How Much Does Siding Cost? (2026 Price per Square Foot)
Part of Decks, Fences & Roofing
Quick answer
Installed siding runs about $4–$13 per square foot depending on the material — vinyl at the low end, fiber cement and wood higher. A 1,500 ft² wall area runs roughly $6,000–$19,500 installed.
Siding cost is driven by the material and your wall area. Installed prices land around $4–$13 per square foot of wall — vinyl is the budget option, with fiber cement, engineered wood and natural wood costing more for the material and the labor to hang them.
Installed cost by material (per ft² of wall)
| Material | Installed / ft² | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Vinyl | $4–$8 | Most popular; low maintenance |
| Fiber cement (HardiePlank) | $6–$13 | Durable, paintable, fire-resistant |
| Engineered wood (LP) | $5–$10 | Lighter, easier to cut than fiber cement |
| Natural wood / cedar | $7–$15 | Premium look; needs upkeep |
| Metal (steel / aluminum) | $5–$12 | Long-lived; dents possible |
Example house costs (installed)
| Wall area | Squares | Vinyl | Fiber cement |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1,000 ft² | 11 | $4,000–$8,000 | $6,000–$13,000 |
| 1,500 ft² | 16.5 | $6,000–$12,000 | $9,000–$19,500 |
| 2,000 ft² | 22 | $8,000–$16,000 | $12,000–$26,000 |
What moves the price
- Material — vinyl is cheapest; fiber cement and cedar cost the most.
- House height and complexity — two stories, dormers and many corners add labor.
- Tear-off and repairs — removing old siding and fixing sheathing or wrap.
- Trim and accessories — corner posts, J-channel, soffit, fascia and house wrap.
- Region and crew — labor is typically half or more of the total.
Get an exact square count from the siding calculator, then build the priced estimate. Source: US national average-cost references. Last verified: June 2026.
FAQs
How much does it cost to side a house?
Installed siding runs about $4–$13 per square foot of wall. For 1,500 ft² of wall that's roughly $6,000–$19,500 depending on material and complexity.
Is vinyl or fiber cement siding cheaper?
Vinyl is cheaper both to buy and install — about $4–$8 per square foot installed versus $6–$13 for fiber cement. Fiber cement costs more but is more durable and paintable.
How much of the cost is labor?
Labor is typically half to two-thirds of a professional siding job. Doing it yourself saves that share but adds tool, scaffolding and time costs.