The four parts of a siding price
Every installed siding price is really four things stacked together: the material, the crew's labor, removal and disposal of the old siding, and a contingency for surprises. When a contractor gives you one per-square-foot figure, all four are hidden inside it. Separating them — which the cost calculator does — is how you understand and question a quote.
Cost by material
Material is the biggest swing factor. Roughly from least to most expensive installed: vinyl is the budget leader; engineered wood like LP SmartSide sits a step above; fiber cement (James Hardie) is mid-to-upper; natural cedar and wood are higher still; and brick veneer and premium stone sit at the top. Metal ranges widely depending on steel versus aluminum and the panel system.
| Material | Relative installed cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Vinyl | $ (lowest) | Budget, low maintenance |
| LP SmartSide | $$ | Wood look, better value |
| Fiber cement (Hardie) | $$$ | Durability, premium look |
| Cedar / wood | $$$$ | Authentic natural look |
| Brick veneer | $$$$$ (highest) | Longevity, curb appeal |
Labor
Labor is typically 35–45% of an installed price and is where quotes diverge most. It rises with wall height (two-story staging), complexity (many gables, dormers and openings), and material weight (fiber cement takes more effort than vinyl). A steep, cut-up house costs more to side than a simple box of the same square footage.
Removal of old siding
On a re-side, tearing off and hauling the old material is a genuine line item — often 5–15% of the job — and more if there's a second layer or damaged sheathing underneath. Always ask whether a quote includes removal, and price it separately so it's visible.
What makes the price go up
More stories, more gables and dormers, more windows and doors to trim around, premium materials, old-siding removal, repairs to the wall beneath, and high-demand seasons or regions. Each adds to the total in a predictable way once you know to look for it.
How to compare quotes fairly
Convert every quote to a cost per square (100 sq ft) and compare like with like. Make sure each bid covers the same scope — material grade, trim, removal, and cleanup. A 'cheap' quote that skips removal or uses a thinner product isn't really cheaper. Build your own baseline with the calculators here, then hold contractor numbers up against it.
When to schedule the work to save money
Timing has a real effect on price. Siding crews are busiest in late spring and summer, when demand — and quotes — run higher. Booking in the late fall or winter shoulder season, where climate allows, often earns a better rate and faster scheduling because installers have gaps to fill. If your project isn't urgent, getting quotes in the off-season can shave a meaningful amount off the labor line.
Ways to bring the total down without cutting corners
There are honest ways to trim a siding budget. Choosing a mid-grade product instead of the top tier keeps most of the durability at a lower material cost. Keeping the trim package simple reduces both material and labor. Bundling the job with gutters or paint while the crew is already staged can lower the combined price. And doing your own tear-off, if you're able and it's permitted, removes one of the labor lines entirely.
What you should not cut is the waste allowance, the weather barrier, or proper flashing. Those are the parts that protect the wall for decades, and saving a little there tends to cost far more later. Use the cost calculator to test each scenario before you commit, so any saving is a deliberate choice rather than a hidden compromise.