Redoing your home’s siding is a significant undertaking, and understanding the associated costs is crucial for planning. While vinyl siding is a popular and generally affordable option, its total cost can vary based on several factors. On average, homeowners can expect to spend around $11,000 on vinyl siding, though prices can range from $6,000 to $16,400.
Factors That Affect Vinyl Siding Cost
The $10,000 difference in the average price range for vinyl siding is primarily influenced by:
- Quality (Grade and Length):
- Thickness: Vinyl siding comes in different grades, with varying thicknesses measured in millimeters (mm). Thicker siding generally offers better durability, insulation, and protection, but at a higher cost.
- Builder’s Grade (.40mm): Thinnest, cheapest, less insulation, can crack easily.
- Thin Residential Grade (.42mm): Inexpensive, decent insulation, but less protection against hot, penetrative heat.
- Standard Residential Grade (.44mm): Common choice, adequate insulation and sturdiness, cost-effective.
- Thick Residential Grade (.46mm): Similar to standard, decent insulation, cost-effective.
- Super Thick Grade (.50mm): Pricier, good protection against rain and wind, lots of insulation.
- Premium Grade (.52mm to .55mm): Most expensive, provides excellent protection and insulation against extreme temperatures.
- Length: Standard panels are 12.5 feet, leading to more seams and potentially reducing curb appeal. Quality siding often comes in longer lengths (16.7 or 25 feet) to minimize seams, but may require more meticulous installation.
- Thickness: Vinyl siding comes in different grades, with varying thicknesses measured in millimeters (mm). Thicker siding generally offers better durability, insulation, and protection, but at a higher cost.
- Location:
- Local labor rates and material shipping costs significantly impact the final price.
- Northeast and Midwest: Vinyl siding is generally more affordable due to its popularity and good performance in freeze-thaw cycles, leading to higher availability.
- Southern States (like Houston): Vinyl is less frequently used due to its tendency to warp and crack in extremely high temperatures. This makes it more expensive to source and install.
- Coastal Areas: May see increased costs due to the need for specialized materials to withstand salt and moisture.
- Style:
Vinyl siding’s ability to mimic other materials and offer various textures and colors is a major draw, but style is a significant cost contributor. (Prices below are material cost per square foot, not installed):
- Traditional Lap, Smooth, Beaded, Dutch Lap, Clapboard: $2–$6
- Classic, clean, versatile, or elegantly polished looks.
- Estimated cost for a 2,500 sq. ft. home: $5,000 to $15,000.
- Board and Batten, Vinyl Shake: $3.50–$9
- Offers farmhouse/rustic appeal or mimics cedar shakes.
- Estimated cost for a 2,500 sq. ft. home: $8,750 to $22,500.
- Scalloped: $4–$9
- Adds decorative charm, often used for gables.
- Estimated cost for a 2,500 sq. ft. home: $10,000 to $22,500.
- Log-look, Brick-look, Stone-look: $5–$10
- Simulates natural log, brick, or stone for a high-end look at a lower cost.
- Estimated cost for a 2,500 sq. ft. home: $12,500 to $25,000.
- Dutch lap is noted as the most popular style for its dramatic shadow lines.
- Traditional Lap, Smooth, Beaded, Dutch Lap, Clapboard: $2–$6
- Home Size and Design:
- The larger your home’s exterior surface area, the more material and labor will be required.
- Vinyl siding installation typically costs $2.50 to $10.75 per square foot (installed).
- Small homes (1,500 sq ft): $3,750 to $16,125
- Medium homes (2,500 sq ft): $6,250 to $26,875
- Large homes (3,500 sq ft+): $8,750 to $37,625
- Architectural Complexity: Homes with multiple stories, intricate rooflines, or unique features like gables and eaves increase labor and material cutting, leading to higher costs. Simpler designs are less expensive.
- Labor:
- Average labor cost for vinyl siding installation is $3.70 per square foot, with a general range of $2 to $5 per square foot. For a 1,000 sq. ft. home, labor alone could be $2,150 to $5,250.
- To save on labor, consider scheduling during the off-season (early spring or fall) when contractors are less busy. Higher-quality or insulated siding can also be easier to install, potentially saving on labor time.
Additional Cost Factors
- Removal of Existing Siding: Ranges from $1,000 to $3,000, covering labor and disposal fees. This may or may not be included in contractor estimates.
- Repairs Before Installation: Underlying structural issues like rotting wood, damaged insulation, or water damage can add $500 to $2,000+ to the cost.
- Insulation Upgrades: Adding insulation during installation costs $1,000 to $3,000 upfront but can lead to long-term energy savings.
Example Cost Sheet for a 2,500-Square-Foot Home (Vinyl Siding Project):
| Siding Installation Line Item | Cost |
| Siding Installation Permit | $250.00 |
| Finishing Strips | $26.40 |
| Starter Strips | $68.75 |
| Corner Trim (Inside & Outside) | $115.60 |
| J-Channels | $378.00 |
| Moisture Barrier Wrap | $500.00 |
| Soffit Panels | $425.00 |
| Insulated Backing Boards | $1,250.00 |
| Hydrants, Outlets, and Vents | $375.00 |
| Shutters | $546.00 |
| Nails and Fasteners | $75.00 |
| Additional Costs (delivery, garbage rental) | $390.00 |
| Old Siding Removal Cost | $1,400.00 |
| Estimated Labor Cost (2,500 sq. ft. x $3.70) | $9,250.00 |
| Estimated Siding Material Cost (2,500 sq. ft. x $3.50) | $8,750.00 |
| Estimated Total Cost | $23,799.75 |
Vinyl Siding vs. Other Siding Types (Installed Cost per sq. ft.)
| Siding Material | Cost per Sq. Ft. (Installed) | Pros | Cons |
| Vinyl | $2.50 to $10.75 | Durable, low maintenance, wide styles/colors, affordable | Can warp in extreme heat, potential for lower ROI on historic homes, panel replacement only (no patchwork) |
| Wood | $2.25 to $15 | Timeless, natural charm, customizable | High maintenance (painting/sealing), susceptible to pests/moisture/fire |
| Aluminum | $3.00 to $7.25 | Lightweight, rust/insect resistant, recyclable | Dents easily, can fade/chalk, “pinging” noise |
| Engineered Wood | $3.40 to $9.25 | Wood aesthetic, better moisture/pest resistance | Careful installation needed to prevent water damage, requires maintenance |
| Steel | $4.25 to $8.75 | Extremely durable, fire-resistant, low maintenance | Heavy/expensive to install, susceptible to rust without proper coating |
| Fiber Cement | $4.50 to $11.25 | Mimics wood/stone/brick, durable, pest/rot/fire resistant | Heavy/labor-intensive to install, requires periodic repainting |
| Stucco | $5.50 to $7.50 | Textured, durable, good insulation | Can crack in wet/humid climates, skilled installation required |
| Brick Veneer | $8 to $13 | Classic brick look, lower cost than solid, durable | Proper installation crucial for moisture prevention |
| Brick | $11 to $27 | Incredibly durable, excellent insulation, low maintenance | Heavy/skilled installation, higher initial cost, mortar joint repair |
| Stone | $21.50 to $38.75 | Luxurious, weather/fire resistant, highly durable | Most expensive, heavy, requires strong foundation |
Tip: For the look of wood, stone, or brick at a lower price, consider vinyl siding styles that mimic these materials.
Tips to Lower Vinyl Siding Cost
- Offseason Discounts: Schedule installation during early spring or fall when contractors are less busy.
- Material Selection: Choose less-textured (flat or lightly textured) or lower-grade vinyl if it meets your needs. Avoid purchasing thicker siding than necessary.
- Shop Around: Get at least three quotes from different contractors. Inquire about various brands and their costs.
- Climate-Appropriate Choice: While vinyl can perform well, in Houston’s extreme heat, insulated vinyl is a better choice to minimize warping, even if it costs more upfront. This can prevent costly issues later.
- Tax Breaks: Check with your state and local government for potential tax breaks related to installing energy-efficient siding or insulation upgrades.
Vinyl Siding Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Durability: Resistant to insects, most hail, and fading. Can last for decades.
- Cost-Effective: Generally cheaper than most other siding options, with lower long-term maintenance costs than materials like wood.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal upkeep, usually just cleaning with a hose and soapy water. No regular scraping, painting, or pest treatments.
- Inherent Color: Color is integrated into the material, so it won’t chip or fade, eliminating the need for repainting.
Cons:
- Installation Precision: While “easy,” improper installation can lead to warping, buckling, gaps, or bulging, potentially causing significant issues. Professional installation is highly recommended.
- Potential Impact on Home Value: For historically significant homes, vinyl siding can decrease value. Some buyers may also perceive vinyl as inferior, potentially affecting resale offers.
- Damage Repair: If a panel is severely damaged, the entire panel must be replaced, as patchwork is not possible.
- Environmental Concerns: Vinyl is a plastic (PVC), which raises environmental concerns for some homeowners regarding its production and disposal.
Utilizing tools like Hover can help homeowners visualize different vinyl siding options on a 3D model of their home, assisting in style and color choices, and providing accurate measurements for contractor estimates.