How Much Does Vinyl Siding Cost?
Typical Cost Range: $4.15 – $15.25 per sq ft.
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Originally introduced as an alternative to aluminum, vinyl siding is now the most popular home cladding material in the United States.
Vinyl siding is $18,662 on average but could cost anywhere from $4,000 to $32,500. It remains one of the most affordable and low-maintenance siding options in the country. This guide covers cost factors and savings tips.
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Vinyl siding installation costs range from $2.15–$5.25 per square foot.
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Average Vinyl Siding Cost
The average cost of vinyl siding is $4.15–$15.25 per square foot, including installation. Here are the main factors that impact price:
- Home size: Larger homes require more material and labor and thus cost more.
- Siding styles: More elaborate styles or siding made to mimic the appearance of other materials are often more expensive.
- Siding type: Vinyl siding is available in hollow, premium, and insulated varieties at increasing price points.
Factors Affecting Vinyl Siding Installation Cost
Several factors could impact your installation costs, including vinyl type, style, and your house size. Below, we’ll review the main factors that affect the cost of installing vinyl siding.
Cost by House Size
A home’s square footage isn’t always a good measure of its exterior surfaces. Houses with the same square footage but differing shapes and heights require different amounts of siding materials. However, it’s possible to approximate some broad price ranges based on home size.
| House Size | Price Range |
|---|---|
|
1,000 square feet |
$4,000–$18,500 |
|
1,500 square feet |
$5,000–$22,000 |
|
2,000 square feet |
$5,700–$25,500 |
|
2,500 square feet |
$6,900–$28,000 |
|
3,000 square feet |
$7,500–$32,500 |
Cost by Exterior Square Footage
You can more accurately approximate cost if you know the surface area of your exterior walls. Materials for vinyl siding cost $2–$10 per square foot, and labor adds about $2.15–$5.25.
| Exterior Square Footage | Siding Only | Materials and Installation |
|---|---|---|
|
500 |
$1,000–$5,000 |
$2,075–$7,625 |
|
1,000 |
$2,000–$10,000 |
$4,150–$15,250 |
|
1,500 |
$3,000–$15,000 |
$6,225–$22,875 |
|
2,000 |
$4,000–$20,000 |
$8,300–$30,500 |
|
2,500 |
$5,000–$25,000 |
$10,375–$38,125 |
Vinyl Siding Cost by Style
Style refers to the siding’s finish and appearance. Vinyl is versatile and can be produced in various colors and shapes; it can even mimic expensive materials such as wood, brick, and stone. Traditional vinyl siding has a light wood grain appearance, but more expensive styles can look like wood shake siding, shingles, and even logs.
| Style of Siding | Price per Square Foot |
|---|---|
|
Beaded |
$2–$6 |
|
Board and batten |
$3.50–$9 |
|
Brick |
$5–$10 |
|
Clapboard |
$2–$6 |
|
Dutch lap |
$2–$6 |
|
Log |
$5–$10 |
|
Scalloped |
$4–$9 |
|
Shake |
$3.50–$9 |
|
Smooth |
$2–$6 |
|
Stone |
$5–$10 |
|
Traditional lap |
$2–$6 |
Cost by Type of Vinyl Siding
Though vinyl siding comes in many styles and finishes, three main types are used for residential homes. Traditionally, vinyl siding is hollow with a thin gap between the material and the side of the house. This type of siding is less expensive but flimsier and less durable than other options.
Homes in most climates will need premium siding made of thicker materials, though this style is also hollow. You’ll need to pay more for insulated vinyl siding if you want better energy efficiency.
| Type of Siding | Price per Square Foot |
|---|---|
|
Hollow |
$2–$6 |
|
Premium |
$3.50–$9 |
|
Insulated |
$8–$10 |
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Other Factors Affecting Cost
Material prices aren’t the only variables that determine vinyl siding costs. Here are some other factors to take into account.
Additional Improvements
Many homeowners complete other projects while installing siding since the siding contractor will need to remove and reinstall gutters anyway. The cost of new gutters is $3–$40 per linear foot for a total project cost of $1,000–$10,000. You can also replace trim and molding, adding or replacing vinyl fascia and soffits to match your new siding. These add $3–$6 per linear foot.
Installing Over Existing Siding
If the exterior of your home has brick, foam board, stucco, or wood siding, you’ll need to remove the old siding or install new vinyl siding on top of it. Both choices have pros and cons, but if the existing siding is in good condition and well-fastened to the side of your home, putting the vinyl over it will save you money on installation costs.
Labor
Vinyl siding installation is typically quick. It can typically be completed in a week, depending on your home size and the number of contractors. Professional labor is generally priced by the amount of siding installed, costing $2.15–$5.25 per square foot. Siding installation costs may be higher during summer when contractors are more in demand.
Location
Your local climate may dictate the type and quality of siding options that work best on your home. Although vinyl is durable enough for the large temperature ranges in the Northeast and Midwest, it tends to warp in the high heat of the South and Southwest. Areas with extreme temperatures may require thicker or higher-quality siding or additional insulation, which costs more than thin vinyl siding.
Old Siding Removal
If your current siding is in poor condition, you’ll need to remove it before installing new siding. You may be able to do this yourself, or you can have it done by a professional as part of the installation process. Keep in mind that vinyl siding replacement requires removal because you can’t install new vinyl over existing vinyl.
Siding Quality
Vinyl siding is available at varying quality levels, mostly determined by the siding’s appearance and the thickness of PVC. Economy-grade vinyl is 0.035 inches thick, and the highest grade siding is 0.55 inches, but most residential siding has a thickness of 0.042 inches to 0.048 inches. Thicker, more durable siding and high-end vinyl that’s designed to look like other materials, such as log siding or cedar shakes, is more expensive.
Repair vs. Replacement
If you already have vinyl siding and it’s starting to age, you can refresh your home’s look by repairing and painting the vinyl rather than installing new siding. Repainting won’t extend the vinyl’s lifespan, but it will improve its appearance as long as the job is done properly. The existing vinyl will need to be primed and then covered with acrylic-based paint, typically costing $3,000–$5,000.
Vinyl siding can be repaired by replacing individual rows with new material. For that reason, keeping extra siding on hand is a good idea even when your initial siding project is complete. Repairing the siding is relatively inexpensive, costing $2–$4 per square foot. However, you may also need to repaint after repairs since the older, weathered siding may not have the same appearance as the new replacement siding.
Vinyl Siding Styles
Here are the most popular vinyl siding styles, though your siding contractor may have more available.
- Beaded: Indented at the bottom of each lip to create shadows
- Board and batten: 12-inch panels with thin battens pre-attached
- Brick: 2-foot panels that mimic the appearance of two to four rows of bricks
- Clapboard: Basic plank siding with wider planks at the bottom than the top
- Dutch lap: Horizontal siding with a concave upper section
- Log: Wood grain texture that mimics the appearance of logs
- Scalloped: Rounded bottom edges
- Shake: Available in row or hand-split style
- Smooth: No wood grain texture
- Stone: Mimics the appearance of natural stone or fieldstone
- Traditional lap: Horizontal embossed wood texture
Professional vs. DIY Vinyl Siding Installation
Vinyl siding is designed for quick and easy installation. However, the project is more complex than it appears. Here’s what you can expect from both professional and do-it-yourself (DIY) installation.
Professional Vinyl Siding Installation
Hiring a professional siding contractor gives you access to knowledge and expertise. To ensure proper insulation, the contractor will know how to snap the siding together while working around architectural details—such as gables and eaves. You won’t have to worry about calculating how much siding to order or matching different color batches. Though you’ll pay an additional 30% to 50% of the total price for labor, you’ll save time and rest assured the job is done properly.
DIY Vinyl Siding Installation
Vinyl siding can warp, buckle, gap, or bulge if installed incorrectly. Follow the steps below to ensure you complete the job properly if you decide to do it yourself.
- Prepare the exterior of your home by repairing any existing issues and removing exterior lights, trim, gutters, downspouts, or other features.
- Sheath the walls with any necessary substrate or moisture barriers.
- Start under the fascia, installing J-channel trim along the inner edge and cutting siding to fit the soffits.
- Slide in the fascia pieces under the gutter apron.
- Measure the walls and nail a starting strip to the top of each wall.
- Install foam sheathing strips and corner pieces at each corner.
- Install more J-channel around exterior windows and doors.
- Install the rows of siding. Ensure that you leave one-fourth inch gaps between the siding panels and one-sixteenth inch gaps between each nail head and the wall to allow the vinyl to expand.
- Overlap adjoining panels by at least 1 inch.
- Remove the initial nailing strip and install the top row of siding.
Signs That You Need to Replace Vinyl Siding
Some of the following signs are evidence that your vinyl siding is breaking down; others are evidence that moisture has gotten in behind the siding.
- Cracks or holes
- Discoloration
- Increased heating or cooling bills
- Loose panels
- Peeling paint, mold, or water damage to interior walls
- Rotting wood beneath the siding
- Warping or buckling
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Life Expectancy of Vinyl Siding
Vinyl siding is more durable than ever, with most manufacturers offering a lifetime warranty. It lasts 50–60 years when properly installed.
However, it’s still one of the least durable siding materials available. Here’s how vinyl compares to other common siding materials according to data from the National Association of Home Builders and the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors.
- Aluminum siding: 25–40 years
- Brick: 100+ years
- Engineered wood: 100+ years
- Fiber cement siding: 100+ years
- Natural wood: 20–75 years
- Stone: 100+ years
- Stucco: 50–80 years
- Vinyl: 50–60 years
Return on Investment
New siding can increase your home’s insulation, weather resistance, and curb appeal. According to Remodeling Magazine’s 2022 Cost vs. Value Report, the average return on investment (ROI) for vinyl siding replacement is 67.2%. Compare that to a 68.3% ROI for fiber cement siding. Both siding replacement options have some of the highest ROI of all the listed home improvement jobs, including bathroom remodeling and roof replacement.
How To Save on Vinyl Siding
There are several ways to save on vinyl siding installation, even if you hire professionals:
- Choose less-textured siding (e.g., smooth or beaded) in traditional vinyl styles.
- Don’t purchase thicker siding than you need.
- Check if there are state or local tax breaks for installing energy-efficient siding.
- Schedule professional installation outside of the busy season to save on labor costs.
- Get at least three quotes from siding contractors before making a choice.
Our Conclusion
Vinyl siding is the most affordable option for most homeowners. Not everyone loves vinyl’s appearance, and it isn’t the most environmentally friendly, but you won’t have to worry about rot, termites, or frequent resealing. Research your options and talk to a contractor about which vinyl type and style will work best for your home and local climate.
Free Quote: Get your quote on vinyl siding today
FAQs About Vinyl Siding Cost
What is the typical cost of vinyl siding?
Vinyl siding costs $18,600 on average but can range from $4,000 to more than $32,000 depending on your home’s size and the vinyl type.
How much will it cost to vinyl a 2,000-square-foot house?
A home’s square footage isn’t always the best measure of its exterior wall size, but you can expect to pay $5,700–$25,500 for vinyl siding on a 2,000-square-foot house.
How do I estimate the cost of vinyl siding?
You can most accurately estimate the cost of vinyl siding by measuring the square footage of your home’s exterior walls. Multiply this figure by $2–$10 per square foot for materials or $4.15–$15.25 per square foot for materials and installation.
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