How Much Does New Siding Cost? Material Comparison Guide
Compare siding costs for vinyl, fiber cement, wood, engineered wood, aluminum, and stone veneer. Includes installation costs and ROI.
Siding Costs by Material
Siding costs per sqft installed: vinyl $3-8 (most popular, 30% market share), fiber cement (HardiePlank) $6-13, engineered wood (LP SmartSide) $5-10, natural wood (cedar clapboard) $7-15, aluminum $4-8, stone veneer $15-30, and brick veneer $10-20. A typical 1,500 sqft home exterior has roughly 1,200-1,800 sqft of siding surface. Total project costs range from $5,000-12,000 (vinyl) to $25,000-55,000 (stone veneer). Material costs represent about 40-50% of the total, with labor making up the balance.
Vinyl Siding: The Budget Champion
Vinyl remains the most popular choice for good reasons: lowest cost, zero maintenance (never needs painting), wide color and style selection, and easy installation. Standard vinyl costs $3-5/sqft installed; insulated vinyl with foam backing costs $5-8/sqft but adds R-2 to R-5 insulation value. Downsides: can crack in extreme cold, fades over time (10-15 years), and is not perceived as premium. Vinyl siding lasts 20-40 years. For budget-conscious homeowners, it provides the best value per dollar.
Fiber Cement: The Mid-Range Leader
James Hardie fiber cement siding (HardiePlank) has become the preferred choice for mid-range to upscale homes. Benefits: fireproof, rot-proof, termite-proof, withstands high winds, and mimics the look of wood. It comes pre-primed or with ColorPlus factory finish (15-year color warranty). Costs $6-13/sqft installed. It lasts 50+ years with minimal maintenance. The main downside is weight — it requires more labor to install than vinyl, and DIY installation is difficult. HardiePlank adds significant curb appeal and resale value.
Wood, Engineered Wood, and Premium Options
Natural cedar siding ($7-15/sqft installed) offers unmatched beauty and can be painted or stained any color. It requires regular maintenance — staining or painting every 3-7 years. Cedar lasts 30-40 years with proper care. Engineered wood (LP SmartSide, $5-10/sqft) is a treated wood composite that resists rot and insects better than natural wood, with a 50-year substrate warranty. For premium homes, stone veneer ($15-30/sqft) creates dramatic curb appeal but is typically used as an accent on 20-30% of the facade rather than full coverage.
Siding ROI and When to Replace
New siding recoups 68-78% of cost at resale, making it one of the highest-ROI exterior improvements. Signs you need new siding: warping, buckling, or loose panels; rot or soft spots (probe with a screwdriver); mold or mildew that returns after cleaning; faded color that cannot be restored; high energy bills from poor insulation; or visible damage from storms. Replacing siding is often combined with adding a house wrap (Tyvek) and insulation board ($1-3/sqft extra) for significant energy savings — this is the most cost-effective time to improve your home's thermal envelope.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a siding installation take?
For a standard 1,500 sqft home: vinyl siding takes 1-2 weeks, fiber cement takes 2-3 weeks (heavier, more precise cuts), wood takes 2-4 weeks. Stone veneer accent work adds 1-2 weeks for a partial facade. Factors that extend timelines: removing old siding (add 2-3 days), repairing sheathing or framing (as needed), and weather delays. A crew of 3-4 installers is standard for residential projects.
Can I install siding over existing siding?
Vinyl and aluminum siding can sometimes be installed over existing siding if the underlying surface is flat and solid. However, this is not recommended because: you cannot inspect for rot or water damage underneath, the added thickness affects window and door trim, and warranty coverage may be voided. Removing old siding adds $1-2/sqft but allows inspection and repair of the house wrap, sheathing, and framing. Most professionals strongly recommend full tear-off.
Which siding has the lowest maintenance?
Vinyl and fiber cement with factory-applied finish (HardiePlank ColorPlus) require the least maintenance — occasional washing with a garden hose is all that is needed. Aluminum siding is also low-maintenance but can dent. Engineered wood needs repainting every 10-15 years. Natural wood needs staining or painting every 3-7 years and should be inspected annually for rot. Stone and brick veneer are virtually maintenance-free for 50+ years but mortar joints may need repointing after 25-30 years.