How Much Does Siding Cost?
$6,000 to $20,000 is the average cost to install new siding on a house, with most homeowners paying around $12,000 for a full siding replacement. For a complete tear-off and replacement project including old siding removal, expect to pay $7,000 to $25,000 depending on material, home size, and regional labor rates.
Siding replacement is one of the most impactful exterior upgrades you can make. It protects your home from weather damage, improves energy efficiency, and dramatically boosts curb appeal. If you are wondering how much siding costs, keep in mind that replacing cracked, faded, warped, or outdated siding is an investment that typically recoups 70% to 90% of its cost at resale.
Siding Cost by Material
Siding materials range from $4 per square foot for vinyl to $30 per square foot for stone veneer, installed. Your choice of material is the single biggest factor in your total project cost. Here is what each material costs in 2026:
| Siding Material | Cost per Sq Ft (Installed) | Avg Home (1,500 sq ft walls) |
|---|---|---|
| Vinyl | $4 - $8 | $6,000 - $12,000 |
| Engineered Wood (LP SmartSide) | $6 - $12 | $9,000 - $18,000 |
| Metal / Aluminum | $6 - $12 | $9,000 - $18,000 |
| Fiber Cement (James Hardie) | $8 - $14 | $12,000 - $21,000 |
| Wood (Cedar / Redwood) | $8 - $16 | $12,000 - $24,000 |
| Stone Veneer | $15 - $30 | $22,500 - $45,000 |
The cost of siding varies widely by material. Vinyl remains the most popular choice in the US, accounting for roughly 30% of all installations due to its low cost and minimal maintenance. Fiber cement (Hardie board) is gaining market share rapidly thanks to its superior durability and fire resistance. For a detailed breakdown, see our Hardie board siding cost guide - expect to pay $8 to $15 per square foot installed depending on profile and finish.
Factors That Affect Siding Cost
$6,000 to $20,000 is the typical range, and several key factors determine where your project falls within it.
Home Size and Exterior Wall Area
Exterior wall area typically ranges from 1,000 to 3,500 square feet depending on home size, and directly determines your material and labor costs. A small home under 1,200 square feet may have around 1,000 square feet of wall area, while a large 3,000+ square foot home can have 2,500 to 3,500 square feet of exterior walls. The actual wall area depends on your home's footprint shape, ceiling height, and number of windows and doors (which reduce sideable area).
Number of Stories
Two-story homes cost 15% to 25% more for siding, and three-story homes cost 25% to 40% more. Multi-story projects require scaffolding, extension ladders, and more time working at height. Safety requirements and slower installation speeds at higher elevations add to labor costs. If your home combines a home addition with a second story, expect siding costs to increase accordingly.
Old Siding Removal
Removing existing siding adds $1,000 to $3,000 to the total project cost. How much it costs to replace siding increases when old material removal is needed. This includes labor for tear-off, dumpster rental for disposal, and any minor sheathing repairs discovered underneath. While installing over old siding can save money, most contractors recommend full removal so they can inspect the sheathing, house wrap, and insulation beneath. Removal is essential if the existing siding has moisture damage or rot.
Insulation Upgrades
Adding insulation during a siding project costs an extra $1,000 to $4,000 but can reduce heating and cooling bills by 10% to 20%. Since the walls are already exposed, a siding replacement is the ideal time to upgrade insulation. House wrap (like Tyvek) costs $1,000 to $1,500 for most homes. Foam board insulation adds $1,500 to $4,000 but provides significantly better R-value and energy savings. Many homeowners also upgrade windows at the same time, which costs $3,000 to $10,000 and further improves energy efficiency.
Trim, Soffits, and Fascia
Replacing trim, soffits, and fascia alongside siding adds $1,500 to $5,000. Most siding contractors recommend replacing trim at the same time as siding for a consistent look and to avoid mismatched wear. Aluminum or PVC trim is maintenance-free and a popular upgrade during siding projects. For manufactured homes, mobile home skirting costs $1,500 to $5,000 and is another exterior project often done alongside siding replacement.
Siding Cost by Home Size
Vinyl siding costs as little as $4,000 for a small home but can exceed $30,000 for premium materials on a large home. Here are typical total project costs by home size using the most common materials:
| Home Size | Vinyl | Fiber Cement | Wood |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small (under 1,200 sq ft) | $4,000 - $8,000 | $8,000 - $14,000 | $8,000 - $16,000 |
| Medium (1,200 - 2,000 sq ft) | $6,000 - $12,000 | $12,000 - $21,000 | $12,000 - $24,000 |
| Large (2,000 - 3,000 sq ft) | $9,000 - $18,000 | $18,000 - $32,000 | $18,000 - $36,000 |
| Extra Large (3,000+ sq ft) | $12,000 - $24,000 | $24,000 - $42,000 | $24,000 - $48,000 |
Which Siding Material Should You Choose?
$8 to $14 per square foot for fiber cement (James Hardie), which offers the best balance of durability, appearance, and value for most homeowners. It resists fire, insects, rot, and harsh weather, lasts 30 to 50 years, and comes in dozens of colors and textures. It is the top choice in fire-prone regions and coastal areas.
Vinyl is the best budget option if affordability is your top priority. Modern vinyl siding has improved dramatically in appearance and comes in insulated versions that boost energy efficiency. It requires virtually no maintenance beyond occasional washing.
Wood siding (cedar or redwood) offers unmatched natural beauty but requires regular staining or painting every 3 to 7 years. It is the best choice for historic homes or homeowners who want an authentic, high-end look.
Engineered wood (LP SmartSide) is a strong mid-range choice that mimics the look of real wood at a lower cost, with better resistance to moisture and insects. It typically comes with a 50-year warranty.
How to Save Money on Siding
$600 to $6,000 in potential savings is achievable with the right approach. These tips can help reduce your total cost.
- Get at least 3 quotes. Siding bids vary widely between contractors. Compare detailed written estimates that break out materials, labor, and disposal costs.
- Install during the off-season. Late fall and winter are slower for siding contractors in most regions, and you may negotiate 10% to 15% off.
- Consider vinyl for secondary elevations. Use premium siding (Hardie board or stone veneer) on the front-facing walls and vinyl on sides and back walls that are less visible.
- Bundle with other exterior work. Combining siding with a roof replacement or solar panel installation ($15,000 to $25,000 before credits) can save on scaffolding and mobilization costs.
- Check for manufacturer rebates. James Hardie, CertainTeed, and LP SmartSide frequently offer seasonal rebates and promotions.
- Skip the tear-off if possible. Installing over existing siding saves $1,000 to $3,000, but only if the underlying structure is in good condition.
Planning to DIY? Replacing a few panels yourself? Individual siding panels and trim are available online.
Shop on AmazonFrequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to replace siding on a house?
The average cost to replace siding on a house ranges from $6,000 to $20,000 for most homes, with the national average around $12,000. Costs depend primarily on the siding material, home size, number of stories, and whether old siding needs removal. Vinyl siding is the most affordable at $4 to $8 per square foot installed, while stone veneer can run $15 to $30 per square foot.
What is the cheapest siding to put on a house?
Vinyl siding is the cheapest option at $4 to $8 per square foot installed, making a full siding project $5,000 to $12,000 for most homes. Engineered wood (LP SmartSide) is the next most affordable at $6 to $12 per square foot. While vinyl costs less upfront, fiber cement (Hardie board) at $8 to $14 per square foot offers better durability and may be more cost-effective over 30+ years.
How long does siding last on a house?
Siding lifespan varies by material: vinyl lasts 20 to 40 years, fiber cement (Hardie board) lasts 30 to 50 years, wood siding lasts 15 to 40 years with proper maintenance, engineered wood lasts 20 to 30 years, metal/aluminum lasts 40 to 60 years, and stone veneer can last 50 to 75 years or more. Climate, maintenance, and installation quality all affect how long your siding will last.
Can you put new siding over old siding?
Yes, in many cases you can install new siding over old siding, which saves $1,000 to $3,000 in removal costs. However, this is only recommended if the existing siding is flat, in reasonably good condition, and free of moisture damage or rot. Most contractors recommend removing old siding first to inspect the sheathing and house wrap underneath, ensuring there are no hidden problems.
Does new siding increase home value?
Yes, new siding is one of the highest-ROI exterior improvements. According to the Remodeling Cost vs. Value Report, fiber cement siding replacement recoups roughly 80% to 90% of its cost at resale, while vinyl siding recoups about 70% to 80%. New siding also dramatically improves curb appeal, which helps homes sell faster.
What is the best siding material for a house?
Fiber cement (James Hardie) is widely considered the best overall siding material for most homeowners. It resists fire, rot, insects, and extreme weather, lasts 30 to 50 years, and comes in a wide range of colors and styles. Vinyl is the best budget option, while wood cedar siding is the best choice for traditional aesthetics. Metal siding excels in durability and fire resistance.