Homeowners typically pay a wide range to finish an exterior wall, with brick and siding representing two major pricing forks. The cost to brick a house versus siding hinges on material choice, square footage, and local labor rates, so buyers should compare both price and value when budgeting for exterior work.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brick by area (per sq ft installed) | $10 | $15 | $25 | Common clay brick with standard mortar |
| Siding by area (per sq ft installed) | $3 | $7 | $15 | Common vinyl or fiber cement options vary by material |
| Total project (2,000 sq ft house) | $20,000 | $35,000 | $60,000 | Assumes full exterior, typical finishes |
| Labor per hour | $40 | $65 | $125 | Regional variation common |
| Permits and inspections | $200 | $1,000 | $3,000 | Depends on locality |
Assumptions: Midwest labor rates, standard materials, single-story to two-story homes, normal access, typical weather window.
Brick Exterior Cost Components and Typical Ranges
The brick route typically carries higher upfront costs but longer-term durability. For a standard 2,000 sq ft footprint, installed brick often ranges from $15 to $25 per sq ft, with total project costs commonly between $30,000 and $60,000 depending on mortar color, brick type, and scaffolding needs.
Key drivers include brick type (clay versus concrete units), bond pattern, mortar mix, and the number of openings that require special lintels or arches. Higher-end brick and ornate detailing increase both material and labor costs.
| Materials | Labor | Equipment | Permits | Delivery/Disposal | Warranty | Overhead | Taxes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brick units, mortar, sealer | 20-40% of total | Includes scaffolding | 1-2 small permits | Delivery to site, waste | 5-10 years | 5-12% | Varies by state |
Siding Options and Price Per Square Foot Installed
Installed siding typically runs from $3 to $15 per sq ft for common options, translating to roughly $6,000 to $30,000 for a 2,000 sq ft house depending on material and ease of access. Vinyl is on the lower end, while fiber cement and specialty engineered wood sit higher.
Material choices affect maintenance costs as well: vinyl requires less upkeep, but fiber cement may reduce repainting frequency and extend life in harsh climates.
| Materials | Labor | Equipment | Permits | Delivery/Disposal | Warranty | Taxes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vinyl siding | 40-60% of total | Basic removal and install tools | 0-1 | Minimal disposal | 20-30 years | 5-8% |
| Fiber cement siding | 25-40% of total | Cutting and safety gear | 1-2 | Waste handling | 25-50 years | 5-10% |
| Engineered wood or wood siding | 30-50% of total | Specialty installation | 1-2 | Scrap disposal | 30-40 years | 5-9% |
Labor rates differ significantly across the U.S., impacting both brick and siding projects. In the Northeast and West Coast, installed brick can push toward $20-$25 per sq ft, while the Midwest may land closer to $12-$18 per sq ft. Siding labor mirrors material choices but often scales with complexity of trim work and window openings.
Expect a regional delta of roughly 10% to 25% between low-cost markets and high-cost markets, with coastal cities showing the largest spreads for both brick and siding.
Durability and upkeep affect long-term cost per year. Brick commonly lasts 50+ years with minimal maintenance, though pointing and sealing may be required every 10-15 years. Siding, depending on material, ranges from 20 to 50 years; vinyl may crack in extreme cold, while fiber cement resists moisture but may require repainting after 15-25 years.
Maintenance costs should be included in the life-cycle view, especially when comparing replacement versus repair scenarios.
Project duration scales with crew composition and wall complexity. A brick install on a 2,000 sq ft home typically needs 3-6 workers over 10-14 days, weather permitting. Siding projects with standard vinyl or fiber cement crews may finish in 5-10 days for the same size, depending on access and window/door work.
A longer installation horizon increases labor exposure and contingency costs, particularly for brick where scaffolding and safety considerations dominate.
Smart budgeting choices can trim price without losing performance. Consider mid-range siding to balance upfront expense and maintenance, or phase the project to reduce labor downtime. Choose standard brick sizes and a common mortar color to minimize waste. If replacement rather than full brick is acceptable, partial brick on key facades can lower total cost.
Shop multiple estimates and request itemized quotes with clear unit pricing to compare value rather than just total cost.