What is cedar siding cost per square foot?

Cedar siding usually costs about $10–$14 per square foot installed, or $15,000–$21,000 for a 1,500 sq ft project. Material alone runs roughly $5–$8 per sq ft; labor and trim add the rest. Clear cedar is more expensive than knotty. Cost varies by region, access, and whether old siding is removed.

Is wood siding more expensive than vinyl?

Yes. Wood siding typically costs $6–$18 per sq ft installed versus vinyl at $3–$8 per sq ft. Wood requires more maintenance (staining, sealing) and has a higher upfront cost but can last 20–40 years with care and often adds more curb appeal and resale value than vinyl.

How much does wood siding maintenance cost?

Expect to stain or seal wood siding every 3–7 years. DIY staining costs about $1–$3 per sq ft in materials; professional staining runs $2–$5 per sq ft. Over 20 years, maintenance can add $2,000–$8,000 for a 1,500 sq ft home, depending on product and frequency.

What is the lifespan of wood siding?

With proper maintenance, cedar and redwood can last 30–50 years; pine 20–40 years; engineered wood 20–30 years. Unmaintained wood can rot, warp, or attract insects in 10–20 years. Regular staining, sealing, and repair of damaged boards extend life significantly.

How much does engineered wood siding cost?

Engineered wood siding (e.g., LP SmartSide, plywood-based) typically costs about $5–$9 per square foot installed, or $7,500–$13,500 for 1,500 sq ft. It is often less expensive than solid cedar or redwood and comes with warranties; labor and removal costs still apply.

What is board and batten wood siding cost?

Board and batten wood siding usually runs $7–$14 per sq ft installed, depending on wood type and location. The style uses wider boards with narrow battens over seams, so labor can be slightly higher than simple lap siding. Cedar board and batten is at the upper end of the range.

Does wood siding increase home value?

Quality wood siding (especially cedar) can improve curb appeal and resale value. Buyers often perceive wood as premium compared to vinyl. Exact value increase depends on market, condition, and maintenance. Well-maintained wood siding is a selling point; deteriorated wood can reduce value.

How much does it cost to remove old siding before installing wood?

Removal of existing siding typically adds $1–$3 per sq ft, or $1,500–$4,500 for 1,500 sq ft. Cost depends on type of old siding (vinyl, wood, fiber cement), disposal, and whether underlying sheathing or wrap needs repair. Some contractors include removal in the per-sq-ft quote.

What is the difference between wood lap and wood shingle siding?

Lap siding uses long horizontal boards overlapping one another; shingle siding uses smaller overlapping pieces (often cedar shakes or shingles). Lap is usually easier to install and slightly cheaper per sq ft; shingles offer a more textured look and often cost 10–20% more in labor and material.

Is wood siding good for humid or rainy climates?

Wood can work in humid climates if properly treated, sealed, and ventilated. Cedar and redwood resist rot better than pine. Engineered wood often has moisture-resistant treatments. Poor drainage, lack of overhangs, or missing vapor barriers can lead to rot and mold; proper installation and maintenance are critical.

Can you install wood siding over existing siding?

Sometimes. Installing over existing siding can save removal cost but may void warranties, trap moisture, or create code issues. It works best over sound, flat surfaces (e.g., old wood lap). Vinyl or damaged siding usually should be removed. A qualified contractor can assess your situation.

How much does redwood siding cost?

Redwood siding typically costs about $12–$18 per square foot installed due to material cost and durability. For 1,500 sq ft, expect roughly $18,000–$27,000. Redwood is prized for resistance to rot and insects; clear grades cost more than knotty.

What is pine siding cost per square foot?

Pine siding usually runs about $6–$10 per square foot installed, or $9,000–$15,000 for 1,500 sq ft. It is one of the more affordable wood options but requires regular staining or painting to resist moisture and insects. Treated pine can be used in some applications.

Do I need a permit for wood siding installation?

Many areas require a permit for re-siding, especially if structural sheathing is replaced or the project is part of a larger renovation. Permits typically cost $100–$500. Your contractor can pull permits; doing work without required permits can affect insurance and resale.

How do I get accurate wood siding quotes?

Get 2–3 quotes from licensed siding contractors. Provide exact square footage, wood type and style, whether removal is needed, and number of stories. Ask for a breakdown of materials, labor, removal, and permits. Use this calculator as a baseline, then compare with local quotes for your zip code.

Wood Siding Installation Cost Calculator

Use this free wood siding cost calculator to get an instant estimate by area, wood type (cedar, pine, engineered wood, redwood, cypress), style (lap, shingle, board and batten), stories, removal, and location. Wood siding typically runs $6–$18 per sq ft installed. Get materials, labor, and low, average, and high estimates below.

How much does wood siding cost?

Wood siding typically costs $6–$18 per square foot installed. Cedar and redwood run about $10–$18 per sq ft; pine and engineered wood about $6–$10 per sq ft. Total cost depends on area, wood type, style, whether existing siding is removed, and your location. Get 2–3 local quotes for an accurate price.

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Important Disclaimer:

These estimates are based on current market data and average costs. Actual costs may vary depending on your location, specific materials chosen, contractor rates, and project complexity. We recommend getting multiple quotes from local contractors for the most accurate pricing.

Average Wood Siding Cost

National averages for wood siding installation range from about $6 to $18 per square foot, depending on wood type and style. Below are typical ranges by wood type (per sq ft) and by house size (total project).

Cost by wood type

Typical installed cost per square foot

Wood type	Cost per sq ft
Engineered wood	$5–$9
Pine	$6–$10
Cypress	$9–$13
Cedar	$10–$14
Redwood	$12–$18

Cost by house size

Total project (medium cost area, with removal)

Wall area	Estimated total
1,000 sq ft	$9,000–$16,000
1,500 sq ft	$13,500–$24,000
2,000 sq ft	$18,000–$32,000
2,500 sq ft	$22,500–$40,000
3,000 sq ft	$27,000–$48,000

What Affects Wood Siding Cost?

Wood type, area, style, number of stories, removal of existing siding, and location drive most of the variation.

Wood type — Cedar and redwood cost more; pine and engineered wood are more affordable.
Area — Larger projects have lower per-sq-ft labor; total cost scales with square footage.
Style — Lap is standard; shingle and board and batten can add 10–20%.
Stories — Multi-story work adds access and labor cost.
Removal — Removing old siding adds $1–$3 per sq ft.
Location — Labor and material prices vary by region.

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Wood Siding Cost FAQs

Common questions about wood siding cost, cedar siding cost, wood vs vinyl, maintenance, and lifespan.

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Disclaimer: These estimates are for planning only and are based on national averages and typical project scenarios. Actual costs depend on your location, exact wood type and style, contractor rates, removal requirements, and project details. Always get 2–3 local quotes before committing to a project.