Homeowners typically pay for log siding with price drivers including material type, labor, and project scope. The cost ranges shown reflect installed pricing and per-square-foot or per-linear-foot options. This article details the exact price ranges you can expect, plus the main cost components and how region, log type, and job size shift the total.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Installed log siding (overall) | $8 per sq ft | $14 per sq ft | $40 per sq ft | Includes materials, labor, and basic finish |
| Per-square-foot material cost (basic pine) | $2.50 | $4.50 | $6 | Stock rough-sawn species |
| Per-square-foot material cost (cedar/hardwood) | $6 | $9 | $14 | Higher durability and appearance |
| Labor (installation) per sq ft | $4 | $8 | $18 | Includes fastening, sealing, and prep |
| Trim and finishing per linear ft | $2 | $4 | $9 | Corner posts, window/door trims |
| Permits and inspections | $0 | $250 | $1,000 | Region-dependent |
| Delivery/haul-away | $50 | $250 | $800 | Site-access dependent |
Assumptions: Midwest labor rates, standard 6-inch x 8-foot logs, typical one-story home, standard access, 1,500 sq ft total siding scope.
Typical Installed Log Siding Price Ranges by Material
Prices vary with material choice and finish. For a standard 1,500 square-foot exterior, installed log siding generally falls into three tiers. Rough-sawn pine or spruce commonly delivers the lowest installed price, cedar or tropical woods push the mid-range, and engineered or premium full-log systems reach higher figures. In most regions, pine systems range from $8 to $14 per sq ft total, cedar from $12 to $22 per sq ft, and premium full-log or engineered systems from $20 to $40 per sq ft. Assumptions: average regional labor, standard supply, typical square footage, no major access issues.
Cost Breakdown By Component: Materials, Labor, and More
Breaking out where money goes helps spot savings opportunities. A middle-range installed log siding project often allocates roughly 40-60% of the budget to materials, 30-40% to labor, and the remainder to permits, disposal, and finishes. A representative 1,500 sq ft job might look like this: materials $6,000–$12,000, labor $6,000–$12,000, finishes and trim $1,500–$3,000, permits $0–$1,000, delivery $100–$600.
| Category | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $6,000 | $9,000 | $18,000 | Pine to cedar ranges |
| Labor | $6,000 | $9,000 | $18,000 | Crew of 2–3, several weeks |
| Finish/Trim | $1,000 | $2,000 | $3,500 | Sealants, color, guard |
| Permits/Fees | $0 | $250 | $1,000 | Depends on locality |
| Delivery/Disposal | $50 | $250 | $800 | Site access dependent |
How Log Type and Log Size Hit the Price
Log dimensions and species directly affect material cost and installation effort. Larger logs and longer runs require more handling and faster cutting, increasing both materials and labor. A project using 6-inch-by-8-foot logs will cost less per square foot than full-diameter log siding that uses 8- to 12-inch logs. Expect pine to stay at the lower end, while handcrafted cedar or hardwood species push price, especially when engineered or pre-finished options are chosen.
Regional Variations Across the United States
Location changes the bottom line in obvious ways. The West and coastal states tend to run higher installation rates due to labor costs and access, while the Midwest and South can be more affordable. In coastal areas, you may see total installed prices at the higher end of the pine range ($10–$14 per sq ft) or cedar at $18–$28 per sq ft. Interior regions often sit closer to pine’s lower to mid range ($8–$16 per sq ft).
Labor Time, Crew Size, and Hourly Rates for Log Siding
Labor pricing hinges on crew size and project duration. A typical crew of two to three installers may require 1–3 weeks for 1,500 sq ft, depending on complexity and weather. Hourly rates usually range from $50 to $95 per hour per crew, with variability by region. For a 1,500 sq ft home, total labor can be roughly $6,000–$12,000 in standard conditions.
Per-Unit and Per-Foot Pricing You Can Compare
Unit-based pricing helps you compare bids quickly. Expect materials priced per square foot in the $2.50–$14 range depending on species, with installation labor typically $4–$18 per sq ft. If a contractor quotes per linear foot for trim work, common ranges are $2–$9 per linear ft. For 1,000 linear ft of trim, that alone could be $2,000–$9,000.
Other Cost Drivers: Permits, Disposal, and Extras
Additional charges add up and vary by locale. Permits, plan checks, and inspections can add hundreds to thousands of dollars. Disposal and demolition of old siding, delivery to the site, and special finishes (stain, sealant) influence total cost. If the project includes roof fascia work or structural work, costs rise accordingly. Plan for contingencies of 5–15% for unexpected issues.
Three Real-World Quote Scenarios
Realistic quotes help set your budget expectations.
– Scenario A: 1,200 sq ft pine siding, standard finish, Midwest, one-story home. Materials $4,800, labor $5,400, trim $1,000, permits $0, total $11,200.
– Scenario B: 2,000 sq ft cedar siding, pre-finished, West Coast, two-story home. Materials $18,000, labor $14,000, trim $3,500, permits $800, total $36,300.
– Scenario C: 1,500 sq ft engineered log siding, maintenance-free, South, single-story. Materials $12,000, labor $9,500, trim $2,000, permits $300, total $23,800.
Ways to Reduce Log Siding Costs Without Cutting Corners
Smart scope decisions save money and preserve value. Consider matching repairs with replacements to avoid duplicate work, choose standard profile logs rather than custom milling, and schedule during off-peak seasons when contractors have more availability. Compare quotes from at least two installers, bundle exterior projects, and opt for maintenance-friendly finishes that reduce future upkeep. Assess whether removing old siding is necessary or if a clean overlay is feasible in your climate.