Quick Answer
Measure net cladding area, but budget detail labor separately. Material systems can be screened per 100-square-foot siding square, while house wrap/rainscreen, fascia, soffit, window casing, removal and sheathing repair need their own lines.
1. Convert Wall Area Into Siding Squares
Net Cladding Area ÷ 100 = Siding SquaresMeasure wall rectangles and gables, then subtract openings consistently. Some estimators do not fully subtract every window because surrounding cuts and waste offset part of the missing area.
2. Compare Installed Material Systems
| Cladding | Broad Installed Range / 100 sq ft |
|---|---|
| Vinyl | $400–$850 |
| Fiber cement | $850–$1,500 |
| Engineered wood | $950–$1,600 |
These are screening ranges, not quotes. Stories, access, corners, trim package and labor market can move the result strongly.
3. Add Weather-Resistive Barrier and Rainscreen
A broad planning range of roughly $0.75–$2.20/sq ft can be useful for WRB/rainscreen-related work depending on the assembly.
4. Price Trim by Linear Foot
Fascia, soffit and decorative window/door casing may land around $10–$25 per linear foot as a broad planning range, depending on material and complexity. Detail-heavy houses can therefore cost more than wall area alone suggests.
5. Tear-Off and Wall Repair Need an Allowance
- Old siding removal and disposal
- Damaged sheathing replacement
- Rotten trim or sill repairs
- Window flashing corrections
- Insect or moisture damage
- Foam/sheathing upgrades where planned
6. Worked Example: 2,200 sq ft Net Wall Area
2,200 ÷ 100 = 22 siding squares.
| System | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Vinyl | $8,800 | $18,700 |
| Fiber cement | $18,700 | $33,000 |
| Engineered wood | $20,900 | $35,200 |
Add WRB/rainscreen, trim, removal, permits and sheathing repairs to compare full-system bids.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is one square of siding?
One siding square equals 100 square feet of wall cladding area.
How much does vinyl siding cost per square installed?
A broad planning range around $400 to $850 per siding square can be useful, depending on product grade, geometry, labor market and details.
How much does fiber cement siding cost per square installed?
A broad planning range around $850 to $1,500 per square can be useful, with trim complexity and finish requirements affecting the upper end.
Do I need a weather-resistive barrier under new siding?
The wall assembly must comply with local code and manufacturer requirements. A WRB is commonly part of modern exterior wall systems, and some assemblies also use a drainage or rainscreen space.
Why do windows increase siding labor so much?
Every opening creates flashing, casing, starter or termination cuts and alignment work. A wall with many openings can cost more to side than a larger uninterrupted wall.