LP SmartSide typically costs more than vinyl siding: installed prices often run $7-$12 per sq. ft. for LP and $4-$8 per sq. ft. for vinyl. The final quote depends on siding area, tear-off, trim, finish, wall condition, and local labor rates.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vinyl siding installed | $4 per sq. ft. | $6 per sq. ft. | $8 per sq. ft. | Standard panels and straightforward installation |
| LP SmartSide installed | $7 per sq. ft. | $9.50 per sq. ft. | $12 per sq. ft. | Engineered wood siding; finish options affect price |
| Vinyl on 1,800 sq. ft. | $7,200 | $10,800 | $14,400 | Siding coverage, excluding major repairs |
| LP SmartSide on 1,800 sq. ft. | $12,600 | $17,100 | $21,600 | Siding coverage, excluding major repairs |
Assumptions: U.S. midrange labor, standard profiles, accessible walls, and no extensive sheathing replacement. Siding area is not the home’s floor area.
Installed LP SmartSide and Vinyl Siding Prices
For a typical home with 1,800 sq. ft. of exterior siding coverage, vinyl commonly totals $7,200-$14,400, while LP SmartSide commonly totals $12,600-$21,600. Average project budgets are about $10,800 for vinyl and $17,100 for LP SmartSide before unusual repairs, permit fees, or premium trim packages.
LP SmartSide’s average installed premium is about $6,300 on this example, or roughly 58% over average vinyl pricing. Per-square-foot averages are approximately $6 for vinyl and $9.50 for LP. Smaller homes may have higher per-square-foot pricing because mobilization and setup costs are spread over less siding.
Where LP SmartSide and Vinyl Quotes Spend the Money
Materials, removal, and installation account for most of the price difference. Vinyl panels are generally less expensive and do not need field painting. LP SmartSide costs more as a product and may require paint or touch-up depending on the finish selected and the manufacturer’s requirements.
| Quote component | Vinyl range | LP SmartSide range | What changes the charge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Siding material | $1.50-$3.50 per sq. ft. | $3-$5.50 per sq. ft. | Profile, thickness, finish, and brand |
| Installation labor | $2-$4 per sq. ft. | $3-$5.50 per sq. ft. | Cutting, fastening, wall layout, and crew rates |
| Trim and accessories | $0.50-$1.50 per sq. ft. | $0.75-$2 per sq. ft. | Corner boards, starter strips, and window trim |
| Removal and disposal | $1-$3 per sq. ft. | $1-$3 per sq. ft. | Existing siding type and disposal distance |
| Paint or finish work | $0-$0.50 per sq. ft. | $0-$2 per sq. ft. | Factory finish, field painting, and coats needed |
Labor alone can vary by thousands of dollars, so the quote should separate installation from materials and finish work. Ask whether flashing, house wrap, caulking, and removal are included rather than assuming they are covered by the per-square-foot price.
How Wall Area, Trim, and Finish Change the Quote
Siding area is the clearest price driver: an extra 500 sq. ft. at average rates adds about $3,000 for vinyl or $4,750 for LP SmartSide. Gables, dormers, multiple stories, and many windows create more cuts and setup time than a simple rectangular exterior.
Trim scope also matters. Replacing window and door trim can add roughly $5-$15 per linear ft. for materials and labor, with detailed custom work costing more. A factory-finished LP product can reduce on-site painting, but color and finish selections may increase the material quote.
Wall repairs can change a siding estimate substantially. Replacing damaged sheathing may add $2-$5 per sq. ft. of affected wall, while house wrap installation commonly adds $0.50-$1.50 per sq. ft. A steep roofline, restricted access, or a second-story work area can raise labor costs by 10%-25%.
Can Prep Work and Scope Choices Lower Siding Cost?
Keeping sound existing siding in place, when permitted by the product instructions and local code, can avoid removal and disposal charges. If old siding must come off, get a separate price for removal so the added expense is visible and comparable across bids.
Choose standard colors and profiles, limit decorative trim changes, and repair only documented wall damage rather than replacing sound sheathing. Homeowners can clear shrubs and move outdoor items before the crew arrives, but should leave flashing, water barriers, and siding installation to qualified installers.
Compare at least three written bids using the same siding area, tear-off scope, trim details, finish, and warranty assumptions. A lower quote may omit house wrap, disposal, painting, or repairs; confirm those line items before comparing totals.
Which Siding Wins on 20-Year Upkeep Costs?
Vinyl does not need routine painting, but damaged panels may need replacement and color matching can be difficult as siding ages. LP SmartSide can be painted and offers a wood-like appearance, but its finish may need maintenance over time. Follow the manufacturer’s installation, clearance, sealing, and repainting instructions to protect coverage and durability.
As a rough planning allowance, repainting LP SmartSide may cost $2-$5 per sq. ft. when needed, depending on preparation and paint quality. This is not an annual charge; timing depends on exposure, finish, and upkeep. Vinyl repair costs vary by damage and access, with small repairs often priced at $200-$600 because of minimum service charges.
Vinyl usually has the lower initial and routine finish expense, while LP SmartSide costs more upfront in exchange for a different appearance and paintable surface. A 20-year comparison should include the initial installation, repairs, any LP repainting, and the cost of replacing damaged sections.
How Regional Labor Rates Shift Siding Prices
Installed prices in lower-cost rural markets may be about 10%-20% below the ranges in the table, while major coastal cities and high-cost metro areas can run 15%-30% higher. Local differences reflect crew wages, insurance, travel, contractor demand, and disposal fees.
Weather and timing also influence availability. In regions with short exterior-building seasons, peak spring and summer schedules can limit contractor choice; booking during a slower period may help, but weather delays and material lead times still matter. Quotes should state whether temporary protection is included if work is interrupted.
Use local bids as the final budget benchmark, not a national average. Confirm the contractor has priced the same wall area and specifications, since a regional price comparison is misleading when one bid includes tear-off or premium trim and another does not.
Three Siding Quotes for a 1,800-Square-Foot Exterior
These examples illustrate how scope affects the total; they assume ordinary access and no major structural repairs. Actual bids depend on local rates, material selections, and the condition of the walls.
| Example | Scope and rate | Labor assumption | Estimated total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic vinyl | 1,800 sq. ft. at $5 per sq. ft. | 80-100 crew-hours | $9,000 |
| Midrange vinyl with tear-off | 1,800 sq. ft. at $7 per sq. ft. | 100-130 crew-hours | $12,600 |
| LP SmartSide with finish and trim | 1,800 sq. ft. at $10.50 per sq. ft. | 120-160 crew-hours | $18,900 |
Assumptions: Rates combine typical materials and labor; tear-off and trim are included only where stated. Crew-hours represent total worker time, not elapsed calendar days.
For an apples-to-apples decision, request itemized totals for siding, labor, trim, removal, disposal, finish, and wall repairs. The cheaper material may not produce the lowest final bill if it requires extra preparation or if the bid excludes essential work.