Homeowners typically pay a wide range for exterior cladding, with cost driven by material type, square footage, labor intensity, and regional market conditions. The price discussion below focuses on cost and pricing to help buyers estimate budgets for a board and batten finish versus brick siding.
Key takeaway: Brick generally carries a higher upfront price than board and batten, but may offer different long term maintenance costs and curb appeal values that affect total cost of ownership.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Board and Batten (materials) | $2.50/sq ft | $5.00/sq ft | $9.50/sq ft | Fiber cement or wood options vary; coatings affect durability |
| Brick Siding (materials) | $6.00/sq ft | $9.50/sq ft | $14.50/sq ft | Brick type and mortar color drive price; veneer is lower cost than full brick |
| Labor & Installation | $3.00-$5.50/sq ft | $6.00-$9.50/sq ft | $12.00+/sq ft | Seam alignment and flashing complexity affect hours; brickwork adds skilled mason labor |
| Permits & Inspections | $100-$500 | $300-$1,000 | $2,000+ | Local rules vary; heavy masonry may require structural checks |
| Delivery / Disposal | $0-$300 | $200-$1,000 | $2,000 | Waste from cutting or brick removal matters in rural areas |
| Warranty & Contingency | $0-$200 | $200-$800 | $1,200+ | Longer warranties may add upfront costs; contingency covers unforeseen work |
Assumptions: region, specs, labor hours.
Typical Cost Range
The following ranges assume mid sized single family homes with 1,800–2,400 square feet of exterior wall area, standard irrigation, and typical two story designs. Per square foot estimates are for applied siding only and do not include interior finish or landscaping. Board and Batten generally falls in a lower to mid range compared with brick, while Brick tends to be higher upfront but may offer different long term maintenance profiles.
Board and Batten total project ranges: low $14,900 – average $26,000 – high $46,000 (materials and labor for 1,800–2,400 sq ft, typical weather exposure).
Brick total project ranges: low $36,000 – average $54,000 – high $92,000 (brick veneer or full brick with standard mortar, 1,800–2,400 sq ft).
Cost Breakdown
Assumptions: material choices affect durability and maintenance; regional labor rates vary by 15–25 percent. A mini formula for labor is included below to illustrate how hours and rates translate to cost.
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| Cladding Type | Materials | Labor | Permits | Delivery/Disposal | Taxes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Board and Batten | $2.50-$9.50/sq ft | $3.00-$12.00/sq ft | $100-$500 | $0-$3000 | 6–8% |
| Brick | $6.00-$14.50/sq ft | $6.00-$12.50/sq ft | $300-$2,000 | $0-$2,000 | 6–8% |
Factors That Affect Price
Material choice drives upfront cost and maintenance; fiber cement board and engineered wood offer different durability and paint cycles than natural wood. Brick type, including brick veneer versus full brick, influences both material and labor costs.
Mechanical details such as flashing, sealants, and window openings require extra work and can increase both labor hours and materials by 10–25 percent.
Regional Price Differences
Prices vary by market; urban centers typically command higher wages and material access costs, while rural areas may incur longer transport times. California and the Northeast often show higher installed rates; the Midwest and Southern states may trend lower overall, with notable regional gaps between brick and wood options.
Typical deltas: Board and Batten can be 5–15 percent higher in dense urban markets than rural, while Brick can be 10–20 percent higher in coastal cities due to material shipping.
Labor & Installation Time
Labor costs reflect crew size, project complexity, and weather windows. Board and batten installations emphasize clapboard style execution and trim precision, whereas brick requires skilled masons for laying courses and joint work. Typical install time scales with wall area and detailing complexity.
Guiding figures: Board and Batten often require 1.5–2.2 days per 1,000 sq ft, while Brick may require 2.5–3.5 days per 1,000 sq ft depending on mortar joints and access.
Real-World Pricing Examples
Three scenario snapshots illustrate price bands with concrete specs and hours. Each scenario assumes a 2,000 sq ft exterior wall area and standard finishes in a suburban market.
Basic — Board and Batten with fiber cement, no specialty trims, 2 workers, 18–22 hours, materials $5.50/sq ft, labor $6.50/sq ft, total ≈ $21,000.
Mid-Range — Board and Batten with premium siding, moisture barrier, hidden fasteners, 2 workers, 28–34 hours, materials $6.75/sq ft, labor $8.25/sq ft, total ≈ $30,000.
Premium — Brick veneer with advanced sealants, professional masonry crew, 40–50 hours, materials $11.00/sq ft, labor $9.50/sq ft, total ≈ $55,000.
Permits, Codes & Rebates
Permitting requirements depend on local codes and whether structural modifications accompany siding changes. Some regions offer rebates for energy efficient or moisture resistant materials; brick projects can trigger additional damp proofing or structural checks.
Key note: Permit costs range widely by jurisdiction, from a modest hundred dollars to several thousand in large metropolitan zones.
