Hardiplank siding, a cement board option, blends durability with a mid-range price profile. Buyers typically evaluate installation cost, materials, and long-term maintenance when estimating the total price. The main cost drivers include square footage, removal of existing siding, surface prep, and local labor rates. This article presents practical price ranges to help estimate the total cost for a typical home.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Material (Hardiplank panels, fiber cement) | $2.50 | $5.75 | $7.50 | Per sq ft; excludes fasteners |
| Labor (install, removal of existing, prep) | $8.00 | $12.50 | $20.00 | Per sq ft; varies by complexity |
| Installation Time (Crew hours) | 6–8 | 10–14 | 16–22 | Typical 1,500–2,500 sq ft homes |
| Permits & Inspections | $100 | $400 | $1,000 | Dependent on jurisdiction |
| Delivery/ Disposal | $50 | $150 | $350 | Material drop fees, haul-away |
| Warranty & Miscellaneous | $50 | $150 | $300 | Manufacturer & contractor warranty |
Assumptions: region, specs, labor hours.
Typical Cost Range
Hardiplank siding installed typically ranges from $8.50 to $12.00 per sq ft for a standard installation, including materials and labor. For larger homes or complex elevations, costs can rise to about $14.00 per sq ft or more. When you exclude removal of old siding or additional repairs, the price tends to sit at the lower end of the range. Total project costs usually fall between $12,000 and $40,000 for most mid-sized homes, depending on square footage and regional labor rates.
Per-unit comparison shows about $5.75–$7.50 per sq ft for materials and about $12.50–$20.00 per sq ft for installed labor, with extra costs for prep, trim, and accessories. data-formula=”labor_hours × hourly_rate”> If a project requires substantial removal of existing siding, the cost can push toward the high end of the range.
Cost Breakdown
| Category | Low | Average | High | Notes | Per-Unit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $2.50 | $5.75 | $7.50 | Hardiplank panels, priming, caulk | $2.50–$7.50/sq ft |
| Labor | $8.00 | $12.50 | $20.00 | Preparation, fastening, finishing | $12.50–$20.00/sq ft |
| Equipment | $0.25 | $0.75 | $1.50 | Scaffolding, lifts, cutters | $0.25–$1.50/sq ft |
| Permits | $100 | $400 | $1,000 | Local permit/inspection fees | N/A |
| Delivery/Disposal | $50 | $150 | $350 | Truck delivery, disposal of old siding | N/A |
| Contingency | 5% | 10% | 15% | Unforeseen repairs | N/A |
Assumptions: project involves standard two-story home, no major structural repairs, regional labor rates apply.
What Drives Price
Material quality and thickness affect durability and price; Hardiplank is typically thicker and more durable than some vinyl options. Labor intensity and square footage scale costs quickly on larger homes or those with complicated layouts. Roof lines, window/door trim complexity, and destruct/install time for outdoor fixtures all add to the budget.
Ways To Save
Shop for bulk or contractor discounts and request a staggered timeline to reduce labor churn. Bundle siding with window/door trim work to gain efficiency. Consider a phased approach if the home has extensive elevations, which can flatten peak labor costs.
Regional Price Differences
Prices vary by region due to labor markets and material shipping. In the Northeast, expect higher labor rates, while the Midwest may offer mid-range pricing. The West Coast can exceed national averages because of higher material costs and shipping. In urban markets, delivery and crew costs tend to be higher than in suburban or rural areas. Typical deltas: Northeast +10–20%, West Coast +15–25%, Midwest regional baseline.
Labor & Installation Time
Labor time depends on wall complexity, removal needs, and prep work. A straightforward installation on a rectangular, single-story home may require fewer crew hours than a multi-story house with multiple bays and intricate trim. Expect crew sizes of 2–4 workers for standard installations, with larger homes needing more labor hours. data-formula=”labor_hours × hourly_rate”>
Additional & Hidden Costs
Hidden costs can include moisture barrier upgrades, siding removal without replacement prep, or trim replacement beyond standard kits. If gutters or porches require remediation, those add-ons raise the total. Order a precise trim and accessory list to minimize surprises.
Real-World Pricing Examples
- Basic: 1,500 sq ft, standard two-story with minimal payoff: Materials $2.50/sq ft, Labor $12.50/sq ft, Permits $200, Disposal $100. Estimated total: $29,250; Per sq ft installed: ~$19.50.
- Mid-Range: 2,000 sq ft, moderate complexity, existing siding removal: Materials $5.75/sq ft, Labor $15.00/sq ft, Permits $350, Delivery/Disposal $180. Estimated total: $68,000; Per sq ft installed: ~$17.00.
- Premium: 2,500 sq ft with complex elevations and full trim upgrade: Materials $7.50/sq ft, Labor $20.00/sq ft, Permits $700, Delivery/Disposal $260. Estimated total: $130,000; Per sq ft installed: ~$23.00.
These scenarios assume standard labor rates and typical home configurations. Prices reflect Hardiplank panels with fingernail fasteners, moisture barrier prep where needed, and basic trim kits.