How much does new siding really cost?

Nationally, siding replacement runs about $4 to $22 per square foot installed, depending on material. Vinyl is cheapest ($4–$11/sq ft), fiber cement and engineered wood sit mid-range ($6–$14/sq ft), and stone veneer or brick veneer run $9–$22/sq ft. These installed figures bundle material plus labor; your region moves the labor portion up or down by roughly ±10–15%. Use the calculator above with your home's dimensions for a project-specific number.

A 2,000 sq ft house typically has about 1,600–1,900 sq ft of wall area (wall area is always less than floor area). At national averages, that means roughly $11,000–$14,000 for vinyl, $16,000–$20,000 for fiber cement, and $25,000–$35,000+ for stone or brick veneer — before tear-off and disposal. Enter your exact width, depth, and stories above; most people overestimate their siding area by guessing from floor space.

Fiber cement siding (James Hardie / HardiePlank is the best-known brand) costs about $7–$14 per square foot installed nationally, averaging around $10/sq ft. For a typical 1,500 sq ft ranch needing ~1,160 sq ft of siding, that's roughly $14,000–$17,000 for the full project including tear-off and disposal. It lasts about 50 years but needs repainting every 12–15 years, which the 30-year cost comparison above factors in.

Vinyl is cheaper on day one — often $4,000–$6,000 less than fiber cement for the same house. But vinyl lasts ~25 years, so over 30 years you'll likely pay for a second installation. Fiber cement lasts ~50 years with repainting every 12–15 years. Run the 30-year total-cost comparison above: for many homes the lifetime totals end up surprisingly close, and fiber cement sometimes wins outright.

Typical lifespans: vinyl 20–30 years, aluminum 30–40, engineered wood 30–50, fiber cement 40–50+, stucco 50–80, stone veneer 75+, and brick veneer 100+ years. Wood (cedar) lasts 20–40 years but only with diligent repainting or staining every 3–5 years. Climate matters — intense sun, freeze-thaw cycles, and hail all shorten these figures.

Tear-off and removal typically costs $0.75–$1.50 per square foot of siding, plus $500–$1,200 for dumpster rental and disposal. The calculator above uses $1.00/sq ft and a flat $800 disposal allowance as national averages. Tear-off is worth it: it lets the crew inspect and repair sheathing and flashing underneath, which layering new siding over old hides.

Sometimes — vinyl over flat existing siding is the most common overlay, and some contractors allow it. But you can't inspect the sheathing, fix flashing, or correct rot underneath, and most manufacturers' warranties require tear-off. Fiber cement, stucco, and stone veneer should never go over old siding. Overlaying also adds weight and can telegraph bumps. The cost difference of a proper tear-off is usually 10–15% of the project — cheap insurance.

Labor is roughly 60–70% of a siding project's cost, so DIY saves the most on paper — but siding is unforgiving. Poor flashing and nailing (especially face-nailing fiber cement or over-driving vinyl nails) causes water damage that costs far more than the labor you saved, and manufacturer warranties typically require certified installation. A middle path many homeowners take: DIY the tear-off and disposal, hire pros for the install.

Siding replacement is one of the higher-ROI exterior projects. Remodeling magazine's Cost vs. Value report (2024) found fiber cement siding replacement recoups roughly two-thirds to three-quarters of its cost at resale, with manufactured stone veneer similar — the payback comes mostly from curb appeal and buyer confidence. Vinyl recoups less per dollar. ROI varies hugely by market and by how worn the old siding was; treat it as a value boost, not a profit center.

Measure each exterior wall's width and height, multiply to get gross wall area, then subtract about 15% for windows and doors (or measure openings individually). Add gable triangles (width × peak height) if you have a gable roof, and don't forget an attached garage. Finally add 10% waste for cuts. The Step 1 section above does all of this automatically — wall area is the number contractors actually price from, not your home's floor square footage.

Labor rates drive the difference: Southern states (including Texas and Florida) run about 10% below the national average, while Western states (including California) run about 15% above. Pick your state in the calculator's region section and the labor portion adjusts automatically. Material prices are fairly national — it's the crew's hourly rate, plus local demand and code requirements (like hurricane clips in Florida), that moves the total.

Usually only when the damage is sudden and accidental — hail, windstorms, fallen trees, or fire. Normal wear, fading, rot, and age are maintenance, not covered perils. If a storm damages one side, insurers often pay for that elevation only, which can leave you with mismatched siding (some policies include 'matching' coverage — check yours). Document damage with photos before calling the adjuster.

Yes, with the right prep and paint — 100% acrylic latex formulated for vinyl, in a color no darker than the original (dark colors absorb heat and can warp panels). Properly painted vinyl lasts 8–10 years. But compare the cost: painting a whole house runs $1.50–$4.00 per square foot, so on older brittle siding, replacement is often the smarter money.

Manufactured stone veneer ($12–$22/sq ft installed) typically costs one-third to one-half of full natural stone veneer ($25–$45+/sq ft installed), and it's far lighter — no extra foundation or wall reinforcement needed. That's why nearly all residential 'stone' accents today are manufactured veneer. Full-house stone of either type is rare; most projects use it as an accent on gables, chimneys, or entryways.

Replace when you see widespread cracking, warping, rotting, loose panels, interior water stains, or fading/chalking that paint won't fix — not on a fixed calendar. A 25-year-old vinyl job in a mild climate may have years left, while neglected wood can fail in 15. If repairs would cost more than about 30–40% of replacement, full replacement usually wins. The 30-year comparison tool above helps you time the economics, not just the wear.