The cost of brick and Hardie siding varies widely by project specifics, regional pricing, and installation complexity. This article focuses on price ranges and key drivers to help buyers estimate a realistic budget for both options. The word “cost” and “price” appear here to address common buyer questions on overall expense and value.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brick veneer (installed) | $12/sq ft | $18/sq ft | $22/sq ft | |
| Full brick (installed) | $20/sq ft | $30/sq ft | $40/sq ft | |
| Fiber cement (Hardie) siding (installed) | $9/sq ft | $12/sq ft | $14/sq ft | |
| Labor (swing factor) | $3–$5/sq ft | $6–$9/sq ft | $10+/sq ft | |
| Delivery, permits, disposal | $0.50–$2/sq ft | $1–$2.5/sq ft | $3+/sq ft |
Overview Of Costs
Cost ranges below reflect typical residential exterior projects in the United States, including material, labor, and basic site preparation. Brick veneer is generally cheaper than full brick, while Hardie fiber cement offers lower maintenance with moderate up-front costs. Assumptions: standard single-story or two-story homes with common wall heights, no major structure modifications, and normal climate conditions.
Cost Breakdown
Below is a 4–6 column table showing major cost components for both brick and Hardie siding. The values include material, labor, equipment, permits, and disposal where applicable. Assumptions: region, house size, wall complexity.
| Component | Brick Veneer (Low) | Brick Veneer (Avg) | Brick Veneer (High) | Hardie Siding (Low) | Hardie Siding (Avg) | Hardie Siding (High) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $12/sq ft | $18/sq ft | $22/sq ft | $9/sq ft | $12/sq ft | $14/sq ft |
| Labor | $3–$5/sq ft | $6–$9/sq ft | $10+/sq ft | $3–$5/sq ft | $6–$9/sq ft | $10+/sq ft |
| Equipment | $1–$2/sq ft | $1–$2/sq ft | $2–$3/sq ft | $1–$2/sq ft | $1–$2/sq ft | $2–$3/sq ft |
| Permits | $0.50–$2/sq ft | $0.50–$2/sq ft | $0.50–$2/sq ft | $0.50–$2/sq ft | $0.50–$2/sq ft | $0.50–$2/sq ft |
| Disposal | $0.25–$1/sq ft | $0.25–$1/sq ft | $0.25–$1/sq ft | $0.25–$1/sq ft | $0.25–$1/sq ft | $0.25–$1/sq ft |
| Subtotal Range (per sq ft) | $15–$29 | $24–$40 | $34–$65 | $12–$19 | $19–$29 | $26–$43 |
What Drives Price
Several factors influence overall price for brick and Hardie siding. Material choice, wall height, and curb appeal requirements are primary. For brick, the decision between veneer and full brick dramatically shifts costs; veneer typically costs less but may require structural considerations for anchors and insulation. For Hardie siding, the exact profile (smooth vs textured), color options, and required seam and trim work affect both material and labor. Exterior insulation and finishing systems (EIFS) or existing moisture barriers can also alter total expenditures.
Cost Drivers
- Brick veneer vs full brick: Veneer is cheaper upfront but may still require a support wall, ties, and flashing.
- Hardie siding details: Texture, board width, and paint-ready finishes impact per-square-foot costs.
- Wall conditions: Repair, replacement of damaged sheathing, or moisture remediation adds to price.
- Climate considerations: Regions with freeze–thaw cycles may require additional drainage or moisture barriers.
Regional Price Differences
Prices vary across regions, with notable deltas between urban, suburban, and rural markets. In the Northeast and West Coast, higher labor rates and material handling costs commonly push totals upward. The Midwest and Southern regions tend to be more cost-competitive, though permit fees and contractor availability can affect timing and pricing. On average, expect ±10–25% variations from the national midpoints depending on location and project scope. Assumptions: regional labor rates, supply chain conditions.
Labor & Installation Time
Labor costs for brick and Hardie siding depend on wall height, length, and complexity, including openings, corners, and existing trim. A standard installation for a 1,500 sq ft exterior project might range from 2–4 weeks onsite, with crews of 2–4 workers. Labor hours and crew size are primary determinants of total price, especially when scaffolding or lifts are required for multi-story homes or difficult access.
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Real-World Pricing Examples
Three scenario cards illustrate typical projects and highlight variation in cost drivers. Assumptions: region, wall complexity, and material choices.
-
Basic Brick Veneer, Standard Suburban Home — 1,500 sq ft, veneer only, basic flashing.
- Materials: $12–$18/sq ft
- Labor: $4–$7/sq ft
- Totals: $27,000–$44,000
-
Mid-Range Hardie Siding, Two-Story Home — 2,000 sq ft, smooth finish, color-matched trim.
- Materials: $11–$13/sq ft
- Labor: $6–$9/sq ft
- Totals: $40,000–$78,000
-
Premium Brick Veneer, Custom Detailing — 2,200 sq ft, high-end brick, reinforced substrate.
- Materials: $20–$22/sq ft
- Labor: $8–$12/sq ft
- Totals: $98,000–$132,000
Maintenance & Ownership Costs
Hardie siding typically offers lower maintenance costs over 20–30 years due to color stability and resistance to rot. Brick, while durable, may incur higher maintenance in moisture-prone areas and potential repointing intervals every 25–50 years. Five-year cost outlooks often show Hardie as more cost-stable for maintenance, while brick may require occasional repointing and resealing in damp climates.
Seasonality & Price Trends
Pricing can fluctuate with material supply cycles and labor availability. Winter installations may incur higher scaffold and heater costs, while late spring or early fall windows often yield more favorable scheduling and sometimes lower overall costs. Seasonal timing can affect both material pricing and contractor availability.
Permits, Codes & Rebates
Some jurisdictions require permits or inspections for exterior siding work, and certain energy-efficiency or local rebate programs may influence the total price or net cost after incentives. Weigh these potential credits against any added compliance costs to determine a true lifetime price. Assumptions: local building codes and incentives.