How Much Does It Cost to Replace Siding?
Real 2026 pricing for vinyl, fiber cement, wood, steel, and stucco — what drives the cost and how to choose the right material for your home.
Last updated: June 2026
The Short Answer
Siding replacement costs $3 to $15 per square foot installed in 2026, depending on material. For a typical 2,500 sq ft exterior wall (2,000 sq ft home), that's $7,500 to $37,500. Vinyl is the most affordable ($7,500-$17,500) and most common. Fiber cement (Hardie) is the premium choice ($15,000-$37,500) with the highest resale ROI (78%). Tear-off adds $1-$3/sq ft. Regional labor rates can swing your total ±40%.
Cost by Material (2026)
| Material | $/sq ft | 2K sq ft Home | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vinyl (PVC) | $3-$7 | $7,500-$17,500 | 20-40 years |
| Steel | $4-$8 | $10,000-$20,000 | 40-60 years |
| Aluminum | $5-$9 | $12,500-$22,500 | 30-50 years |
| Fiber Cement (Hardie) | $6-$15 | $15,000-$37,500 | 30-50 years |
| Stucco | $6-$9 | $15,000-$22,500 | 50-80 years |
| Wood (Cedar/Redwood) | $8-$15 | $20,000-$37,500 | 15-40 years |
| + Tear-off (all materials) | +$1-$3 | +$2,500-$7,500 | — |
Source: HomeAdvisor 2026 + Angi 2026 siding cost data + Remodeling Magazine 2026 Cost vs Value Report.
Regional Price Differences
| Region | Multiplier | Vinyl Example ($12K base) |
|---|---|---|
| Southeast | 0.90x | $10,800 |
| Midwest | 1.0x | $12,000 |
| Southwest | 1.10x | $13,200 |
| Northeast | 1.30x | $15,600 |
| West Coast | 1.40x | $16,800 |
What Affects Your Siding Cost
House size & wall area
Larger homes cost more total but slightly less per sq ft due to setup efficiency. Two-story homes have more wall area than single-story at the same square footage.
House complexity
Simple ranches are cheapest. Victorians, homes with dormers, bay windows, and multiple rooflines add 15-35% for trim work and custom cuts.
Tear-off requirements
Removing 1 layer of old siding adds $1-$2/sq ft. Removing 2 layers costs $2-$4/sq ft. Some areas allow installation over existing siding (overlay) if it's in good condition.
Insulation upgrade
Insulated vinyl siding (with foam backing) adds $1-$2/sq ft but improves energy efficiency. Required in some cold-climate building codes.
Red Flags in Siding Quotes
- Quote without measuring: Real siding quotes require measuring every wall. Satellite-image-only quotes are unreliable.
- Pressure to sign same-day: "This price is only good today" is a sales tactic. Reputable contractors give you time.
- No manufacturer certification: Fiber cement requires certified installers for warranty. Vinyl and steel also have manufacturer certification programs.
- Quote doesn't include tear-off: Some contractors quote low by skipping removal. Always clarify whether tear-off is included.
- Asking for 50%+ upfront: Standard deposit is 25-33%. Final payment should be after completion and inspection.
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Use our free siding calculator for material takeoffs:
Siding Calculator →Price data sources: HomeAdvisor 2026 Siding Cost · Angi 2026 Siding Installation · Remodeling Magazine 2026 Cost vs Value · Homewyse May 2026
Last verified: June 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to replace siding on a house?
Siding replacement costs $7,500 to $37,500 for a typical 2,000 sq ft home in 2026, depending on material. Vinyl siding (most common) runs $7,500-$17,500. Fiber cement (Hardie) costs $15,000-$37,500. Wood siding is $20,000-$37,500. Steel siding runs $10,000-$20,000. Stucco is $15,000-$22,500. Tear-off of old siding adds $1-$3/sq ft. Most homeowners pay $10,000-$15,000 for vinyl or $18,000-$28,000 for fiber cement.
How much does siding cost per square foot?
Siding costs $3 to $15 per square foot installed in 2026. Vinyl is cheapest at $3-$7/sq ft. Steel runs $4-$8. Aluminum is $5-$9. Fiber cement (Hardie) costs $6-$15. Wood siding is $8-$15. Stucco is $6-$9. Premium markets (Northeast, West Coast) add 30-50%. Tear-off of existing siding adds $1-$3/sq ft extra. The per-square-foot rate decreases slightly for larger homes because setup costs spread over more area.
How long does siding last before needing replacement?
Vinyl siding lasts 20-40 years. Fiber cement (Hardie) lasts 30-50 years. Steel lasts 40-60 years. Wood siding lasts 15-40 years depending on maintenance (needs repainting every 5-7 years). Stucco lasts 50-80 years. Aluminum lasts 30-50 years. Signs it's time to replace: cracked or warped panels, fading color, loose pieces after storms, moisture damage on interior walls, rising energy bills (poor insulation). Most US homes built before 1990 with original siding are candidates for replacement.
Is it cheaper to paint siding or replace it?
Painting existing siding costs $2,000-$6,000 for a typical home vs $7,500-$37,500 for replacement. Paint lasts 5-7 years on vinyl, 7-10 on fiber cement. If your siding is structurally sound (no cracks, warping, or moisture damage), painting is the economical choice. But if panels are damaged, loose, or over 25 years old, replacement is the better investment — new siding adds 60-78% of cost to home value (Remodeling Magazine 2026), while painting adds almost nothing to resale value.
Does new siding increase home value?
Yes — siding replacement is one of the highest-ROI home improvements. Vinyl siding recovers about 63% of cost at resale. Fiber cement (Hardie) recovers 78% — the highest of any exterior material (Remodeling Magazine 2026 Cost vs Value Report). Beyond resale value, new siding also: (1) improves energy efficiency (especially with insulated backing), (2) eliminates maintenance costs for 20-50 years, (3) improves curb appeal for faster sale. If selling within 5 years, fiber cement gives the best return.
How long does siding installation take?
Vinyl siding installation takes 3-5 days for an experienced crew on a typical 2,000 sq ft home. Fiber cement takes 5-10 days (slower cutting and nailing). Wood takes 7-14 days. Stucco takes 7-21 days (multiple coats with cure time). Add 1-2 days for tear-off of existing siding. Weather delays are common — schedule during dry months (May-September in most of the US). Some contractors offer 'one-day' vinyl installation, but quality may suffer — 3-5 days is the realistic timeframe for proper installation.
Marcus Webb
Lead Reviewer & Construction Tech Analyst
Marcus spent 8 years working with general contractors and trade businesses before focusing on construction technology. He has personally tested 30+ estimating and project management tools with real project data.
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