Wood siding installation cost usually runs $7-$17 per sq. ft. installed, or about $14,000-$34,000 for 2,000 sq. ft. of exterior wall area. Species, siding style, removal work, home height, and local labor rates have the largest effect on the final quote.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Installed wood siding | $7 per sq. ft. | $11 per sq. ft. | $17 per sq. ft. | Labor and standard trim included |
| 2,000-sq.-ft. wall area | $14,000 | $22,000 | $34,000 | Before major structural repairs |
| Material only | $3 per sq. ft. | $6 per sq. ft. | $10 per sq. ft. | Species and profile change the rate |
What Wood Siding Costs on a 2,000-Sq.-Ft. Home
For about 2,000 sq. ft. of siding surface, a basic pine or engineered-wood installation may cost $14,000-$19,000. Midrange cedar or redwood commonly reaches $19,000-$27,000, while premium species, intricate profiles, or difficult access can push a project to $34,000 or more.
These estimates assume sound wall sheathing, standard horizontal courses, typical trim, and no extensive rot repair. Wall area is not the same as a home’s floor area; a contractor measures exterior walls and subtracts openings. Assumptions: U.S. national planning ranges, standard-grade materials, normal access, and ordinary installation conditions. A measured siding-area estimate is more useful than a quote based only on home size.
How Materials, Labor, and Removal Shape the Quote
Contractor quotes may combine materials and installation or list each trade separately. The table shows common budget ranges for a 2,000-sq.-ft. project; overlap can occur when a contractor includes trim or disposal in the installed rate.
| Quote component | Typical range | Pricing basis | What changes it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wood siding materials | $6,000-$20,000 | $3-$10 per sq. ft. | Species, grade, profile |
| Installation labor | $6,000-$12,000 | $3-$6 per sq. ft. | Cutting, layout, access |
| Old siding removal | $1,500-$5,000 | $0.75-$2.50 per sq. ft. | Layers and disposal rules |
| Trim and flashing | $1,000-$4,000 | Project allowance | Window count and detail |
| House wrap and repairs | $800-$5,000 | Project allowance | Water damage and sheathing |
Removal and hidden wall repairs can turn a low material quote into a much larger installed bill. Ask whether the estimate includes disposal, house wrap, corner boards, window trim, flashing, and replacement of damaged sheathing.
Which Species, Profile, and Wall Conditions Raise Prices
Pine and fir are often among the lower-cost solid woods; cedar and redwood typically cost more, especially in higher grades. Beveled lap, shiplap, board-and-batten, and shingles require different installation time and trim details. A change from simple lap siding to decorative shingles can add several dollars per sq. ft.
Project size and geometry matter too. A one-story house with broad, open walls is usually less labor-intensive than a two-story home with steep gables, narrow returns, or many windows. Rot affecting more than 10% of sheathing may add $1,000-$5,000 or more, depending on the repair area and framing condition. Species, profile, and concealed damage are among the strongest quote drivers.
How Many Labor Hours Does Wood Siding Take
A three-person crew may spend about 5-10 working days on 2,000 sq. ft. of straightforward siding, including ordinary trim work. Removal, repairs, complex detailing, or rain delays can extend the schedule to two or three weeks. Installed labor commonly works out to $3-$6 per sq. ft.; premium detailing and high access needs can exceed that range.
For a rough labor check, a 2,000-sq.-ft. job at $4 per sq. ft. implies about $8,000 in installation labor. Ask for the crew size, estimated workdays, and whether the labor figure includes tear-off and cleanup. Schedule estimates make labor allowances easier to compare across bids.
How Wood Siding Rates Differ Across U.S. Regions
Labor-intensive coastal metros and high-cost cities may price 15%-30% above national planning ranges. Rural areas and lower-cost markets can come in roughly 10%-20% below, though delivery distance or limited contractor availability may erase the difference. Cold-weather regions may require tighter scheduling, while humid or rainy markets can increase the need for careful flashing and moisture detailing.
These are directional comparisons, not fixed regional tariffs. Material shipping, local building requirements, crew demand, and home access can matter more than state averages. Compare local bids using the same siding area, species, removal scope, and trim allowance.
Three Wood Siding Quotes for Different Home Scopes
| Example | Scope | Estimated total | Cost detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small single-story | 1,200 sq. ft., pine lap, no tear-off | $9,000-$13,000 | $7.50-$10.80 per sq. ft. |
| Typical replacement | 2,000 sq. ft., cedar lap, removal included | $20,000-$29,000 | About 160-240 crew-hours |
| Detailed two-story | 2,600 sq. ft., premium profile, repairs | $34,000-$48,000 | $13-$18.50 per sq. ft. |
Actual quotes depend on measured wall area, local rates, and material grade. The typical replacement example assumes roughly $6-$9 per sq. ft. for siding material, with labor, removal, trim, and disposal making up the balance. Specifications beside each total show whether a quote is genuinely comparable.
When Tear-Off, Rot Repairs, and Permits Add Fees
Removing old siding commonly adds $0.75-$2.50 per sq. ft., with extra charges possible for multiple layers, lead-safe work on older painted surfaces, or costly disposal. Replacing damaged sheathing may run about $3-$8 per sq. ft. of affected area, including materials and labor. Scaffolding or steep-site access can add hundreds to several thousand dollars.
Permit rules vary by city and by whether the project changes structural elements or exterior assemblies. Allow roughly $100-$800 for permits and inspections where required, and confirm the local fee with the building department. Written allowances for concealed damage help limit surprise change orders.
Ways to Lower the Wood Siding Installation Price
Keep the existing siding only when local code, wall condition, and contractor inspection support it; installing over damaged or uneven surfaces can conceal moisture problems. Choose a simpler profile, standard board lengths, and a widely available species to reduce waste and labor. Completing siding, trim, and related exterior work together may also avoid repeat setup charges.
Get at least three itemized bids based on the same measured area and scope. Confirm material grade, finish, tear-off, flashing, house wrap, disposal, repairs, and warranty terms before comparing totals. Doing safe, nontechnical site clearing may help, but leave siding removal and moisture-sensitive details to qualified installers. The clearest savings usually come from controlling design complexity and defining the work before signing.