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Siding Installation Cost Calculator

By Taro Schenker | Updated February 19, 2026

Quick Answer: Siding installation costs $3–$12 per square foot installed. Vinyl material runs $1.50–$5.00/sq ft. Wood runs $3.00–$8.00/sq ft. Fiber cement runs $3.50–$8.50/sq ft. Trim, flashing, and supplies add $0.50–$1.00/sq ft. Labor costs $1.30–$2.85/sq ft based on carpenter rates of $21.77–$31.75/hr nationally. A 1,500 sq ft exterior costs $4,500–$18,000. Enter your ZIP for local pricing. Your IECC climate zone and moisture regime are shown when you enter a ZIP — important for choosing weather-resistant siding materials. Material costs are PPI-adjusted to current market conditions.

Calculate siding installation costs by material type, wall area, quality level, and ZIP code. Get a location-specific estimate with a full breakdown of materials, trim, labor, and overhead costs.

Siding Cost by Material

MaterialInstalled/Sq FtLifespanMaintenanceDIY?
Vinyl$3–$720–40 yrsWash onlyModerate
Wood (Lap)$5–$1220–40 yrsPaint every 5–7 yrsSkilled
Fiber Cement$5–$1250+ yrsPaint every 15 yrsNo
Aluminum$4–$940–50 yrsWash onlyModerate

How Siding Installation Cost Is Calculated

Total = (Material + Supplies + Labor + Fixed Costs) × 1.20 markup
  1. Siding material: Area × $1.50–$8.50/sq ft depending on type and quality grade.
  2. Trim, flashing & supplies: Area × $0.50–$1.00/sq ft for J-channel, corner trim, flashing, nails, and house wrap.
  3. Labor: Area × hours/sq ft × hourly rate × 1.5 burden. Vinyl is fastest (0.04 hr/sq ft); wood and fiber cement are slowest (0.06 hr/sq ft).
  4. Fixed costs: Scaffolding ($150–$400), old siding removal ($200–$600), permits ($100–$200), and waste hauling ($150–$300).
  5. Contractor markup: 20% for overhead, profit, and warranty.

Siding Cost by Home Size

Home SizeExterior Sq FtVinylFiber Cement
Small (1,000 sq ft)800–1,000$2,400–$7,000$4,000–$12,000
Average (1,500 sq ft)1,200–1,500$3,600–$10,500$6,000–$18,000
Large (2,500 sq ft)1,800–2,500$5,400–$17,500$9,000–$30,000
Two-Story (3,000 sq ft)2,500–3,500$7,500–$24,500$12,500–$42,000

Formula Summary

Siding Installation Cost Formula: Total = (A × M + A × S + A × H × R × 1.5 + F) × 1.20

where A = area (sq ft), M = material/sq ft, S = supplies/sq ft, H = labor hours/sq ft, R = hourly rate, 1.5 = burden, F = fixed costs, 1.20 = markup.

Material Rates: Vinyl $1.50–$5.00/sq ft, wood $3.00–$8.00, fiber cement $3.50–$8.50, aluminum $2.50–$6.50.

Labor Hours: Vinyl 0.04 hr/sq ft, aluminum 0.05, wood 0.06, fiber cement 0.06.

Constants: Labor burden 1.5×. Markup 20%. Trade: carpenters (SOC 47-2031). BLS OEWS May 2024, 393 metros. National rates: $21.77 (P25), $27.30 (mean), $31.75 (P75).

Additional data: DOE/IECC climate zones with moisture regime classification (moist, dry, marine). BLS PPI composite construction materials index (monthly via FRED). Material costs PPI-adjusted to current market.

Carpenters Hourly Rates by Metro (BLS OEWS May 2024)

Metro25th %ileMean75th %ile
New York$27.07$37.32$46.01
Los Angeles$26.91$36.97$47.02
Chicago$24.11$38.11$51.92
Dallas$20.33$24.01$26.76
Houston$22.32$24.93$28.40
Washington$23.86$30.71$34.34
Philadelphia$24.09$32.62$36.99
Miami$20.50$24.57$27.85
Atlanta$22.03$24.84$28.25
Phoenix$22.72$28.74$34.55

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Estimates are for planning purposes only. Consult a qualified contractor for critical projects. Actual material requirements may vary based on site conditions, waste, and installation methods.

Pricing last verified: February 2026. Material prices vary by region, season, and supplier. Prices shown are national averages for planning purposes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does siding installation cost?
Siding installation costs $3–$12 per square foot installed. Vinyl siding is cheapest at $3–$7/sq ft. Aluminum runs $4–$9/sq ft. Wood lap siding costs $5–$12/sq ft. Fiber cement (HardiePlank) runs $5–$12/sq ft. For an average 1,500 sq ft exterior, total costs range from $4,500 for basic vinyl to $18,000+ for premium fiber cement. Labor alone runs $1.30–$2.85/sq ft depending on material and local rates.
Does climate zone affect siding material choice?
Yes. The DOE/IECC climate zone map classifies areas by temperature and moisture regime (A = moist, B = dry, C = marine). In moist zones (A), fiber cement and vinyl outperform wood, which is prone to rot. In dry zones (B), wood siding lasts longer but still needs UV protection. Marine zones (C) need materials resistant to salt air. Our calculator shows your climate zone and moisture regime when you enter your ZIP code.
What is the cheapest siding option?
Vinyl siding is the cheapest option at $3–$7 per square foot installed. Builder-grade vinyl starts at $1.50/sq ft for material alone. It requires minimal maintenance (just washing), never needs painting, and lasts 20–40 years. The main downsides: it can crack in extreme cold, warp in extreme heat, and lacks the look of real wood. For budget projects, vinyl is the clear winner.
How long does siding last?
Vinyl siding: 20–40 years. Aluminum siding: 40–50 years (dents but doesn't rot). Wood siding: 20–40 years with regular painting every 5–7 years. Fiber cement (HardiePlank): 50+ years with minimal maintenance. Fiber cement offers the best longevity and is the most weather-resistant option. All lifespans assume proper installation with house wrap and flashing.
Is fiber cement siding worth the extra cost?
Fiber cement costs 30–60% more than vinyl but lasts 50+ years vs 20–40 years for vinyl. It is fireproof, rot-proof, termite-proof, and holds paint for 15+ years. It also adds more to home resale value — Remodeling Magazine's Cost vs Value report shows fiber cement siding recoups 70–80% of its cost at resale. Worth it for: fire-prone areas, high-end homes, and homeowners planning to stay long-term.
Can I install siding myself?
Vinyl siding is moderately DIY-friendly — it is lightweight, snaps together, and requires basic tools. Aluminum is similar but dents easily during handling. Wood siding requires carpentry skills for proper overlap, nailing, and flashing. Fiber cement is NOT DIY-recommended — it is heavy (2.5 lbs/sq ft), requires special cutting tools (fiber cement blade), and improper installation voids the warranty. DIY saves $1.30–$2.85/sq ft on labor.
Should I remove old siding before installing new?
It depends on the condition. Remove old siding if: it is rotting or water-damaged, you need to inspect/repair sheathing, or building code requires it. You can install over old siding if: the old siding is flat and in good condition, you add furring strips for a flat surface, and local code allows it. Removal costs $0.50–$1.50/sq ft and adds $750–$2,250 for an average home. Installing over existing siding saves money but adds thickness to walls.