What Does New Siding Cost?
New siding for a standard single-family home typically costs $12,000 to $32,000, averaging around $18,000 for vinyl and around $21,500 for fiber cement on a 1,500 to 2,000-square-foot home. The wide range reflects significant differences in siding material vinyl is the most economical; wood is the most expensive.
Vinyl Siding: $8 to $17 per Square Foot Installed
Vinyl siding is the most popular residential siding choice in the US for its combination of low cost, minimal maintenance, and reliable weather resistance. At $8 to $17 per square foot installed (material plus labor), a standard home runs $12,000 to $27,000 for a complete re-siding project, averaging around $18,000. Mid-grade vinyl (0.042-inch thickness) is appropriate for most residential applications. Thicker vinyl (0.046+ inch) provides greater rigidity and is more resistant to impact and wind. Premium vinyl with insulated backing (insulated vinyl siding) adds $1 to $2 per square foot and provides improved energy efficiency. (For more on this, see How Much Does Home Siding Cost? A Guide for Homeowners.)
Fiber Cement Siding: $10 to $19 per Square Foot Installed
Fiber cement siding (James Hardie HardiePlank is the dominant brand) is a composite of cement, sand, and cellulose fiber that is fire-resistant, termite-resistant, and exceptionally durable. It holds paint longer than wood, resists rot and moisture, and is available in a wide range of profiles and textures. Installed cost: $10 to $19 per square foot, typically $16,000 to $30,000 for a standard home re-siding project, averaging around $21,500. Fiber cement requires painting (either factory-finished ColorPlus or field-painted) and periodic re-painting every 10 to 15 years. (For more on this, see Vinyl vs. Fiber Cement vs. Wood Siding: Which Should You Choose?.) In homes built before 1978, the EPA’s Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting rule requires anyone paid to disturb painted surfaces to be certified in lead-safe practices.
Wood Siding: $12 to $20 per Square Foot Installed
Real wood siding cedar, redwood, pine, fir provides the most authentic and aesthetically flexible exterior option. It must be painted or stained regularly (every 5 to 10 years), is susceptible to rot, insect damage, and moisture without proper maintenance, and costs more than synthetic alternatives. Installed cost: $12 to $20 per square foot, or $19,000 to $32,000 for a standard home. Premium wood species (cedar, redwood) at the high end; pine and fir at the lower end.
Siding Cost at a Glance
| Cost Factor | Typical Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Vinyl siding | $8 to $17 per sq ft | installed, the most popular budget-friendly option |
| Fiber cement siding | $10 to $19 per sq ft | installed, durable and resistant to fire and termites |
| Wood siding | $12 to $20 per sq ft | installed, classic look with higher upkeep |
| Overall range | $12,000 to $32,000, averaging $18,000 for vinyl and $21,500 for fiber cement |
Cost figures on this page were checked against published pricing on August 23, 2026. How we source cost data.
Planning Your Project Budget
The cost ranges in this article are based on industry data and are intended as planning benchmarks, not fixed prices. The actual cost for your project depends on your specific home, your local labor market, the current price of materials, and the scope the contractor confirms after a site inspection.
Always get at least two written quotes on equivalent defined scope before committing to any home services project. Wide price variation between quotes usually reflects differences in material quality, scope completeness (what is included and what is not), or contractor overhead and experience level rather than simple price competition. The FTC advises hiring only licensed, insured contractors, getting the full scope in writing, and never paying the full amount up front.
Use the cost data in this article to ask better questions during the quoting process: What material is included? What does that per-square-foot or per-linear-foot rate include and exclude? Are permits, cleanup, and disposal included? What is the warranty on labor? These questions turn a quote into a comparable basis for decision-making.
Working With a Contractor on This Project
Getting the right outcome on any home services project starts before the work begins. A few consistent practices make the difference between a smooth project and a frustrating one.
Get at least two or three quotes. A single quote gives you no basis for comparison. Two or three quotes reveal the market rate for the work, expose scope differences between bidders, and let you assess contractor communication quality before any commitment is made. The lowest bid is not automatically the best value if the scope is thin or the materials are underspecified.
Ask for licenses and insurance before work starts. Verify current general liability insurance and, for any work involving workers on your property, workers compensation coverage. Licensing requirements vary by state and trade; confirm the specific requirements in your jurisdiction. A licensed contractor who carries appropriate insurance protects both parties if something goes wrong during the project.
Get the scope in writing. A written proposal that specifies materials, labor scope, timeline, what is included (permits, cleanup, disposal), and warranty terms is the foundation of a professional engagement. Verbal agreements on any of these points invite misunderstanding. For any project over $500, written scope is non-negotiable.
Clarify the payment schedule upfront. A reasonable payment schedule ties major payments to project milestones: a deposit at signing, a payment at material delivery or project start, and a final payment at completion after a walkthrough confirms satisfaction. A contractor who requires full payment upfront before work begins is a red flag in any trade.
