The price to install brick exterior vs Hardie Board siding varies widely by size, region, and material quality. This article presents clear cost ranges, per‑unit pricing, and practical drivers to help readers budget accurately for brick or Hardie Board projects. The focus is on the cost, including what drives price, typical quotes, and ways to trim spending without compromising durability.
Assumptions: Midwest-to-Southeast regions, standard 8–10 ft walls, mid-range materials, typical labor rates, normal access.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brick material (tone/finish) | $6,000 | $11,000 | $18,000 | Per 1,000 units; includes basic clay brick |
| Hardie Board siding material | $5,000 | $9,500 | $14,500 | Fiber cement panels; includes trim pieces |
| Labor (installation) | $4,000 | $9,500 | $15,000 | Brick often higher; depends on mortar and detail work |
| Equipment and scaffold rental | $1,000 | $2,500 | $4,500 | Brick requires heavier setup |
| Permits and inspections | $0 | $1,200 | $2,500 | Code checks, local fees vary |
| Delivery/Disposal | $300 | $1,000 | $2,000 | Waste removal and debris handling |
| Contingency (8–15%) | $1,200 | $2,300 | $4,000 | Project risk reserve |
Brick Exterior Cost Range by Material Type and Size
Brick layouts typically cost more upfront, with per‑square‑foot pricing that reflects clay or concrete units and mortar mix. For a standard 2,000‑sq‑ft wall area, brick can run $7 to $12 per sq ft installed for common brick, plus mortar and corner work. A full 2,000 sq ft project often lands between $14,000 and $24,000, but premium options or special finishes can push higher. Factors like bond pattern, decorative headers, and interior brick edge details affect the total. Assumptions: 3/0 gauge joints, standard corbeling, no seismic retrofit.
Hardie Board Siding Cost Range by Panel Size and Siding Type
Hardie Board prices are driven by panel width, thickness, and profile (flat, beaded, or shingle look). Typical 2,000 sq ft installations fall in the $8 to $14 per sq ft range, including materials and labor, with total projects commonly between $16,000 and $28,000. Regions with higher labor rates or scaffold needs can push toward $30,000+. Per‑square‑foot cost tends to be lower on longer runs and when factory‑factory‑applied trim is used. Assumptions: Water‑resistant underlayment, proper flashing, standard architectural trim.
Labor and Materials Split for Brick vs Hardie Board Installs
Labor generally accounts for a larger share in brick projects due to bricklaying complexity and mortar curing time. Expect labor to be 50–65% of total on brick, and 40–55% on Hardie Board installations. Example: a 2,000 sq ft brick job might show $7,000–$10,000 in labor, while Hardie Board may show $6,000–$8,000. Per‑hour rates for crews typically range $55–$95, with crew sizes of 2–4 workers common. Assumptions: Mid‑range crew efficiency, standard weather, no scaffolding upgrades.
Regional Price Variations For Brick and Hardie Board Projects
Location matters: urban markets show higher material access costs and peak‑season labor demand. In the Northeast or West Coast, brick projects can exceed $18 per sq ft installed for premium options, while Hardie Board often stays closer to $9–$13 per sq ft in those regions. Rural markets may see 10–20% lower quotes on both materials, depending on contractor competition and freight. A representative 2,000 sq ft job could range from $20,000 to $36,000 regionally. Assumptions: Moderate to high building height, standard weather windows, typical permitting.
Common Size Scenarios Drive Total Costs For Brick and Hardie Board
Project scope shapes pricing as much as material choice. For a single story, 1,500 sq ft house, brick may land around $12,000–$22,000 total, while Hardie Board often lands at $11,000–$18,000. For a two‑story, 2,500 sq ft home, brick can range $25,000–$40,000, Hardie Board $22,000–$34,000. Each scenario changes requirements for scaffolding, edge details, window trims, and corners. Assumptions: Standard openings, no custom arches, normal wall access.
Material Costs: Brick Per Square Foot Versus Hardie Board Per Square Foot
Per‑sq‑ft math helps compare apples to apples when pricing is quoted as area alone. Brick commonly runs $6–$12 per sq ft installed, depending on type and labor intensity. Hardie Board commonly runs $4–$9 per sq ft installed, with higher ends for premium textures or heavy trim. When factoring moisture barrier, flashing, and paint, add $1–$3 per sq ft. For 2,000 sq ft, brick could be $14,000–$24,000; Hardie Board $12,000–$24,000 before finishes. Assumptions: Standard 7/16″ plywood sheathing, builder‑grade fasteners, basic paint schedule.
Additional Costs To Consider: Furring, Notching, and Finishes
Hidden costs can swing the final price by thousands. Notching around doors and windows, furring strips for flat surfaces, and final coat or sealant adds 2–6% to brick jobs and 4–8% to Hardie Board projects. Scaffold or lift rental adds $1,000–$3,000 depending on height and duration. Corner round, lintel finishes, and brick ledger details can push brick totals higher; Hardie Board may incur extra costs for premium trims and corner boards. Assumptions: Standard weather exposure, no custom artwork or heavy decorative elements.
Ways To Lower Brick or Hardie Board Expenses Without Sacrificing Longevity
Smart planning cuts cost without sacrificing durability. Consider scheduling during shoulder seasons to reduce labor rates and avoid weather delays. Choose standard brick patterns and factory‑applied finishes over custom textures. For Hardie Board, select standard profile panels and minimize field‑cut pieces. Bundle window/door trim rework with the main siding install to reduce trips. Compare quotes with an understanding of scope overlap, and consider controlled demolition and disposal as a separate contract to avoid surprise fees. Assumptions: Similar final look, no major structural repairs, standard warranty terms.
Quote Breakdown: How A Typical Brick Project Breaks Down
Understanding the quote structure helps rate shop effectively. A standard brick job may itemize Materials $7,000–$12,000, Labor $6,000–$10,000, Equipment $1,000–$3,000, Permits $0–$1,500, Delivery/Disposal $300–$1,000, and Contingency $1,000–$4,000. A Hardie Board project might show Materials $6,000–$9,000, Labor $5,000–$8,000, Equipment $1,000–$2,500, Permits $0–$1,000, Delivery/Disposal $200–$800, and Contingency $1,000–$3,000. Compare total quotes with a consistent scope description to avoid skewed comparisons. Assumptions: Mid‑range labor, standard material grades, no specialty coatings.