Prices for Diamond Kote and LP SmartSide siding vary by material type, profile, and installation complexity. The main cost drivers are material grade, finish or coating, house square footage, regional labor rates, and removal or disposal needs. This guide outlines the typical price ranges and what influences them, helping buyers estimate budget accurately.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Diamond Kote (materials + installation) | $6.00 | $9.50 | $14.00 | Engineered wood siding with prefinished Diamond Kote coating; installation adds labor |
| LP SmartSide (materials + installation) | $4.50 | $7.50 | $9.50 | Engineered wood siding with LP SmartSide product; coatings vary by provider |
| Typical 2,000 sq ft project (total installed) | $12,000 | $18,000 | $28,000 | Assumes standard elevation, mid-range fasteners, and average removal |
| Per-sq ft installed (two-coat or finish option) | $6.00 | $9.25 | $14.00 | Ranges reflect finish quality and location |
Overview Of Costs
Cost ranges reflect material price plus professional installation. For a mid-sized home, total installed prices typically fall in the $12,000–$22,000 zone for LP SmartSide and the $16,000–$28,000 zone for Diamond Kote under standard conditions. Assumptions: region, specs, labor hours.
Cost Breakdown
| Column | Materials | Labor | Equipment | Permits | Delivery/Disposal | Warranty | Contingency |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Diamond Kote | $4.50–$8.50 / sq ft | $2.50–$4.50 / sq ft | $0.50–$1.50 / sq ft | $0.20–$0.60 / sq ft | $0.20–$0.70 / sq ft | Included or optional | 5–10% of project |
| LP SmartSide | $3.50–$6.50 / sq ft | $2.00–$3.75 / sq ft | $0.40–$1.20 / sq ft | $0.15–$0.50 / sq ft | $0.15–$0.60 / sq ft | May be included by installer | 5–12% of project |
What Drives Price
Finish quality and coating type drive a large portion of Diamond Kote costs, while LP SmartSide costs depend more on the board type and any factory or installer coatings. Labor rate differences by region, job complexity, and removal of old siding add to totals. Regional material availability and the need for weatherproofing or additional flashing can also shift prices.
Factors That Affect Price
Material profile (thickness and profile) affects both weight and install time. Siding panels with grooves or battens add labor minutes per piece. Climate considerations, such as high humidity regions, may require surface prep and primer, increasing costs. For Diamond Kote, the prefinished coating adds upfront cost but reduces finishing labor later.
Ways To Save
Shop multiple quotes and confirm scope to avoid scope creep. Consider LP SmartSide as a lower-cost alternative to Diamond Kote if finish customization is less important. Scheduling work in shoulder seasons can shave labor rates, and requesting bundled services (installation plus trim work) can reduce per-task markup.
Regional Price Differences
Prices vary by region due to labor markets and material transport. In the Northeast, installed costs tend to be higher than the South, while the Midwest often sits between. Urban areas show higher labor and delivery charges compared with suburban or rural zones. Regional delta examples: Northeast +10–20%, South −5–10%, Midwest +0–+8% relative to national averages.
Labor, Hours & Rates
Average crew rates typically range from $50–$110 per hour depending on local demand and project complexity. For a 2,000 sq ft home, install time might be 3–6 days for a standard crew, with Diamond Kote finishing potentially adding a day of trim and coating work. data-formula=”labor_hours × hourly_rate”>
Additional & Hidden Costs
Hidden costs may include porch or deck removal, tall elevation work, extensive rotted sheathing replacement, and flashing upgrades. Some contractors bill for scaffold rental, weather delays, or additional nails and caulk. Always request a full breakdown of line items with your quote.
Real-World Pricing Examples
Basic scenario: 2,000 sq ft home, LP SmartSide, standard elevation, no major repairs. Materials $3.50–$4.50 / sq ft, labor $2.00–$3.00 / sq ft, total installed $12,000–$18,000. Assumptions: single-story, mid-grade finish.
Mid-Range scenario: 2,000 sq ft, LP SmartSide with mid-level coating and trim, additional flashing. Materials $4.50–$6.50 / sq ft, labor $2.50–$3.75 / sq ft, total installed $15,000–$22,000. Assumptions: two-story, moderate roof complexity.
Premium scenario: 2,000 sq ft, Diamond Kote with premium finish and upgraded trim package, complex elevations. Materials $7.00–$9.50 / sq ft, labor $3.50–$5.00 / sq ft, total installed $22,000–$34,000. Assumptions: multiple elevations, extensive prep work.