Siding Replacement Cost Guide: Complete 2026 Pricing by Material

Replacing your home's siding is one of the most transformative—and expensive—exterior improvements you can make. New siding dramatically boosts curb appeal, protects your home from the elements, and typically delivers strong return on investment.

But with material costs ranging from $3 to $40+ per square foot installed, choosing the right siding type for your budget, climate, and home style is critical.

This comprehensive guide breaks down 2026 siding replacement costs by material, home size, and project complexity, helping you make an informed decision and budget accurately.

Average Siding Replacement Costs by Material

Here's what homeowners are paying for complete siding replacement in 2026:

Vinyl Siding (Most Popular)

Cost per square foot installed: $3.50 - $11

• Low-end (builder-grade, 0.040" thick): $3.50 - $5.50/sq ft
• Mid-range (0.044-0.046" thick, colors): $5.50 - $8/sq ft
• High-end (0.050"+ thick, premium textures): $8 - $11/sq ft

Total project cost (2,000 sq ft home): $7,000 - $22,000

Pros:

• Lowest maintenance (no painting)
• Wide color selection
• Good durability (20-30 years)
• Best budget option

Cons:

• Can crack in extreme cold
• Fades over time (especially darker colors)
• Can look "plasticky" in high-end markets
• Not eco-friendly

ROI: 78-85% recoup at resale

Fiber Cement Siding (Hardie Board)

Cost per square foot installed: $8 - $14

• Low-end (smooth lap siding, primed): $8 - $10/sq ft
• Mid-range (wood-grain texture, pre-painted): $10 - $12/sq ft
• High-end (custom profiles, premium finishes): $12 - $14/sq ft

Total project cost (2,000 sq ft home): $16,000 - $28,000

Pros:

• Extremely durable (30-50 years)
• Fire-resistant and pest-proof
• Holds paint excellently
• Authentic wood appearance
• Best warranty (often 30-50 years)

Cons:

• Expensive upfront
• Requires repainting every 10-15 years
• Heavy (requires experienced installers)
• Must be painted (unless pre-finished)

ROI: 68-75% recoup at resale

Wood Siding (Cedar, Redwood, Pine)

Cost per square foot installed: $8 - $18

• Low-end (pine clapboard, paint-grade): $8 - $11/sq ft
• Mid-range (cedar lap siding): $11 - $14/sq ft
• High-end (redwood, custom mill-work): $14 - $18+/sq ft

Total project cost (2,000 sq ft home): $16,000 - $36,000

Pros:

• Beautiful natural aesthetic
• Authentic for historic homes
• Can be stained or painted
• Eco-friendly (renewable resource)

Cons:

• High maintenance (stain/paint every 3-7 years)
• Prone to rot, insects, warping
• Shorter lifespan (15-30 years)
• Expensive ongoing maintenance

ROI: 70-80% in appropriate markets (historic, coastal, upscale)

Engineered Wood Siding (LP SmartSide)

Cost per square foot installed: $6 - $11

• Standard profiles: $6 - $8/sq ft
• Premium textures and styles: $8 - $11/sq ft

Total project cost (2,000 sq ft home): $12,000 - $22,000

Pros:

• More affordable than real wood or fiber cement
• Better than vinyl aesthetics
• Less maintenance than real wood
• 50-year warranty available
• Holds paint well

Cons:

• Still requires painting (every 10-15 years)
• Not as durable as fiber cement
• Newer product (less long-term data)

ROI: 72-78% recoup

Metal Siding (Aluminum, Steel)

Cost per square foot installed: $7 - $16

Aluminum:

• Standard: $7 - $10/sq ft
• High-grade: $10 - $13/sq ft

Steel:

• Standard: $9 - $13/sq ft
• High-grade/custom: $13 - $16/sq ft

Total project cost (2,000 sq ft home): $14,000 - $32,000

Pros:

• Extremely durable (40-60 years)
• Fire-resistant
• Low maintenance
• Modern aesthetic
• Recyclable

Cons:

• Can dent (especially aluminum)
• Modern look doesn't suit all home styles
• Can be noisy in rain
• Limited color options

ROI: 60-70% (market-dependent)

Brick Veneer

Cost per square foot installed: $12 - $25

• Standard brick: $12 - $18/sq ft
• Premium/thin brick: $18 - $25/sq ft

Total project cost (2,000 sq ft home): $24,000 - $50,000

Pros:

• Extremely durable (100+ years)
• Virtually no maintenance
• Excellent insulation
• Premium appearance

Cons:

• Most expensive option
• Requires skilled masons
• Structural considerations
• Difficult to modify later

ROI: 80-90% (highest long-term value)

Stone Veneer

Cost per square foot installed: $15 - $30+

• Manufactured stone: $15 - $22/sq ft
• Natural stone: $25 - $30+/sq ft

Total project cost (accent wall or full home):

• Accent: $3,000 - $8,000
• Full home: $30,000 - $60,000+

Pros:

• Luxury appearance
• Extremely durable
• Low maintenance
• Excellent insulation

Cons:

• Most expensive
• Requires structural support
• Heavy (limits application)
• Professional installation essential

ROI: 75-95% in luxury markets

Stucco

Cost per square foot installed: $7 - $14

• Traditional 3-coat: $7 - $10/sq ft
• EIFS (synthetic): $6 - $9/sq ft
• Finish/texture upgrades: $10 - $14/sq ft

Total project cost (2,000 sq ft home): $14,000 - $28,000

Pros:

• Seamless appearance
• Good insulation
• Fire-resistant
• Long-lasting (50+ years with maintenance)

Cons:

• Requires skilled applicators
• Can crack (especially in freeze-thaw climates)
• Moisture issues if improperly installed
• Regional (common in Southwest, less so elsewhere)

ROI: 65-75% (varies significantly by region)

Siding Costs by Home Size

Small Home (1,200-1,500 sq ft)

Exterior siding area: ~1,400-1,700 sq ft

• Vinyl: $4,900 - $18,700
• Fiber cement: $11,200 - $23,800
• Wood: $11,200 - $30,600
• Engineered wood: $8,400 - $18,700
• Metal: $9,800 - $27,200

Medium Home (1,800-2,200 sq ft)

Exterior siding area: ~2,000-2,500 sq ft

• Vinyl: $7,000 - $27,500
• Fiber cement: $16,000 - $35,000
• Wood: $16,000 - $45,000
• Engineered wood: $12,000 - $27,500
• Metal: $14,000 - $40,000

Large Home (2,800-3,500 sq ft)

Exterior siding area: ~3,200-4,000 sq ft

• Vinyl: $11,200 - $44,000
• Fiber cement: $25,600 - $56,000
• Wood: $25,600 - $72,000
• Engineered wood: $19,200 - $44,000
• Metal: $22,400 - $64,000

Note: Exterior square footage is typically less than interior square footage due to foundation offset.

Additional Costs to Budget For

Old Siding Removal: $1,000 - $3,000

• Vinyl or aluminum: $1 - $2/sq ft removal
• Wood: $2 - $3/sq ft (more labor-intensive)
• Stucco or masonry: $3 - $5/sq ft (heavy, difficult)

Disposal fees: $300 - $800 depending on material and local dump fees

Sheathing/House Wrap: $1,000 - $3,500

• House wrap (Tyvek): $0.50 - $1/sq ft
• Foam board insulation: $1.50 - $3/sq ft
• OSB sheathing replacement: $2 - $4/sq ft (if rotted)

Often needed: Older homes with deteriorated sheathing or no moisture barrier

Trim and Accent Work: $2,000 - $8,000

• Window trim: $100 - $300 per window
• Door trim: $150 - $400 per door
• Corner boards: $200 - $600
• Soffit and fascia: $6 - $12/linear foot

Structural Repairs: $500 - $5,000+

• Rotted framing repair: $500 - $2,000
• Window/door frame replacement: $300 - $800 each
• Structural reinforcement: $1,000 - $5,000+

Budget 10-20% contingency for older homes (pre-1980)

Paint (Fiber Cement, Wood, Engineered Wood): $2,000 - $6,000

• Paint labor: $1 - $3/sq ft
• Priming + 2 coats: Required for unpainted materials
• Can be included in installation quote or separate

Permits and Inspections: $200 - $800

• Required in most jurisdictions
• Ensures code compliance
• Protects insurance coverage

Siding ROI by Material (2026 Data)

Based on Remodeling Magazine's Cost vs. Value Report:

Vinyl Siding Replacement

Average cost: $18,662 (1,750 sq ft) Resale value added: $15,072 ROI: 80.8%

Why it's high:

• Affordable, low-maintenance appeal
• Expected in mid-range markets
• Immediate curb appeal boost

Fiber Cement Siding

Average cost: $24,274 (1,750 sq ft) Resale value added: $17,545 ROI: 72.3%

Why it's solid:

• Premium quality recognized by buyers
• Durability and warranty value
• Growing in popularity

Other Materials (Estimated)

• Wood: 70-80% (market-dependent)
• Engineered wood: 72-78%
• Metal: 60-70% (aesthetic preferences vary)
• Brick/stone: 80-95% (luxury markets, long-term value)
• Stucco: 65-75% (highly regional)

DIY vs. Professional Installation

Can You DIY Siding?

Realistic for experienced DIYers:

• Vinyl siding (most forgiving)
• Engineered wood (similar to vinyl installation)
• Metal panels (if comfortable with metal work)

Not recommended for DIY:

• Fiber cement (heavy, requires special tools, precise cutting)
• Wood siding (moisture barrier critical, finishing required)
• Stucco (specialized skills required)
• Brick/stone (structural and masonry expertise needed)

DIY Siding Considerations

Potential savings: $3,000 - $12,000 (40-50% of total cost)

Time investment:

• Small home: 2-4 weeks (weekends + evenings)
• Medium home: 4-8 weeks
• Requires helper for many tasks

Skills needed:

• Precise measuring and cutting
• Level installation (critical for appearance)
• Proper flashing and moisture barrier installation
• Working at heights (scaffolding or ladders)
• Understanding building codes

Tools required ($800-$2,000 investment):

• Miter saw or circular saw
• Siding brake (for metal)
• Level (4-8 ft)
• Nail gun (rent or buy)
• Scaffolding or ladder system
• Chalk line, squares, tape measures

Risks of DIY:

• Improper moisture barriers → $5,000-$20,000 water damage repairs
• Unlevel installation → poor aesthetics, warranty issues
• Safety risks → falls from heights
• Voided warranties → some manufacturers require pro installation
• Code violations → may need to redo work, insurance issues

When to Hire a Professional

Always hire for:

• Two-story or complex homes
• Fiber cement, brick, stone, or stucco
• Homes with rot or structural issues
• If you lack experience with similar projects
• When time is limited (pros work 5-10x faster)

Professional installation includes:

• Proper moisture barrier and flashing
• Structural issue identification and repair
• Code compliance
• Warranty on labor (typically 1-5 years)
• Faster completion
• Professional finish

Finding quality contractors:

• Get 3-5 detailed quotes
• Verify licensing, insurance, and workers' comp
• Check recent reviews (focus on problem resolution)
• Ask for photos of recent similar projects
• Get references and actually call them
• Verify warranty terms in writing
• Never pay more than 25-30% upfront

Factors That Impact Your Siding Cost

1. Home Complexity

Simple box-style ranch: Standard pricing Multiple stories: +15-30% (scaffolding, safety) Dormers and gables: +10-20% (more cuts, waste) Bay windows and architectural details: +15-25% Turrets, curved walls: +30-50% (custom work)

2. Geographic Location

Low-cost labor markets (South, Midwest): -10% to -20% High-cost markets (coastal, major metros): +20% to +50% Remote/rural areas: +10-25% (travel time, limited contractors)

3. Accessibility

Easy access, flat yard: Standard pricing Steep slopes: +10-15% Limited access (narrow lot, trees): +15-25% Historic district requirements: +20-40% (special materials, review processes)

4. Timing

Off-season (Nov-Feb): 10-20% potential savings Shoulder season (Mar-Apr, Sep-Oct): Standard pricing Peak season (May-Aug): +10-15% (high demand) Emergency work: +25-50% (immediate need, schedule disruption)

5. Extent of Work

Siding only: Standard pricing Siding + trim: +15-25% Siding + trim + windows: +30-50% Siding + insulation upgrade: +25-40% Full exterior remodel: 50-100% more than siding alone

Choosing the Right Siding for Your Home

Climate Considerations

Cold climates (freeze-thaw cycles):

• Best: Fiber cement, vinyl, metal
• Avoid: Stucco (cracks), some wood species
• Features: Insulated siding, quality moisture barriers

Hot, humid climates:

• Best: Vinyl, fiber cement, brick
• Avoid: Wood (rot risk)
• Features: Ventilation, moisture resistance

Coastal areas:

• Best: Fiber cement, vinyl, engineered wood
• Avoid: Steel (rust), unprotected wood
• Features: Salt-resistant fasteners, wind ratings

Dry climates:

• Best: Stucco, fiber cement, metal
• All materials perform well (low moisture)

Home Style Matching

Traditional/Colonial:

• Fiber cement lap siding
• Wood clapboard
• Brick

Craftsman/Bungalow:

• Cedar shingles
• Fiber cement shakes
• Lap siding with board-and-batten accents

Modern/Contemporary:

• Metal panels
• Smooth fiber cement
• Horizontal lap with minimal trim

Ranch:

• Vinyl or fiber cement horizontal lap
• Board-and-batten
• Stone accents

Victorian/Historic:

• Wood clapboard or shingles
• Fiber cement (wood-look)
• Must match original in historic districts

Financing Your Siding Replacement

For siding projects exceeding $15,000-$20,000, many homeowners leverage home equity rather than depleting savings or using high-interest financing.

Why Consider a HELOC for Siding

Benefits:

• Lower interest rates than contractor financing (8-10% vs 18-28%)
• Flexibility to cover unexpected structural repairs
• Larger credit line available for related projects (windows, trim, paint)
• Potential tax deduction for capital improvements (consult tax advisor)
• No prepayment penalties – pay off early without fees

Example scenario: $22,000 fiber cement siding project financed with:

• Contractor promotional financing at 22.99% if not paid in 12 months: Must pay $1,833/month
• HELOC at 8.5% APR: $455/month (5-year term) = $27,300 total
• HELOC flexibility: Pay $1,500/month, payoff in 16 months = $23,120 total

Plus your HELOC remains available for future projects.

Learn more: HELOC for Home Improvement Guide

Maximizing Your Siding Investment

1. Replace Strategically by Priority

Phase 1: South and west sides (most sun damage) Phase 2: Front of house (curb appeal) Phase 3: Back and north sides

Benefit: Spread cost over time, address worst damage first

Note: Whole-house replacement at once is typically more cost-effective than multiple small projects.

2. Bundle Projects

Combine siding with:

• Window replacement (trim work aligns)
• Soffit and fascia replacement
• Roof replacement (scaffolding synergy)
• Exterior insulation upgrades

Savings: 10-20% on combined labor

3. Choose Colors Wisely

Resale considerations:

• Neutrals have broadest appeal
• Dark colors fade faster (esp. vinyl)
• Match neighborhood (or be slightly better)

Personal preference vs. resale:

• Staying 10+ years? Choose what you love
• Selling soon? Neutrals maximize appeal

4. Don't Skimp on Moisture Barriers

House wrap quality matters:

• Cheap house wrap: $0.30/sq ft
• Quality (Tyvek): $0.50-$0.75/sq ft
• Difference on 2,000 sq ft: $400-$900
• Value: Prevents $10,000+ in rot/mold damage

5. Get a Proper Warranty

What to verify:

• Material warranty: 20-50 years typical
• Labor warranty: 1-5 years (insist on at least 2)
• Fade warranty: Especially for vinyl
• Transferable? Helps resale value

Common Siding Mistakes to Avoid

1. Choosing based on price alone

• Cheapest option often costs more long-term
• Installation quality matters more than brand

2. Ignoring underlying issues

• Must fix rot, structural problems first
• New siding over bad sheathing = wasted money

3. Poor moisture barrier installation

• #1 cause of siding failure
• Improper flashing around windows/doors
• No weep holes or ventilation

4. Mismatched aesthetics

• Modern siding on historic home
• Vinyl on luxury home in upscale area
• Know your market

5. Inadequate ventilation

• Siding needs to breathe
• Trapped moisture causes rot
• Especially critical with insulated siding

6. Ignoring trim work

• Old, peeling trim ruins new siding appearance
• Budget for trim replacement or refresh

Ready to Transform Your Home's Exterior?

Siding replacement is a major investment that pays dividends through improved curb appeal, lower maintenance, energy savings, and strong resale value (70-85% ROI). Choosing the right material and financing option makes the project achievable without draining your emergency fund.

Get pre-qualified for a HELOC in minutes and know exactly how much you can access for your siding project—no impact on your credit score during pre-qualification.

👉 Get Your Free HELOC Pre-Qualification

Access competitive rates, flexible terms, and the funds you need to invest in quality siding that will protect and beautify your home for decades. Most homeowners close within 2-3 weeks and start their projects right away.

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Bottom line: Siding replacement costs $7,000-$45,000+ for most homes depending on material and size. Vinyl delivers best value and ROI (80% recoup), while fiber cement offers superior durability for 20-30% more. Always address underlying moisture and structural issues before installing new siding, and budget 10-20% contingency for unexpected repairs on homes over 30 years old.