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.
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.
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