How Much Does It Cost for Siding on a House? Vinyl, Fiber Cement & Wood
The total cost to install new siding on an average 2,000-square-foot home ranges between $6,000 and $24,000+, with the national average costing approximately $11,500 to $15,000. Siding costs range from $3 to $8 per square foot installed for budget vinyl siding, to $7 to $14 per square foot for premium James Hardie fiber cement, and $9 to $18 per square foot for natural cedar wood siding.
Siding Cost per Square Foot by Material Type
Exterior siding protects your home's framing from wind-driven rain, insect infestation, and thermal energy loss while defining curb appeal. Pricing scales based on raw material costs, specialized installer labor, tear-off disposal, and weather-resistant barrier (house wrap) installation.
Comparing installed costs, lifespans, and fire ratings across major siding materials:
| Siding Material Type | Installed Cost per Sq Ft | Total Cost (1,500 Sq Ft Wall Area) | Total Cost (2,500 Sq Ft Wall Area) | Expected Lifespan Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Vinyl Siding (MOST POPULAR) | $3.50 – $7.50 / sq ft | $5,250 – $11,250 | $8,750 – $18,750 | 25 to 40 Years (Zero painting required) |
| Insulated Vinyl Siding (EPS Foam Backing) | $6.00 – $10.50 / sq ft | $9,000 – $15,750 | $15,000 – $26,250 | 30 to 50 Years (Adds R-3 to R-5 insulation) |
| Fiber Cement (James Hardie Plank) (DURABLE) | $7.00 – $14.00 / sq ft | $10,500 – $21,000 | $17,500 – $35,000 | 50+ Years (Class A Fire-rated, termite proof) |
| Engineered Wood (LP SmartSide) | $6.50 – $12.00 / sq ft | $9,750 – $18,000 | $16,250 – $30,000 | 30 to 50 Years (Zinc borate treated) |
| Natural Cedar Wood Lap / Shake | $9.00 – $18.00 / sq ft | $13,500 – $27,000 | $22,500 – $45,000 | 25 to 40 Years (Requires staining every 5 yrs) |
| Seamless Steel / Modern Aluminum Siding | $8.00 – $15.00 / sq ft | $12,000 – $22,500 | $20,000 – $37,500 | 40 to 60+ Years |
Tear-Off, Trim, Fascia & Ancillary Project Costs
A comprehensive siding contract includes essential perimeter prep and flashing components:
| Siding Project Component | Average Cost Range | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Old Siding Tear-Off & Dumpster Disposal | $1,000 – $2,500 ($1.00-$2.00/sq ft) | Stripping old asbestos, wood, or aluminum siding and hauling off-site |
| Weather-Resistant Barrier (Tyvek House Wrap) | $500 – $1,200 | Breathable water-resistive barrier preventing moisture rot behind panels |
| Soffit, Fascia & Aluminum Trim Capping | $1,500 – $3,500 | Custom bent aluminum coil wrapping window sills, overhangs, and eave vents |
| Rotten Plywood Sheathing Repair | $65 – $100 per 4x8 sheet | Replacing rotted OSB/plywood framing discovered after tear-off |
How to Calculate Your Home's Exterior Wall Square Footage
Do not confuse your home's interior living space with exterior wall square footage. A 2,000 sq ft two-story home typically has approximately 2,200 to 2,600 square feet of exterior wall surface. Siding contractors measure in 'Squares'—where 1 Square = 100 Square Feet of siding material.
How to Plan a Siding Replacement Project in 4 Steps
Step-by-step contractor bidding and management.
Step 1: Calculate Total Exterior Wall Surface in 'Squares'
Measure perimeter wall height and width, subtracting 15 sq ft per window and 20 sq ft per door.
Step 2: Compare Vinyl vs. Fiber Cement Samples On-Site
Examine color-through vinyl versus factory-painted James Hardie ColorPlus fiber cement.
Step 3: Collect 3 Itemized Contractor Quotes Including House Wrap
Ensure bids explicitly detail tear-off fees, Tyvek wrap, flashing tape, and soffit replacement.
Step 4: Inspect Framing Sheathing During Tear-Off Day
Walk the house with the foreman to approve any necessary rotted plywood sheathing replacements.
Frequently Asked Questions (8 Questions Answered)
Q1: How much does it cost to side a 2000 sq ft house?
Siding a 2,000 sq ft house costs between $8,500 and $18,000 for standard vinyl siding, and $16,000 to $30,000 for James Hardie fiber cement siding.
Q2: Is James Hardie fiber cement siding worth the extra cost?
Yes; James Hardie is non-combustible (Class A fire rating), impervious to termite damage, will not melt like vinyl in hot sunlight or grill heat, and lasts 50+ years.
Q3: How long does it take to install new siding on a house?
A professional 4-person siding crew takes 5 to 8 working days to complete full tear-off, house wrap installation, new siding hanging, and aluminum trim capping.
Q4: Can you install new vinyl siding over old wood siding?
While possible if the wood is flat and rot-free, best building practices recommend tearing off old siding to inspect the underlying sheathing and install modern Tyvek house wrap.
Q5: What is a 'square' of siding?
In the siding and roofing industry, a 'Square' represents exactly 100 square feet of surface area (a 10x10 foot wall section).
Q6: Does new siding increase home value?
Yes, according to the Cost vs. Value report, fiber cement siding recoups 68% to 78% of its cost at resale, while vinyl siding recoups 65% to 72% in increased curb appeal.
Q7: What is insulated vinyl siding?
Insulated vinyl features rigid EPS foam permanently bonded to the back of the vinyl profile, increasing energy efficiency (R-value +3.0) and making the panels rigid and impact-resistant.
Q8: How often does siding need to be painted?
Vinyl siding never needs painting; fiber cement requires repainting every 12 to 15 years, and natural wood requires fresh paint or stain every 5 to 7 years.
Final Thoughts & Key Takeaways
In conclusion, understanding how much does it cost for siding on a house? vinyl, fiber cement & wood provides essential clarity, practical strategies, and actionable advice. By incorporating these foundational insights, adhering to verified safety guidelines, and following structured best practices, you ensure reliable, long-term outcomes while preventing common mistakes. Stay informed, consult certified professionals when needed, and maintain consistent quality care.