Siding Cost Calculator: Complete Pricing Guide for 2026
Replacing your home's siding is a major investment that dramatically affects curb appeal, energy efficiency, and long-term maintenance. The cost varies enormously depending on material choice, home size, and complexity. This guide helps you understand real costs before you get contractor quotes.
Average Siding Costs at a Glance
| Material | Material Cost per sq ft | Installed Cost per sq ft | 25-Year Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vinyl | $3–$8 | $5–$14 | $5,500–$15,000 |
| Fiber cement | $6–$12 | $10–$20 | $11,000–$22,000 |
| Engineered wood | $5–$11 | $8–$18 | $9,000–$20,000 |
| Wood (cedar) | $8–$18 | $12–$28 | $25,000+ (with maintenance) |
| Metal (steel) | $4–$12 | $7–$18 | $8,000–$20,000 |
| Metal (aluminium) | $3–$9 | $6–$14 | $7,000–$16,000 |
| Brick veneer | $15–$30 | $22–$45 | $24,000–$50,000 |
| Stone veneer | $12–$25 | $18–$40 | $20,000–$45,000 |
Costs based on 1,500 sq ft of siding area (average 2,000 sq ft single-story home)
Total Project Cost by Home Size
| Home Size | Vinyl (Installed) | Fiber Cement (Installed) |
|---|---|---|
| 1,000 sq ft | $5,000–$14,000 | $10,000–$20,000 |
| 1,500 sq ft | $7,500–$21,000 | $15,000–$30,000 |
| 2,000 sq ft | $10,000–$28,000 | $20,000–$40,000 |
| 2,500 sq ft | $12,500–$35,000 | $25,000–$50,000 |
Siding area is typically 1.0–1.4x the home's footprint depending on stories and gable areas
Material Deep Dive
Vinyl Siding — Most Popular Choice
Vinyl dominates new installations due to its combination of price, durability, and low maintenance.
Pros:
- Lowest cost of all major siding types
- Zero painting — colour is through the material
- Impervious to rot and insects
- Widely available contractors
- Easy DIY installation
Cons:
- Can crack in extreme cold
- Fades over decades (cheap grades fade faster)
- Not as fire-resistant as cement or metal
- Environmental concerns around production and disposal
Cost range: $5–$14 per sq ft installed Lifespan: 20–40 years depending on quality grade
Quality grades:
- Economy (.040" thickness): $5–$8 installed
- Standard (.042"): $7–$11 installed
- Premium (.046"+, fade-resistant): $9–$14 installed
Fiber Cement Siding — Premium Performance
James Hardie and similar fiber cement products have grown from specialty product to mainstream choice. They look like wood but last indefinitely.
Pros:
- Extremely durable (50-year manufacturer warranties available)
- Fire, rot, and pest resistant
- Paintable (holds paint well for 15+ years)
- Looks like wood from a distance
- Good resale value impact
Cons:
- 2–3x cost of vinyl
- Heavy — complex installations require more labour
- Needs repainting every 10–15 years (but this is manageable)
- Requires experienced installers for warranty compliance
Cost range: $10–$20 per sq ft installed Lifespan: 50 years with proper maintenance
Wood Siding — Classic Look, High Maintenance
Cedar and redwood are beautiful but demand attention.
Types:
- Cedar shingles/shakes: $12–$28 installed
- Cedar lap siding: $10–$25 installed
- Pine (pressure treated): $8–$18 installed
Hidden costs of wood:
- Paint or stain every 5–7 years: $3,000–$6,000 per cycle on a typical home
- Rot repair (inevitable over 20+ years): $500–$5,000+
- Over 25 years, true cost is often 2–3x the installed cost
Metal Siding — Durable and Modern
Steel and aluminium siding are excellent for commercial applications and contemporary homes.
Steel siding: More durable, heavier, excellent fire resistance. $7–$18 per sq ft installed.
Aluminium siding: Lighter, won't rust, good for coastal areas. $6–$14 per sq ft installed.
Both types resist fire, rot, and insects. Modern profiles mimic wood grain convincingly.
What Factors Affect Siding Cost?
Home Configuration
- Single-story vs multi-story: Multi-story costs more (scaffolding, safety equipment)
- Gables and dormers: Complex shapes require more cuts = more labour
- Number of windows and doors: More trim work = higher labour cost
- Wrap-around porches: Additional linear feet of trim
Removal of Existing Siding
- Remove old vinyl: $500–$1,500 (often recyclable)
- Remove old wood: $750–$2,500 (disposal costs)
- Remove asbestos siding (pre-1980 homes): $2,000–$8,000+ (specialist required)
Underlayment and Sheathing
If existing sheathing or house wrap is damaged:
- House wrap replacement: $0.50–$1.50 per sq ft
- OSB sheathing replacement: $1.50–$3.50 per sq ft
Trim Work
Fascia, soffit, corner boards, window and door surrounds add significantly to cost:
- Standard trim: adds $1–$3 per sq ft to project total
- Premium trim work: adds $3–$6 per sq ft
DIY vs Professional Siding
DIY Potential by Material
| Material | DIY Difficulty | DIY Cost Savings |
|---|---|---|
| Vinyl | Moderate | $3–$6 per sq ft |
| Fiber cement | Difficult | $4–$8 per sq ft |
| Wood | Moderate | $3–$7 per sq ft |
| Metal | Difficult | $3–$6 per sq ft |
Vinyl is the most DIY-accessible siding material. Proper installation requires:
- Understanding of starter strips and J-channel
- Leaving expansion clearance (vinyl expands significantly with heat)
- Lapping panels correctly for weatherproofing
- Proper nailing technique (loose nails allow expansion)
When to Hire a Professional
- Fiber cement (installation quality affects warranty)
- Multi-story homes (safety)
- Homes with complex architectural details
- When removing asbestos siding
Getting Contractor Quotes
When getting siding quotes, ask for:
- Price per sq ft for material and labour separately
- Removal and disposal included or extra?
- House wrap/underlayment replacement if needed
- Trim and flashing included in quote?
- Warranty on both materials and labour
- Timeline — most homes take 3–7 days
Get at least 3 quotes. Siding pricing varies significantly by region and contractor availability.
Calculate Your Siding Project
Use our calculator to estimate material quantities and costs before calling contractors. You'll be better prepared and harder to overcharge.
Updated: November 2025 | HomeFixCalc Team
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