How Much Does It Cost to Side a House? A Real-World Guide

Siding isn’t just about looks—it keeps your house safe from rain, wind, and sun. But when siding begins to crack, peel, or rot, your home’s protection weakens, and its appearance suffers too. If you’re staring at peeling boards or faded panels and wondering, how much does it cost to side a house?, you’re not alone.

The short answer? It depends. The price changes based on your house size, what material you want, and the rates workers charge in your area. In this guide, I’ll break down what really affects the bill, give examples with numbers, and share helpful tips so you can sideline any stress before you start.

What’s the Average Cost to Side a House?

Let’s start simple. Most homeowners in the U.S. pay somewhere between $5,500 and $16,000 to side their house. That’s a big range, right? It really comes down to what your home needs. A small, one-story home with basic siding might be under $6,000. Got a larger place, lots of corners or fancy trim, and a pricey material? You could be closer to $20,000.

Tip: Siding pros price jobs by the “square.” One square equals 100 square feet. So, a house that needs 2,000 square feet of siding would be 20 squares. The estimate you get will usually be “per square,” covering materials and labor together.

What Affects the Price?

There’s more to the cost than just slapping new boards on the wall. Here’s what can bump the bill up or down:

• House Size: More walls means more siding, more time, more money.
• Design Details: A plain boxy ranch? Easier (cheaper). Lots of peaks, bay windows, or wrap-around porches? It costs more to fit siding around all those details.
• Siding Material: More on this below, but some materials are just pricier from the start.
• Labor: Workers in some places charge more. Beaches and big cities? Expect higher rates than in rural spots.
• Removing Old Siding: Taking off the old siding and hauling it away usually adds $1,000–$3,000.
• Hidden Repairs: If your old siding hid water damage or wood rot, you’ll need to fix that first. Some surprises can’t be ignored and will add to the bill.

Comparing Siding Materials

Here’s a look at popular siding options and what they cost—plus real pros and cons.

Vinyl Siding

• Average: $4 to $12 per square foot installed
• Why people like it: It’s affordable, comes in lots of colors, and never needs painting.
• Downsides: It can crack in really cold weather, and colors might fade in strong sun over many years.

Fiber Cement Siding

• Average: $6 to $14 per square foot installed
• Why people like it: Super tough, hard to burn, bugs don’t bother it, and it can look like wood.
• Downsides: Heavy—best left to pros. Will need repainting every decade or so.

Wood Siding

• Average: $7 to $15 per square foot installed
• Why people like it: Classic look. You can stain or paint it any way you want.
• Downsides: Needs regular upkeep—painting or staining—to prevent rot and bug problems. Adds work (and cost) over the years.

Aluminum Siding

• Average: $5 to $10 per square foot installed
• Why people like it: Water and fire don’t bother it.
• Downsides: Dents easily, and colors can get chalky as it ages.

Brick or Stone Veneer

• Average: $10 to $30+ per square foot installed
• Why people like it: Lasts pretty much forever, top-notch curb appeal, barely any maintenance needed.
• Downsides: Expensive! Also, you need a skilled crew.

Cheapest siding? Standard vinyl wins for most people needing to save money—both for material and installation.

Labor Costs: Who Does the Work, and What Do They Charge?

Labor is often about half your total price. Crews charge to remove old siding, do prep work, install the new stuff, and clean up. Simple jobs are faster and cheaper (think: a plain-sided ranch). Complicated homes with towers, dormers, or lots of trim take longer—and cost more.

Shopping for help? Always get at least three quotes. Make sure contractors are licensed and insured, and read reviews. A “bargain” quote could mean corners get cut—never worth it when you’re protecting your home.

Is DIY Siding Worth It?

Thinking about saving money by installing siding yourself? If you’ve tackled projects like this before and are ready for a big job, you can save thousands in labor. Vinyl is the easiest for a handy homeowner.

But a big warning: Siding needs to be installed just right or your house might end up with leaks, rot, or mold down the road. One small mistake could mean a costly fix. For most people, paying for skilled labor gives peace of mind—and a warranty.

Extra Costs Most People Miss

Even the best budgets get busted if you’re not careful. Watch out for these:

• Rot or Damage Behind Old Siding: You might discover rotten boards or bug damage once the old siding comes off. Repairs can’t wait and can add hundreds (sometimes thousands) to your tab.
• Permits: Most towns require one. Fees can be $100–$500.
• More than Just Siding: Trim, soffits, fascia, and corners don’t always come with the main siding price.
• Disposal Fees: Hauling away the old stuff costs money. Make sure your quote includes it.

Final Thoughts and Smart Takeaways

New siding is a big spend, but it’s a smart one. You’re protecting your house, making it look sharp, and even boosting its value. Here are a few things to remember:

• Average Price: Most folks pay $5,500–$16,000, but costs can be outside this range.
• Material Matters: Vinyl is easiest on your wallet. Wood and brick look awesome but can be much pricier.
• Labor Adds Up: Labor usually makes up half the bill. Don’t skip good, trustworthy pros.
• Be Ready for Extras: Build a cushion into your budget for surprises like unseen repairs or fees.
• DIY Only if You’re Experienced: Unless you’ve done a lot of home projects, siding is better left to the pros.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How much does it cost to vinyl side a house?
For a house between 1,500 to 2,000 square feet, vinyl siding usually runs $6,000–$12,000. Price depends on quality, your area, and home details.

2. What’s a “square” in siding?
One square equals 100 square feet. When a contractor talks about “20 squares,” they mean 2,000 square feet.3. Is painting cheaper than new siding?
Yes, painting saves money for now. But if your siding has damage, painting only hides problems. New siding costs more up front but lasts much longer and protects your home.

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