New siding is one of the higher-return exterior projects — it protects the house, transforms the look, and holds up for decades. But the material you pick swings both the price and the lifespan dramatically. Here is how the common options compare in 2026, per square foot installed.
Siding cost by material (2026, installed)
| Material | Cost / sq ft | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminum | $2–$10 | 30–40 yrs |
| Vinyl | $4–$12 | 20–40 yrs |
| Engineered wood | $3–$12 | 20–30 yrs |
| Insulated vinyl | $5–$14 | 20–40 yrs |
| Stucco | $5–$9 | 50–80 yrs |
| Wood | $5–$15 | 20–40 yrs |
| Fiber cement (Hardie) | $5–$15 | 30–50 yrs |
| Board & batten | $6–$15 | varies by material |
Add roughly $0.70–$2.00 per sq ft to tear off and dispose of old siding.
The three most people compare
Vinyl — the budget default
Cheap, low-maintenance, and available in every color, vinyl is the most-installed siding in the country. It never needs painting and shrugs off rot and insects. The trade-offs: it can crack in extreme cold, fade over time, and reads as less premium than the alternatives. Best when budget is the priority.
Fiber cement — the durable upgrade
Fiber cement (James Hardie is the household name) costs more up front but lasts 30–50 years, resists fire, rot, and pests, and holds paint well. It looks like painted wood from the curb and tends to return more at resale. Best when you plan to stay a while or want the upgraded look without wood's upkeep.
Wood — the classic look, with maintenance
Real wood (cedar, pine, engineered wood) has warmth no synthetic quite matches, and engineered versions bring the price down. The catch is maintenance: wood needs periodic paint or stain and vigilance against rot and pests, or its lifespan drops fast. Best when the look is worth the upkeep.
How to choose
If budget rules, vinyl or aluminum. If you want decades of low-maintenance durability and better resale, fiber cement is usually the sweet spot. If you love the look of real wood and will keep it painted, wood or engineered wood earns its place. Price your own home — by material and wall area — with the siding cost calculator, and if you're weighing doing prep work yourself, see DIY vs. hiring a pro.