Wood siding offers a classic aesthetic and can significantly enhance a home’s curb appeal, but it comes with a range of costs depending on various factors. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect for wood siding costs, including specifics for the Houston, Texas area.
Average Cost of Wood Siding
In general, wood siding costs $5 to $15 per square foot installed, leading to a total cost of $8,500 to $31,500 for an average home. Engineered wood siding typically falls within $7 to $12 per square foot for both labor and materials.
Average Wood Siding Cost by Home Size (Installed)
| Home Size (square feet) | Approximate Siding Square Footage | Average Cost Installed |
| 900 | 720 | $3,600 – $10,800 |
| 1,500 | 1,200 | $6,000 – $18,000 |
| 2,000 | 1,700 | $8,500 – $25,500 |
| 2,500 | 2,100 | $10,500 – $31,500 |
| 3,000 | 2,500 | $12,500 – $37,500 |
| 4,000 | 3,350 | $16,750 – $50,300 |
| 4,500 | 3,800 | $19,000 – $57,000 |
Wood Siding Cost by Type (Materials & Installed)
The type of wood, its quality, and finish significantly impact the cost. Softwoods like cedar, pine, redwood, and fir are common due to faster growth and ease of work, generally costing less than hardwoods.
| Wood Type | Average Material Price (per square foot) | Total Cost Installed (per square foot) |
| Cedar | $2 – $9 | $6 – $16 |
| Cypress | $2 – $6 | $4 – $16 |
| Fir | $2 – $6 | $4 – $12 |
| Pine | $1 – $5 | $3 – $11 |
| Redwood | $4 – $12 | $6 – $18 |
| Hardwoods (Garapa, Ipe, Teak) | $5 – $20+ | $7 – $26+ |
| Engineered Wood | $3 – $5 | $7 – $12 |
| Plywood T1-11 | $0.90 – $2.50 | $2.50 – $8.00 |
Specifics for Houston, Texas:
- Wood siding installation in Houston for pine, spruce, or fir clapboard can range from $4.35 to $5.13 per square foot installed.
- Some sources indicate wood siding replacement in Houston can cost between $2 to $6 per square foot, with a total project cost between $2,800 to $8,600 depending on the square footage. However, this appears to be on the lower end, and more recent data suggests higher costs.
- The overall cost for wood siding installation in Houston, including materials and labor, may range from $5.33 to $13.97 per square foot.
Wood Siding Cost by Style (Installed)
Different styles of wood siding contribute to varied costs due to material usage and installation complexity.
| Siding Style | Average Installed Cost (per square foot) |
| Log siding | $5 – $15 |
| Lap / Bevel | $4 – $12 |
| Shingle | $5 – $15 |
| Shake | $6 – $16 |
| Tongue and Groove | $7 – $13 |
| Board and Batten | $5 – $14 |
Factors Affecting Wood Siding Installation Cost
- Home Size & Design: Larger homes and those with complex architectural designs (multiple levels, intricate angles, gables) require more materials and labor, increasing costs.
- Location: Shipping costs for wood, especially if it’s not harvested locally, can be substantial. Local labor rates in Houston can also influence the total price, with some estimates suggesting $12,077 as a general total cost for wood siding in the city.
- Wood Type, Grade, & Finish: Premium (clear/heart) grades without knots are more expensive than mid-grade or low-grade options. Prefinished or primed wood also adds to the material cost but can save on painting labor later.
- Siding Style: Styles like shakes and shingles often require more intricate and labor-intensive installation than simple lap siding.
- Age of Home: Older homes (pre-1970s) may contain asbestos or lead paint in existing siding, requiring specialized and costly abatement procedures. Asbestos siding removal alone can cost $7 to $10 per square foot.
- Trim, Soffit, & Fascia: Replacing these elements to match new siding typically costs $9 to $34 per linear foot.
- Painting or Staining: Most wood siding requires painting or staining for protection. Exterior painting costs $1.50 to $5.00 per square foot, or $3,000 to $10,000 for a typical home.
Labor Cost to Install Wood Siding
Labor costs typically range from $1.50 to $6.00 per square foot, depending on job size, difficulty, siding style, and the contractor’s rates. Carpenters may charge $30 to $200 per hour, while general contractors charge $50 to $150 per hour or 10% to 20% of the total project cost.
Other Labor-Related Costs:
- Prep Work (Removing Old Siding): $0.70 to $2.00 per square foot. Renting a dumpster for disposal can cost $280 to $500 per week.
- Permits: Building permits for siding installation typically cost $500 to $2,000. In Houston, permit fees for residential projects are generally based on valuation (total project cost) and can be estimated using the Houston Permitting Center’s fee calculator. For larger residential projects in Houston, expect the permit cost to be around 1% of the total project cost.
Wood Siding Grades
Wood siding grades refer to the appearance and quality of the wood:
- Premium (Clear/Heart) Grade: Highest price, free from knots and imperfections, often kiln-dried, ideal for modern aesthetics.
- Mid-Grade (Near-Clear): Mid-range price, mostly clear with small, tight knots, suitable for most applications.
- Low-Grade: Lowest price, harvested from fast-growth trees, many knots and imperfections, complements rustic designs.
Wood Siding Maintenance Costs
Wood siding requires ongoing maintenance to ensure longevity and protection from the elements.
- Cleaning: Every 2 to 4 years (power washing costs $170 to $310 for an average home; use low pressure).
- Re-staining, Re-sealing, or Repainting: Every 3 to 5 years (exterior painting costs are noted above).
- Repairs: $4 to $13 per square foot to address damage from mold, mildew, or rot early on.
Wood Siding Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Eco-friendly (if sustainably sourced – look for FSC certified wood).
- Warm, natural appearance with many types and styles.
- Durable, lasting 20 to 40+ years with proper maintenance.
Cons:
- High maintenance (requires regular painting, staining, or sealing).
- Prone to moisture and insect damage if not properly maintained.
- Flammable, which may increase homeowners’ insurance rates.
- In Houston’s humid climate, wood siding can be challenging to maintain and may be more susceptible to decay if not cedar or engineered wood.
Wood Siding vs. Other Materials (Average Installed Cost per SF)
| Siding Type | Average Installed Cost per SF |
| Wood Siding | $5 – $15 |
| Vinyl Siding | $4 – $12 |
| Aluminum Siding | $6 – $10 |
| Fiber Cement Siding | $6 – $15 |
| Brick Siding | $8 – $18 |
| Stucco Siding | $7 – $17 |
| Steel / Metal Siding | $7 – $16 |
| Cultured Stone Siding | $10 – $35 |
| Stone Veneer Siding | $10 – $45 |
FAQs About Wood Siding
- Lifespan: 20 to 40+ years with correct installation and consistent maintenance.
- New Siding Over Old: Generally not recommended. Removing old siding allows for inspection of underlying issues and proper installation.
- Pressure Washing: Possible with low pressure to avoid damage. Professional pressure washing costs $170 to $310.
- Installation Time: 2 to 3 weeks on average, but varies with weather, siding style, crew size, and home complexity.
- Painting: Yes, most wood siding needs repainting or resealing every 3 to 5 years for protection and appearance.
Getting Estimates from Wood Siding Installers in Houston
When seeking quotes, ensure you:
- Compare 3 to 5 in-person estimates with similar details.
- Choose licensed, bonded, and insured companies with a good track record (5+ years in business).
- Check reviews on platforms like HomeGuide and Google.
- Ask for local references.
- Be wary of unusually low prices, which can indicate poor quality work.
- Request a written contract and workmanship warranty.
- Avoid making the final payment until the job is fully completed to your satisfaction.
Questions to Ask Potential Contractors:
- How long have you been licensed?
- What experience do you have with this type of wood siding?
- Can you provide a portfolio or references?
- Are you insured (liability and workers’ comp)?
- Will you use subcontractors?
- What’s the estimated timeline for installation?
- Does the estimate include all labor, materials, permit fees, and cleanup?
- Who will be my main contact?
- What unexpected costs might arise?
- Do you offer a workmanship warranty, and what does it cover?