How Much Does It Cost to Install Vinyl Siding?

Reviewed by Carol J Alexander remodeling expert. Written by Fixr.com.

Cost to install vinyl siding

The average cost to install vinyl siding is from $7,476 to $13,602, with most homeowners spending $10,383 to side a 2,000-square-foot home. On the low end, you could side a 1,000-square-foot home with economy-grade siding for $3,452. On the high end, it costs $22,658 to apply premium-grade siding on a 3,000-square-foot home. This guide looks at all the factors influencing these cost ranges, the pros and cons of vinyl versus other materials, and how to pay for this home improvement project.

According to the 2022 Census Bureau’s Survey of Construction (SOC), 24 percent of newly constructed homes have vinyl siding. But your home doesn't have to be new to install vinyl siding. Some homeowners opt to replace existing vinyl siding on their older homes. Others choose vinyl siding to cover their existing wood siding because it's more easily maintained.

To calculate the cost of a vinyl siding installation for your home, use our siding calculator.

Cost factors of vinyl siding installation

The average cost of vinyl siding depends on multiple factors besides the size of your home. Below, we look at each variable and how it figures into the overall cost.

Cost of vinyl siding by home size

Larger homes require more materials and labor hours to install the siding. Therefore, the project costs more. However, estimating the square footage of the home's footprint will only give you a broad price range.

Cost to install vinyl siding based on home size

You get a more accurate estimate by measuring the surface area of your home's exterior walls. To do this, follow these steps:

Divide the surface into rectangles and triangles. Measure these sections and calculate the square size. (See the formulas in the box.) Once you have the total square footage, multiply that by the square foot price of your siding to get an estimated cost. 

Of course, other materials like trim, soffit, and fasteners are needed, too, but this calculation will give you a ballpark figure.

Another point to keep in mind is the shape of your house. Architectural elements like dormers and gables require more complicated cuts and will add to the cost. Due to the added labor time to use safety harnesses, ladders, or scaffolding, multiple stories will, too.

Cost of vinyl siding by quality

Most residential vinyl siding is .042 to .048 inches thick. However, some economy grades measure as thin as .035, and some premium grade siding in designer styles is a half-inch thick or more. The thicker, high-end vinyl designed to resemble cedar shakes or stone is more expensive, lasts longer, and is more durable. Also, a higher-quality product typically has a longer warranty period than economy grades.

Cost of vinyl siding by style

The home's exterior siding defines its style and personality. From casual country to formal stone, vinyl siding can complement various designs. However, the kind you choose will affect the cost. Here are the most popular vinyl siding styles with a brief description. 

Traditional lap siding

Traditional lap siding consists of horizontal wood planks. For vinyl, the material includes embossing with a natural wood-like texture.

Smooth siding

Smooth siding includes horizontal vinyl planks with no texture. Its profile is the same as lap siding but lacks the embossed wood-grain texture.

Beaded siding

Beaded siding includes an indentation along the edge of each horizontal plank. This feature gives it more visual interest and stability.

Dutch lap siding

Dutch lap siding resembles traditional lap siding with one exception. The top half of the horizontal planks are concave to give the appearance of lapping.

Clapboard siding

Also a horizontal plank siding, clapboard includes wider planks at the bottom of the wall with narrower width planks nearer the top.

Board-and-batten

Board-and-batten siding includes 12-inch-wide vertical panels. Thin strips called battens cover the seams where the panels meet. In vinyl siding, the battens are pre-attached.

Vinyl shake siding

Vinyl shake or shingle siding resembles rows of hand-split wooden shakes. The difference is that the vinyl is formed in thick panels to resemble rows of shakes rather than individual shakes.

Scalloped

Scalloped siding resembles shake siding with a rounded bottom edge. When made of vinyl, Scalloped siding comprises thick, horizontal panels that resemble individual scallops.

Vinyl log siding

Manufacturers create vinyl log siding to mimic wood logs by fashioning thick material into horizontal convex planks with a wood grain. This choice gives a rural home the authentic log cabin appearance at a fraction of the cost.

Vinyl brick siding

To mimic authentic brick, manufacturers mold thick 2- to 4-foot wide vinyl panels to resemble rows of bricks. This siding option gives your home the classic brick ranch appearance.

Vinyl stone siding

Vinyl stone siding is an affordable option to give your home a luxurious stone look. It is formed of thick vinyl panels to resemble dry-stacked stone.

Cost of vinyl siding by type

The type of vinyl siding you choose affects the estimated cost. Typically, siding comes in three varieties: hollow, premium, and insulated. Let's take a look at what makes them different.

Hollow siding

This type of siding is the thinnest, least expensive, and least durable. Though installed over rigid foam board or house wrap, a gap exists between the vinyl planks and the wall.

Premium siding

Premium siding is heavier and thicker, though more costly. The better quality and improved durability make it more applicable to areas prone to extreme weather fluctuations. This thicker, better-quality siding is more durable. It's also installed over rigid foam insulation or house wrap.

Insulated vinyl siding

The most costly type of siding, this premium vinyl has rigid foam insulation attached to the underside of the plank. It provides better insulation than when the foam is applied to the wall and is recommended for colder climates. For increased energy efficiency, contractors in extreme environments will use additional insulation with the insulated siding.

Factors that affect vinyl siding cost

The cost of installing vinyl siding varies by homeowner. In addition to the different siding options, some cost factors stem from the scope of work and will vary from one homeowner to the next. 

Siding style and quality

As discussed, the overall cost of your siding installation will depend on the style, type, and quality of the siding product you choose. Typically, the more complex the profile and thicker the panel, the more expensive the product. Also, compare warranties on the products you're interested in installing before deciding and ask the contractor if he guarantees the workmanship.

Existing siding

The labor for siding removal costs from $46 to $84 per hour.

If your home has existing vinyl siding, it must be removed and discarded before installing new siding. This demolition will add to the overall cost of the project. In addition to installation charges, you will incur demolition and disposal costs.

Labor

In addition to the cost of removing old siding and installing new ones, you may need to make repairs. If you find hidden damage from water or insects when you remove the old siding, it will need to be repaired before the new vinyl siding is applied, adding to the overall cost. Issues like mold, mildew, or rot would only grow more extensive if left untreated, and insect infestations would need to be removed.

Geographic location

Vinyl siding installation costs vary by region of the country. For example, all home improvement costs are higher in urban areas like Los Angeles or Baltimore than rural locations. But, with siding, the location's climate dictates the type of siding used and whether additional insulation is required–both factors could increase the overall cost. Also, installation could be more costly during the off-season in areas with extreme temperatures.

Permitting

Depending on your local building officials, you may need a permit to replace the siding on your house. If you've hired a professional siding contractor, he'll likely roll this cost into the project's total cost. If you're DIYing the project, check with your local building official about how to apply and the prices.

Tips for buying vinyl siding

Not all vinyl siding is created equal. Some brands may be higher quality, offer more color options, or have the style you want. Once you've decided that vinyl is the option of choice for your home, your siding contractor can help you to choose. But if you're DIYing this project, consider these tips before making a final purchase. 

• Know your style and colors – In most cases, the style of your home will dictate the color and style of the siding. For instance, board-and-batten or clapboard siding best complements an old farmhouse. Understanding home styles and colors will help you better choose from all the available options. And if you're not well-versed in architectural styles, your siding contractor can help you with this decision.
• Choose quality – The thicker the product, the more durable and impact-resistant it will be. Always buy the highest quality you can afford and compare warranties. You want a product with a color fade warranty.
• Buy more than you need –As with every home improvement project, you want to buy 10-20% more material than you need to account for waste. In case of future damage, having a few pieces on hand for repairs will eliminate the stress of hunting for something to match. If you're not DIYing the job, ask the contractor to leave you a few pieces when they're done.
• Buy from a pro – Siding installers get professional discounts on materials directly from the manufacturers. If they pass this discount on to you, it will save you money over purchasing your materials from a home improvement store. You can often buy better-quality materials this way, too.

Budget-friendly vinyl siding installation

On a tight budget, homeowners pay $3,452 to $6,278 for a vinyl siding installation.

On average, homeowners with a strict budget can pay for a vinyl siding installation on their 1,000-square-foot home. To side a larger home, they can install an economy-grade siding with a .044 thickness or thinner. Basic styles like Dutch or traditional lap and smooth or beaded planks are within this price range.

Mid-range vinyl siding installation

With a mid-range budget, homeowners pay $7,210 to $16,397 for a vinyl siding installation.

The average homeowner can afford to side a 2,000 to 2,500-square-foot home with premium-grade siding that's more durable and weather-resistant. For a slightly smaller home, they can afford designer-style siding that includes board and batten, vinyl shakes, or stone. 

Another option in the pricing category is to mix and match. For instance, if you have a larger home and can't afford the luxury designer styles, you can choose a premium siding for most of the house and use the luxury styles for embellishment. Here are a few examples:

• Vinyl stone panels on the lower half of the walls with board and batten above
• Dutch lap siding on the rectangular wall portions with vinyl scallops in the gables
• Clapboard siding mixed with vinyl shake siding

Luxury vinyl siding installation

On the high end of the spectrum, homeowners pay $22,685 to $30,248 for a vinyl siding installation.

Owners of large luxury homes can afford premium, designer siding and insulated siding. In addition to options like vinyl shake or stone, homeowners in cold climates can afford additional insulation for better energy efficiency. For homes over 3,000 square feet, expect to pay at least $5 per square foot extra for the materials alone.

Pros and cons of vinyl siding

Alternatives to vinyl siding

Despite the low cost of vinyl siding, you may have reasons to choose an alternative for your siding project. Products like engineered wood or aluminum siding are more eco-friendly without including the chemicals required for vinyl PVC. Some other material options make a more durable house siding. Here are a few to consider.

Fiber cement siding

Fiber cement siding, like James Hardie or Nichiha, is a durable option. This semi-rigid material is formed from a mixture of water, cellulose fiber, sand, and Portland cement to resemble natural wood. It protects against any climate, is flame-retardant, and is impact- and insect-resistant. Fiber cement comes in various colors and styles to complement any home.

Steel panel siding

Metal siding, like Quality Edge and EMCO, is made from durable steel with a fade-resistant Kynar paint coating. Steel siding is durable, water-, fire-, and insect-resistant, and comes in various profiles and colors.

Stone veneer siding

Another vinyl alternative is stone veneer, like Coronado and ProVia. Manufactured stone is created by mixing aggregates, cement, iron oxides, and pigment in a mold to create an authentic stone appearance. It adds elegance and character to any home, whether rustic or majestic. Stone veneer is as durable as it is beautiful, comes in many styles and colors, and resists fire, insects, and water.

Brick veneer siding

Brick veneer is a manufactured stone that resembles thin brick. It is applied to walls using grout. Like the other vinyl alternatives, brick veneer is also resistant to fire, insects, and water. Manufacturers to note are Eldorado Stone and Mountain View Stone.

DIY vs. professional vinyl siding installation

If you've ever watched a siding professional install vinyl, you probably thought it looked pretty easy. For the most part, it is. But what happens when you get to architectural details like windows, the eaves, or dormers? How do you match the corners? Which piece goes on first? Do you know how to calculate how much siding your home requires? Professionals not only know all these things, but they also have the proper tools to help them do so.

Siding is your home's first line of defense against wind, water, and pests. Even small gaps from incorrect installation can leave your home vulnerable to these outside forces. Also, incorrectly installed vinyl siding is prone to warping, bulging, gapping, and cracking. Hiring a professional is wise if you've never installed siding before. Otherwise, you risk spending your savings on future repairs needed to fix your mistakes.

How to save money on vinyl siding

If you’ve gotten estimates from several contractors and still need to shave a bit off the project cost, here are a few ways to do that.

• Choose a different material. Plain-Jane siding will be less expensive whether you opt for a thinner grade of siding or give up the specialty style like faux stone.
• Ask about tax breaks. Because of its insulation properties, vinyl siding can make your home more energy efficient. With this in mind, check with your accountant for current tax advantages to installing vinyl siding on your home.
• DIY the demo. If your home has existing siding, remove it yourself to save on the demolition labor cost. 

Paying for your vinyl siding installation

Depending on the size of your house, installing vinyl siding can cost a big chunk of change. Since installing it isn't a DIY-friendly job, you can save on labor costs. If you don’t have the cash for this home improvement project, here are a few payment options to make paying for it more manageable.

• Borrow against your HELOC. If you already have a home equity line of credit, withdrawing funds for vinyl siding is easy. If you've never opened a HELOC, ask a lender to open one.
• Apply for a home improvement loan. A HELOC allows you to withdraw funds when needed, no matter how little. But a home improvement loan gives you a lump sum for the project. A loan may be the best option if you don't have any other projects on your list.
• Contractor financing. Ask your siding contractor if they offer financing. If so, compare the rates with those from your financial institution.

Improve your curb appeal with new vinyl siding

Vinyl siding is one of the most affordable ways to give your home a facelift. And turning rarely noticed into the talk of the neighborhood can, in most instances, be done in a week. Let us help you find a siding expert to give you a quote specific to your region – because first impressions are everything.

Frequently asked questions

Can I paint vinyl siding?

Yes, vinyl siding can be painted. The cost will depend on the size of the home, the number of stories, and your geographic location.

How do I clean vinyl siding?

Vinyl siding is easy to clean with water, detergent, and a stiff brush. Check your manufacturer's instructions before using a pressure washer.

Is vinyl the cheapest siding material?

On average, vinyl siding costs less than other siding options.

What colors does vinyl siding come in?

Depending on the manufacturer, vinyl siding comes in anywhere from 10 to 25 colors. The color options will also vary depending on the product's style and profile.