Understanding the cost difference between brick and Hardiplank fiber cement siding helps homeowners budget accurately. Typical totals hinge on material price, labor, installation complexity, and regional labor markets. This article provides low, average, and high price ranges in USD, with per-square-foot details when relevant, and clearly identifies what drives the price gap.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Installed siding per sq ft | $6.50 | $9.50 | $13.50 | Brick varies by brick type and wall prep |
| Brick veneer installed per sq ft | $9.00 | $12.50 | $16.50 | Includes masonry veneer installation |
| Hardiplank fiber cement per sq ft | $4.50 | $6.50 | $9.50 | Material plus priming/paint could vary |
| Labor for brick wall prep per sq ft | $2.00 | $3.50 | $5.50 | Wall straightening, lath, mortar work |
| Labor for Hardiplank per sq ft | $1.80 | $2.60 | $4.00 | Caulking, nailing, fastening |
| Permits and inspections | $100 | $400 | $900 | Region dependent |
| Delivery/ haul-away (material) per job | $150 | $400 | $900 | Location-based |
Assumptions: Midwest labor rates, standard wall area, two-story home, typical 7-9 inch brick bond or 5/8 inch fiber cement thickness, and standard paint schedules for Hardiplank.
Base Price Per Square Foot By Siding Type
Brick siding tends to carry a higher base price than Hardiplank due to material and labor intensity. Brick installed on an exterior wall averages from $9 to $14 per sq ft installed, with brick veneer often landing between $12 and $16 per sq ft. In contrast, Hardiplank fiber cement typically ranges from $6 to $9 per sq ft installed, depending on coating and sealant needs. Pricing reflects material cost, scaffolding, brickwork accuracy, and control of expansion joints.
As a quick comparison, a 2,000 sq ft home might see brick at roughly $18,000–$28,000 installed (not including prep) versus Hardiplank at about $12,000–$20,000. Regional labor markets can push these figures higher or lower.
Cost Breakdown: Major Quote Components
Brick and Hardiplank quotes share core components: materials, labor, equipment, permits, and finish work. The following table shows typical line items and ranges. Material choices, window/door openings, and wall complexity drive the final total.
| Category | Brick | Hardiplank | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $4.50–$8.50/ sq ft | $2.50–$5.50/ sq ft | |
| Labor | $3.00–$5.50/ sq ft | $1.80–$3.50/ sq ft | |
| Equipment/Scaffolding | $0.50–$1.50/ sq ft | $0.30–$1.20/ sq ft | |
| Permits | $100–$700 | $100–$700 | |
| Delivery/Disposal | $100–$400 | $100–$400 | |
| Finish/Paint (if needed) | $0–$3.50/ sq ft | $0–$2.50/ sq ft |
Key Quote Drivers That Shift Final Costs
Two major drivers commonly swing the total: wall area and wall preparation complexity. A 2,500 sq ft home has more perimeter to cover than a 1,200 sq ft ranch, increasing both material and labor needs. Another driver is wall condition: curved surfaces, irregular corners, or damaged sheathing add time and materials. Smaller homes with straight walls generally price lower than complex geometry projects.
Variables That Change the Final Quote
Numeric thresholds to watch: if wall area exceeds 2,000 sq ft, costs rise nonlinearly due to extra scaffolding and crew days. For brick, a veneer application on a two-story elevation adds labor intensity versus a single-story façade. For Hardiplank, roofs, trim, and corner boards can add $1–$4 per sq ft. Seam alignment and color-matching requirements also influence final numbers.
Practical Ways To Lower The Brick Or Hardiplank Price
To trim the bill without sacrificing quality, consider scope control and material choices. Consolidate openings where possible, opt for standard brick patterns instead of custom bonds, or choose factory-painted Hardiplank instead of on-site painting. Scheduling during mild weather reduces labor delays. Bundling two or more exterior projects with the same contractor can yield discounts. Ask for itemized quotes to compare exact material and labor lines.
Regional Price Variations And Market Pressure
Coast-to-midwest markets show notable differences. In coastal cities with high labor costs, brick installations can exceed $12 per sq ft, while in suburban Midwest ranges may sit closer to $9–$11 per sq ft. Hardiplank generally tracks $6–$9 per sq ft in many regions, with higher paints or finishes pushing toward the upper end. Region and contractor availability are practical price levers.
Maintenance And Longevity: Long-Term Cost Impacts
Brick tends to be durable with low maintenance but may require tuckpointing over decades, adding $2–$5 per sq ft every 15–20 years. Hardiplank offers resistance to pests and rot, with repaint cycles about every 10–15 years, typically $2–$5 per sq ft then. Long-term ownership cost can diverge despite similar initial quotes.
Installation Time And Crew Size Implications
Brick projects commonly require larger crews and longer timelines, impacting labor cost and scheduling. A 2,000 sq ft brick job can take 2–3 weeks on a two-story house, while Hardiplank might complete in 5–12 days with a smaller crew. Timing windows and crew availability affect overall price.
Per-Unit Scenarios: Brick Veneer Versus Solid Brick
For veneer, price per square foot is typically lower than solid brick due to thinner material and faster installation. Veneer on a standard 2,000 sq ft home could land in the $12,000–$20,000 range, while solid brick could rise to $18,000–$28,000+. Hardiplank remains a scalable option at $12,000–$20,000 for the same size. Material strategy around veneer vs solid influences the final quote.
Regional Comparison: Suburban Home On Average
In suburban markets, a typical 2,000 sq ft home receives quotes in the following bands: brick $18,000–$28,000, brick veneer $12,000–$20,000, Hardiplank $12,000–$20,000. For multi-story homes, expect 5–15% higher costs due to scaffolding and safety measures. Local labor markets drive variance more than product names alone.