Homeowners typically pay a broad range for cedar siding replacement, driven by house size, removal of old material, underlayment, and trim work. The main cost levers are materials, labor, labor time, and disposal fees. This guide breaks down the cost, with clear low–average–high ranges and per-unit pricing where relevant.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cedar siding installation | $8,000 | $15,000 | $25,000 | Assumes standard 1,500–2,000 sq ft, 6″ exposure, trim included. |
| Materials (cedar boards) | $10,000 | $18,000 | $32,000 | Includes primary siding, weatherbar, and back priming. |
| Labor (install) | $5,000 | $9,000 | $14,000 | Based on crew of 2–3 over multiple days. |
| Old siding removal & disposal | $2,000 | $4,000 | $8,000 | Depends on material condition and height. |
| Underlayment & moisture barrier | $1,000 | $2,500 | $4,500 | Includes flashing where needed. |
| Permits & inspections | $100 | $800 | $2,000 | Varies by city and project scope. |
| Trim, caulking, finishes | $1,000 | $3,000 | $6,000 | Wrapped corners and corner boards included. |
| Delivery/lead time | $200 | $600 | $1,200 | Delivery charges and scheduling. |
Assumptions: region, house size, height, cedar grade, and finish choices affect price.
Overview Of Costs
Cost ranges reflect typical U.S. projects with standard two-story homes. The average price accounts for mid-grade cedar, mid-range labor, and typical underlayment and trim. Per-square-foot estimates commonly fall between $8 and $12 installed, with total project ranges spanning $12,000 to $30,000+. Higher costs occur with complex architecture, high elevations, or premium cedar species.
Cost Breakdown
Table below shows major cost components and typical shares.
| Component | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $10,000 | $18,000 | $32,000 | Includes siding boards and basic trim. |
| Labor | $5,000 | $9,000 | $14,000 | Crew time for removal, installation, finishing. |
| Installation Time | 2–4 days | 5–10 days | 2–3 weeks | Depends on height, slope, and detailing. |
| Disposal | $2,000 | $4,000 | $8,000 | Old material haul-off. |
| Permits | $100 | $800 | $2,000 | Local requirements vary. |
| Finishing & Trim | $1,000 | $3,000 | $6,000 | Caulking, stain, or paint. |
| Contingency | $500 | $1,500 | $4,000 | Unforeseen framing or moisture issues. |
Factors That Affect Price
Key price drivers include cedar grade, board width, and house height. Cedar grade affects material cost per square foot, while wider boards reduce seams but increase waste. House height and roofline complexity raise labor and equipment needs, particularly for multi-story homes or steep pitches. A typical high-pitch roof + tall gables can add 10–25% to labor costs and 5–15% to materials due to fastener and flashing requirements.
Ways To Save
Planning and staging can shave thousands from a project. Consider replacing siding in dry weather to minimize rain-related delays. Buy cedar during off-peak season or when suppliers run promotions. Request detailed bids that itemize materials, labor, and disposal to compare apples-to-apples. Simple, consistent profiles with standard trim often cost less than custom profiles or hand-sawn look.
Regional Price Differences
Prices vary by market; three regions illustrate typical spreads. Northeast urban areas show higher costs due to labor and permitting, while Midwest suburban markets may sit near the national average. The Southwest can be impacted by heat-related material handling costs. Expect ±10% to ±25% deltas when crossing regions or moving from urban to rural settings.
Real-World Pricing Examples
Three scenario cards provide practical snapshots.
- Basic — 1,600 sq ft house, standard 5/8″ cedar, two-story, mid-grade trim. Labor: 8 days. Materials: mid-grade cedar. Total: about $12,000–$18,000; $7–$11 per sq ft installed.
- Mid-Range — 2,100 sq ft, 6″ exposure, premium grade cedar, detailed trim, moderate height. Labor: 10–14 days. Total: about $18,000–$28,000; $8–$12 per sq ft.
- Premium — 2,800 sq ft, custom profiles, high elevation, meticulous finish (stain + sealant). Labor: 3–4 weeks. Total: about $30,000–$50,000; $11–$18 per sq ft.
Assumptions: region, specs, labor hours.