Install Siding Cost in 2026
Average cost: $5 - $18 per square foot
A typical average home (1,800 sq ft) costs $9,000 - $32,400
Includes materials and professional labor.
Siding installation replaces your home exterior with new vinyl, fiber cement, or wood siding. Installing 1,800 sq ft of fiber cement siding costs $14,400-$25,200 in 2026, including removal, installation, and trim.
Calculate Your Cost
Your Estimated Cost
$9,000 - $32,400
Based on 1800 square foots in National Average
Prices updated March 2026
Cost Breakdown
What This Means
For 1800 square foots in National Average, expect to pay $9,000-$32,400 with mid-range materials that balance quality and cost.
About $10,350 goes to materials and $8,280 covers labor. At $12 per square foot, your project is right at the national average.
This is a significant home investment. Most homeowners use home equity loans, refinancing, or save up over 1-2 years for projects in this range.
Tips for your project:
- •A smaller 1260 square foot project would run about $14,490.
- •Always get 3 quotes—prices can vary 20-30% between contractors.
What If...
Budget materials
Use builder-grade or economy materials
$6,750 - $24,300
-$7,200 (-35%)
Premium materials
Upgrade to high-end finishes
$12,150 - $43,740
+$3,600 (17%)
Smaller (1350 square foots)
Reduce project scope by 25%
$6,750 - $24,300
-$7,200 (-35%)
Larger (2250 square foots)
Expand project scope by 25%
$11,250 - $40,500
+$1,800 (9%)
DIY installation
Do the work yourself (materials only)
$12,316 - $16,663
-$6,210 (-30%)
What to Ask Your Contractor
1Are you licensed and insured for this type of work?
Are you licensed and insured for this type of work?
Why ask: Protects you from liability if someone gets hurt on your property.
Red flag: Hesitation or claims that insurance "isn't necessary" for this job.
2Can I see references from similar projects?
Can I see references from similar projects?
Why ask: Install Siding requires specific experience. Past work shows capability.
Red flag: Unable to provide any references or only has very old ones.
3What's included in your $20,700 quote—and what's not?
What's included in your $20,700 quote—and what's not?
Why ask: Prevents surprise charges for permits, disposal, or finishing work.
Red flag: Vague answers or unwillingness to put details in writing.
4What manufacturer warranty comes with the materials, and do you offer a workmanship warranty?
What manufacturer warranty comes with the materials, and do you offer a workmanship warranty?
Why ask: Material warranties alone don't cover installation errors.
Red flag: No workmanship warranty or only verbal guarantees.
5Who handles the permit application and inspection scheduling?
Who handles the permit application and inspection scheduling?
Why ask: Permits ensure work meets code and protect your home's resale value.
Red flag: Resistance to pulling permits or suggesting you "don't need one."
Show 2 more questions
6What's your payment schedule, and what triggers each payment?
What's your payment schedule, and what triggers each payment?
Why ask: Standard is a small deposit, then payments tied to milestones.
Red flag: Demanding 50%+ upfront or full payment before work begins.
7What's the realistic timeline, and what could cause delays?
What's the realistic timeline, and what could cause delays?
Why ask: Honest contractors set expectations. Weather, material backorders, and inspections cause delays.
Red flag: Unrealistically short timelines or guarantees of "no delays."
Cost Breakdown
| Component | Percentage | Cost Range* |
|---|---|---|
| Materials | 50% | $4,500 - $16,200 |
| Labor | 40% | $3,600 - $12,960 |
| Trim, flashing & disposal | 10% | $900 - $3,240 |
| Total | 100% | $9,000 - $32,400 |
*Based on average home (1,800 sq ft) at national average prices.
What Affects the Cost
Siding material
Vinyl costs $4-8/sf, fiber cement $8-14/sf, wood $10-18/sf, engineered wood $8-12/sf
Home height
Two-story homes cost 15-25% more for scaffolding and access
Removal requirements
Removing existing siding adds $1-3/sf; wood sheathing repairs add more
Architectural details
Gables, dormers, and intricate trim work increase labor costs 20-40%
Impact: H = High, M = Medium, L = Low
DIY vs. Hire a Contractor
🔨 DIY
Risk: High — improper installation causes water damage and voids warranties
👷 Hire a ProRecommended
Includes: Professional installation, cleanup, warranty, and permit handling.
Cost by State
| State | Cost Range (per square foot) | vs. National Avg |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $4 - $15 | -18% |
| Alaska | $7 - $25 | +38% |
| Arizona | $5 - $18 | +2% |
| Arkansas | $4 - $14 | -20% |
| California | $7 - $24 | +35% |
| Colorado | $6 - $21 | +18% |
| Connecticut | $6 - $23 | +25% |
| Delaware | $6 - $20 | +10% |
| Florida | $5 - $19 | +4% |
| Georgia | $5 - $18 | -2% |
| Hawaii | $7 - $26 | +45% |
| Idaho | $5 - $18 | -2% |
| Illinois | $6 - $20 | +12% |
| Indiana | $5 - $17 | -5% |
| Iowa | $5 - $17 | -8% |
| Kansas | $5 - $16 | -10% |
| Kentucky | $4 - $16 | -12% |
| Louisiana | $5 - $16 | -10% |
| Maine | $5 - $19 | +8% |
| Maryland | $6 - $22 | +20% |
| Massachusetts | $6 - $23 | +28% |
| Michigan | $5 - $18 | -2% |
| Minnesota | $6 - $20 | +10% |
| Mississippi | $4 - $14 | -22% |
| Missouri | $5 - $17 | -8% |
| Montana | $5 - $18 | Avg |
| Nebraska | $5 - $16 | -10% |
| Nevada | $5 - $18 | +2% |
| New Hampshire | $6 - $21 | +15% |
| New Jersey | $6 - $22 | +24% |
| New Mexico | $4 - $15 | -15% |
| New York | $7 - $24 | +32% |
| North Carolina | $5 - $18 | -2% |
| North Dakota | $4 - $15 | -16% |
| Ohio | $5 - $17 | -4% |
| Oklahoma | $4 - $16 | -12% |
| Oregon | $6 - $22 | +20% |
| Pennsylvania | $5 - $19 | +6% |
| Rhode Island | $6 - $21 | +18% |
| South Carolina | $5 - $16 | -10% |
| South Dakota | $4 - $15 | -16% |
| Tennessee | $5 - $17 | -8% |
| Texas | $5 - $17 | -6% |
| Utah | $5 - $18 | Avg |
| Vermont | $6 - $20 | +12% |
| Virginia | $5 - $19 | +8% |
| Washington | $6 - $22 | +22% |
| West Virginia | $4 - $15 | -18% |
| Wisconsin | $5 - $18 | +2% |
| Wyoming | $4 - $15 | -16% |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to side a 1500 sq ft house?
Siding a 1,500 sq ft exterior costs $7,500-$27,000. Vinyl siding runs $7,500-$12,000. Fiber cement costs $12,000-$21,000. Wood siding ranges from $15,000-$27,000. These prices include removal of old siding and installation.
What is the cheapest siding for a house?
Vinyl siding is cheapest at $4-8/sf installed. Engineered wood ($8-12/sf) offers better aesthetics at moderate cost. Aluminum ($5-9/sf) is budget-friendly but dents easily. Avoid the cheapest vinyl grades—they fade and crack faster.
How long does siding last?
Vinyl siding lasts 20-40 years. Fiber cement lasts 30-50 years. Wood siding lasts 20-40 years with maintenance. Aluminum lasts 40+ years but dents. Quality installation and maintenance significantly affect lifespan.
Is fiber cement siding worth it?
Fiber cement costs 30-50% more than vinyl but lasts longer, looks more like real wood, resists fire, and does not melt. It is worth the upgrade for homes in fire-prone areas or where appearance matters. Popular brands include James Hardie.
Can you put new siding over old siding?
Sometimes. Vinyl can go over wood siding in good condition. However, this hides damage, adds weight, and may void warranties. Best practice is to remove old siding to inspect sheathing and install proper moisture barriers.
Related Projects
Need to calculate materials for your project? Try our sister site CalcOnce.com for concrete, lumber, paint, and more calculators.
Return on Investment
Recoups 70-80% at resale; major curb appeal improvement