Homeowners typically pay a broad range for brick and fiber cement siding, with key cost drivers including material type, house size, labor rates, and finishes. The main price differences come from installation complexity, weight, and maintenance needs. The following figures provide a practical budget framework for U.S. projects comparing brick siding and Hardie (fiber cement) siding.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brick Veneer Installed (per sq ft) | $10 | $14 | $22 | Includes veneer, mortar, and installation; thickness and pattern vary |
| Full Brick Siding Installed (per sq ft) | $15 | $25 | $40 | Higher due to weight, chimney details, and structural work |
| Hardie Fiber Cement Siding Installed (per sq ft) | $9 | $12 | $16 | Material plus labor; includes coating/primer in many cases |
| Labor (crew) per hour | $60 | $85 | $120 | Varies by region and crew skill |
| Permits & Inspections | $150 | $600 | $2,000 | Depends on local rules and project scope |
Assumptions: region, specs, labor hours.
Overview Of Costs
Key takeaway: Brick siding generally carries a higher installed price than Hardie fiber cement, especially for full brick, due to material weight, scaffold requirements, and intricate reveals. Typical total project ranges for a 2,000-square-foot home illustrate the broad differences between options when factoring installation and finishing.
Brick veneer costs tend to run lower than full brick but higher than many fiber cement installs, with installed ranges commonly around $20,000 to $40,000 for 2,000 sq ft (depending on pattern, mortar color, and window/door openings). For hardie siding, expect roughly $18,000 to $30,000 for the same size, factoring in accent areas and coating. These ranges assume standard two-story construction with typical window openings and no unusual terrain.
Per-square-foot context: Brick veneer often lands in the $10-$22 per sq ft installed band, while hardie fiber cement typically sits around $9-$16 per sq ft installed. When comparing, the cost gap narrows if brick is used sparingly as an accent or for portion of the exterior.
Cost Breakdown
| Cost Component | Brick Veneer (per sq ft) | Hardie Siding (per sq ft) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $6-$12 | $3-$6 | Brick units vs fiber cement panels; brick requires mortar blends |
| Labor | $5-$10 | $6-$10 | Labor intensity higher for brick veneer in certain elevations |
| Equipment | $1-$2 | $1-$2 | Scaffolding and lifting gear; brick often needs more time |
| Permits | $100-$900 | $100-$900 | Depends on jurisdiction and structural changes |
| Delivery/Disposal | $200-$1,000 | $100-$500 | Waste from old siding removal and packaging |
| Warranty & Contingency | $500-$2,000 | $400-$1,500 | Typical workmanship warranties and material guarantees |
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What Drives Price
Material characteristics significantly influence cost: brick requires heavier truckloads, labor-intensive installation, and more complex flashing and bonding. Hardie siding uses lighter panels, quicker cuts, and often simpler installation. Tolerances for door and window surrounds, as well as color finishing (paint or sealer), add variability to final pricing.
Project specifics such as wall height, number of stories, and pattern complexity (running bond, stack bond, or decorative cornices) alter both materials and labor. Roofing overlaps and attic access can affect scaffold time and total hours. The integration with windows, doors, and corners also changes waste and trim requirements.
Regional factors like labor rates, permit fees, and local material availability can swing totals by 5–15% across distinct markets.
Labor & Installation Time
Basic timelines vary by house size and exterior complexity. A straightforward 2,000 sq ft, single-family home often requires 4–7 days of crew work for brick veneer and 3–6 days for Hardie siding, assuming dry weather and typical elevations. Heavier brick installations may need extra scaffolding and a second crew for larger sections.
Assumptions: region, specs, labor hours.
Real-World Pricing Examples
Basic scenario: 2,000 sq ft, brick veneer accents only, standard two-story, minimal ledge work. Estimated project: $20,000–$28,000; materials around $7–$12 per sq ft; labor $5–$9 per sq ft.
Mid-Range scenario: 2,000 sq ft, full veneer brick with simple joints, 2,000 sq ft Hardie on remaining surfaces. Estimated project: Brick veneer $28,000–$36,000; Hardie $18,000–$26,000; total $46,000–$62,000. This includes permits and basic coatings.
Premium scenario: 2,000 sq ft, solid brick on main walls, decorative brick patterns, high-end Hardie accents, custom trim. Estimated project: Brick $40,000–$70,000; Hardie $20,000–$30,000; total $60,000–$100,000. Includes premium finishes and extended warranties.
Assumptions: region, specs, labor hours.
Regional Price Differences
Regional spreads can shift overall cost by roughly ±10–20% when comparing Coastal, Inland, and Mountain markets. For example, material transport and labor demand in coastal cities tend to raise costs, while rural areas may see lower prices but longer lead times. A 2,000 sq ft project might be $50,000 in one region and $60,000 in another for a similar scope, reflecting local margins and permit nuances.
Labor, Hours & Rates
Crew variability is a major determinant. Labor hours for brick veneer generally exceed fiber cement when intricate bond patterns or heavy around openings are included. Hourly rates range from roughly $60 to $120, depending on city and contractor experience. A 2,000 sq ft project could add 8–14 days of labor across both trades, influencing total installed price.
Additional & Hidden Costs
Hidden factors may include scaffolding rental, remediation of existing siding, flashing upgrades, and moisture barrier replacement. Brick projects might require structural checks and anchor bolts upgrades. Hardie projects may need extra paint or sealant in specific climates. Always budget for contingencies of 5–10% for weather delays and supply fluctuations.
Maintenance & Ownership Costs
Long-term costs differ: brick has durable but potentially higher maintenance if repointing is needed after decades, whereas fiber cement generally requires minimal maintenance beyond periodic painting in some climates. Accounting for 5–10 year repaint cycles or resealing is prudent when budgeting total ownership costs.
