Cost of Wood Siding for Residential Builds

Understanding the Real Cost of Wood Siding in Residential Construction

Wood siding offers a classic aesthetic and durability that appeals to many in the construction industry. However, understanding the true cost is crucial for accurate budgeting. Current estimates place cedar clapboard at $4 to $7 per square foot, while premium redwood can reach $10. Pine or spruce may be as low as $3 but require more maintenance. This guide breaks down the costs involved, helping you make informed decisions.

Why Wood Siding Remains the Top Choice for Many Homeowners

Natural beauty that boosts resale value and neighborhood character
Versatile styles—from bevel and board-and-batten to shingle and tongue-and-groove
Renewable, sustainably sourced species available through responsible mills
Easy to stain or paint, allowing color updates without full replacement
Solid insulation value that can trim heating and cooling costs

Breaking Down the Cost of Wood Siding

Key cost components include:

Material price per square foot
Labor hours for tear-off, installation, and finishing
Site preparation, including sheathing repair and moisture barriers
Waste disposal and clean-up

Material Cost
On average, residential-grade cedar clapboard ranges from $4 to $7 per square foot, while premium redwood can reach $10. Pine or spruce drop as low as $3 but require more frequent maintenance.

Labor Cost
Experienced siding crews typically bill 20–35 labor hours for a 1,500 sq ft façade. Rates vary by region, but local wage data ensures accurate estimates.

Preparation & Accessories

House wrap, flashing tape, and rainscreen spacers can add $0.50–$1.00 per square foot
Trim boards and corner posts often total 10–15% of the siding material budget
Primer, stain, and finish coats add both material and additional labor time

Disposal
Demolition dumpsters average $350–$600 in most residential zip codes.

Regional Factors That Shift Pricing

Humidity: Gulf Coast houses need thicker moisture barriers and stainless fasteners
Seismic or high-wind zones: structural nailing patterns become denser, increasing labor
HOA design covenants: specified species or paint schedules can drive material upgrades
Access constraints: hillside homes may need scaffolding or lifts, adding equipment fees

How CountBricks Calculates Your Wood Siding Estimate

Real-time voice conversation captures project scope as you walk the site or review blueprints.
Our AI parses dimensions, elevation changes, and window/door openings in seconds.
A live feed of lumber and finish prices populates material line items.
The labor engine pulls regional wage data and crew productivity benchmarks.
You receive a branded PDF quote, complete with optional upsells such as factory-finished boards or upgraded insulation—ready to send the homeowner in minutes.

Strategies to Control Wood Siding Costs

Opt for pre-primed boards to shave a full day of onsite painting
Combine wider 8" exposures with accent shakes to cut material footage
Schedule deliveries only when your crew is ready—reduces on-site damage and theft
Use stainless steel fasteners only on coastal faces, switching to galvanized elsewhere
Bundle gutter and trim replacement in the same mobilization to reduce overhead

When to Repair vs. Replace

Spot repairs make sense if less than 20% of boards show rot or insect damage. Beyond that threshold, piecemeal fixes often exceed the cost of a full replacement within five years.

Next Steps: Get an Instant Estimate

Wood siding costs vary, but guessing shouldn’t be part of the process. Schedule a quick demo or upload your plans to get an accurate estimate.

Our AI app can generate costed estimates in seconds.

TRY IT FOR FREE

CountBricks: Cost of Wood Siding for Residential Builds

Case Study: Cutting 12% Off a Craftsman Re-Siding Budget

A Pasadena homeowner wanted to swap fading aluminum for authentic cedar shingles while staying under a $28,000 cap. By leveraging early design insights, the contractor achieved the goal without compromising curb appeal.

Project Snapshot

1,750 sq ft of exterior wall area
Historic district guidelines requiring cedar shingles on street-facing elevation
Tight lot setbacks restricting material staging

Solution

Real-time voice capture logged site constraints, instantly flagging the need for compact scaffolding.
AI takeoff calculated 1,300 sq ft of cedar shingles and 450 sq ft of budget-friendly pine clapboard for side and rear walls—meeting historic visuals from the street while trimming premium coverage.
The platform suggested factory-oiled cedar to eliminate two onsite staining days, cutting labor by 18 hours.
Optimized delivery scheduling minimized on-site storage, saving $400 in equipment rental.