New Siding — Options, Costs and What Goes Under It

This article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice. Local codes, regulations, and best practices vary by region.

New siding is expensive—between $8,000 and $30,000 for a typical home—but dramatically improves curb appeal and protects your home from weather. The cost is primarily labor, not material. Understanding material options and realistic costs prevents overpaying or choosing the wrong material.

Siding replacement becomes necessary for several reasons. Age and deterioration happen eventually—original wood siding lasting forty years or vinyl lasting thirty years eventually fails. Paint peels from wood, exposing it to rot. Vinyl fades and becomes brittle. Visible damage like missing pieces, holes, water damage, or mold indicates problems. Some homeowners want energy efficiency improvement—older siding provides poor insulation while newer siding with proper underlayment offers better thermal performance. Aesthetic reasons are also legitimate—dated appearance is a common driver for replacement when the existing siding still functions.

For a 2,000 square foot home with 2,000 square feet of siding, cost varies significantly by material. Vinyl siding, the most economical choice, costs $1.50 to $3 per square foot for material ($3,000 to $6,000) plus $2 to $4 per square foot for labor ($4,000 to $8,000), with underlayment, trim, and miscellaneous work adding $1,000 to $2,000, for total cost of $8,000 to $16,000. Fiber cement siding costs $3 to $5 per square foot for material ($6,000 to $10,000) plus $3 to $5 per square foot for labor ($6,000 to $10,000), with underlayment and trim adding $1,500 to $2,500, for total of $13,500 to $22,500. Metal siding runs $2 to $4 per square foot for material ($4,000 to $8,000) plus $2.50 to $4.50 for labor ($5,000 to $9,000), with underlayment and trim adding $1,000 to $2,000, for total of $10,000 to $19,000. Premium wood siding costs $4 to $8 per square foot for material ($8,000 to $16,000) plus $3 to $5 for labor ($6,000 to $10,000), with underlayment and trim adding $2,000 to $3,000, for a premium total of $16,000 to $29,000.

Vinyl siding is the economical choice at $1.50 to $3 per square foot. It lasts twenty to forty years with minimal maintenance—occasional cleaning is sufficient. The plastic appearance bothers some people, though wide color ranges exist. Quality varies significantly by brand, so lower-end vinyl might fade faster than premium vinyl. Vinyl works well for cost-conscious homeowners who prioritize low maintenance.

Fiber cement siding mimics wood appearance with cement and fiber materials that won’t rot or suffer insect damage. Cost is moderate at $3 to $5 per square foot. Durability is excellent at twenty-five to forty years. Maintenance is minimal—essentially none beyond occasional cleaning. The heavy material requires more labor to install than vinyl. Fiber cement works well for people wanting wood appearance without wood’s maintenance demands.

Metal siding, primarily aluminum with occasional steel, costs $2 to $4 per square foot. Durability is very good at forty to sixty years. Maintenance is minimal—occasional cleaning and rare repainting. The modern, streamlined look appeals to contemporary homeowners. One minor drawback is noise in heavy rain, though this is rarely a serious issue in practice. Metal works well for durability and contemporary aesthetics.

Real wood siding is premium at $4 to $8 per square foot. Durability is twenty to forty years depending on maintenance. It requires regular painting or staining—expensive and time-consuming. The natural beauty and classic appeal appeal to traditionalists. However, maintenance burden is substantial and real wood is least practical for long-term ownership.

Engineered wood offers middle ground at $2 to $3.50 per square foot. Durability is fifteen to thirty years. It requires moderate maintenance—less than real wood but more than fiber cement. It provides wood appearance at lower cost than real wood but still demands attention.

What goes under siding matters as much as the siding itself. House wrap or felt underlayment ($0.15 to $0.30 per square foot) is essential—it prevents water from penetrating behind the siding and causing rot or mold. Proper underlayment is critical. Cheap siding over improper underlayment fails. Trim and flashing around windows and doors are critical for water management. Quality installation matters more than material quality for longevity. Skilled installers who understand water management and proper fastening create results that last. Poor installation of quality siding fails prematurely.

Choosing a contractor requires getting three bids with identical specifications. Ensure all bids include the same material and siding type. Ask about warranty—materials typically have ten-year manufacturer warranty while labor warranty runs one to five years. Check references and read online reviews carefully. Verify licenses and insurance as required in your area. Ask specifically about underlayment material and installation process—this reveals whether the contractor understands the importance of water management.

Watch for red flags. Contractors pressuring you to decide immediately are concerning. Unusually low bids that seem too good to be true usually are. Vague warranty terms hide problems. Contractors without licenses or insurance should be avoided. Quality contractors welcome scrutiny and answer questions thoroughly.

Typical siding replacement takes two to four weeks depending on home size and complexity. The process involves removing old siding, installing new underlayment, installing new siding, finishing trim and details, and final cleanup. Timeline depends on weather and complexity—simple homes take less time than homes with complex shapes, architectural features, or challenging trim work.

ROI on siding replacement is approximately seventy to eighty percent—you spend $15,000 and recover roughly $10,500 to $12,000 in resale value. Siding replacement provides good return compared to many home improvements. It’s worthwhile for protection from weather and curb appeal improvement.

Maintenance after replacement depends on material. Vinyl needs occasional cleaning and occasional replacement of damaged pieces. Fiber cement requires very low maintenance. Metal requires minimal maintenance. Wood requires regular painting or staining, which is expensive. Material choice significantly affects long-term maintenance cost.

Siding replacement makes sense when current siding is deteriorating or failing, home needs curb appeal improvement, you’re planning to sell soon (good ROI), or climate is harsh and weather protection is valuable. It’s less critical when current siding is aging but still functional, budget is constrained, or you’re unconcerned about curb appeal.

The practical choice depends on budget and maintenance tolerance. Vinyl siding is the economical choice for most homeowners. Fiber cement and metal are mid-range options offering better appearance or durability. Wood is premium and expensive to maintain. Most homeowners choose vinyl for cost and low maintenance. Higher-quality materials provide better durability and appearance if budget allows. New siding is a visible, valuable improvement that protects your home and improves curb appeal significantly.

© The Whole Home Guide