The purpose is to compare typical installed costs for brick veneer, full brick, and fiber cement Hardie board siding. Cost drivers include material type, surface area, labor rates, and regional pricing dynamics. The following estimates use common Midwest, South, and coastal market ranges to help with budgeting.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brick veneer installed per sq ft | $12 | $18 | $22 | Lightweight veneer over backing; typical midrange materials |
| Full brick exterior per sq ft | $18 | $28 | $40 | Labor-intensive; includes mortar and brick |
| Fiber cement Hardie board per sq ft | $9 | $12 | $14 | Includes siding and basic finish |
| Installed cost for 2,000 sq ft (brick veneer) | $24,000 | $36,000 | $44,000 | Assumes standard 6 inch veneer over plywood backing |
| Installed cost for 2,000 sq ft (Hardie plank) | $18,000 | $24,000 | $28,000 | Assumes standard 5.5 inch plank and trim |
| Material-only comparison (2,000 sq ft) | $14,000 | $28,000 | $60,000 | Based on unit prices; excludes labor |
Overview Of Costs
Cost ranges cover materials and installation labor for typical single story homes. Brick veneer generally costs more per square foot than fiber cement siding when installed, due to heavier materials and longer labor hours. Assumptions: standard wall height, no major structural changes, regionally typical labor rates.
Cost Breakdown
Main cost elements include materials, labor, and optional accessories such as flashing and sealants. Labor and installation time drive a large portion of the total, especially for full brick that requires more mortar joints and brick handling.
| Column | Materials | Labor | Equipment | Permits | Delivery/Disposal | Contingency |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brick veneer | $6–$11/sq ft | $6–$9/sq ft | $1–$2/sq ft | Included | $1–$2/sq ft | 5–10% |
| Full brick | $8–$15/sq ft | $8–$14/sq ft | $1–$3/sq ft | Typically required | $1–$3/sq ft | 8–12% |
| Hardie plank | $3–$6/sq ft | $5–$8/sq ft | $1–$2/sq ft | Often not | $0.5–$1.5/sq ft | 6–10% |
Assumptions: region, wall area, wall height, and labor hours.
Factors That Affect Price
Material type and thickness have a direct impact on price. Brick veneer uses lighter units but adds labor for mortar and placement. Hardie board costs depend on plank width and profile. A higher roof pitch or unusually large openings increases installation time.
Seam and finish considerations
Brick joints, mortar color, and texture choices add both material and labor costs. For Hardie board, selecting premium trim, coatings, or waterproofing coats can raise the per sq ft price.
Ways To Save
Consider midrange or standard profiles, plan for consistent wall height, and request bulk material pricing. Bulk purchase and local crew availability can shift costs by several percent regionally.
Regional Price Differences
Prices vary across three broad U S regions. In the Northeast, brick work may carry higher labor rates due to specialized crews, while the South might see lower installation costs but higher material variability. Rural areas tend to have lower labor charges but higher delivery fees for brick and fiber cement materials.
Labor & Installation Time
Labor is a major share of total cost. Brick veneer installations typically require more crew hours per square foot than fiber cement siding. Average install times range from 0.5 to 1.0 hour per sq ft for brick veneer and 0.25 to 0.5 hour per sq ft for Hardie plank, depending on wall complexity.
Additional & Hidden Costs
Hidden costs include scaffold or lift rental, cavity flashing, sealant, and paint or protective coatings for Hardie board. Sealing and moisture management can add to long term maintenance, especially in humid coastal zones.
Real-World Pricing Examples
Three scenario cards illustrate typical outcomes with distinct specs and labor profiles.
Scenario 1 — Basic Brick Veneer: 2,000 sq ft wall, standard veneer, no difficult geometry. Materials $6–$11/sq ft, labor $6–$9/sq ft. Total installed range roughly $24,000–$44,000.
Scenario 2 — Mid-Range Hardie Board: 2,000 sq ft, smooth plank, standard trim, no unusual openings. Materials $3–$6/sq ft, labor $5–$8/sq ft. Total installed range roughly $24,000–$32,000.
Scenario 3 — Premium Brick with Detailing: 2,000 sq ft, decorative bond patterns, richer mortar, specialized repointing. Materials $8–$15/sq ft, labor $8–$14/sq ft. Total installed range roughly $40,000–$112,000 depending on pattern complexity.
Assumptions: region, specs, labor hours.
Maintenance & Ownership Costs
Brick exteriors typically require repointing every 25–40 years and occasional tuckpointing, while fiber cement siding generally offers low maintenance with annual inspections. Long-term ownership costs favor Hardie board for lower maintenance exposure in many markets, though brick can deliver durable aesthetics with proper upkeep.
Seasonality & Price Trends
Material shipments and crew availability vary seasonally. Off-season installation in late fall or winter can yield savings if weather permits. Regional demand spikes in spring can raise costs by a few percent in busy markets.
Permits, Codes & Rebates
Local rules may require inspections or permit fees for exterior remodels. Some regions offer rebates for energy efficiency with certain siding choices; check local programs for potential credits or subsidies.
Cost Compared To Alternatives
Compared with stucco or vinyl siding, brick veneer often carries higher initial costs but may improve resale value. Fiber cement sits between brick and vinyl in price and provides greater durability than vinyl with moderate costs versus brick.
FAQ
Q: Do I need permits for exterior brick or fiber cement work? A: Often yes, depending on location and scope. Q: How long does installation take? A: Typical projects span days to a few weeks, based on area and crew size.