2026 Siding Replacement Cost Calculator
Estimate turnkey exterior re-siding costs per square foot and per siding square. Compare .046" Premium Vinyl, Insulated Foam-Backed Vinyl, James Hardie ColorPlus Fiber Cement, and LP SmartSide using localized BLS carpentry rates.
Siding Replacement & Fiber Cement Cost Calculator
Fiber cement requires blind-nailing into studs with hot-dipped galvanized siding nails, 1/4" clearance above flashing, and factory-primed end-cut sealing.
2026 Siding Cost by Material (2,000 Sq. Ft. Exterior Wall Area)
Turnkey installed ranges including old siding removal, Tyvek weather-resistant barrier, window flashing tape, starter strips, J-channel/corner trim, and waste.
| Cladding Material | Cost / Sq. Ft. | 2,000 Sq. Ft. Total | Fire & Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard / Premium Vinyl (.044"–.046") | $5.75 – $8.40 | $11,500 – $16,800 | 25–35 Yrs • Melts near heat |
| Insulated Foam-Backed Vinyl (R-3.0) | $7.70 – $10.75 | $15,400 – $21,500 | 30–40 Yrs • Rigid impact resistance |
| LP SmartSide Engineered Wood | $8.25 – $11.90 | $16,500 – $23,800 | 35–50 Yrs • 5/50 Yr Warranty |
| James Hardie Fiber Cement (ColorPlus) | $9.25 – $13.40 | $18,500 – $26,800 | 40–50+ Yrs • Class A Non-Combustible |
| Natural Western Red Cedar Bevel | $12.50 – $18.50 | $25,000 – $37,000 | 30–45 Yrs • Stain every 5 yrs |
Frequently Asked Questions About Siding Replacement
How much does it cost to reside a 2,000 sq. ft. house in 2026?
In 2026, replacing the exterior siding on an average 2,000 sq. ft. home (approx. 22 siding squares including gable waste) costs $11,500 to $16,800 for premium 0.046-inch vinyl siding, $15,400 to $21,500 for insulated foam-backed vinyl, $18,500 to $26,800 for James Hardie fiber cement plank, and $16,500 to $23,800 for LP SmartSide engineered wood.
Why is James Hardie fiber cement siding more expensive to install than vinyl?
Fiber cement planks weigh 2.5 lbs per square foot (nearly 5× heavier than vinyl), require a 2-person crew with pneumatic siding nailers and diamond-blade dust-collection saws, and must have every field-cut edge primed or caulked per manufacturer warranty specifications—increasing carpentry labor hours by 60% to 75% over vinyl.
Does new siding qualify for the federal energy tax credit?
Standard siding cladding alone does not qualify for the IRS Section 25C credit. However, installing continuous rigid foam board insulation (such as 1/2-inch or 1-inch XPS/polyiso fanfold) beneath the new siding qualifies for a 30% federal tax credit on the insulation material cost, up to $1,200 per year.
Should old siding be torn off or can new siding go over it?
Building codes and manufacturers strongly recommend tearing off old siding down to the sheathing ($1.25 to $2.40/sq. ft.) so contractors can inspect for rotted OSB/plywood around window sills, install a breathable weather-resistant barrier (Tyvek housewrap), and flash window nail fins properly.
What is the difference between James Hardie and LP SmartSide?
James Hardie is made of Portland cement, sand, and cellulose fibers, giving it an ASTM E84 Class A non-combustible fire rating and immunity to woodpeckers and termites. LP SmartSide is an engineered wood strand product treated with zinc borate and resin waxes; it comes in 16-foot lengths (fewer butt joints than Hardie's 12-foot planks) and resists hail impact without cracking.