Quarter log siding prices typically range from $8 to $16 per sq ft installed, with a common 1,500-sq-ft project costing about $12,000 to $24,000. Wood species, wall preparation, trim, access, and regional labor rates affect the final quote; material-only prices are usually lower.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Installed quarter log siding | $8 per sq ft | $12 per sq ft | $16 per sq ft | Standard wood, straightforward installation |
| Siding material | $3 per sq ft | $5.50 per sq ft | $9 per sq ft | Species, grade, and finish change price |
| 1,500 sq ft of wall area | $12,000 | $18,000 | $24,000 | Installed, before major repairs or upgrades |
| Removal of old siding | $1 per sq ft | $2 per sq ft | $4 per sq ft | More if hazardous material requires abatement |
Installed quarter log siding prices by wall area
For a typical home with 1,200 to 1,800 sq ft of exterior wall area, the installed price often falls between $9,600 and $28,800. A middle-range project at $12 per sq ft comes to $18,000 for 1,500 sq ft. These figures assume standard pine or similar siding, normal wall access, and no major sheathing replacement.
Most standard jobs budget around $10 to $14 per sq ft installed. Higher-grade cedar, custom stain, complex corners, and premium trim can push a quote above $16 per sq ft. Prices are generally based on wall surface, not the home’s floor area, and installers may subtract large doors and windows differently.
Assumptions: U.S. midrange labor rates, standard wood profile, normal access, and sound wall sheathing.
How wood, labor, and trim shape the quote
A siding estimate combines the boards with installation work and the details needed to finish corners, windows, and transitions. The ranges below show common shares for a straightforward wood installation; line items can vary by contractor and location.
| Quote item | Typical price | What changes the charge |
|---|---|---|
| Quarter log siding material | $3-$9 per sq ft | Species, grade, profile, and finish |
| Installation labor | $4-$8 per sq ft | Wall layout, cutting, access, and crew rates |
| Corner and window trim | $3-$10 per linear ft | Wood type, profile, and detail count |
| Underlayment and flashing | $0.50-$2 per sq ft | Existing weather barrier and required repairs |
| Old siding removal | $1-$4 per sq ft | Number of layers and disposal distance |
Labor and trim together can account for a substantial share of the installed price. Ask whether the quote includes fasteners, flashing, caulk, stain, cleanup, and disposal, since omitted work can appear as an additional charge later.
A crew rate of $50-$100 per worker-hour may be used for small repair or detail work, while full siding bids are commonly priced by area.
Board thickness, wood species, and wall condition
Species and profile thickness affect both material cost and installation time. Pine and other widely available softwoods commonly land near $3-$6 per sq ft for boards, while cedar and selected grades can reach $6-$9 or more. A thicker profile may improve the log-like appearance but adds weight and can require more fastening or adjusted trim.
Wall condition is another major variable. Replacing damaged sheathing can add roughly $2-$6 per sq ft of affected area, excluding extensive framing work. A wall that is out of plumb or has many windows, gables, or outside corners also takes longer to fit and finish than a simple rectangular elevation.
When comparing material prices, confirm the stated coverage and profile dimensions. A board’s face width and overlap determine how many square feet each piece covers, so price per board alone is not a reliable comparison.
Regional labor rates and difficult access change totals
Labor-heavy markets in major coastal cities can run about 15%-30% above a typical national estimate, while some rural areas may be 5%-15% below it. These are planning adjustments, not guaranteed local quotes; contractor availability, travel distance, and seasonal demand can outweigh broad regional averages.
Two-story walls, steep ground, scaffolding needs, and limited staging space can add 10%-25% to labor on affected elevations. For example, a $18,000 standard estimate might rise by $1,800-$4,500 if difficult access adds that percentage. Confirm whether scaffolding, lift rental, and delivery are included.
Access conditions should be priced by elevation, not assumed to affect every wall equally. Photos and a measured walk-around help contractors identify where equipment or extra setup is needed.
Labor time for a 1,500-square-foot siding job
A straightforward 1,500-sq-ft installation may take a three-person crew about 5-8 working days, including layout, fitting, and trim. Removing old siding or correcting wall damage can extend the schedule by several days. Smaller crews may need longer, and rain or cold weather can interrupt work when staining or sealing is part of the scope.
Labor estimates depend on crew size, wall shape, and preparation rather than square footage alone. A quote should separate installation from removal and repairs so the homeowner can see how extra work changes the total.
Request a written description of crew work and job duration. This makes it easier to compare a low bid that excludes preparation with a more complete price.
Three quarter log siding quotes for common homes
These examples use installed rates that include typical labor and standard trim, but exclude major structural repairs. Actual bids depend on local pricing and exact measurements.
| Scenario | Wall area | Rate | Estimated total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small cabin, simple walls | 900 sq ft | $9-$11 per sq ft | $8,100-$9,900 |
| Mid-size home, standard pine | 1,500 sq ft | $11-$14 per sq ft | $16,500-$21,000 |
| Large home, cedar and complex trim | 2,200 sq ft | $14-$18 per sq ft | $30,800-$39,600 |
The large-home example costs more per square foot because premium material and detailed trim raise the rate. The totals do not include unusual disposal, wall reconstruction, or special access equipment.
Wood quarter logs compared with vinyl alternatives
Quarter log wood siding provides a natural surface that can be stained or painted, but it needs periodic finish maintenance. Vinyl siding with a log-like profile may cost roughly $5-$11 per sq ft installed, depending on quality and trim, and generally needs less repainting. Its appearance and repair method differ from real wood, so the lower initial price is not a direct material-for-material comparison.
Wood finish work may cost about $1-$3 per sq ft when staining or sealing is needed, with timing influenced by sun exposure and product instructions. A homeowner comparing long-term expense should ask how the initial quote treats finish application and whether future maintenance is excluded.
Compare installed totals and upkeep, not just the siding material price. Existing compatible wood siding may also be repairable, especially when damage is limited to a few boards rather than widespread moisture or rot.
Keep quarter log siding costs down through scope control
Accurate measurements and a defined material grade help prevent a padded contingency or later change orders. Get at least three itemized bids using the same wall area, species, thickness, trim details, and finish. Clarify whether contractors include removal, weather barrier, waste, delivery, and cleanup.
Keeping sound existing sheathing and removing only damaged boards can reduce preparation expense, provided the wall remains dry and structurally suitable. Standard profiles and locally available wood may cost less than custom lengths or premium grades. Scheduling outside the busiest local construction period can also improve contractor availability, though weather may limit work in some regions.
Control upgrades and verify exclusions before choosing the lowest quote. A low bid that omits trim, finish, or disposal may end up costing more than a complete estimate.