How Much Will Vinyl Siding Cost?
Why has vinyl siding been the most popular choice of exterior cladding in North America for almost 20 years? Ask any vinyl siding manufacturer and they’ll tell you, one of the primary reasons is cost. Vinyl siding has the lowest total installed cost of any exterior siding, contributing to vinyl’s added value.
Average prices for vinyl siding are well below prices for wood, fiber cement, aluminum, stone or brick. Consider that wood siding can cost more than three times as much as vinyl siding, while brick will cost over five times as much! Dollar for dollar, the installed cost of vinyl siding is significantly lower than that of any other type of exterior cladding.
So how much will installing vinyl siding cost? Vinyl siding costs (or any exterior cladding costs for that matter) can vary greatly based on your preferences. Here are the four main variables that factor into vinyl siding cost:
- Style of Siding
- Accessories
- Size of Your House
- Installation
1. Style
Like all exterior cladding options, vinyl siding comes in many different styles. A reputable vinyl siding manufacturer will provide an extensive range of colors, styles, textures, and finishes as well as accessories to suit any desired architectural outcome and any budget. Here are some different siding styles you may want to consider.
Horizontal or Lap Siding
Traditional horizontal — or lap style siding — is still the most popular choice for homes as it mimics the look of real wood. Lap style siding comes in many different styles, with many having authentic wood grain textures to further emulate the look of real wood.
Vertical Siding
Vinyl siding also comes in vertical styles. One of the most popular styles of vertical siding is the Board and Batten. Board and Batten style siding involves installing vertical boards and then hiding the seams with narrow battens and was a very popular style in American wooden Carpenter Gothic houses. The vertical lines of Board and Batten can create a unique traditional look and can make a home look taller. This style can also be used to accentuate architectural features like second-story gables, a grand front entrance or to complement brick and stone.
Shakes and Shingles
Shakes and cedar shake shingles mimic the look of wood shakes, creating a warm and rustic appeal to your home’s exterior. They come in different styles, from a rough-hewn style for a rustic and distressed look to straight-edge shingles and even half-round shingles. Vinyl shakes and shingles can be used on the whole house or as a striking accent on gables and dormers. Combining it with other siding materials such as stone will create a stunning look but of course, will add to your costs.
Insulated Siding
For the ultimate in energy efficiency, choose insulated siding. Insulated siding is more costly but provides a layer of insulation, not only to Mother Nature’s elements but also to outside noise.
2. Accessories
With the right accessories, you can elevate your home from mediocre to masterpiece. Accessories include items such as molding, trim and soffits. The right choice of window and door trim and mouldings will significantly increase curb appeal. Gable vents are a necessary accessory as they allow proper airflow to prevent condensation. Shutters are a stunning addition to your windows.
3. Size of Your House
Obviously, the size of your house is a significant factor in calculating the cost of your vinyl siding, not only in the amount of material required but also in the installation labor costs.
4. Installation
Speaking of installation, no matter what style of vinyl siding you choose, it must be properly installed to look good, function properly and last for years to come. Vinyl siding installation requires a skilled contractor familiar with the specifics of installing vinyl siding, so be sure to hire a contractor with a solid reputation and references.
Aside from the installed cost of vinyl siding, a major factor to consider in the cost of your vinyl siding is the maintenance cost. Vinyl siding is virtually maintenance free, and this fact alone will save a homeowner thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars over the lifetime of a home.
Plan your masterpiece using our online home design tool: Home Designer 2.0. Then to correctly determine vinyl siding cost, use our handy Siding Project Estimator to figure out your project’s siding requirements including total siding, trim and accessories.