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Siding Costs

Jeffrey Anderson | Improvement Center Columnist | December 13, 2011

Just about everyone is being careful of their financial expenditures these days, but that doesn't mean you have to put off that exterior makeover you've been planning for your home. New exterior siding can be a great way to upgrade your home's appearance and with the wide range of material choices, there's a product available for just about any budget.

3 budget-friendly siding options for your home

One important thing to remember when choosing a new siding is that your siding costs don't always end when the installation is complete--annual upkeep for the material you choose should also be figured into your budget. Here are three popular exterior siding options to consider for your project:

  1. Vinyl siding. Homeowners used to choose vinyl siding for its low cost, durability, and ease of maintenance, but the wide range of style options may be the reason it's so popular today. CertainTeed, Mastic, and Norandex are just three of the many siding manufacturers that offer styles as diverse as double-five clapboard, Dutchlap, beaded, and vinyl shakes. Pricing for vinyl siding can vary depending on the style you choose, but expect to pay about $75 a square for most economical selections and installation can be an additional $130 a square.
  2. Wood siding. Many homeowners prefer the authentic look that wood siding can give their home, but that realistic appearance carries with it the cost of continued maintenance. Wood siding must be stained or painted on a regular basis to retain its good looks and prevent moisture damage. The most common wood siding styles are beveled clapboard and Dutchlap, but other types are available from mills. Beveled cedar siding costs about $5.50 a square foot and installation can cost about $1 a square foot, but these prices don't include painting or staining.
  3. Fiber cement siding. If you want a siding that has a realistic wood appearance, but is durable, insect resistant, and requires little maintenance, fiber cement might be a good choice. James Hardie and CertainTeed are the most well known manufacturers of this increasingly popular siding material and they both offer numerous factory applied colors. An average cost to budget for your materials might be about $130 a square and installation can be an additional $160 per square.

These costs are all approximate and may vary depending on the style you choose, where you live and your application. If you would like to receive a more accurate estimate for your locale from a qualified contractor, please fill out and submit the form on this page.