Vinyl Siding Cost Calculator

How much does vinyl siding cost?

For a standard vinyl lap job, the Standard estimate is about $14,700, or about $8.14 per sq ft, within a range of about $10,900 to $19,900. Builder-grade vinyl comes in lower, at about $12,900, while insulated vinyl is about $18,100. The final price depends on the profile and grade you choose, the wall area, the labor market, and add-ons such as tear-off, house wrap, and trim.

Vinyl siding cost by profile and grade

The table below prices 1,800 sq ft of wall on a one-story home with simple walls, 12 windows and doors, house wrap, no tear-off, standard colors, and an average U.S. labor market.

Installed price per sq ft of wall. Planning assumptions only.

• Builder-grade lap — about $5.99 per sq ft at Standard prices.
• Standard lap — about $6.96 per sq ft at Standard prices.
• Premium thick lap — about $8.25 per sq ft at Standard prices.
• Dutch lap — about $7.24 per sq ft at Standard prices.
• Board & batten (vertical) — about $8.09 per sq ft at Standard prices.
• Shake & shingle — about $10.64 per sq ft at Standard prices.
• Insulated vinyl — about $8.89 per sq ft at Standard prices.

Does vinyl thickness matter?

Panel thickness affects how stiff the panel feels and how well it holds up on uneven walls. Thinner panels can look wavy, while thicker panels stay flatter and resist damage better. The ASTM D3679 minimum is 0.035 in. Ask your contractor for the product name and data sheet so you can confirm the thickness of the panel being installed. See the panel thickness by grade table in the cost breakdown above.

Dark colors cost more

Dark colors add about 10% to the panel price. On the standard lap sample job, the Standard estimate rises from about $14,700 to about $15,100, roughly $500 more. Check the color warranty for dark colors before you choose.

What is included in the price

The estimate includes the following:

• Waste allowance of 8% for Budget, 12% for Standard, and 16% for Premium.
• Accessories: starter strip, corners, fasteners, and flashing tape.
• Trim and J-channel at each window and door.
• House wrap, checked by default.
• Foam board, optional.
• Soffit and fascia, optional.

Labor cost for vinyl siding

Labor runs about 2.9 to 4 crew hours per 100 sq ft, depending on the profile. Hourly rates are about $55 for Budget, $70 for Standard, and $90 for Premium, plus a mobilization and cleanup charge. Complex walls add about 15% to 30%, a second story adds about 12%, and a third story adds about 25%. As an example, a 2,400 sq ft two-story home in standard lap is about $20,700 at Standard prices, including a $650 scaffolding allowance.

Vinyl siding for upper stories and gables

Upper stories and gables cost more because of scaffolding or lift rental and extra cutting along roof lines, and because gables often use accent profiles. To price them, price the main walls in lap, then run the calculator again for the gable area in shake or board and batten and add the two totals.

When vinyl may not be the best choice

Vinyl is not the best fit for every home:

• If you live in a wildfire-prone area, consider fiber cement or metal siding.
• If you want to repaint your siding in the future, note that vinyl's color is fixed.
• If reflected sunlight from low-E windows hits the walls, it can distort vinyl panels.
• If local design rules or a historic district restrict siding choices, check what is allowed first.

Use the Siding Installation Cost Calculator to compare vinyl with fiber cement, engineered wood and metal on the same walls.

Tear-off and wall repairs

Removal takes about 1.2 crew hours per 100 sq ft, plus dumpster and disposal costs. On the 1,800 sq ft sample job, removal is about $1,510 and disposal about $630. If the old siding is wood or fiber cement, or there are two layers to remove, use the Siding Replacement Cost Calculator for a detailed tear-off price. The sheathing repair allowance is about 5%, 15%, or 30% of the wall area.

Installing vinyl correctly

Vinyl expands and contracts with temperature, so it must be nailed loosely in the center of the nailing slots, with gaps left at corners and trim. Panels nailed too tight can buckle in summer heat. Ask your installer about expansion gaps and the manufacturer's installation instructions.

Pros and cons of vinyl siding

Pros

• Low cost.
• No painting needed.
• Many colors and profiles.
• Light and fast to install.

Cons

• Can crack in hard freezes or on impact.
• Can warp near grills or reflected sunlight.
• Thin panels can look wavy.
• Color is fixed.

Budget, Standard and Premium vinyl

Budget: entry-level panels, basic accessories, and independent installer rates.

Standard: mid-range panels, quality accessories, and an established siding company.

Premium: top product line, upgraded trim, and a premium installer.

How to budget for vinyl siding

If your home is older, budget about 10% to 15% above the Standard estimate. Ask each contractor for the exact product line and thickness, whether house wrap and flashing are included, and a written sheathing repair price. Compare at least three itemized quotes before you decide.

Estimated siding area by home size

Based on a typical rectangular footprint, 9.5 ft of wall per story, a small gable allowance, and about 15% of the wall area for windows and doors.