True log siding cost typically runs $15-$30 per sq. ft. installed, with a national midpoint near $22 per sq. ft. The total depends on wall area, wood species, log profile, existing siding removal, and local labor rates; a 2,000-sq.-ft. wall surface may cost roughly $30,000-$60,000.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Installed true log siding | $15/sq. ft. | $22/sq. ft. | $30/sq. ft. | Standard wood profile, labor included |
| Materials only | $8/sq. ft. | $12/sq. ft. | $18/sq. ft. | Species and thickness affect price |
| 2,000 sq. ft. of wall area | $30,000 | $44,000 | $60,000 | Before major repairs or upgrades |
What installed true log siding costs per square foot
True log siding uses solid wood boards shaped to resemble logs, rather than thin vinyl or engineered panels. Installed pricing commonly falls between $15 and $30 per sq. ft. of covered wall, including standard fastening and trim. Premium species, custom profiles, or difficult access can exceed that range.
For a typical 2,000-sq.-ft. exterior wall area, a straightforward installation may total $30,000-$44,000; higher-grade wood and extensive site work can push the bill toward $60,000 or more. Wall area means the siding surface, not the home’s interior floor area.
Assumptions: standard pine or cedar profile, sound sheathing, ordinary access, and midrange U.S. labor rates. Confirm whether a contractor’s per-square-foot quote includes trim, housewrap, removal, and finish coats.
How wood, crew labor, and removal shape the quote
Quotes divide the project among siding boards, installation, preparation, and finish work. The ranges below are typical allowances per square foot of siding area; project totals vary with the home’s layout and condition.
| Quote item | Low | Average | High | What changes the charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wood siding materials | $8/sq. ft. | $12/sq. ft. | $18/sq. ft. | Species, profile, thickness |
| Installation labor | $5/sq. ft. | $8/sq. ft. | $12/sq. ft. | Cutting, fastening, wall height |
| Removal and disposal | $1/sq. ft. | $3/sq. ft. | $6/sq. ft. | Existing siding type and disposal fees |
| Trim and finish | $1/sq. ft. | $3/sq. ft. | $6/sq. ft. | Corner boards, stain, sealant |
Some costs are quoted separately instead of as a per-square-foot allowance. Rot repair, flashing, and replacement of damaged sheathing may add several hundred to several thousand dollars after the old exterior is opened.
Labor and material together account for most standard bids, but removal and repairs can materially change the final total.
Does log diameter or wood species change the price?
Yes. Pine is often among the lower-cost choices, while cedar, fir, and specialty species can raise material prices. A thicker or more deeply rounded profile also uses more wood and may take longer to install. Ask for the species, nominal thickness, coverage width, and finished profile in writing.
Two thresholds help explain quote differences: boards around 2-3 inches thick generally cost less than profiles 4 inches or thicker, and walls above 10 feet often require more setup or lift equipment. Complex corners, gables, and window openings also increase cutting time compared with long, unobstructed walls.
Installation labor is often estimated at roughly $50-$100 per crew-hour, with productivity changing by profile and access. Compare bids using the same wall area and specified board dimensions.
What do three real-world siding bids look like?
A small, simple project costs less per square foot than a full exterior because setup and trim are spread across fewer wall sections. These examples use approximate installed rates and assume ordinary access without major structural repairs.
| Project scope | Area and rate | Estimated total | Typical work time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Garage exterior, pine | 800 sq. ft. at $17-$21/sq. ft. | $13,600-$16,800 | 4-6 workdays |
| One-story home, mixed trim | 1,600 sq. ft. at $20-$25/sq. ft. | $32,000-$40,000 | 8-12 workdays |
| Two-story home, cedar profile | 2,400 sq. ft. at $25-$32/sq. ft. | $60,000-$76,800 | 12-18 workdays |
Schedules assume a small siding crew and dry weather. Extensive removal, staining, scaffold moves, or repairs can add days and raise labor charges.
Use wall measurements—not bedroom count or floor area—to check whether a bid’s total is plausible.
Why regional labor rates shift log siding prices
Labor and delivery costs vary across the country. In high-cost coastal metros, installed quotes may run 15%-30% above the national midpoint; rural areas with nearby mills and lower labor rates may come in 5%-15% below it. Remote locations can still cost more if boards require long-distance freight.
Climate and contractor availability also matter. Cold, wet, or very humid conditions can limit installation and finishing windows, while busy exterior-remodeling seasons may reduce scheduling flexibility. A local quote should identify freight, lift rental, and any seasonal mobilization charge rather than burying them in a vague allowance.
Compare at least two local bids with the same wood species, profile, finish, and removal scope.
Which preparation and add-ons raise the final bill?
Removing old siding commonly adds $1-$6 per sq. ft., depending on material, layers, and disposal. Housewrap or drainage-plane work may add about $0.50-$2 per sq. ft. when not included. Staining and sealing can cost roughly $1-$4 per sq. ft., depending on product and whether the boards arrive prefinished.
Other possible charges include corner and window trim, flashing corrections, scaffold or lift rental, and replacing soft sheathing. Permits are not typically a major line item for siding alone, but local rules may require them when the project changes structural components or includes substantial exterior work.
Get written allowances for hidden rot and confirm how extra work is priced before installation begins.
How can homeowners lower true log siding expense?
Measure the actual wall surface and subtract large openings, then have the contractor verify the takeoff; inaccurate area estimates can distort every comparison. Keep the existing siding only if the wall assembly is sound and local code allows the installation method. Removing it may be necessary to inspect damage or install proper moisture control.
Choosing a readily available pine profile, limiting custom trim, and ordering boards in one coordinated shipment can reduce material and freight costs. Completing accessible clearing or moving outdoor items before the crew arrives may save time, but structural repairs and flashing should remain professional work.
Ask for separate prices for removal, repairs, finish, and trim, then compare the complete scope rather than selecting the lowest base rate. Avoid paying for a premium profile if a standard profile meets the appearance and durability requirements.
The most dependable savings come from controlling the specified wood, trim details, and change orders—not skipping necessary weather protection.