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A practical guide for US homeowners

A better exterior.
A clearer budget.

Understand your siding options, see what goes into the cost, and plan your next home improvement with confidence.

Shingle-sided house with a landscaped front lawn in Quogue, New York
Photo: Lumin Osity / Unsplash
01 Understand the cost02 Choose your material03 Compare the scope
Start with the full picture

What goes into your siding budget?

The siding itself is only part of the price. A useful estimate separates the product, installation and preparation so you can compare like for like.

Cost guidance: James Hardie’s siding replacement cost factors. Manufacturer guidance reflects its own products; local written estimates establish your project price.

Find your starting point

Which siding belongs on your home?

Compare appearance, installation requirements and ongoing care alongside the upfront price. Use this shortlist to prepare questions for your contractor.

House exterior with vinyl siding and stone accents
01 / MATERIAL

Vinyl siding

Compare standard and insulated products, panel profiles, color options and the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions.

Read the vinyl siding guide →
Fiber cement siding on a real building exterior
02 / MATERIAL

Fiber cement

Ask about the specified finish, installation details, repainting requirements and product and workmanship warranties.

Read the fiber cement guide →
House with dark wood siding in Moscow Oblast, Russia
03 / MATERIAL

Wood siding

Explore the species, profile and finish, then ask how exposure and maintenance affect the long-term plan.

Read the wood siding guide →
House exterior with horizontal gray cladding and a shingle-pattern gableLayout inspiration · material unverified
04 / MATERIAL

Engineered wood

Check the exact product’s installation instructions, treatment of cut edges, finish and warranty conditions.

Read the engineered wood guide →
Close view of a metal siding surface with repeated ribs
05 / MATERIAL

Metal siding

Compare steel and aluminum products, finishes, fastening systems and options for repairing damaged panels.

Read the metal siding guide →
Brick veneer being built in front of a weather-barrier-covered timber wall
06 / MATERIAL

Brick veneer

Discuss the supporting wall assembly, moisture management and whether the scope includes structural changes.

Read the brick veneer guide →

Photographs show exterior examples and construction details. The engineered-wood card uses layout inspiration with unverified material. See each guide for context and full photo credits. Photos: daryl_mitchell (CC BY-SA 2.0), Wikideas1 (CC0), Retired electrician (CC0), Will Haddock (Unsplash), Titus Tscharntke (public domain), Bricktrimble (CC BY-SA 4.0).

Before you choose a contractor

Make every estimate easier to compare.

A lower total may leave out work another contractor has included. Start with a consistent checklist.

House exterior beside a project checklist

Your home, your material choices, your scope.

  1. Name the product. Include manufacturer, range, profile, color and finish.
  2. Define the preparation. Confirm removal, disposal, wall repairs and moisture-management details.
  3. List the finishing work. Identify trim, corners, soffits, fascia and painting.
  4. Agree on changes. Get a written process for hidden damage and additional charges.
  5. Check the warranty. Separate product coverage from workmanship coverage.

Build your project brief →

Your next step

Request siding installation or repair quotes.

Tell us about your project using the quote request form below. Contractor availability depends on your location and project.

Questions before you begin

Siding project FAQs

How do I get an accurate siding replacement price?

Ask contractors to measure the exterior and provide itemized written estimates. Specify the same material and scope, including removal, preparation, repairs, trim and disposal.

Should I compare material-only or installed prices?

Use installed prices when planning a contractor-led project. A material-only price does not cover labor, preparation or all accessories. Ask what each figure includes.

Can I use my home’s floor area to estimate siding?

Floor area and exterior wall area measure different things. Wall height, stories, gables, openings and the building’s shape affect the siding quantity. Have the exterior measured for a reliable estimate.

What should I ask about hidden damage?

Ask how the contractor will document damage found after removal, calculate repair costs and obtain your approval before undertaking additional work.