Siding Replacement Cost Calculator: 2026 US Price Guide
Siding replacement is one of the highest-ROI exterior projects of 2026, with fiber cement returning 88% at resale (Remodeling Magazine Cost vs. Value). This guide breaks down the real per-square-foot cost by material, with a free calculator that handles waste, tear-off, and labor in one shot.
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The average US homeowner spends $12,000-$22,000 to re-side a 2,000 sq ft home in 2026. The two biggest variables: which material you pick, and how much tear-off and trim work the old siding requires. This guide gives you 2026 contractor-grade pricing per square foot — installed — for every common siding material.
2026 Siding Cost per Square Foot (Installed)
- Vinyl siding: $6-$8/sq ft installed (cheapest, 20-40 year life)
- Engineered wood (LP SmartSide): $7.50-$10/sq ft
- Aluminum: $8.50-$11/sq ft
- Fiber cement (James Hardie): $11-$15/sq ft (best ROI in 2026)
- Steel siding: $11.50-$14/sq ft
- Cedar / wood lap: $12-$16/sq ft (highest maintenance)
The Formula
Total = (Perimeter × Wall height − Doors/Windows) × (Material $/sf + Install $/sf + Tear-off $/sf) × Waste factor
Most siding projects use a 10% waste factor for cuts around windows, gables, and corners — bump it to 15% for two-story homes or complex rooflines.
How to Measure Your House for Siding
- Walk the perimeter with a tape measure — add up each side in linear feet.
- Measure wall height from foundation to soffit (typical: 9 ft single-story, 18 ft two-story).
- Multiply perimeter × height for gross wall area.
- Subtract the area of doors and windows (a standard 3x5 ft window = 15 sq ft).
- Add 10-15% waste for cuts and trim.
Vinyl vs. Fiber Cement: Which Wins in 2026?
Vinyl is the budget king — about 40% cheaper installed than fiber cement. But James Hardie fiber cement still leads the Remodeling Cost vs. Value report with an 88.5% national resale recoup in 2026, vs. ~80% for vinyl. For homes you'll stay in 7+ years, fiber cement usually wins. For rentals or short-term holds, vinyl is the smart pick.
Hidden Costs Most Estimates Miss
- Tear-off and disposal: $1-$2/sq ft
- House wrap (Tyvek): $0.40-$0.75/sq ft
- New J-channel, corner posts, fascia trim: 8-12% of material cost
- Rotted sheathing repair: $200-$1,000 per spot found
- Permits: $200-$500 in most US cities
Run your numbers with the free calculator — pick material, enter perimeter and wall height, and see installed cost in seconds.
Open Siding Replacement CalculatorFAQ
How much does it cost to re-side a 2,000 sq ft house in 2026?
About $12,000-$16,500 for vinyl, $18,000-$25,000 for fiber cement, and $22,000-$32,000 for cedar — installed, with tear-off.
Is siding replacement worth it?
Yes — fiber cement returns 88.5% at resale (2026 Remodeling Cost vs. Value), the highest of any major exterior remodel. Vinyl returns about 80%.
How long does siding replacement take?
A standard 2,000 sq ft home takes 5-10 days for a 2-3 person crew, depending on weather and tear-off complexity.
Written by Javed Niamat
Javed Niamat is a home renovation cost analyst and the founder of RenoCalc Hub. He tracks US remodeling labor rates, material pricing and contractor bids across all 50 states, and builds the free calculators behind every guide on this site.
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