Replacing rotted wood siding typically costs $8-$20 per sq. ft. installed, with many partial repairs totaling $1,500-$5,000. The final price depends on how much siding and sheathing are damaged, the wood species, access and local labor rates.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small siding patch | $300 | $700 | $1,500 | Several boards, localized damage |
| Partial replacement | $1,500 | $3,500 | $7,000 | About 100-350 sq. ft. |
| Large wall replacement | $5,000 | $10,000 | $18,000+ | About 400-800 sq. ft., possible sheathing work |
| Installed wood siding | $8 per sq. ft. | $13 per sq. ft. | $20+ per sq. ft. | Materials and installation, before major repairs |
Typical prices for replacing rotted siding boards
For a small area with sound framing, a contractor may charge $300-$1,500 to remove and replace a few boards, seal the repair, and blend the finish. Replacing 100-350 sq. ft. commonly costs $1,500-$7,000. A larger wall or several elevations can reach $18,000 or more when extensive wood and underlying materials need replacement.
A practical planning range is $8-$20 per sq. ft. for installed wood siding, plus any concealed rot repairs. The estimate assumes standard lap siding, ordinary access, and primed or painted replacement boards. Cedar, historic profiles, custom milling, and high-cost metro areas can push rates higher.
Assumptions: U.S. pricing, standard wood lap siding, normal access, and no major structural reconstruction.
What removal, boards, and labor add to the quote
Quotes can bundle materials and labor or list them separately. The following ranges illustrate common charges for a partial repair; costs vary with siding style, paint matching, and disposal needs.
| Quote item | Typical price | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Wood siding boards | $3-$10 per sq. ft. | Common pine or cedar; premium profiles cost more |
| Removal and installation labor | $4-$10 per sq. ft. | Taking off damaged boards and fitting replacements |
| Paint, primer, and caulk | $1-$4 per sq. ft. | Sealing and coating the repaired area |
| Sheathing or housewrap repair | $2-$8 per sq. ft. | Extra work if damage extends behind siding |
| Hauling and disposal | $100-$500 per job | Removed siding and job debris |
Labor and materials often make up most of the bill, while hidden sheathing damage can change the scope. Contractors may also apply a minimum service charge of $250-$600 for a small repair, even when only a few boards need replacing.
How rot depth and wall height change siding prices
Surface-level rot limited to a few boards costs less than damage that reaches sheathing, studs, or window trim. If the contractor finds soft or deteriorated sheathing, replacing it may add $2-$8 per sq. ft. of affected area; framing repairs are typically priced separately after the area is opened.
Damage beyond the siding is the most important reason an initial repair allowance can increase. A 50-sq.-ft. patch may be straightforward if the wall is dry and structurally sound, while a 200-sq.-ft. repair that includes sheathing and flashing can exceed $4,000.
Height and access also matter. Work on a single-story wall may use ladders, while a second-story elevation or steep, obstructed area may require scaffolding and add roughly $300-$1,500. Matching narrow exposure, beveled boards, or historic trim can add material and fitting time.
Regional labor rates shift wood siding replacement quotes
Prices in high-cost coastal metros and dense cities can run about 15%-35% above the national middle, particularly where parking, access, or disposal is difficult. Many rural and lower-cost markets may come in 10%-20% below that middle, though remote travel and limited contractor availability can offset savings.
Compare quotes for the same measured area and repair scope, not just the total price. A bid should state the siding type, square footage, finish work, and whether it includes a contingency for sheathing. Local rates also vary by season and by the availability of crews experienced with older wood profiles.
How long a siding repair takes and what crews charge
A small patch often takes one worker or a two-person crew about 4-8 hours, while a 100-350-sq.-ft. replacement may take 1-3 workdays. A typical carpenter or siding installer rate is about $50-$100 per hour, but many contractors quote the whole project rather than bill hourly.
Painting, careful board matching, and opening a wall to inspect moisture can extend the schedule. Rain or damp wood may delay installation because replacement boards and exposed wall materials need suitable conditions. Ask whether labor, cleanup, and return visits for finish coats are included.
Three repair scopes show how the totals can differ
A 20-sq.-ft. patch on a one-story wall, using standard pine and no sheathing repairs, might cost $500-$1,200 after a small-job minimum and finish work. A 150-sq.-ft. section with cedar boards, removal, and repainting could total $2,000-$4,500.
Broader damage and difficult access can quickly move a repair into a higher price tier. For example, replacing 450 sq. ft. on a second-story wall, including scaffolding, some sheathing, and disposal, may cost $7,000-$13,000. These examples assume ordinary U.S. labor rates and do not include major framing reconstruction.
Ways to control the cost without leaving rot behind
Have the contractor identify the moisture source, such as a failed gutter, flashing, or caulk joint, before installing new boards. Otherwise, water may damage the replacement siding. Request separate pricing for the visible repair and any allowance for concealed sheathing so the quote makes uncertainty clear.
Keep replacement limited to sound, well-defined areas, but do not cover active rot. Standard stock boards usually cost less than custom-milled profiles; confirm that the dimensions and appearance are acceptable. Comparing two or three written bids can reveal differences in paint, disposal, access equipment, and warranty terms.
If the existing siding is broadly deteriorated, compare the repair total with a full-wall replacement rather than adding repeated patches. Avoid paying to replace healthy siding solely for a cosmetic upgrade unless matching and future maintenance make that choice worthwhile.