Siding Installation Cost

Siding installation cost at a glance

New siding is one of the highest-ROI exterior improvements you can make. Material choice is the biggest cost driver, with vinyl costing roughly half as much as fiber cement or wood. Here's what most homeowners pay:

Prices include removal of old siding, installation, and basic trim work. Complex trim details, soffit and fascia replacement, and multi-story homes will push costs toward the higher end. For other exterior projects, see our roof replacement cost guide.

Cost by siding material

Vinyl Siding ($4–$8/sq ft)

Vinyl is the most popular siding material in the United States, and it's especially dominant in Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts. It requires no painting, resists rot and insects, and comes in a wide range of colors and profiles. Modern insulated vinyl adds R-2 to R-5 of thermal value. The main downsides are limited repairability (damaged panels must be fully replaced) and a less natural appearance compared to wood.

Fiber Cement / James Hardie ($8–$14/sq ft)

Fiber cement is a mix of cement, sand, and cellulose fibers. James Hardie is the dominant brand, holding roughly 90% market share. It resists rot, fire, termites, and wind damage up to 150 mph. It can be painted any color and holds paint significantly longer than wood (12–15 years between paint jobs versus 5–7 for wood). The tradeoff is higher upfront cost and heavier weight, which requires more labor to install.

Wood Clapboard ($10–$16/sq ft)

Wood clapboard (horizontal lap siding) is the traditional New England choice. Cedar, pine, and redwood are common species. Wood offers the most authentic appearance and is often required by historic district commissions. Maintenance is the main drawback: wood siding needs scraping, priming, and painting every 5–7 years, and it's susceptible to rot, insects, and moisture damage if neglected.

Cedar Shingles/Shakes ($9–$15/sq ft)

Cedar shingles are a quintessential New England exterior material, especially on Cape Cod–style homes and coastal properties. They weather naturally to a silver-gray patina and resist rot better than most woods. Factory-stained or pre-primed shingles reduce initial maintenance. Cedar shingle installation is more labor-intensive than clapboard, which is reflected in the price.

RI and southeastern Massachusetts pricing

Rhode Island has often been called the vinyl siding capital of America, and for good reason. The material's low cost and zero-maintenance appeal made it the go-to choice for the region's dense stock of older triple-deckers, colonials, and Cape Cod homes. But fiber cement and cedar are gaining ground, especially as homeowners prioritize durability and curb appeal.

Labor rates for siding installation in the Providence metro, Fall River, and New Bedford areas run 15–25% above national averages. The region's older homes also present challenges that add to total project cost:

• Rot and sheathing damage — Removing old siding on a 100+ year-old home frequently reveals rotted sheathing that needs replacement, adding $1,000–$5,000
• Lead paint — Pre-1978 homes often have lead paint under existing siding. Certified lead-safe removal adds $500–$2,000 to the project
• Historic district requirements — Neighborhoods in Providence (College Hill, Federal Hill), Newport, and Bristol may require specific materials or styles approved by the historic commission, which limits your options and can increase costs
• Coastal exposure — Homes in Narragansett, Westerly, Dartmouth, and other coastal towns face salt air and higher wind loads, making fiber cement or cedar better long-term choices than vinyl

What affects your cost

• House size and stories — More square footage means more material. Multi-story homes require staging and ladders, adding $1,000–$3,000 in labor
• Old siding removal — Removing existing siding adds $1,000–$3,000 depending on material and home size. Overlaying is possible but not always recommended
• Trim, soffit, and fascia — Replacing or wrapping trim adds $1,500–$5,000. Most contractors recommend doing trim at the same time as siding for a clean result
• Insulation wrap — Adding house wrap (Tyvek) or insulated sheathing under new siding adds $1–$3/sq ft but significantly improves energy performance
• Architectural details — Gables, dormers, bay windows, and corners require extra cutting and fitting. The more complex the home, the higher the labor cost
• Permits — Most municipalities require a building permit for full siding replacement. Fees typically run $100–$500

How to save on siding replacement

• Get at least three quotes — siding pricing varies more between contractors than almost any other trade
• Schedule in late fall or winter — siding can be installed year-round in most weather, and contractors offer off-season discounts of 10–15%
• Bundle siding with window replacement — doing both at once saves on staging, setup, and trim work
• Consider insulated vinyl if you're choosing vinyl anyway — the $1–$2/sq ft premium pays back through lower heating bills, especially in New England
• Skip unnecessary upgrades — premium trim profiles and decorative accents can add $2,000–$5,000 without meaningful impact on durability

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to side a house?

Siding a typical 1,500 to 2,000 sq ft home costs $8,000 to $25,000 depending on material. Vinyl runs $6,000 to $16,000, fiber cement $12,000 to $28,000, and wood $15,000 to $32,000. These prices include removal of old siding, installation, and trim work.

Is vinyl siding still a good choice?

Vinyl remains the most popular siding material in the US, accounting for about 30% of all installations. It offers the lowest upfront cost, zero painting maintenance, and a 20 to 40 year lifespan. Modern vinyl comes in realistic wood-grain textures and a wide range of colors.

How long does siding installation take?

A professional crew can side a typical home in 1 to 2 weeks. Vinyl is the fastest to install at 5 to 7 days. Fiber cement and wood take longer at 7 to 14 days due to more cutting, priming, and detail work.

What siding is best for coastal New England homes?

Fiber cement and cedar shingles are the top choices for coastal homes in Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts. Both resist salt air and moisture better than vinyl. Fiber cement is lower maintenance while cedar offers a traditional New England aesthetic.

Do I need to remove old siding first?

You can install new siding over existing siding in some cases, saving $1,000 to $3,000 in removal costs. However, overlaying hides potential moisture damage and rot. Most contractors recommend full removal to inspect the sheathing and add a proper moisture barrier, especially on older homes common in RI and SE Massachusetts.