e.g. 50
e.g. 30
e.g. 9
~15 sq ft each subtracted
~20 sq ft each subtracted
Siding Estimate
Accessories
Cost Breakdown
Estimated Total (Materials + Labor)
$6,400 – $15,360
1,280.00 sq ft of vinyl siding
12,800+ estimates calculated this month
Siding Cost & Material Guide
Per-square-foot pricing, material lifespans, and installation requirements for siding.
How Much Does New Siding Cost in 2026?
New siding costs $5–$20 per square foot installed for a typical home, with total project cost of $8,000–$25,000 for an average 1,500–2,500 sq ft home.
- Vinyl siding: $4–$8/sq ft installed (most affordable, low maintenance)
- Fiber cement (HardiePlank): $6–$13/sq ft installed (most popular upgrade)
- Wood (cedar clapboard): $8–$14/sq ft installed
- Engineered wood (LP SmartSide): $6–$11/sq ft installed
- Metal/aluminum: $7–$15/sq ft installed
- Stone veneer: $15–$30/sq ft installed
Key Takeaways
- Vinyl: $4–$8/sq ft (most affordable)
- Fiber cement: $6–$13/sq ft (best value upgrade)
- Typical home: $8,000–$25,000 total
Siding Material Comparison: Lifespan & Maintenance
Fiber cement siding lasts 30–50 years with minimal maintenance, offering the best balance of durability, appearance, and cost.
- Vinyl: 20–40 years, no painting, can crack in extreme cold
- Fiber cement: 30–50 years, repaint every 10–15 years, fireproof
- Wood: 20–40 years, paint/stain every 3–7 years (highest maintenance)
- Engineered wood: 20–30 years, paint every 5–10 years
- Metal: 40–60 years, dent-resistant, rust-free (aluminum)
Key Takeaways
- Fiber cement: 30–50 years, repaint every 10–15 years
- Vinyl: 20–40 years, zero maintenance
- Wood: highest maintenance (paint every 3–7 years)
Siding Installation & What to Watch For
Proper installation includes housewrap, flashing, and a 1/4" gap at all trim joints to prevent moisture infiltration behind the siding.
- Housewrap/WRB: Required under all siding types (Tyvek, ZIP system, etc.)
- Window/door flashing: Critical water management detail — #1 failure point
- Nail pattern: Fiber cement requires specific nail spacing (16" OC into studs)
- Old siding removal: $1–$3/sq ft for tear-off and disposal
Inspect sheathing and housewrap during tear-off. Replacing rotted sheathing adds $2–$5/sq ft but prevents future problems.
Key Takeaways
- Housewrap required under all siding types
- Window flashing = #1 moisture failure point
- Old siding removal: $1–$3/sq ft
How to Use This Calculator
Enter house dimensions or perimeter
Input the length and width of your house, or enter the total perimeter directly. Set the wall height and number of stories for accurate area calculations.
Add doors and windows
Enter the number of exterior doors and windows. The calculator subtracts 20 sq ft per door and 15 sq ft per window to give you the net siding area.
Select your siding type
Choose from vinyl, fiber cement, wood, metal, or stone veneer. Each material has different cost ranges for both materials and installation labor.
Review area, accessories, and cost
See the net siding area in squares, required starter strip, J-channel, and corner posts, plus a full materials and labor cost breakdown.
Siding Calculation Formulas
Gross Wall Area = Perimeter x Wall Height x Stories
Net Area = Gross Area - (Doors x 20 sq ft) - (Windows x 15 sq ft)
Squares = Net Area / 100
Starter Strip = Perimeter (linear ft)
J-Channel = (Windows x 12) + (Doors x 14) linear ftWhere:
- Perimeter
- = Total length around the house exterior in feet
- Square
- = 100 square feet of siding material
- J-Channel
- = Trim that frames siding edges around openings
Free to Embed on Your Website
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EstimationPro AI For Contractors, By Contractors From Material Quantities to Full Project Estimates
You have the numbers. Now generate a professional estimate with materials, labor, and markup included.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many squares of siding do I need?
How much does it cost to side a house?
What is the cheapest siding option?
How long does siding last?
What is J-channel and how much do I need?
Should I add waste factor for siding?
Why Contractors Choose EstimationPro AI
Estimates in 60 Seconds
AI generates detailed, line-item estimates from basic project details. No more hours on spreadsheets.
Accurate Pricing Data
Built on real contractor pricing and industry cost databases, updated for 2026 market conditions.
Professional Proposals
Send polished PDF estimates with your branding. Clients see a professional contractor they can trust.
Get Paid Faster
Built-in invoicing and Stripe payments. Collect deposits and progress payments directly from estimates.
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