The brick versus siding decision hinges on cost, with price ranges influenced by material type, labor, and project scope. This guide outlines typical brick and siding pricing, key drivers, and practical budgeting tips for U.S. homeowners.
Assumptions: region, material choices, project scope, and labor hours.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brick exterior (material only) | $6,000 | $12,000 | $22,000 | Garage or small home; standard brick veneer or full brick adds complexity. |
| Brick installation (labor) | $4,000 | $12,000 | $28,000 | Experienced masons; higher if structural work is needed. |
| Siding material (vinyl) | $3,000 | $8,000 | $15,000 | Perimeter-only, typical two-story home. |
| Siding installation (labor) | $2,500 | $6,000 | $12,000 | Average crew rates; includes tearing off old siding in most cases. |
| Permits & inspections | $100 | $1,500 | $4,000 | Local variations apply. |
| Delivery/Disposal | $100 | $800 | $2,000 | Waste from removal and material drop-off. |
| Taxes & overhead | $200 | $2,000 | $4,000 | Contractor overhead varies. |
| Estimated total range | $8,900 | $41,300 | $87,000 | Assumes full replacement on a typical 1,800–2,400 sq ft home. |
Overview Of Costs
Brick costs commonly combine materials and labor into a higher upfront price. Typical ranges for a standard home with brick veneer are about $12,000–$28,000 for the installation portion, with total project costs often landing in the $18,000–$50,000 range when gutters, moisture barriers, and trim are included. For full brick walls, prices can escalate to the $40,000–$85,000 band or more, depending on wall area and specialty finishes.
Siding costs tend to be lower upfront. Vinyl siding commonly runs $4–$9 per square foot installed, with most exterior projects totaling $10,000–$22,000 for a typical home. Engineered wood, fiber cement, or metal siding can push the installed price to $14,000–$40,000 or higher, depending on material type and home size. Per-square-foot pricing helps compare options quickly.
Per-unit ranges (materials plus labor) provide quick benchmarks: brick veneer in the $8–$20 per sq ft range for installation, while vinyl siding generally lands in the $4–$9 per sq ft installed range. These figures assume standard wall areas, typical heights, and common climate zones. Assumptions: region, specs, labor hours.
Cost Breakdown
| Component | Brick Exterior | Siding Exterior | Notes | Typical Range | Unit Basis |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | Brick, mortar, flashing | Vinyl, fiber cement, or wood siding | Quality and color options matter | $6,000–$28,000 | Total |
| Labor | Masons, scaffolding | Siding installers, carpenters | Crucial on braced walls and multiple stories | $4,000–$28,000 | Total |
| Permits | Yes in some jurisdictions | Yes in many jurisdictions | Local code compliance | $100–$4,000 | Permits |
| Delivery/Disposal | Brick and pallets removal | Old siding removal | Disposal fees vary | $100–$2,000 | Delivery/Disposal |
| Warranty | Typically limited on workmanship | Material and labor warranties vary | Manufacturer vs contractor | $200–$4,000 | Warranty |
data-formula=”labor_hours × hourly_rate”> Real-world drivers include wall height, window/door openings, and complexity of corners. For brick, a 1,800–2,400 sq ft home often involves longer installation times and higher labor costs due to masonry work and scaffolding needs.
Cost Drivers
Material choice matters. Brick veneers cost more upfront than most siding options but can offer longer life and lower maintenance in some climates. Siding options such as fiber cement or engineered wood balance durability and price, often beating brick on initial outlay while providing different aesthetics. Local climate, moisture control needs, and attic ventilation influence long-term performance and maintenance.
Labor intensity varies. Brick requires skilled masons, temporary supports, and scaffold access, contributing to higher labor rates. Siding installation is generally faster but requires proper weather sealing and flashing to prevent leaks. Regional labor rates can swing overall costs by ±10–30% depending on market conditions.
Other factors include wall complexity, existing structure, gutters, painting or staining (if wooden siding), and any required moisture barriers. Special finishes, like hand-molded brick or textured fiber cement, increase both materials and labor costs.
What Drives Price
Project scope is the primary driver; full exterior replacement costs more than partial updates. Climate considerations, such as freeze-thaw cycles, influence material selection to resist cracking and moisture infiltration. For brick, the proportion of veneer versus solid brick affects both price and installation time.
Site access affects labor and equipment rental. Tight lots, multi-story homes, or restricted driveways may require additional scaffolding, safety measures, and contents protection, increasing quotes.
Materials availability and regional supplier pricing can cause quarterly fluctuations. When planning, consider lead times for brick orders or specialty siding finishes that may extend project schedules and costs.
Ways To Save
Compare materials. Vinyl siding offers the lowest installed cost, while fiber cement combines durability with mid-range pricing. If brick appearance is desired, consider brick veneer instead of full brick to reduce material and labor costs while achieving a similar outer look.
Plan timing. Off-peak seasons may yield lower labor rates and contractor availability. Scheduling during mild weather can shorten installation time and reduce contingency costs.
Bundle work. If multiple exterior updates are planned, coordinating under one contract (doors, windows, or painting) can reduce mobilization fees and permit costs.
Obtain multiple quotes. Getting at least three bids helps reveal hidden add-ons and ensures competitive pricing for materials and labor. Clarify scope, waste handling, and warranty terms in writing.
Regional Price Differences
Pricing can vary by region due to labor markets and material sourcing. In the Northeast, brick installation may lean toward the higher end of the range due to labor rates and moisture considerations, while the Midwest may balance brick and siding costs with regional materials. The South often sees lower overall labor costs but higher moisture-related maintenance needs. Expect regional deltas of roughly ±10% to ±25% for total project costs depending on wall area, material selection, and contractor availability.
Real-World Pricing Examples
Basic scenario: vinyl siding on a 1,800 sq ft house, standard trim, no architectural details; materials $3,800, labor $5,000, permits $600, disposal $600; total around $10,000–$12,000. Assumptions: region, midsize crew, no additions.
Mid-Range scenario: fiber cement siding on 2,000 sq ft with upgraded trim and moisture barrier; materials $9,000, labor $9,000, permits $1,000, disposal $1,200; total around $20,000–$28,000. Assumptions: standard two-story home, moderate complexity.
Premium scenario: brick veneer on 2,200 sq ft with full brick accent corners, insulation upgrade, and premium flashing; materials $16,000, labor $20,000, permits $2,000, disposal $2,500; total around $40,000–$60,000. Assumptions: high-end finishes, skilled masons, complex corners.
