Estimate siding materials, trim, and total project cost for your home exterior.
Our siding calculator helps you estimate the total siding area, materials needed, and project cost for your home exterior project. Whether you're replacing old siding or installing new siding on a construction project, this tool gives you a reliable baseline for budgeting.
For example, a 160 ft perimeter home with 10 ft walls has 1,600 sq ft of gross wall area. With 8 windows and 2 doors, the net siding area is about 1,400 sq ft — roughly 15 squares with waste factored in.
Siding materials are measured in "squares," where one square covers 100 square feet of wall area. This is the same unit used in roofing, making it easy to compare material quantities across different home improvement projects. Your total material order should include extra for waste, trimming, and future repairs.
Choosing the right siding material impacts both your budget and your home's curb appeal. Here's how the most common options compare:
| Material | Cost per Square | Lifespan | Pros | Cons | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vinyl Siding | $200 | 20-40 years | Lowest cost, minimal maintenance, easy to install | Can crack in extreme cold, limited color options | Budget-conscious homeowners |
| Wood Siding | $350 | 20-40 years | Natural look, can be painted/stained, eco-friendly | Requires regular painting/sealing, susceptible to rot | Traditional and historic homes |
| Fiber Cement | $400 | 40-60 years | Extremely durable, fire-resistant, termite-proof | Heavy, requires special tools, higher installation cost | Homes in fire-prone or high-humidity areas |
| Metal Siding | $500 | 40-70 years | Nearly indestructible, low maintenance, recyclable | Higher upfront cost, can dent, limited styles | Modern and industrial-style homes |
Labor costs typically range from $100-$200 per square for siding installation. Vinyl is fastest to install, while fiber cement and metal require more specialized skills and equipment.
Knowing when to replace siding can prevent water damage, improve energy efficiency, and maintain your home's curb appeal. Here are the most common indicators that it's time for new siding:
If you notice multiple signs, use our siding calculator to budget for replacement and get quotes from local contractors. Siding replacement typically recovers 70-80% of its cost in home value.
Proper maintenance extends the life of your siding and keeps your home looking its best. Here's what to do for each type:
Regular maintenance can extend siding life by 5-10 years and prevent costly repairs. If you're planning a replacement, our siding calculator helps you budget accurately.
Start by measuring the perimeter of your house (the total distance around all exterior walls). Multiply this by the wall height to get your gross wall area. Subtract 15 sq ft for each standard window and 20 sq ft for each exterior door. Don't forget to add 10% for waste and overage.
In cold climates, vinyl and fiber cement perform well. In hot and humid areas, fiber cement resists moisture better than wood. In fire-prone regions, fiber cement and metal offer the best fire resistance. Coastal homes benefit from metal or fiber cement due to salt-air resistance.
It's generally better to replace windows before siding, so the siding can be properly flashed against the window frames. If you're planning both projects, do windows first, then siding. This ensures proper water management and a cleaner finish.
A typical single-family home (1,500-2,500 sq ft) takes 3-7 days for professional siding installation. Vinyl is fastest at 3-5 days, while fiber cement takes 5-7 days due to the extra cutting and labor involved.
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