Prices for board and batten siding versus brick vary widely by material choice, labor, and regional costs. This article presents concrete price ranges, typical per-square-foot rates, and key drivers that influence the total cost of either siding option.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Material cost per sq ft | $3.00 | $7.50 | $12.00 | Board and batten (wood or fiber cement); brick per sq ft varies by brick type |
| Labor cost per sq ft | $2.50 | $5.00 | $9.00 | Includes installation and fastening |
| Preparation and removal | $0.50 | $2.00 | $5.00 | Demolition or material prep |
| Permits and inspections | $50 | $300 | $1,000 | Depends on locality |
| Delivery/ disposal | $50 | $180 | $500 | Waste handling, debris bags, recycling |
| Total install cost per sq ft | $5.50 | $12.50 | $26.00 | Aggregate of materials, labor, prep, and permits |
Board and Batten Siding Costs by Size and Material
Board and batten pricing hinges on the plank width, material type, and the number of batten strips per wall. Typical per-square-foot ranges reflect common residential projects. For wood or fiber cement boards, expect a combined installed range of $8.00 to $18.00 per sq ft for standard heights and single-story homes. The lower end covers basic materials with basic finish, while the high end accounts for premium fiber cement or cedar with factory finishes and extra trim work. Assumptions: Midwest labor rates, standard 8-foot wall heights, normal access, standard weather.
- Common materials: wood planks with battens, fiber cement boards with battens, or PVC/composite alternatives
- Installed price derives from material cost plus 1–2.times labor for typical single-story homes
- For homes with tall walls or complicated corners, per-wall costs rise
| Material | Low per sq ft | Average per sq ft | High per sq ft | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wood board with battens | $6.00 | $10.00 | $14.00 | Natural wood price varies by species |
| Fiber cement board with battens | $7.50 | $12.50 | $18.00 | Durable, low warp; paintable or prefinished |
| PVC/composite | $7.00 | $11.50 | $16.50 | Low maintenance; color options |
Brick Siding Price Components: Materials, Labor, and Extras
Brick siding costs include brick or brick veneer, mortar, surface prep, and potentially a veneer support structure. Installed brick siding typically ranges from $15.00 to $40.00 per sq ft depending on brick type, bond pattern, and wall height. Brick veneer installations with a structural backing can run closer to the lower end, while full brick masonry increases the price significantly. Assumptions: urban or suburban markets, standard wall substrates, no hidden structural repairs.
- Brick type: common brick, architectural brick, or engineered veneer
- Mortar color and joint style affect labor time
- Backer and insulation may be added for energy efficiency
| Component | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Material (brick or veneer) | $6.50 | $14.50 | $30.00 | |
| Labor (installation) | $6.00 | $12.00 | $18.00 | |
| Mortar and reinforcement | $1.50 | $3.50 | $6.00 | |
| Preparation and cleanup | $1.00 | $2.50 | $5.00 | |
| Permits | $50 | $300 | $800 |
Regional Price Variation for Siding: Midwest to Coastal Regions
Regional differences reflect labor availability, material transport costs, and demand cycles. In the Midwest, board and batten installed costs typically run in the $8.50–$14.50 per sq ft range for standard installations, while coastal markets can push toward $12.00–$20.00 per sq ft due to higher labor rates and material costs. Brick veneer tends to be steadier regionally, but full brick homes in high-cost metropolitan areas can push above $30 per sq ft. Assumptions: typical single-story homes, no major structural work, standard access.
- Coastal markets often incur higher delivery fees and longer wait times
- Rural markets may offer lower labor rates but increased material transport time
Labor Hours and Crew Size for Siding Installations
Labor hours depend on wall complexity, height, and weather. A typical 1,500 sq ft single-story house with board and batten might require a two-person crew for about 3–5 days, equating to roughly 120–200 labor hours. Per-hour rates commonly fall between $40 and $90 for skilled labor in many regions. Factor in scaffold setup, trim work, and weather downtime when budgeting. Assumptions: standard access, no major demolition, normal cure times for paints or finishes.
| Scenario | Crew | Time (days) | Hourly rate | Low total | High total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Board and batten, 1,500 sq ft, single story | 2 | 3 | $40 | $18,000 | $34,000 |
| Brick veneer, same scope | 3 | 4 | $60 | $28,000 | $60,000 |
Maintenance and Longevity: How Costs Evolve Over Time
Board and batten materials vary in maintenance needs. Wood may require painting or staining every 5–7 years and occasional repairs; fiber cement can last 25–40 years with minimal maintenance. Brick siding is known for long life but may incur tuckpointing or repointing every 20–30 years in freeze-thaw climates. Expected maintenance costs can range from $0.50 to $2.50 per sq ft annually for paint cycles or minor touch-ups to $8–$12 per sq ft for major repairs over decades. Assumptions: typical climate, average paint life, standard exterior finishes.
Installation Scenarios: Full Replacement vs Accent Applications
Full wall coverage with board and batten typically costs more per sq ft than a partial accent plan because of extra trim and corner work. An accent treatment using board and batten on two exterior walls might cost around $6.50–$12.50 per sq ft, whereas full-walls installations can reach $8.50–$18.00 per sq ft depending on material choice. Brick accent features, such as a chimney surround or entryway band, can range from $4,000 to $15,000 for the project, depending on scope. Assumptions: accent areas limited to 100–400 sq ft, single-story design.
Cost Comparison by System Type: Fiber Cement vs Brick
Fiber cement board with battens typically sits between $7.50 and $14.50 per sq ft installed, offering a middle ground between wood and brick. Full brick veneer tends to run higher, often $15.00 to $40.00 per sq ft installed, depending on bond pattern, brick type, and backing. For homeowners weighing long-term cost, fiber cement may save on painting cycles and maintenance, while brick provides strong durability with potentially higher upfront costs. Assumptions: standard wall condition, typical tool access, standard finish options.
Add-Ons and Preparation: Permits, Delivery, and Disposal
Preparation work like removing old siding, surface prep, or insulating upgrades adds to the price. Permits may range from $50 to $1,000 depending on locality and project scope. Delivery and disposal fees vary by material and distance but commonly add <$300> to a project. When budgeting, include a contingency of 5–15% for weather delays or unanticipated repairs. Assumptions: typical suburban project, no structural remediation.
