Residential cedar siding replacement costs typically reflect material grade, siding thickness, house size, and labor assumptions. Main cost drivers include material quality, removal of old siding, weather barriers, and exterior finishes. This article presents cost ranges in USD and breaks down key pricing factors for U.S. buyers seeking a clear price picture for cedar siding replacement.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Material cost (cedar boards) | $2.50/sq ft | $5.50–$7.50/sq ft | $9.00+/sq ft | Includes common western red cedar; thickness and grade affect price |
| Labor (installation) | $3.50/sq ft | $5.50–$9.50/sq ft | $12+/sq ft | Includes removal, prep, and nailing; crew size matters |
| Permits & inspections | $100 | $400 | $1,000 | Local rules vary significantly |
| Delivery/Disposal | $100 | $300 | $800 | Waste disposal fees can vary by region |
| Contingency | 5% | 10% | 15% | For unforeseen rot, fascia, or repair needs |
| Taxes | 0–2% | 6–8% | 8–10% | Depends on local tax rates and project scope |
Assumptions: region, cedar grade, home size, presence of moisture damage, and contractor availability.
Overview Of Costs
Estimated total project ranges for typical single-story homes with moderate repair needs span roughly $9,000 to $28,000, depending on square footage and scope. For mid-sized two-story homes, expect a broader band around $15,000 to $40,000. The per-square-foot pricing commonly falls in the $6.50 to $12.00 range for installed cedar siding. Assumptions: standard 6-inch exposure, no major structural repair.
Per-unit pricing can appear as $/sq ft for materials and as a combined project price broken into materials and labor. When estimating, consider the combined impact of removing old siding and installing new weather barriers. Assumptions: portion of exterior walls, typical window cutouts, and standard corner trims.
Cost Breakdown
| Materials | Labor | Permits | Delivery/Disposal | Contingency | Taxes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2.50–$9.00/sq ft | $3.50–$12.00/sq ft | $100–$1,000 | $100–$800 | 5–15% | 0–10% |
Regional price differences influence the mix of materials and crew costs. In the Northeast dense urban markets, higher labor rates and disposal costs can push totals toward the upper end. The Midwest and South show more moderate ranges, while West Coast projects often incur premium material and transport fees. Assumptions: urban vs suburban sites affect access and timing.
Pricing Variables
Factors that affect price include cedar grade (clear vs knotty), thickness (trim 5/8 in vs 3/4 in), and exposure (6-inch vs 8-inch). HEPA or weather barrier requirements can add costs. Labor hours depend on wall complexity, window/door openings, and fascia repair needs. A longer run length increases both material and labor scales, while recycled or reclaimed cedar may reduce material costs but complicate installation. Assumptions: standard substrate in good condition; no major rot beyond typical spots.
Regional Price Differences
Three region comparisons illustrate typical deltas. Urban coastal markets may see +10% to +25% above national averages due to labor and disposal costs. Suburban regions often align with national midpoints. Rural areas can be 5% to 15% lower if crews travel longer distances or material sourcing is cheaper. Assumptions: project size 2,000–5,000 sq ft; standard conditions.
Labor & Installation Time
Average crew times for cedar siding replacement range from 3.0 to 6.0 hours per 100 sq ft, depending on wall complexity and window/door counts. A basic single-story home may take 3–5 days of work with a small crew, while larger two-story homes with detailed trim can exceed a week. Assumptions: two-person crew minimum; weather windows favorable.
Additional & Hidden Costs
Potential extras include extensive rot repair behind siding, fascia board replacement, corner posts, waterproof barrier upgrades, and painting or staining. If ledgers, soffits, or gutters require replacement, add $1.50–$3.50 per sq ft for each added system. Local debris collection fees and permit filing can surprise budgets. Assumptions: standard homeowners’ association rules do not impose extra steps.
Ways To Save
Cost-saving strategies include selecting prefinished cedar or longer-lasting finishes, opting for fewer trim profiles, scheduling during off-peak seasons, and combining multiple exterior projects with a single crew. Getting multiple bids helps identify realistic ranges and avoid overpricing. Assumptions: bids reflect standard materials and local labor markets.
Real-World Pricing Examples
Scenario cards summarize typical projects. Each shows specs, labor hours, per-unit prices, and totals with varied materials lists.
- Basic — 1,800 sq ft, standard clear cedar, no rot repairs, 4/12 roof pitch. Materials $2.50–$4.50/sq ft; Labor $3.50–$6.50/sq ft; Total $14,000–$23,000.
- Mid-Range — 3,000 sq ft, select-grade cedar, minor rot repair, weather barrier upgrade. Materials $4.50–$6.50/sq ft; Labor $5.50–$9.50/sq ft; Total $28,000–$42,000.
- Premium — 4,500 sq ft, clear western red cedar, custom trim, extensive rot repairs. Materials $6.50–$9.00/sq ft; Labor 9.00–$12.00/sq ft; Total $52,000–$82,000.
Assumptions: region, house shape, and contractor schedule influence outcomes.
Maintenance & Ownership Costs
Five-year outlook includes periodic staining or sealing every 3–5 years, plus potential repainting in some climates. Cedar can last 20–40 years with proper maintenance, but water intrusion or sun exposure shortening the lifespan of lower grades. Budgeting for future refreshes helps stabilize long-term costs. Assumptions: typical climate zone and standard maintenance interval.
