Brick veneer typically costs more to install than Hardie fiber-cement siding, though the gap depends on wall area, labor, and the condition of the house. For a typical home, installed prices often run about $15,000-$40,000 for Hardie siding and $25,000-$60,000 for brick veneer.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hardie siding installed | $7 per sq ft | $11 per sq ft | $16 per sq ft | Fiber cement, standard trim and access |
| Brick veneer installed | $12 per sq ft | $18 per sq ft | $28 per sq ft | Mortar, ties, and typical wall preparation |
| 2,000 sq ft wall area | $14,000 Hardie | $22,000 Hardie | $32,000 Hardie | Hardie total before unusual repairs |
| 2,000 sq ft wall area | $24,000 brick | $36,000 brick | $56,000 brick | Brick veneer total before unusual repairs |
Installed prices for brick veneer and Hardie siding
For exterior wall coverage, Hardie siding commonly costs $7-$16 per square foot installed, with many standard projects near $9-$13. Brick veneer often runs $12-$28 per square foot, with typical straightforward jobs around $15-$21. Rates generally include basic materials, labor, and ordinary installation supplies, but not extensive sheathing repairs or major trim changes.
Brick veneer is commonly 30%-70% more expensive than Hardie on a comparable wall area. These figures describe veneer attached to a framed house, not full-thickness structural brick, which requires different construction and can cost substantially more. Assumptions: U.S. contractor pricing, standard-grade products, accessible walls, and no major structural repair.
What brick and Hardie installation quotes include
Quotes can look different because brick requires masonry supplies and more installation time, while Hardie work may involve more cutting, flashing, and trim detailing. The table shows typical component ranges per square foot of wall area; actual contractor bids may combine these charges.
| Cost component | Hardie siding | Brick veneer | What changes the charge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $3-$7 per sq ft | $5-$12 per sq ft | Product grade, profile, brick style |
| Labor | $3-$7 per sq ft | $6-$13 per sq ft | Cutting, layout, crew skill, wall height |
| Preparation and flashing | $1-$3 per sq ft | $1-$4 per sq ft | Weather barrier, drainage details, repairs |
| Removal and disposal | $1-$4 per sq ft | $2-$6 per sq ft | Existing material and disposal access |
| Trim and accessories | $2-$8 per linear ft | $3-$10 per linear ft | Corner boards, openings, sill details |
Ask whether removal, house wrap, flashing, trim, and cleanup are included. A low bid may exclude these items or price them separately. Labor can be estimated as ; contractor labor rates commonly fall around $50-$100 per hour, though most siding bids are quoted by area or as a project total.
How wall area, brick type, and siding profile change the price
Wall area is a major driver: a 1,500-square-foot exterior at $11 per square foot is about $16,500 for Hardie, while 2,500 square feet at that rate is about $27,500. Gables, dormers, many windows, and second-story walls increase cutting and access time. Some contractors deduct large openings; others use gross wall area, so estimates should state the measurement method.
Complexity can outweigh the material difference on small or heavily detailed homes. Standard Hardie lap boards usually cost less than board-and-batten or shingle-style layouts, which require more trim and labor. Brick pricing also varies by brick grade and pattern; special colors or patterns can add roughly $2-$8 per square foot. Wall heights above 20 feet or steep, difficult access can add 10%-25% to labor.
Which material takes longer to install on a 2,000-square-foot home
A typical crew may install Hardie siding over roughly 500-1,000 square feet per day, completing a straightforward 2,000-square-foot wall area in about 3-6 working days. Brick veneer may progress at about 150-300 square feet per day, taking around 7-14 working days. Weather, crew size, openings, and staging can extend either schedule.
Brick’s slower installation is a central reason its labor allowance is higher. A two-person Hardie crew may handle a simple project, while brick jobs commonly need a mason and helper or a larger crew. Ask for the expected crew size and workdays, plus the daily rate or change-order terms if hidden damage is found.
How regional labor rates shift siding estimates
Labor markets and freight affect both materials, but masonry availability can make brick prices especially variable. Large metro areas and high-cost coastal markets may run 10%-25% above national midrange estimates. Rural markets can be 5%-15% below those rates when crews are available and delivery distances are short; remote locations may instead pay more for transport.
Compare local bids using the same wall area and written scope. A quote from a nearby masonry contractor may be more competitive than one requiring long-distance crew travel. Hardie products are widely distributed, but regional labor, trim requirements, and climate-specific flashing details still affect the total.
Three comparable quotes for common exterior scopes
These examples use installed rates and include ordinary preparation, but exclude extensive sheathing replacement, painting where not specified, and major structural work. Their purpose is to show how area and finish choices affect the comparison.
| Project example | Hardie estimate | Brick veneer estimate | Scope notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1,500 sq ft, simple walls | $10,500-$19,500 | $18,000-$36,000 | Basic profile, modest trim |
| 2,000 sq ft, standard home | $18,000-$26,000 | $30,000-$42,000 | Typical materials and access |
| 2,500 sq ft, detailed exterior | $32,500-$47,500 | $50,000-$70,000 | More openings, trim, and access needs |
For a fair comparison, request identical coverage and matching allowances for removal, trim, and repairs. If one quote excludes painting or disposal, add those costs before deciding which material is cheaper.
Ways to control the brick-versus-Hardie siding bill
Keeping the existing wall sheathing when it is sound can avoid repair charges, but the contractor should inspect it after removal rather than assume it is reusable. Simplifying gables, corner details, and window trim can reduce labor for either finish. For Hardie, a standard lap profile is generally less costly than intricate layouts; for brick, common brick and straightforward running-bond installation usually cost less than specialty selections or patterns.
Compare at least three itemized bids and avoid paying for unneeded upgrades. Scheduling outside peak contractor demand may improve availability, but weather and local booking patterns matter. Confirm permits, disposal, flashing, and any required code upgrades with the contractor and local building department before treating the quoted total as final.