Updated: September 23, 2025
Written by Dan Simms
Nieves is a home remodeling editor at Fixr.com with special interest in landscaping, pest control, painting, installation, and repair projects. She brings her work ethic, creativity, and love for teamwork into everything she does, including working with writers and designers at Fixr.com to develop useful and comprehensive guides for homeowners.
Learn moreReviewed by Nieves Martinez
Vinyl siding is the most popular type of siding in the U.S., largely because it’s one of the most affordable but also offers good curb appeal, boasts good durability, has a long lifespan, and is adaptable to many different climates. Overall, it’s the siding material that provides the best value for the money.
The average cost to install vinyl siding is $12,000, including materials and labor, and most homeowners pay somewhere between $6,000 and $24,000. The total cost mostly depends on the size of your home, which determines how many square feet of vinyl siding you need, the complexity of your home’s layout, and the type and design of the vinyl siding you choose.
Cost of Vinyl Siding


Vinyl Siding Cost by Grade
Vinyl is a manufactured product, and different products from manufacturers have different grades, which are determined by the thickness of the vinyl. Thicker vinyl siding will stand up better to impact and is less likely to crack from blown debris or rocks kicked up by landscaping equipment. Thicker vinyl siding is also less likely to warp in extreme temperatures or with large temperature swings, so it generally lasts longer and provides better value, despite costing more.
There are four grades of vinyl siding to choose from, and each comes with a unique price point:
Builder’s grade vinyl siding cost: Builder’s grade vinyl siding is the thinnest at 0.04 inches, and it’s the least durable but the most affordable option. It costs between $2 and $6 per square foot, depending on the siding design you choose.
Standard residential vinyl siding cost: Standard residential vinyl siding is 0.042 inches thick, and it adds some durability and longevity to your siding but also costs more. Expect to pay between $4 and $7 per square foot for this grade.
Premium vinyl siding cost: Premium or thick-grade vinyl siding is 0.046 inches thick, on average. It provides excellent protection from impact and warping, and it lasts longer than the previous two options. Premium vinyl siding costs between $6 and $10 per square foot, so it’s about twice as expensive as builder’s grade vinyl.
Insulated vinyl siding cost: Insulated vinyl is the thickest option at 0.05 inches thick. It’s paired with foam insulation to improve your home’s energy efficiency, and that insulation can make a big difference in your heating and cooling bills, especially if you have an older home. Insulated vinyl siding is the most expensive option at between $7 and $12 per square foot, but it does last the longest.
Siding Grade | Cost per Sq. Ft. | Cost to Side Average Home (2,000 Sq.Ft.) |
Builder’s grade | $2 – $6 | $4,000 – $12,000 |
Standard residential grade | $4 – $7 | $8,000 – $14,000 |
Premium/thick grade | $6 – $10 | $12,000 – $20,000 |
Insulated/super thick grade | $7 – $12 | $14,000 – $24,000 |
Vinyl Siding Cost per Square Foot
The average cost of vinyl siding per square foot ranges from $3 to $12 per square foot, depending on the style and grade.
The size of your home will determine how many square feet of siding you need, or how many squares of siding you need, with one square covering 100 square feet. Siding square footage doesn’t always scale directly with your home’s living space, although the two are closely related. The table below gives you an idea of the cost of siding for some exterior square footage.
Exterior Square Footage | Cost to Side Average Home |
1,000 | $3,0000 – $12,000 |
1,500 | $4,500 – $18,000 |
1,800 | $5,400 – $21,600 |
2,000 | $6,000 – $24,000 |
2,500 | $7,500 – $30,000 |
3,000 | $9,000 – $36,000 |
Vinyl Siding Cost Type and Style
The style of vinyl siding you choose will affect your per-square-foot costs and your total vinyl siding installation cost, as simple and common designs cost less per square foot than more complicated and decorative designs. The style you choose will also affect your curb appeal, so keep that in mind along with the cost as you decide which is right for your home.


Vinyl Siding Style | Cost per Sq.Ft. |
Clapboard/traditional lap siding | $2 – $6 |
Smooth | $2 – $6 |
Beaded | $2 – $7 |
Dutch lap | $3 – $7 |
Log-look | $3 – $8 |
Vertical | $3 – $8 |
Board and batten | $3 – $9 |
Vinyl shake | $3 – $10 |
Scalloped | $4 – $9 |
Brick-look | $4 – $10 |
Stone-look | $4 – $11 |
Insulated | $5 – $12 |
Clapboard
Clapboard vinyl siding is the most common type. It resembles Dutch lap siding but usually has thinner horizontal panels, and the panels don’t jut outward to make it look like they’re overlapping. Clapboard is the most affordable style at just $2 to $6 per square foot.
Smooth
Smooth vinyl siding just gets secured with fasteners, and there are no interlocking beads to make the installation more secure, as you’d get with beaded siding. Smooth vinyl siding costs an average of $2 to $6 per square foot.
Beaded
Beaded vinyl siding refers to a specific design, which includes a hidden bead to help secure the vinyl siding panels to each other for added durability, especially in extreme weather. Beaded vinyl siding averages $2 to $7 per square foot.
Dutch Lap Vinyl Siding Cost
Dutch lap vinyl siding is molded to look like the thick, horizontal panels are lapped over one another top to bottom, adding some extra dimension to your exterior wall. This costs an average of $3 to $7 per square foot.
Vinyl Log Siding Cost
This type of vinyl siding is molded to look like horizontal logs. Again, you get the texture of logs, but the natural color variation won’t be there, so the curb appeal is lower than with the real thing. Expect to pay just $3 to $8 per square foot for this style.
Vertical Vinyl Siding Cost
Vertical vinyl siding looks like clapboard siding turned 90 degrees so that the panels span vertically. This siding costs an average of $3 to $8 per square foot.
Board and Batten Vinyl Siding Cost
Board and batten siding consists of large, vertical panels with thin accent points covering the seams that also add protection from water. Board and batten vinyl siding costs an average of $3 to $9 per square foot.
Vinyl Shake Siding Cost
Vinyl shake siding is molded to resemble cedar shakes, although you really only get the texture and not the natural color variation. Siding an average home with vinyl shake siding costs an average of $3 to $10 per square foot for materials and labor.
Scalloped
Scalloped vinyl siding resembles fish scales or ornate, rounded tiling that creates a more traditional, Victorian appearance. This vinyl siding costs an average of $4 to $9 per square foot.
Brick-look
Brick-look vinyl siding is molded to look like traditional bricks. In many cases, you’ll get just the texture without the natural color or stand-out mortar lines. Brick-look vinyl siding costs $4 to $10 per square foot, on average.
Vinyl Stone Siding Cost
Stone-look siding is similar to brick-look, but it’s molded to look like traditional stone siding. The curb appeal is less than you’d get with the real thing, but at a fraction of the cost. Expect to pay $4 to $11 per square foot.
Insulated
Insulated vinyl siding includes foam insulation behind the vinyl, which fills the void between the siding and the plywood behind it and makes your home more energy-efficient. Insulated vinyl siding on an entire home will average $5 to $12 per square foot.
Labor Cost to Install Vinyl Siding
In most cases, an average of between 30% and 50% of your total will go toward labor, which means the average homeowner will pay between $3,600 and $6,000 for labor alone to install vinyl siding on an average-size home. The vinyl siding labor cost per square foot averages between $2 and $5.
Labor costs will always include installing your new siding, and in most cases, they will also include removing your old siding and hauling it away. However, your costs could increase if you have a heavy siding material already installed on your home, which makes the removal process harder and drives up dumping fees.
Additional Costs and Factors
The size of your home, the materials you choose, and the labor rates in your area will largely determine what your vinyl siding installation will cost. However, there are some other factors that can play a more minor role in your pricing. Be sure to consider all of the following, along with material costs and labor prices.
Removal of existing siding: Most siding installers will include this in their labor fees, but some won’t. If your installer charges separately for it, expect to pay between $1,000 and $2,500. Your costs will be higher for heavier materials and for those that are harder to remove, like stucco.
Repairs before installation: When your siding pro removes your old siding, there’s a chance they’ll uncover water damage, mold growth, or pest damage behind the material. These will all require repairs that could range from under $100 for minor issues to thousands of dollars for widespread problems.
Installation upgrades: If you’re not buying insulated vinyl siding, you may want to consider adding insulation before the new siding goes up. Rigid foam insulation is the most common option, and for an average-size home, installation will add between $500 and $4,000. Insulation upgrades can get expensive, but they’ll also make your home more efficient and reduce heating and cooling costs over time.
Architectural complexity of the home: The layout and complexity of your home’s design can affect how long it takes to install vinyl siding, which affects the labor costs. Multiple bump-outs, inside corners, and other architectural features can all drive up your overall cost.
Geographic location: The cost of living and climate in your area can significantly impact project costs. Areas with a higher cost of living will generally have higher labor costs. Additionally, if you live in a region with extreme temperatures or frequent severe weather, you may need to upgrade to more durable or insulated materials, which increases the total material cost.
Permit fees and other project-related costs: Many municipalities require building permits for siding replacement projects, and permit fees can add to your total. In most cases, permits for siding replacement cost between $150 and $1,500.
Vinyl Siding Replacement Cost vs. Repair
If you’re considering replacing your vinyl siding, there’s a chance you might be able to get away with vinyl siding repairs instead, which are more affordable. On average, vinyl siding replacement costs $12,000, while vinyl siding repairs cost $300 or less.
It’s usually more affordable to repair vinyl siding, but consider long-term costs and the siding’s remaining lifespan. Here are cases when full replacement may be the better choice:
Your siding is more than 15 years old: Vinyl siding lasts for 20 to 40 years on average, so once it hits the 15-year mark, replacement might be a better investment.
You have widespread damage: Buckling, fading, or multiple cracks usually call for replacement, while small, isolated issues can be repaired more cost-effectively.
You want to improve your home’s curb appeal and value: Repairing your vinyl siding might improve your curb appeal a bit if your old siding was cracked or falling off, but a full replacement is best.
You’ve seen evidence of leaks: Signs of leaks on the interior of your home, like water spots on drywall or moldy odors, usually mean that your siding is compromised, and a full replacement is probably your best option to avoid ongoing damages and high repair costs.
Your energy bills are unusually high: If you have insulated vinyl siding and it is no longer effective, replacing it along with insulation can restore energy efficiency.
Vinyl Siding vs. Other Siding Materials
Vinyl siding is the most affordable type of siding, with an average cost of $3 to $12 per square foot, including materials and labor. Here are some prices for other popular siding options for a quick comparison:
Fiber cement siding: $5 to $17 per square foot
Stucco siding: $7 to $17 per square foot
Cedar shakes: $2 to $15 per square foot
Brick siding: $8 to $21 per square foot
Stone siding: $20 to $45 per square foot
Vinyl is also a suitable siding option in a wide variety of climates, as it stands up well to direct sunlight and reasonably well to impact during extreme weather. If you live in an area where impact from blown debris or damage from strong winds is more of a risk, you might be better served by a more durable siding option, like fiber cement, stucco, brick, or stone, all of which rely on more durable mortar than standalone fasteners.
Additionally, vinyl siding offers minimal insulation unless you upgrade to insulated vinyl siding, so more insulative materials like brick, stucco, and stone are better in areas where extreme high and low temperatures are common.
Vinyl Siding ROI
Siding has a major impact on your home’s curb appeal, so replacing any type of siding is going to provide a healthy return on investment (ROI). On average, vinyl siding replacement provides one of the highest returns on investment of any home improvement project, with an average return of 80.2%. For a typical home, that means an average value increase of just over $9.600. Not only will you see a bump in home value and curb appeal, but new siding will also usually boost home efficiency and help bring down your heating and cooling costs, especially if you upgrade to insulated vinyl siding.
DIY vs. Professional Installation
With an average of 30% to 50% of your total going toward labor, it might be tempting to consider DIYing your vinyl siding installation to save money. While it is possible to install your own vinyl siding, it’s usually best to leave the work to a pro.
Siding is your home's first defense against the elements, and even minor installation mistakes can lead to costly damage. Professionals reduce the risk of errors and can assess the sheathing beneath the siding, recommending any necessary repairs. Proper installation is essential to ensure your siding performs as intended.
A siding contractor can typically complete the installation in a day or two, while an inexperienced DIY project could take up to a week, leaving your home exposed to the elements for a longer period of time.
How to Save Money on Your Vinyl Siding Project
Vinyl siding is the most affordable type of siding to install, but average vinyl siding installation costs can still be expensive, especially if you have a larger home or opt for a high-grade insulated vinyl siding. Luckily, there are some things you can do to reduce your costs.
Choose your materials wisely: Vinyl siding can range from $3 to $12 per square foot. Basic clapboard is cheapest, while decorative or insulated options cost more but may be more durable and energy-efficient.
Look for rebates and incentives: You may qualify for tax credits or rebates, especially for insulated vinyl siding. Check the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE) for more information on perks available in your area.
Get multiple estimates: Get at least three siding replacement quotes from experts in your area and compare them based on total cost and overall value.
Time your project: Schedule in spring or early summer, during the off-season, to avoid peak fall labor costs.
Consider a siding overlay: Installing new siding over old can save between $1,000 and $2,500, if your existing siding is in good shape.
Remove your old siding yourself: Removing old siding yourself could save up to $2,500, but be sure to coordinate carefully with your installer to make sure your home doesn’t sit unprotected for extended periods.
FAQs
Vinyl siding costs between $3 and $12 per square foot, so a square of vinyl siding (100 sq. ft.) costs between $300 and $1,200. The exact price will depend on the type of vinyl siding, the design you choose, and the complexity of your home’s exterior.
The average cost for vinyl siding is $12,000 for an average-size home, and most homeowners pay somewhere between $6,000 and $24,000. Prices depend on your home size and how many square feet of vinyl siding you need, labor costs in your area, the design of the vinyl siding you choose, and whether or not you want insulated vinyl siding for improved energy efficiency.
Vinyl siding costs an average of $3 to $12 per square foot, so 2,000 square feet of vinyl siding could total anywhere between $6,000 and $24,000 for materials and labor.
Vinyl siding is the cheapest type of siding, and it’s also the most popular choice, in large part because it’s so affordable but also stands up reasonably well to extreme weather and a variety of climates. You’ll pay an average of $3 to $12 per square foot for vinyl siding, and while some wood and engineered wood siding materials can cost less, the average cost of vinyl is lower than the average cost of any other siding option. Its reputation for being low-maintenance also adds to its appeal.
For a 1,500 sq. ft. house, the average cost to install vinyl siding typically ranges between $4,500 and $18,000. Keep in mind that the layout and dimensions of your home and the ceiling height on each floor can affect your costs, and siding square footage isn’t directly correlated to living space, so your prices can vary.
Vinyl siding lasts for 30 to 40 years in most cases, but in more extreme climates, you may only get 20 years of life out of the material. Vinyl siding is prone to cracking from impact, so blown debris during hurricanes, intense thunderstorms, and tornadoes can all limit the useful lifespan of your vinyl siding. The material can also fade from UV exposure and warp if there are severe temperature swings, so the lifespan can be a bit more limited in particularly sunny areas or locations with extreme climates.