about warranties on both materials and labor.
Vinyl Siding: Most affordable and virtually maintenance-free — no painting or staining required. Quality vinyl lasts 20–40 years. Choose insulated vinyl for better energy efficiency and impact resistance.
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.
Siding Cost Breakdown
| Siding Type | Material / Sq Ft | Labor / Sq Ft | Total / Sq Ft |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vinyl | $1.00 – $3.00 | $2.00 – $4.00 | $3.00 – $7.00 |
| Fiber Cement (Hardie) | $2.00 – $5.00 | $4.00 – $8.00 | $6.00 – $13.00 |
| Engineered Wood (LP) | $2.00 – $4.00 | $3.00 – $6.00 | $5.00 – $10.00 |
| Wood (Cedar/Redwood) | $3.00 – $7.00 | $4.00 – $8.00 | $7.00 – $15.00 |
| Stone Veneer | $8.00 – $20.00 | $8.00 – $20.00 | $16.00 – $40.00 |
* Costs shown for new installation (1.0× labor). Re-siding over existing saves 10%, remove & replace adds 15%.
Average Project Costs (New Installation)
| Home Type | Wall Area | Siding | Estimated Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small Ranch | 1,000 sq ft | Vinyl | $3,000 – $7,000 |
| Standard Ranch | 1,500 sq ft | Fiber Cement | $9,000 – $19,500 |
| Two-Story | 2,500 sq ft | Fiber Cement | $15,000 – $32,500 |
| Large Colonial | 3,500 sq ft | Wood | $24,500 – $52,500 |
How We Calculate
Our siding cost calculator estimates project costs based on wall area, siding material, and project condition. Material and labor costs are calculated per square foot, with labor adjusted by a project condition multiplier.
How the math works: Material cost = wall area × material price per sq ft. Labor cost = wall area × labor rate per sq ft × condition multiplier. Total = material + labor. The condition multiplier adjusts labor: new install on bare walls is 1.0×, re-siding over existing saves 10% (0.9×), and remove & replace adds 15% (1.15×) for demolition and disposal.
Siding Type Comparison
Vinyl ($1–$3/sq ft material, $2–$4/sq ft labor) is the most affordable and lowest-maintenance option. No painting required. Available in many colors and styles including dutch lap, clapboard, and board & batten. Lifespan: 20–40 years.
Fiber Cement (Hardie) ($2–$5/sq ft material, $4–$8/sq ft labor) is the premium mainstream choice. Fire-resistant, rot-proof, and termite-proof. Requires painting unless pre-finished ColorPlus is chosen. Lifespan: 30–50 years.
Engineered Wood (LP SmartSide) ($2–$4/sq ft material, $3–$6/sq ft labor) offers the look of real wood with better durability and lower maintenance. Treated for moisture and termite resistance. Lifespan: 20–30 years.
Wood (Cedar/Redwood) ($3–$7/sq ft material, $4–$8/sq ft labor) provides a classic, natural appearance. Requires regular staining or painting every 3–5 years. Naturally rot-resistant but susceptible to insects without treatment. Lifespan: 20–40 years.
Stone Veneer ($8–$20/sq ft material, $8–$20/sq ft labor) is the premium option with exceptional curb appeal. Extremely durable and virtually maintenance-free. Significantly heavier than other options — verify structural support before installation. Lifespan: 50+ years.
Project Conditions
New install (bare walls) is the baseline cost (1.0× labor). Re-siding over existing saves 10% on labor since there's no removal or disposal, though it requires the existing surface to be flat and sound. Remove & replace adds 15% to labor for demolition, haul-away, and potential sheathing or moisture barrier repairs.
Additional Cost Factors
Our estimates cover siding material and installation labor. Not included: house wrap / moisture barrier ($0.50–$1.50/sq ft), trim and fascia ($3–$8/linear ft), soffit replacement ($5–$12/linear ft), scaffolding for 2+ stories ($500–$1,500), painting fiber cement or wood ($1–$3/sq ft), old siding disposal ($500–$1,500), and permit fees ($100–$500). Window and door flashing may add $50–$150 per opening.
Data Sources
Pricing data is compiled from HomeAdvisor, Angi, RSMeans, James Hardie, LP Building Solutions, and verified contractor estimates across multiple US regions. We review and update this data regularly to reflect current material and labor rates.
Last updated: 2026-02-02
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does new siding cost? +
New siding costs $3–$40 per square foot installed, depending on material. Vinyl is the most affordable at $3–$7/sq ft, fiber cement (Hardie) runs $6–$13/sq ft, engineered wood $5–$10/sq ft, wood (cedar/redwood) $7–$15/sq ft, and stone veneer $16–$40/sq ft. A typical 1,500 sq ft siding project costs $4,500–$19,500 depending on material choice.
What is the cheapest siding option? +
Vinyl siding is the cheapest option at $3–$7 per square foot installed ($1–$3 material + $2–$4 labor). A 1,500 sq ft home costs $4,500–$10,500 in vinyl vs. $9,000–$19,500 for fiber cement. Vinyl is also the lowest-maintenance option — no painting or staining required.
What is the best type of siding for a house? +
Fiber cement (James Hardie) is widely considered the best all-around siding. It's fire-resistant, rot-proof, termite-proof, and lasts 30–50 years. It costs more than vinyl ($6–$13 vs. $3–$7/sq ft) but offers superior durability and curb appeal. For budget projects, vinyl is excellent. For premium homes, wood or stone veneer provides the highest-end look.
How long does siding last? +
Siding lifespan varies by material: vinyl lasts 20–40 years, engineered wood 20–30 years, fiber cement 30–50 years, wood (cedar/redwood) 20–40 years with maintenance, and stone veneer 50+ years. Regular maintenance — cleaning, painting, and caulking — significantly extends the life of any siding material.
Can I install siding myself? +
Vinyl siding is the most DIY-friendly option and can save 40–60% on labor costs. Fiber cement and wood siding require more skill, specialized tools, and are heavier to handle. Stone veneer should always be professionally installed due to weight and waterproofing requirements. DIY siding installation voids some manufacturer warranties.
How much does Hardie Board siding cost? +
James Hardie fiber cement siding costs $6–$13 per square foot installed ($2–$5 material + $4–$8 labor). A 1,500 sq ft home costs $9,000–$19,500. Pre-painted ColorPlus boards cost $1–$2 more per sq ft but include a 15-year color warranty and eliminate the need for on-site painting.
When should I replace my siding? +
Replace siding when you see warping, buckling, or loose panels; rot or soft spots (especially around windows); significant fading or peeling paint; rising energy bills (poor insulation); mold or mildew growing under or on the siding; or storm damage. If damage is limited to a small area, spot repairs may be sufficient.
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