House siding cost doesn’t come down to a few simple line items. When it’s all said and done, it’s a project with countless moving parts, the likes of which can become confusing.

Between materials, labor, permits and the numerous other factors that often go forgotten, an accurate estimate may seem impractical.

There’s still several ways to get an idea of the overall project cost before getting started.

Take a look at the approaches below to gather a shortlist of the major line items that go into a house siding project.

Cost of Siding by Square Foot

Calculating house siding cost by square foot is the most comprehensive option. Given that it takes into consideration everything from specific house siding measurements, soffits, trim and more, there won’t be much left to account for.

If you’re struggling to figure out how to measure for siding or how much siding you need, no worries.

Here’s a thorough siding calculator method by Lowe’s with a step-by-step guide:

Start by measuring the height and width of each side of the home, multiplying the two numbers to get each side’s surface area. Now add all the sums of each side to get the total in square feet for your siding.Take note of special areas not measured in the siding itself such as gables. For triangular measurements such as this, measure from bottom to top, multiplying that by half the base length. Now add those measurements.Now, measure all windows and doors by multiplying height and width to find the surface area as done to calculate the siding. Add all of the sums of each surface area together for a total.

With these three measurements in mind, add the totals from the first two lines and subtract the total from the third line. Now you have your total square footage needed in siding. There’s still a few more materials to consider though.

Soffits, the underside of a roof’s overhang, will also need to be worked into the equation. Again, measure each section of soffits, multiplying height and width to find the surface area.The last measurement is for trim. Measure each area you’d like to add trim and record the amount you’ll need in feet.

If doing the totals on paper seems intimidating, use the Lowe’s link above for their siding estimate calculator that lets you enter your numbers and tabulates them for you in real-time.

Cost by Siding Material

Six Degrees Construction

Here are some of the house siding costs for the most common siding types per square foot. This cost includes both materials and labor.

Siding Factors to Consider

There are many considerations when thinking about what kind of siding would work best for you.

Style Considerations – You should consider the siding type that you like the most when you are deciding which siding to buy. If you like your siding, you will value it more. It is also important to understand how the siding you like best compares to other options.Size of Your Home – The larger size house you have, the more expensive siding will cost.Complicated House Shapes – If your home has intricate bends, curves, and cut-outs, the labor costs for siding these houses will be more than for simple styles.Local Labor Costs – Depending on available labor in your area, the costs will be higher in city areas.Removal of Old Siding – If you have old siding that needs to be removed, it will increase your labor costs.Architectural Style of Your Home – You should consider the style of your home when thinking about which siding to choose. If you have a large, historic home, the best kind of siding would be in keeping with the style of the home.Climate – Some homes will need moisture barriers if they are in wet areas that will increase the cost. Also, they will need a siding like fiber cement that stands up well to this. Others in hot climates will function best with steel or aluminum siding.Maintenance – Decide how much maintenance you are willing to do before you decide on your siding. For example, wood siding requires painting or staining on a regular basis in order to keep looking good. Metal sidings require little in the way of maintenance.

House Siding Cost by Types

House siding costs vary by type according to the cost of the materials and the kind of labor and supplies needed to add the siding.

Vinyl Siding

MGM Builders

Vinyl siding is a popular siding material in the United States and abroad. It is made from polyvinyl chloride and is made to mimic other materials like wood. It is the most cost-effective siding type and functions well in terms of durability. Vinyl siding prices differ depending on the thickness of the vinyl panel.

Along with the vinyl siding itself, you need to plan for the trim including the undersill, the starter strip, and J-channels. Here is a handy vinyl siding cost calculator to help you calculate the full cost for your home.

Vinyl Siding Cost – $1.50-$8.50 per square footInstallation Costs for Vinyl Siding – $.90-$1.20 per square foot

Wood Siding

Wood siding has a natural and textured look that many sidings try to replicate, but it also has higher maintenance than siding like vinyl or metal. This includes regular painting or staining and termite management.

One of the most popular types of natural wood siding is clapboard siding. Manufacturers use wood such as oak, pine or spruce. Pine is the least expensive and redwood the most expensive type of wood siding. If you maintain it, natural wood siding will last up to 40 years.

Cost of Wood Siding – $2-$15 per square foot (depending on the type of wood)Installation Costs for Wood Siding – $1.06-$2.50 per square foot

Aluminum Siding

Aluminum siding is one of the most cost-effective metal siding options available. It has been a popular siding choice because it is lightweight, eco-conscious, and easy to work with. It is also durable. It will withstand pests, harsh weather, and resists corrosion from moisture. Aluminum siding comes in the form of flat or corrugated sheets.

Cost of Aluminum Siding – $1.75-$7 per square footInstallation Costs for Aluminum Siding – $4.40 per square foot

Engineered Wood Siding

LP SmartSide Trim & Siding

Engineered wood is composite siding that manufacturers create from wood particles mixed with resin and plastics. They mold this into siding boards. These can have an embossed texture that resembles natural wood texture or can have a smooth finish. These boards are durable, inexpensive, and will last between 20-30 years.

Cost of Engineered Wood Siding – $2-$4 per square footInstallation Costs for Engineered Wood Siding – $1-$6 per square foot

Fiber Cement Siding

Fiber cement siding, also known as Hardie board, is a siding made from a composite of sand and cement. It is very durable and rot, fire, and insect resistant. It comes in many different forms including shingles, boards, and siding. Plank siding is the least expensive and boards are the most expensive. Most fiber cement siding lasts for up to 50 years.

Cost of Fiber Cement Siding – $1-$15 per square foot (depending on which form of siding you choose)Installation Costs for Fiber Cement Siding – $4-$8.50 per square foot

Brick Siding

Brick is a classic siding type that comes in various colors and depths. You can have full-sized bricks installed or use thinner brick veneer which is more cost-effective. Brick is durable and resistant to rot and weather. Brick is also a natural insulator and will help keep your home more energy efficient. There are also minimal maintenance concerns for around 25 years. After this, you will need to inspect the masonry joints to see if they require any repairs.

Cost of Brick Siding – $3-$10 per square footInstallation Costs for Brick Siding – $3-$20 per square foot

Stucco Siding

Hyattdesign

Stucco is a sand and cement based siding that is ideal for homes in dry climates. It is a durable, energy-efficient, and eco-conscious choice. It also has an old-world look that works well on homes with Mediterranean styles. It is not ideal for homes in wet and humid climates.

Cost of Stucco Material – $5-$6 per square footInstallation Costs for Stucco Siding – $2.50 per square foot

Steel Siding

Steel siding is a durable metal siding that looks great in industrial or rustic settings. While it is a low maintenance siding, it does help to coat it with a rust-resistant layer. Steel siding is more durable than aluminum but also more expensive. It is crafted to mimic the look of wood, but it will still look like steel.

Cost of Steel Siding – $4-$6 per square footInstallation Costs for Steel Siding – $3.50 per square foot

Stone Siding

Cornerstone Architects

Stone siding is one of the most classic types of siding available. You can choose either natural stone or stone veneer for a less expensive option. This type of siding requires little to no maintenance and will last over time. It also resists pests, rot, and fire. The cost depends on the type of natural stone you choose. Slate is the least expensive and granite is one of the most expensive. =

Stone Veneer

Cost of Veneer Stone for Siding – $4-$21 per square footInstallation Costs for Steel Siding – $6 -$24 per square foot

Natural Stone

Cost of Natural Stone for Siding – $4.50-$30 per square footInstallation Costs for Steel Siding – $3 -$15 per square foot

Cedar Shake Siding

Cedar is one of the best quality wood siding options for anyone who loves the look and texture of natural wood. Cedar shakes have a rustic quality with gorgeous color variations. This wood is insect and rot-resistant. Cedar is an eco-conscious choice as it is biodegradable and sustainable. You can paint or stain your cedar shakes or even leave them untreated if you prefer a more natural look.

Cost of Cedar Shake Siding – $4-$8 per square footInstallation Costs of Cedar Shake Siding – $1.70 -$5 per square foot

Cost of Repair vs Replacement

If the siding on your home has yet to reach its lifespan, repairing it may still be an option depending on the extent of the damage. While the cost to repair averages around $500, that hinges on the type of siding and what issues you’re dealing with. Here’s some of the most common repairs made to siding and their average cost:

Mold ranges from $500 to $700.Cracks range from $50 to $150.Water damage ranges from $500 to $600.Dents range from $100 to $300$.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)FAQ

When does siding need to be replaced?

Siding that needs replacing will start to show obvious signs, some with more impact than others. For example, fading, rotting, and bubbling are common signs your siding may need replacing. Likewise, warping or loose boards aren’t unusual when siding is older. One of the biggest signs though is a higher electric bill. This is a tell-tale sign your siding isn’t doing its job.

What’s the most popular siding material?

While some siding selections are more popular region to region, it’s safe to say vinyl siding is most popular overall. Being that it’s one of the most affordable options, it comes as a first choice to most. Not to mention, it’s a low maintenance siding, which is without doubt an attractive quality to homeowners.

What does it mean to purchase a square of siding?

When purchasing siding you’ll hear the term “square” used a lot. In short, it’s how siding is measured. One square of siding is 100 square feet of siding material. Though the term siding square is more common to use when referring to how to measure for vinyl siding, it’s still used among other materials as well. Using a house siding calculator like the Lowe’s siding calculator will provide you with how many squares your project will need.

Which siding is easiest to maintain?

There’s several siding options that are easy to maintain but vinyl and metal appear to be the easiest by far. Both resist common siding problems like mold and pests, making for less repairs. They also require little in the way of cleaning. An annual power wash with mild soap and a soft brush for spot treatment on areas that may need it will keep your siding looking good as new.

How long will it take to replace siding?

The timeline to re-side a house seems to range based on who you talk to. Factors such as demand, weather, removal and material selection can play a role in this timeframe too. Regardless, the average project ranges from one to two weeks.

Conclusion

House siding cost can be easy to estimate with the right resources. With several methods at your disposal, there’s no doubt you can get an accurate price without missing any major components.

Likewise, certain factors like material and design can offer flexibility in price, making even the most modest of budgets simple to work with.

Take the first step toward your dream home exterior and start calculating your cost today.