Vinyl siding is the most affordable siding type on the market, and is a very popular choice. Many homeowners choose vinyl siding because it replicates the look of real wood at a fraction of the cost.
Vinyl siding is a low-maintenance, hassle-free choice. There are many companies on the market that offer vinyl siding, and there are a wide variety of colors and styles available.
While vinyl siding is the most affordable option, pricing does vary depending on a variety of factors.
To get started on your siding replacement project, contact your local siding pros for FREE ESTIMATES!
How Much Does Vinyl Siding Cost?
Vinyl siding is one of the more affordable siding types, costing only $10,000 – 12,000 on average to install on a 2,000 sq.ft. home.
The average cost range to install vinyl siding on the home exterior is between $8,000 and $14,000 total.
Very low end vinyl installation can cost as little as $5,500, whereas high end vinyl can cost as much as $30,000.
You can use our Vinyl Siding Cost Calculator to estimate your siding replacement cost.
| Average Vinyl Siding Cost | 10000 – 12,000 |
|---|---|
| Average Cost Range | $8,000 – $14,000 |
| Low End – High End | $5,500 – $30,000 |
Vinyl Siding Prices Per Square Foot
One great way to figure out how much your vinyl siding project will cost you is by determining the cost per square foot.
The average cost of vinyl siding is $3.50 per square foot, not including installation costs. Including installation, expect to pay about $7.50 per square foot.
For a 1,000 square foot home exterior, expect to pay about $3,500, whereas for a 2,000 square foot exterior you will pay about $7,000.
Including installation, expect to pay about $7,500 for a 1,000 square foot house and $15,000 for a 2,000 square foot house.
| Average Cost per Square Foot | $3.50 |
|---|---|
| Average Cost for a 1,000 Square Foot Home (Materials Only) | $3,500 |
| Average Cost for a 2,000 Square Foot Home (Materials Only) | $7,000 |
| Average Cost for a 1,000 Square Foot Home (Including Installation) | $7,500 |
| Average Cost for a 2,000 Square Foot Home | $15,000 |
Cost of Vinyl Siding by Siding Type
There are several different types of vinyl siding, each with their own price points. Insulated vinyl siding is the most expensive type, costing about $8 per square foot.
Insulated vinyl siding is more costly to install because it is made of extra material when compared to other vinyl siding types.
Vinyl shake siding is also comparatively expensive, costing about $6.50 per square foot for materials only. This style is more expensive because it is aesthetically more valued than other types of vinyl siding.
Vertical vinyl siding panels are another option. Vertical vinyl siding costs about $5.50 per square foot. Many homeowners choose to install vertical vinyl siding in combination with another vinyl siding type.
Standard horizontal vinyl siding panels are the most affordable option, costing an average of $4 per square foot. It is a simple, fuss-free choice at an affordable price point.
| Vinyl Siding Type | Average Cost per Square Foot |
|---|---|
| Insulated Vinyl Siding | $8 |
| Vinyl Shake Siding | $6.50 |
| Vertical Vinyl Siding | $5.50 |
| Horizontal Vinyl Siding | $4 |
Price Of Vinyl Siding by Brand
The brand you choose will help determine the overall cost of vinyl siding. Some brands are more high end, such as CertainTeed or Novik, whereas other brands such as Alside are more affordable.
To choose the right brand for you, spend some time looking at each brand’s product options as well as pricing to see which matches your needs best.
The table below summarize average vinyl siding prices per square foot for the most popular brands.
| Vinyl Siding Company | Average Cost per Square Foot |
|---|---|
| Wolverine Siding | $1.50 |
| Mastic Siding | $3.50 – $5.50 |
| Alside Siding | $3 – $7.5 |
| Georgia Pacific Siding | $4 – $6 |
| Alcoa Siding | $4 – $8 |
Vinyl Siding Accessories Prices
There are many siding accessories that are available with the purchase of vinyl siding. Choosing to install these accessories will depend on the current condition of the existing ones in your home and also how important it is to you for different features of the home to match.
You can discuss with your contractor what accessories are the right fit for your home to help you make a decision between the different options and consider whether they are worthwhile.
| Accessories | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Nails | $40 (for 50lbs) |
| Outside Corners | $10 each |
| Inside Corners | $6 each |
| J-Channels | $3.50 each |
| Plug in Outlets | $30 each |
| Light Fixtures | $50 each |
| Vents | $20 each |
| Gable Vents | $30 each |
| Starter strips | $2.50 each |
| Finishing strips | $3.50 each |
Factors That Affect the Cost of Vinyl Siding
There are many factors that play a role in determining the cost of vinyl siding. Carefully considering different factors can help you get an accurate sense of how much your vinyl siding will cost.
Current Siding Condition
If your existing siding is damaged, installing new siding will be more expensive. If you have damage such as rotting wood or insect infestations, the contractor will need to repair this damage before installing the new siding.
Removing existing siding is another cost to consider. Expect to pay between $1,000 and $3,000 for this service.
Home Size
Larger homes will cost more because vinyl siding is priced per square foot. Larger homes simply require more materials and labor to install vinyl siding.
Also, multi-story homes will cost more than single story homes, even if they have the same square footage. That is because extra equipment is required to install vinyl siding on multi-story homes.
Location
Where you live will impact the cost of your siding. Areas with high costs of living such as the Northeast and the West Coast will have higher installation costs than other regions such as the Midwest and the South.
Type of Vinyl
There are many different types of vinyl on the market, and each one comes at its own price point. Insulated vinyl and vinyl shakes are more expensive than simple horizontal vinyl panels.
Vinyl Brand
Different vinyl companies are priced differently, and offer different levels of quality. Browse different brands of vinyl to find which one matches your aesthetic sensibilities and your budget.
Installation Time/Season
The time of year you install vinyl siding can reduce the costs significantly. If you install during the off-season, in the fall or winter, you may get special deals and discounts from contractors and manufacturers.
Cost For Vinyl Siding vs. Other Material Types
When compared to other siding materials, vinyl siding is by far one of the most affordable.
Vinyl siding costs only between $3.50 and $5 per square foot, whereas wood costs between $4 and $10 per square foot, fiber cement costs between $6 and $12 per square foot, and brick costs between $7 and $20 per square foot.
| Siding Type | Average Cost per Square Foot |
|---|---|
| Vinyl Siding | $3.50 – $5 |
| Aluminum Siding | $5- $9 |
| Engineered Wood Siding | $3 – $8 |
| Fiber Cement Siding | $6 – $12 |
| Stone Siding | $15 – $40 |
| Brick Siding | $7 – $20 |
| Wood Siding | $4 – $10 |
Cost To Install Vinyl Siding DIY
Vinyl siding is designed for easy, streamlined installation, which means it can be installed DIY. If you have prior experience in home improvement projects, you can save a lot of money by installing the vinyl siding yourself.
However, if you have no experience it is a good idea to leave vinyl siding installation to the professionals, because mistakes can lead to significant and costly amounts of damage down the line.
Installing vinyl siding DIY can save you between $1 and $2.50 per square foot in labor costs. For a 1,000 square foot project, that means you save between $1,000 and $2,500, which is a significant portion of the total cost of vinyl siding.
One disadvantage of installing vinyl siding DIY is that it is an extensive project which will take up a significant amount of time.
First you will need to remove existing siding, then conduct repairs on any damaged sections of the wall.
Next you will need to install the vinyl siding itself, which is a time consuming process. Be sure to calculate in the cost of your own time when considering whether to install vinyl siding DIY.
Vinyl vs. Aluminum Siding
Aluminum siding is an environmentally friendly, unique looking, modern siding option. It requires very little maintenance and is resistant to moisture damage, unlike vinyl siding.
Aluminum lasts about twice as long as vinyl siding, between 40 and 50 years. Another advantage of aluminum is that it can be custom bent if your home is uniquely shaped, unlike vinyl which can only be made in standard sizes and forms.
While aluminum used to be another budget friendly siding choice, similar in price point to vinyl siding, today most aluminum siding is actually more expensive than vinyl, starting at $5.5 – 7 per square foot installed.
Vinyl Siding vs. Engineered Wood Siding
Engineered wood is similar to vinyl in that it mimics the appearance of real wood siding. However, engineered hardwood is more durable and long-lasting than vinyl, although it is also more expensive.
Engineered hardwood lasts up to thirty years, which is slightly longer than vinyl siding.
Vinyl Siding vs. Fiber Cement Siding
Fiber cement siding is a low maintenance, durable option. It can be customized very easily, unlike vinyl siding which is only available in standardized forms.
Fiber cement siding brands, such as James Hardie and Nichiha cost almost twice as much as vinyl siding.
One disadvantage of fiber cement is that it can be susceptible to cracking.
In case you are debating between these two siding materials, check out our extensive guide on Fiber Cement vs Vinyl Siding.
Vinyl vs. Stone Siding
Stone is a beautiful, durable siding option. Stone siding can last over 100 years. It is the most expensive siding option.
Stone siding is resistant to moisture damage, insect infestations, and is fire proofed. Vinyl siding, in comparison, is very susceptible to damage.
Vinyl vs. Brick Siding
Brick siding is a pricey option, but it is incredibly durable and can last over 100 years with very little maintenance.
Brick makes up the structure of the home, so is often installed while the home is being built. Vinyl siding lasts a very short timespan in comparison to brick. Also, brick siding has a unique rustic appearance that vinyl siding cannot mimic.
Vinyl Siding vs. Wood Siding
Both wood and vinyl have distinct advantages and disadvantages. Wood siding has a warm, authentic appearance that is unparalleled, even with vinyl siding that attempts to mimic real wood.
Wood is susceptible to moisture damage and can experience rot, mold, and mildew. However, if wood is damaged it can be refinished, unlike vinyl which needs to be replaced after experiencing damage.
Siding made of real wood is also more customizable than vinyl siding, and can be painted or stained any color. Wood is also more high maintenance than vinyl.
Pros and Cons of Vinyl Siding
Vinyl siding has many distinct advantages and disadvantages. Carefully considering the pros and cons of vinyl siding can help you decide if it is the right siding choice for you.
Pros:
● Affordability: Vinyl is the most affordable siding option, priced as low as $1.50 per square foot.
● Damage Resistant: Vinyl siding is resistant to several types of damage, including rot, mildew, and insects.
● Style Selection: Vinyl siding comes in a wide range of styles, colors, and designs that mimic real wood siding.
● Low Maintenance: Vinyl siding is low maintenance, and does not require repainting or resealing like many other siding materials.
● DIY Possibilities: Vinyl siding can be installed DIY. It is best suited for those with some experience in home improvement projects because it is somewhat difficult, but still do-able, to install DIY.
● Add-Ons Available: Vinyl siding can be customized with add-ons such as extra insulation and noise resistance.
Cons:
● Short lifespan: Vinyl siding has a relatively short lifespan, lasting only between fifteen and thirty years. This means that you will need to replace vinyl siding much more frequently than other siding types.
● Susceptible to Some Damage: Vinyl siding can warp, bend, and crack. This is most common during extreme temperature changes, so if you live in an area with a fluctuating climate be prepared for the vinyl siding to experience some damage.
● Cannot be Changed: Unlike wood which you can repaint into any color at any time, vinyl siding is stuck in the original shade. The only way to make changes to your vinyl siding is to replace it entirely.
● Environmental Issues: Although vinyl siding is marketed as an environmentally friendly option because it is recyclable, in actuality it is very difficult to recycle vinyl siding.
Therefore the vinyl siding will most likely end up in waste dumps, in which it will not decompose because it is made of plastic.
● Water Damage: Although vinyl is more water resistant than wood siding, it can still be damaged by water because it is water resistant, not waterproof. If you live in a wet, humid environment you may experience some issues with water damage.
● Potentially Decrease Home Value: Vinyl is considered a low-end building material and therefore may decrease your home value when you are trying to sell your home. This is especially true if you have an expensive home over $500,000 in a premium neighborhood. This is an important fact to keep in mind if you plan on selling in the near future.
Does Vinyl Siding Have A Good ROI?
Vinyl siding has a return on investment (ROI) of 75%. This means that when you sell your home, 75% of the cost of installing vinyl siding will be recouped.
Installing vinyl siding has a slightly higher ROI than some other popular home improvement projects, such as roof or window replacement.
Keep in mind, that vinyl siding has a lower ROI than some other siding types, such as stone and fiber cement siding.
Should I Install Vinyl Siding On My House?
Overall, vinyl siding is a good choice if you are looking for an inexpensive siding option that will be easy to maintain.
Vinyl siding costs start at $4.50 per square foot, making it the most affordable siding option on the market.
Moreover, vinyl siding can mimic the appearance of real wood siding at just a fraction of the cost.
Vinyl siding does have some disadvantages. For instance, it has a relatively short lifespan and can be susceptible to damage from moisture, sun, and temperature changes.
Although there are some disadvantages to vinyl siding, there are also many good reasons to purchase it. The ultimate decision of whether vinyl siding is right for you will depend on your needs for your home.
