Pine shiplap siding typically costs $6-$12 per square foot installed, with a national average near $9 per square foot. The final price depends on board grade, siding thickness, wall preparation, finish, labor rates, and whether old siding must be removed.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Installed pine shiplap | $6/sq ft | $9/sq ft | $12/sq ft | Standard boards, installation, and basic trim |
| Materials only | $2/sq ft | $3.50/sq ft | $6/sq ft | Board grade and finish affect price |
| 1,500-sq-ft wall project | $9,000 | $13,500 | $18,000 | Before major repairs or extensive removal |
What pine shiplap siding costs per square foot
For a typical exterior project, installed pine shiplap runs about $6-$12 per square foot of siding area. A straightforward 1,000-square-foot job may total $6,000-$12,000; a 2,000-square-foot project may reach $12,000-$24,000. These estimates assume standard-grade pine, ordinary wall access, and basic installation over a sound surface.
Budget roughly $9 per square foot for a midrange installation before unusual repairs or premium finishing. Board footage is not the same as wall area: windows and doors reduce the siding quantity, while gables, cut waste, and short runs can raise it. Assumptions: U.S. midrange labor rates, standard pine, normal access, and no structural repairs.
How boards, labor, and removal shape the quote
A written estimate should separate materials from installation and identify prep, trim, and disposal charges. The table shows common planning ranges; contractor quotes vary with local wages, board profile, and job size.
| Quote item | Typical price | What changes the charge | Common billing unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pine boards | $2-$6 | Grade, thickness, length, and factory finish | Per sq ft |
| Installation labor | $3-$6 | Wall height, layout, cuts, and access | Per sq ft |
| Old siding removal | $1-$3 | Existing material and disposal distance | Per sq ft |
| Trim and corner boards | $4-$12 | Profile, material, and total linear footage | Per linear ft |
| Paint or stain | $1-$3 | Coats, surface condition, and finish type | Per sq ft |
Removal and finish work can add several thousand dollars to a full-house quote. Labor can be estimated as ; siding crews commonly charge about $50-$100 per worker-hour, though many price the work by area instead.
Board thickness, grade, and wall height change pricing
Clear, tight-knot pine usually costs more than lower-grade boards with visible knots or defects. A thicker board or custom profile can add roughly 15%-40% to material cost. For exposed exterior walls, compare the specified thickness and grade rather than relying on a quote that simply says “pine shiplap.”
Wall height and detailing can matter as much as the board price. Two-story walls, steep rooflines, and gables may add 10%-25% to labor compared with easy one-story walls. Large openings require careful cuts; complex corners and many windows increase trim and installation time. If the wall needs sheathing repair or a moisture barrier, ask for that work as a separate line item.
How much do pine siding crews charge by region?
Location changes labor, delivery, and contractor availability. As a rough comparison, rural areas with accessible materials may come in 5%-15% below the national midpoint, while high-cost coastal metros can run 15%-30% above it. These are planning adjustments, not fixed regional price schedules.
Compare local bids using the same siding area, board grade, and finish scope. A low quote may exclude removal, house wrap, flashing, or painting. In areas with wet or freeze-thaw weather, confirm that the estimate includes appropriate weather protection and installation details; cutting those items can create repair expenses later.
What removal, paint, and wall repairs add
Removing existing siding often adds $1-$3 per square foot, plus disposal charges if debris hauling is not included. Replacing damaged sheathing may add about $2-$5 per square foot of repaired area, depending on access and material. Installing or replacing a weather barrier can add around $0.50-$1.50 per square foot.
Ask whether each add-on applies to the whole wall or only affected areas. Painting or staining generally costs $1-$3 per square foot, with more for extensive scraping or multiple coats. Some pine products arrive unfinished and need prompt sealing; confirm who supplies and applies the coating, and whether cut ends receive treatment.
Three pine shiplap project budgets to compare
These examples illustrate how size and job scope change totals. They assume standard pine and typical access; local quotes may differ.
| Project example | Scope | Estimated total | Approximate installed rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small accent wall | 200 sq ft, materials and labor, no removal | $1,200-$2,400 | $6-$12/sq ft |
| Single-story exterior | 1,000 sq ft, basic trim, modest prep | $7,000-$14,000 | $7-$14/sq ft |
| Two-story exterior | 2,000 sq ft, removal, trim, and finish | $20,000-$36,000 | $10-$18/sq ft |
Removal, high walls, and finishing explain why larger jobs may exceed the basic installed range. Check whether each total includes tax, delivery, flashing, waste allowance, and cleanup before comparing bids.
Ways to lower a pine shiplap siding estimate
Measure the actual siding area, then have each contractor verify it on site. Keep the board grade and profile consistent across bids, and separate necessary wall repairs from optional upgrades. Scheduling during a contractor’s less-busy period may improve availability, but weather and regional demand affect timing.
Reduce cost by controlling scope rather than skipping moisture protection or sound installation. If existing siding is stable and suitable as a base, ask whether removal is required; local code and wall condition determine whether it can remain. Handle simple site clearing or move outdoor items before the crew arrives, but leave cutting, flashing, and weather-barrier work to qualified installers.