Replacing your home’s siding is a significant investment that can greatly enhance curb appeal, energy efficiency, and resale value. For a 2,000-square-foot house, you can expect to pay around $17,200 for mid-range siding, or approximately $8.60 per square foot installed. The national average range for house siding costs is between $2,560 and $20,400, but this can vary widely.
Factors Influencing Siding Costs
Several key factors determine the final cost of your siding project:
- Home Size: Larger homes naturally require more material and labor.
- Location: Material transport costs and labor rates vary significantly by geographic area. For instance, vinyl siding installation in Houston, Texas might average around $7,100, while in Boston, Massachusetts, it could be closer to $16,500.
- Siding Material: This is one of the most substantial cost drivers. Basic vinyl can start at $3 per square foot, while materials like natural stone can reach $48 per square foot or more.
- Full vs. Partial Replacement: Replacing only damaged sections will be less expensive than re-siding the entire house.
- Installation Complexity: Factors like removing old siding, working on multi-story homes, or uncovering hidden structural damage during the process can increase labor and overall costs.
- Tariffs: Unpredictable material costs, potentially influenced by tariffs, can impact the final project price. It’s advisable to discuss this with your contractor.
Vinyl Siding: A Popular and Affordable Choice
Vinyl siding is the most popular option in the U.S. due to its affordability, low maintenance, and durability.
- Cost: On average, vinyl siding costs $4.50 to $8.20 per square foot installed, though basic options can be as low as $3 and high-quality vinyl can exceed $12 per square foot.
- Suitability: While popular, vinyl may not be ideal for all situations:
- Extreme Temperatures: It can become brittle in very cold weather and may warp or fade in intense heat or sunlight.
- Wildfire Prone Areas: As a plastic material, vinyl melts in high heat, making fire-resistant options like stucco a better choice.
- Environmentally Conscious Homeowners: PVC vinyl has environmental considerations in both its production and disposal.
- Style Requirements: Vinyl may not suit historic homes, certain HOA guidelines, or high-end custom builds that demand a specific aesthetic.
Average Cost of House Siding by Material Type
The material you choose will have a significant impact on your project budget. Here’s a breakdown of common siding types and their estimated installed costs per square foot, along with a rough estimate for a 2,500-square-foot house:
| Siding Type | Cost Per Square Foot | Estimated Installation Cost – 2,500 sq ft |
| Aluminum | $5.60 – $10.30 | $16,100 – $29,375 |
| Brick Siding | $5 – $15 | $10,000 – $30,000 |
| Fiber Cement | $4.70 – $8.50 | $13,700 – $25,000 |
| Hardie Board | $4.70 – $8.50 | $13,700 – $25,000 |
| Natural Stone | $30 – $48 | $56,000 – $100,000 |
| Stucco Siding | $9.30 – $16.90 | $25,200 – $45,950 |
| Vinyl Siding | $4.50 – $8.20 | $13,325 – $24,300 |
| Wood Siding | $6.90 – $13.90 | $19,300 – $45,175 |
Notes on Specific Materials:
- Aluminum Siding: Durable, weather-resistant, and eco-friendly, it falls in the middle cost range.
- Brick Siding: Extremely durable, excellent for harsh weather, but at the higher end of cost.
- Fiber Cement Siding: Growing in popularity due to its durability (50+ years lifespan), weather resistance (including fire), and moderate cost. Hardie Board is a well-known brand of fiber cement.
- Natural Stone Siding: Offers a luxurious look, low maintenance, and high durability but is among the most expensive due to material cost, weight, and installation complexity.
- Stucco Siding: Common in drier, warmer climates (like the Southwest), offering fire resistance, energy efficiency, and low maintenance, but at a higher price point.
- Wood Siding: A classic aesthetic, but generally expensive to install and requires high maintenance.
Cost Breakdown for a Vinyl Siding Project (Example for a ~2,000 sq ft home)
Beyond the per-square-foot material cost, a siding project involves various components:
| Siding Installation Line Item | Cost |
| Siding installation permit | $200 |
| Finishing strips (6 strips x $3.30 each) | $19.80 |
| Starter strips (15 strips x $2.75) | $41.75 |
| Hydrants, outlets, vents (fixtures) | $300.00 |
| Inside corner (9 pieces x $5.40 per piece) | $48.60 |
| Outside corner (2 pieces x $9.85 per) | $19.70 |
| J-channels ($3.60 x 55) | $198.00 |
| Nails | $40.00 |
| Shutters ($39.00 x 12 pieces) | $468.00 |
| Additional costs (delivery charge, garbage rental) | $295.00 |
| Old siding removal cost | $1,000.00 |
| Estimated total cost for siding installation | $15,275.35 |
Note: This example does not include potential costs for window trimming, soffits, or fascia board.
Estimating Siding Needed by House Size
While your interior square footage is a starting point, it doesn’t directly translate to exterior siding needs due to variations in house shape and multi-story designs. Contractors provide accurate estimates, but you can also calculate approximate needs by measuring your home’s perimeter and multiplying by its height.
Example Calculation: For a two-story home that is 25 ft. by 45 ft. and 20 ft. high:
- Total wall length: 25 ft. + 45 ft. + 25 ft. + 45 ft. = 140 ft.
- Siding needed: 140 ft. (wall length) x 20 ft. (wall height) = 2,800 square feet of siding. (This is often more than the interior square footage.)
Other Factors Affecting Cost
- Weather/Regionality: Climate impacts material choice (e.g., resistance to salty air, extreme temperatures, humidity, high winds, severe storms).
- Labor Cost: Roughly 50% of the project total, varying by city (higher cost of living = higher labor rates). This includes removal, installation, repairs, and cleanup.
- Removal of Existing Siding: Can range from $1,000 to $3,000+, depending on home size and siding type (e.g., stone is more labor-intensive to remove).
- Repairs Before Installation: Hidden damage (water, pests) to underlying structures can add hundreds to thousands of dollars to the cost.
- Clean-Up: May be included in quotes or charged separately ($200 to $600) for debris disposal.
- Brand/Quality: The chosen brand and quality level (low, mid-range, high) of the siding material will influence cost.
- Permits and Inspections: Contact your local Planning or Development authority for permit requirements and fees ($50 to $500). Some areas also require a post-project inspection.
Is New House Siding a Good Investment?
Yes, replacing your house siding is generally a good investment:
- Return on Investment (ROI): It can yield an 80% ROI when you sell your home, significantly boosting curb appeal and buyer interest. High-quality materials like stone or brick can increase value even more.
- Long-term Benefits: Even if you plan to stay, new siding enhances your home’s appearance and energy efficiency. Most installations also come with a lifetime warranty.
DIY Siding Installation vs. Hiring a Pro
While some siding types (like vinyl) are popular DIY projects for handy homeowners with single-story homes, professional installation is generally recommended.
- DIY Risks: Improper installation can create entry points for moisture, leading to costly damage.
- Professional Advantages: Contractors possess the expertise, specialized equipment, and insurance to handle multi-story homes, safely remove old siding, perform necessary repairs, and ensure a watertight, durable installation. This provides peace of mind and often validates manufacturer warranties.
How to Find a Professional
- Referrals: Ask friends, family, and neighbors for recommendations.
- Online Search: Utilize online directories and review platforms.
- Vetting: Use a siding contractor checklist to properly vet professionals.
- Compare Quotes: Obtain three to four quotes from different contractors and carefully compare them. Many services can help match you with pre-vetted contractors in your area.