Comprehensive pricing for all siding types with installation and repair costs
Last Updated: March 2025
Quick Reference: What You'll Pay
| Siding Type | Per Sq Ft (Installed) | 2,000 sq ft Home |
|---|---|---|
| Vinyl | $4-$8 | $8,000-$16,000 |
| Fiber cement (HardiePlank) | $8-$14 | $16,000-$28,000 |
| Wood (cedar) | $8-$16 | $16,000-$32,000 |
| Engineered wood (LP SmartSide) | $7-$12 | $14,000-$24,000 |
| Metal | $8-$16 | $16,000-$32,000 |
| Stucco | $8-$15 | $16,000-$30,000 |
| Brick veneer | $15-$30 | $30,000-$60,000 |
| Stone veneer | $20-$40 | $40,000-$80,000 |
Regional Price Variations
Siding costs vary across Washington based on labor markets and local material preferences.
| Region | Price Multiplier | Popular Materials |
|---|---|---|
| Seattle / Eastside | 1.20-1.35x | Fiber cement, cedar |
| Tacoma / South Sound | 1.10-1.20x | Fiber cement, vinyl |
| Olympia | 1.00-1.10x | Fiber cement, vinyl |
| Bellingham | 1.05-1.15x | Cedar, fiber cement |
| Spokane Metro | 0.85-0.95x | Vinyl, fiber cement |
| Tri-Cities | 0.90-1.00x | Vinyl, stucco |
| Coastal | 1.10-1.25x | Cedar, fiber cement |
| Rural WA | 0.80-0.95x | Vinyl, metal |
Vinyl Siding
The most affordable option, popular across Washington for budget-conscious projects.
Installation Costs
| Quality | Per Sq Ft | 2,000 sq ft Home | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economy | $4-$5.50 | $8,000-$11,000 | 15-20 yrs |
| Mid-grade | $5.50-$7 | $11,000-$14,000 | 20-30 yrs |
| Premium (insulated) | $7-$9 | $14,000-$18,000 | 30-40 yrs |
| Architectural | $8-$11 | $16,000-$22,000 | 30-40 yrs |
Vinyl Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Lowest cost
- No painting required
- Good color retention
- Easy maintenance
- DIY-friendly repairs
Cons:
- Can crack in extreme cold
- Fades over time
- Can warp near heat sources
- Less durable than fiber cement
- May look "builder grade"
Best For: Budget-conscious homeowners, rental properties, Eastern WA (where temperature swings are more extreme).
Fiber Cement Siding (HardiePlank)
The most popular siding choice in Western Washington, offering durability and fire resistance.
Installation Costs
| Style | Per Sq Ft | 2,000 sq ft Home | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Horizontal lap | $8-$12 | $16,000-$24,000 | 40-50 yrs |
| Shingle/shake | $10-$14 | $20,000-$28,000 | 40-50 yrs |
| Vertical panels | $9-$13 | $18,000-$26,000 | 40-50 yrs |
| Board & batten | $10-$15 | $20,000-$30,000 | 40-50 yrs |
Pre-Finished vs. Primed
| Option | Per Sq Ft (Additional) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Primed (needs painting) | Baseline | Add painting cost ($2-$4/sq ft) |
| ColorPlus (factory finish) | +$1.50-$3.00 | 15-year fade warranty |
Factory Finish Recommendation: In Western WA's wet climate, factory-finished (ColorPlus) siding offers superior moisture protection and a 15-year color warranty. The premium is typically worth it.
Fiber Cement Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Excellent durability
- Fire resistant (Class A rating)
- Rot and pest resistant
- Holds paint well
- Many style options
- Great for Pacific Northwest climate
Cons:
- Higher cost than vinyl
- Heavy (requires sturdy installation)
- Must be painted if not factory-finished
- Professional installation recommended
- Can crack if improperly installed
Best For: Western WA homes, fire-prone areas, homeowners wanting long-term value.
Wood Siding (Cedar)
Traditional choice with natural beauty, particularly popular in Pacific Northwest architecture.
Installation Costs
| Type | Per Sq Ft | 2,000 sq ft Home | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cedar bevel (horizontal) | $10-$16 | $20,000-$32,000 | 25-40 yrs |
| Cedar shingles | $12-$18 | $24,000-$36,000 | 30-50 yrs |
| Cedar shakes | $14-$22 | $28,000-$44,000 | 35-50 yrs |
| Tongue & groove | $12-$18 | $24,000-$36,000 | 25-40 yrs |
| Board & batten | $10-$16 | $20,000-$32,000 | 25-40 yrs |
| Redwood | $15-$25 | $30,000-$50,000 | 30-50 yrs |
Wood Grades
| Grade | Per Sq Ft Premium | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| #3 Common (knotty) | Baseline | Rustic look, most affordable |
| #2 Common | +15-25% | Moderate knots |
| #1 Common | +30-40% | Few small knots |
| Clear (VG) | +50-75% | Knot-free, vertical grain |
| Clear heart | +75-100% | Premium, heartwood only |
Wood Maintenance Costs
| Service | Frequency | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Sealing/staining | Every 3-5 years | $2,000-$5,000 |
| Painting | Every 5-7 years | $3,000-$7,000 |
| Repair (per board) | As needed | $50-$200 |
| Power washing | Annually | $200-$500 |
Maintenance Warning: Cedar siding in Western WA requires regular maintenance. Budget $500-$1,500 annually for upkeep, or expect the wood to deteriorate within 10-15 years.
Wood Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Natural beauty
- Traditional PNW aesthetic
- Sustainable/renewable
- Can be refinished indefinitely
- Good insulation value
Cons:
- High maintenance
- Susceptible to rot, insects, fire
- Most expensive option (total cost of ownership)
- Requires regular staining/painting
- Not fire-resistant (check local codes)
Best For: Historic homes, traditional architecture, homeowners willing to maintain.
Engineered Wood (LP SmartSide)
A modern alternative to natural wood, offering similar aesthetics with less maintenance.
Installation Costs
| Style | Per Sq Ft | 2,000 sq ft Home | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lap siding | $7-$10 | $14,000-$20,000 | 30-50 yrs |
| Panel | $6-$9 | $12,000-$18,000 | 30-50 yrs |
| Shingle | $8-$12 | $16,000-$24,000 | 30-50 yrs |
| Board & batten | $8-$11 | $16,000-$22,000 | 30-50 yrs |
Engineered Wood Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Wood appearance at lower cost
- Treated for rot and pest resistance
- Lighter than fiber cement
- Takes paint well
- Good impact resistance
- 50-year substrate warranty
Cons:
- Requires painting/maintenance
- Not as durable as fiber cement
- Can swell if edges not sealed
- Limited color options (must be painted)
Best For: Budget-conscious buyers wanting wood look, DIY-friendly projects.
Metal Siding
Gaining popularity in modern and industrial designs, plus excellent for fire-prone areas.
Installation Costs
| Type | Per Sq Ft | 2,000 sq ft Home | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steel corrugated | $6-$10 | $12,000-$20,000 | 40-60 yrs |
| Steel standing seam | $10-$16 | $20,000-$32,000 | 50-70 yrs |
| Aluminum panels | $8-$14 | $16,000-$28,000 | 40-60 yrs |
| Zinc panels | $20-$35 | $40,000-$70,000 | 80-100 yrs |
| Copper panels | $25-$45 | $50,000-$90,000 | 100+ yrs |
| Corten (weathering steel) | $15-$25 | $30,000-$50,000 | 50-80 yrs |
Metal Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Exceptional durability
- Fire resistant
- Low maintenance
- Recyclable/sustainable
- Modern aesthetic
- Excellent for coastal exposure
Cons:
- Higher initial cost
- Can dent
- Noise (rain, hail)
- Limited color options without painting
- Potential for thermal expansion
- Specialized installation required
Best For: Modern architecture, fire zones, coastal areas, commercial buildings.
Stucco
Traditional in some Washington neighborhoods, requiring specific climate considerations.
Installation Costs
| Type | Per Sq Ft | 2,000 sq ft Home | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional (3-coat) | $10-$16 | $20,000-$32,000 | 50-80 yrs |
| Synthetic (EIFS) | $8-$14 | $16,000-$28,000 | 25-50 yrs |
| Color coat addition | $1-$3 | $2,000-$6,000 | N/A |
Stucco Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Durable when properly installed
- Fire resistant
- Good insulation
- Seamless appearance
- Many color/texture options
Cons:
- Not ideal for Western WA - moisture problems
- Cracking with settling
- Difficult to repair
- Requires skilled installation
- Water intrusion can cause major damage
Climate Warning: Traditional stucco struggles in Western Washington's wet climate. If you want stucco in the Seattle area, synthetic (EIFS) with proper rain screen systems is essential.
Best For: Eastern WA (dry climate), carefully detailed Western WA installations.
Brick & Stone Veneer
Premium options for accent areas or full coverage on luxury homes.
Brick Veneer
| Type | Per Sq Ft | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Thin brick | $10-$18 | Adhered to substrate |
| Full brick veneer | $15-$25 | Traditional installation |
| Reclaimed brick | $20-$35 | Historic aesthetic |
Stone Veneer
| Type | Per Sq Ft | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Manufactured stone | $12-$22 | Lightweight, many styles |
| Natural stone (thin) | $20-$35 | Real stone, adhered |
| Natural stone (full) | $30-$50 | Traditional masonry |
Accent Applications
| Application | Low | Average | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chimney cladding | $2,500 | $5,000 | $10,000 |
| Foundation accent | $3,000 | $6,000 | $12,000 |
| Entry feature wall | $2,000 | $4,500 | $9,000 |
| Wainscot (lower wall) | $4,000 | $8,000 | $15,000 |
Siding Removal & Disposal
| Service | Per Sq Ft | 2,000 sq ft Home |
|---|---|---|
| Vinyl removal | $0.50-$1.00 | $1,000-$2,000 |
| Wood siding removal | $0.75-$1.50 | $1,500-$3,000 |
| Fiber cement removal | $0.75-$1.50 | $1,500-$3,000 |
| Stucco removal | $1.50-$3.00 | $3,000-$6,000 |
| Asbestos testing | $200-$500 | One-time |
| Asbestos abatement | $5-$15/sq ft | If present |
Pre-1980 Homes: Older siding may contain asbestos, particularly in shingle-style products. Testing is recommended before removal.
Siding Repair Costs
Common Repairs
| Repair | Low | Average | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vinyl panel replacement (each) | $50 | $150 | $300 |
| Fiber cement board (each) | $75 | $200 | $400 |
| Wood board repair/replacement | $100 | $300 | $600 |
| Caulking/sealing (per linear ft) | $3 | $6 | $12 |
| Paint touch-up | $200 | $500 | $1,000 |
| Hole/damage repair | $75 | $250 | $500 |
| Corner trim repair | $100 | $250 | $500 |
| Water damage repair | $500 | $1,500 | $5,000+ |
| Rot repair (per area) | $250 | $750 | $2,000 |
Siding Inspection
| Service | Low | Average | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic inspection | $100 | $250 | $400 |
| Moisture testing | $150 | $350 | $600 |
| Infrared scan | $200 | $450 | $800 |
Labor vs. Materials Breakdown
| Siding Type | Labor % | Materials % |
|---|---|---|
| Vinyl | 50% | 50% |
| Fiber cement | 55% | 45% |
| Wood | 50% | 50% |
| Engineered wood | 50% | 50% |
| Metal | 60% | 40% |
| Stucco | 65% | 35% |
| Stone/brick veneer | 60% | 40% |
Factors That Increase Costs
Expect to Pay More When:
- House height - Each story above the first adds 20-30%
- Architectural complexity - Dormers, bump-outs, multiple corners
- Window/door density - More openings = more trim work
- Existing siding removal - Especially stucco or multiple layers
- Structural repairs - Rotted sheathing, water damage
- Difficult access - Landscaping, decks, fences blocking work
- Custom colors - Special order paint or materials
- Permits - Required for most siding projects ($100-$400)
- Code upgrades - House wrap, rain screen, insulation requirements
Seattle-Specific Factors:
- Energy code requirements (insulation, house wrap)
- Rain screen system requirements for certain siding types
- Historic district regulations
- Premium labor market
Eastern WA Factors:
- Temperature extremes affect material choice
- UV exposure more intense
- Different moisture considerations
Money-Saving Tips
Choose vinyl for pure budget - Half the cost of fiber cement
Consider partial re-siding - Replace only damaged sections if structure allows
Bundle with other work - Windows, roofing, and siding together saves scaffolding costs
Off-season scheduling - Late fall through early spring may offer better pricing
Get 3-5 quotes - Siding quotes vary 30-50%
Standard colors - Custom colors cost more and delay delivery
Maintain existing siding - Regular painting/sealing extends life significantly
DIY vinyl repairs - Vinyl is homeowner-friendly for minor repairs
Skip unnecessary upgrades - Insulated vinyl is often not cost-effective
Red Flags: Too Cheap or Too Expensive
Warning Signs (Too Cheap):
- Quote 40%+ below competitors
- No contractor license (check lni.wa.gov)
- Skipping house wrap or weather barrier
- No mention of permits
- Cash-only demands
- Out-of-state "storm chaser" company
- No written warranty
- Using unknown brand materials
Warning Signs (Too Expensive):
- Quote 50%+ above competitors without explanation
- Pushing premium products for no clear reason
- Refusing to itemize quote
- Large upfront deposit (over 30%)
- High-pressure tactics
- Won't explain regional code requirements
Healthy Range:
Three comparable quotes should fall within 20-25% of each other for the same scope.
How to Compare Bids
Every siding quote should include:
- Material specifications - Brand, product line, style, color, thickness
- Scope of work - Removal, house wrap, flashing, trim, all sides covered?
- Itemized costs - Materials, labor, disposal, permits
- Weather barrier - Type of house wrap and installation method
- Trim details - Corner boards, window/door trim, soffit, fascia
- Timeline - Start date, duration, weather contingency
- Warranty - Manufacturer warranty + contractor labor warranty
- License and insurance - WA contractor license verification
Questions to Ask:
- "What weather barrier/house wrap is included?"
- "Are all sides of the house included?"
- "What trim and flashing is included?"
- "Who handles the permits and inspections?"
- "What's your warranty on labor?"
- "What happens if you find rot or damage underneath?"
- "Do you use employees or subcontractors?"
- "Can I see recent local projects?"
Siding Lifespan by Material
| Material | Expected Lifespan | Maintenance Required |
|---|---|---|
| Vinyl | 20-40 years | Occasional cleaning |
| Fiber cement | 40-50 years | Repaint every 10-15 yrs |
| Cedar | 25-40 years | Restain every 3-5 yrs |
| Engineered wood | 30-50 years | Repaint every 8-12 yrs |
| Steel | 40-60 years | Touch-up as needed |
| Aluminum | 40-50 years | Minimal |
| Stucco | 50-80 years | Seal cracks, repaint |
| Brick | 100+ years | Repoint mortar every 25 yrs |
| Stone | 100+ years | Minimal |
Best Siding for Washington Climates
Western Washington (Seattle, Tacoma, Olympia, Bellingham)
- Best: Fiber cement, metal
- Good: Premium vinyl, engineered wood (with proper detailing)
- Challenging: Natural wood (high maintenance), stucco (moisture issues)
Eastern Washington (Spokane, Tri-Cities, Yakima)
- Best: Fiber cement, vinyl, stucco
- Good: Metal, engineered wood
- Note: Temperature swings require quality installation
Coastal Areas
- Best: Fiber cement, metal (aluminum, not steel)
- Avoid: Steel (corrosion), untreated wood
Fire-Prone Areas
- Required: Non-combustible (fiber cement, metal, stucco, brick/stone)
- Check: Local fire codes for specific requirements
Prices reflect Washington State averages as of March 2025. Always get multiple quotes and verify contractor licensing at lni.wa.gov.