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Siding replacement cost in 2026: prices by material and home size
New siding averages about $14,500 for a 2,000 sq ft home ($8,500–$20,000). Vinyl $3–$12 per sq ft, fiber cement $5–$14, plus removal, trim and insulation costs, lifespans and ROI.
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Quick answer: New siding for a typical 2,000 sq ft home averages about $14,500, with most projects between $8,500 and $20,000. Installed prices run about $3–$12 per sq ft for vinyl, $5–$14 for fiber cement, $2–$10 for engineered wood and $20–$45 for natural stone. Removing old siding adds $1,000–$2,500. Vinyl and fiber cement recouped roughly 81–87% of their cost at resale in the 2024 Cost vs. Value report.
Key takeaways
- Siding is priced per "square" (100 sq ft) of wall, not floor area — a 2,000 sq ft house often has 1,800–2,500 sq ft of wall.
- Vinyl is the cheapest and lowest-maintenance; fiber cement is tougher and fire-resistant.
- Always ask about house wrap, flashing and trim — they protect against water damage.
- Insulated vinyl or adding rigid foam under siding can improve comfort and energy bills.
- Replacing siding is one of the best-returning exterior projects at resale.
Siding protects your house from rain, wind and sun — and it's the first thing people notice. This guide shows what new siding costs in 2026, how materials compare, the extra items in a quote, and the signs that it's time to replace.
Siding cost by material
| Material | Installed cost per sq ft | Lifespan | Upkeep |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vinyl | $3–$12 | 20–40 years | Wash yearly |
| Insulated vinyl | $5–$13 | 25–40 years | Wash yearly |
| Engineered wood (LP SmartSide) | $2–$10 | 20–30 years | Paint every 10–15 years |
| Fiber cement (James Hardie) | $5–$14 | 30–50 years | Repaint every 10–15 years |
| Aluminium | $3–$10 | 25–40 years | Can dent; repaint |
| Steel | $4–$16 | 40+ years | Low; can rust if scratched |
| Wood (cedar) | $2–$15 | 20–40 years | Stain/paint every 3–7 years |
| Stucco | $7–$17 | 50+ years | Crack repairs |
| Brick veneer | $3–$13 | 50+ years | Low |
| Stone veneer | $5–$11 | 50+ years | Low |
| Brick (full) | $8–$21 | 100 years | Very low |
| Natural stone | $20–$45 | 100 years | Very low |
Cost by home size
How much siding you need depends on wall area (exterior walls minus windows and doors), not floor space.
| Home | Approx. wall area | Vinyl ($3–$12) | Fiber cement ($5–$14) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1,000 sq ft, 1 storey | ~1,200 sq ft | $3,600–$14,400 | $6,000–$16,800 |
| 1,500 sq ft | ~1,500 sq ft | $4,500–$18,000 | $7,500–$21,000 |
| 2,000 sq ft, 2 storeys | ~2,000 sq ft | $6,000–$24,000 | $10,000–$28,000 |
| 2,500 sq ft | ~2,500 sq ft | $7,500–$30,000 | $12,500–$35,000 |
| 3,000 sq ft | ~3,000 sq ft | $9,000–$36,000 | $15,000–$42,000 |
Example: A 2-storey, 2,000 sq ft home has about 2,100 sq ft of wall after subtracting windows. Mid-grade vinyl at $7 per sq ft = $14,700, plus $1,800 to remove old siding and $1,200 for new trim and soffit repairs ≈ $17,700.
Return on investment
From the Remodeling Cost vs. Value report (2024):
| Project | Average cost | Resale value | Recouped |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fiber cement siding replacement | $19,626 | $17,065 | ~87% |
| Vinyl siding replacement | $16,348 | $13,297 | ~81% |
Siding is consistently one of the top exterior projects for resale value.
What else is in a siding quote
| Item | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Old siding removal and disposal | $1,000–$2,500 |
| House wrap (weather barrier) | $0.50–$1 per sq ft |
| Rigid foam insulation under siding | $1–$2.50 per sq ft |
| Trim (corners, windows, doors) | $1,000–$4,000 |
| Soffit and fascia | $6–$30 per linear ft |
| Rotted sheathing repair | $50–$100+ per sheet installed |
| Painting (fiber cement, wood) | Often included with pre-finished boards; otherwise $2–$5 per sq ft |
| Permits | $100–$500 |
| Lead-safe practices (pre-1978 homes) | Added labor for certified removal |
Warning: Homes built before 1978 may have lead paint on old siding and trim. Contractors must follow the EPA's Lead-Safe (RRP) rules — ask for proof of certification.
Vinyl vs fiber cement: which is better?
| Cost | Lower | ~30–50% higher |
|---|---|---|
| Durability | Good; can crack in hail or extreme cold | Excellent; resists hail, pests and rot |
| Fire resistance | Melts | Non-combustible — great for wildfire areas |
| Maintenance | Wash; colour fades slowly | Repaint every 10–15 years |
| Looks | Realistic options available | Looks most like wood |
| Weight / install | Light, fast | Heavy, needs special tools |
| Resale | ~81% recouped | ~87% recouped |
Signs you need new siding
- Warping, buckling or cracks
- Rot or soft spots (push with a screwdriver)
- Peeling paint inside the house or wallpaper bubbling near exterior walls
- Mold or mildew in seams
- Holes from pests or woodpeckers
- Fading that cleaning won't fix
- Rising energy bills and drafts
- Frequent repainting (every 2–3 years) on wood siding
How to save
- Get 3 quotes using the same material, profile and trim details.
- Schedule in late fall or early spring when contractors are less busy.
- Consider siding over old siding only if the wall is flat and dry — but full removal usually lets contractors find hidden rot.
- Mix materials — fiber cement on the front, vinyl on the sides and back.
- Look for manufacturer promotions and contractor financing.
- Bundle with a roof replacement or window replacement for a better overall price.
How long does it take?
Most homes take 1–2 weeks for vinyl and 2–3 weeks for fiber cement, depending on size, weather and repairs needed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to replace siding on a 2,000 sq ft house?
About $14,500 on average, with most projects between $8,500 and $20,000 depending on material and repairs.
What is the cheapest siding?
Vinyl and engineered wood are usually the most affordable.
Is fiber cement better than vinyl?
It's tougher, fire-resistant and lasts longer, but costs more and needs repainting. Vinyl is cheaper and lower maintenance.
How long does vinyl siding last?
Typically 20–40 years, depending on climate and quality.
Does new siding increase home value?
Yes. Vinyl siding recouped about 81% and fiber cement about 87% of their cost at resale in the 2024 Cost vs. Value report.
Can siding be installed in winter?
Yes, though vinyl becomes brittle in extreme cold, so installers take extra care. Mild days are best.
Should I add insulation when replacing siding?
It's a good time to add rigid foam or choose insulated vinyl, which can reduce drafts and energy use.