What Is the Average Cost of New Siding Installed in 2026?
The average cost of new siding installed on a typical home ranges from $8,000 to $28,000, depending on your home’s size, the material you choose, and where you live. Here’s a quick breakdown to help you budget:
| Siding Material | Installed Cost (per sq ft) | Typical Full-Home Range |
|---|---|---|
| Vinyl | $4 – $8 | $6,000 – $14,000 |
| Fiber Cement | $5 – $14 | $13,000 – $22,000 |
| Wood | $8 – $14 | $16,000 – $28,000 |
| Engineered Wood | $5 – $10 | $10,000 – $20,000 |
National average as of 2026. Costs vary by home size, region, and labor rates.
Replacing your siding is one of the bigger home improvement investments you’ll make. Prices have risen roughly 17% over the past five years, and in 2026, labor shortages and updated building codes are pushing baseline costs higher. Getting a clear picture of what to expect before you call a contractor can save you from some serious sticker shock.
I’m John Martin of Martin & Sons — a family-owned business with over 35 years of hands-on experience helping homeowners understand the average cost of new siding installed and make confident, informed decisions. We’ve seen every pricing scenario there is, and we’re here to walk you through all of it.
Understanding the Average Cost of New Siding Installed in 2026
When we talk about the average cost of new siding installed, we have to look at the big picture. In 2026, the market has shifted. We aren’t just paying for the “boards” themselves; we’re paying for specialized labor, advanced moisture barriers, and the peace of mind that comes with modern warranties.
Nationally, the Average Siding Cost by State in 2026 (All 50 States Compared) | UseCalcPro shows that location plays a massive role. Here in the St. Louis area—including St. Charles, O’Fallon, and Florissant—our costs typically align with the Midwest average, which is often 5-10% lower than the coastal “sticker shock” regions. However, don’t let that fool you into thinking it’s cheap. Quality installation requires a skilled crew, especially given the humid summers and freezing winters our Missouri homes endure.
There are many 10 Reasons You May Need a Siding Replacement, from visible rot and warping to a simple desire to boost your home’s resale value. In fact, most homeowners recoup between 67% and 86% of their investment upon selling the home.
The predominant factor in your estimate will always be the square footage of your exterior walls. This is different from your home’s interior living space. A 2,000-square-foot house might actually have 2,200 square feet of “siding area” once you account for gables and high peaks.
Material Cost Comparison Per Square Foot (Installed)
| Material Type | Low-End (Builder Grade) | Mid-Range (Standard) | High-End (Premium/Insulated) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vinyl | $4.00 | $6.00 | $12.00 |
| Fiber Cement | $8.00 | $13.00 | $22.00 |
| Engineered Wood | $5.00 | $8.00 | $14.00 |
| Natural Wood | $9.00 | $14.00 | $25.00+ |
Average cost of new siding installed for 1,500 sq ft homes
For a standard 1,500-square-foot ranch or small two-story home, the average cost of new siding installed using vinyl typically falls between $5,250 and $12,000.
According to Vinyl Siding Cost (2026) — Prices Per Sq Ft, Installation & Calculator | SidingCosts.com, the “tier” of vinyl you choose matters.
- Standard Vinyl (.040″ thickness): Most affordable, but may only last 15-20 years.
- Premium Vinyl (.044″ – .046″ thickness): The “sweet spot” for most St. Louis homeowners, offering better wind resistance and color retention.
- Insulated Vinyl: Includes a foam backing that improves the R-value of your walls, potentially lowering energy bills by 5-10%.
Labor rates in areas like Chesterfield and Creve Coeur usually account for 40% to 50% of the total quote. If you’re looking for ways to save without cutting corners, check out our guide on How to Find Affordable Siding Replacement in St. Louis. We always recommend getting at least three quotes, but remember: the cheapest bid often comes from someone who isn’t around to honor a warranty five years from now.
Average cost of new siding installed for multi-story properties
If your home has two or three stories, prepare for the “altitude adjustment.” Multi-story properties incur an additional $2 to $4 per square foot in labor costs. Why? Scaffolding.
Setting up, moving, and tearing down scaffolding takes time. It also increases the contractor’s insurance liability. Furthermore, Siding a House: What You Need to Know About Your Project highlights that architectural complexity—like dormers, bay windows, and steep gables—slows down the installation process. A simple “box” shaped house is significantly cheaper to side than a Victorian-style home with multiple “bump-outs” and intricate trim work.
Key Factors Influencing Your Siding Replacement Budget
It’s easy to focus solely on the material, but your final bill is a cocktail of several variables.
1. Material Choice While vinyl remains “America’s favorite” because it’s low-maintenance and budget-friendly, many are turning to fiber cement (like James Hardie). Our Fiber Cement Siding Cost Guide explains that while the upfront cost is higher, the lifespan (30-50 years) and fire resistance often make it the better long-term value.
2. Home Architecture As mentioned, the shape of your home matters. If our crew has to make custom cuts around a dozen windows and three porch columns, it takes longer than a flat wall. Complexity can increase labor costs by up to 30%.
3. Seasonal Timing Believe it or not, the calendar affects the average cost of new siding installed. Summer is peak season. Demand surges, and some companies increase prices by 5-15% just because their schedules are full. To get the best deal, try to book in the late fall or early winter. You can read more about how to avoid these spikes in Don’t Get Sided Swiped by St. Louis Vinyl Siding Prices.
4. Energy Efficiency In 2026, energy codes are stricter than ever. Investing in high-quality house wrap or insulated siding might cost more today, but Siding Replacement Can Boost Energy Efficiency significantly. Insulated panels can add an R-value of 2.0 to 2.7 to your walls, which is a big deal during a St. Louis July!
Hidden Expenses and Weather Impacts on Installation
If there’s one thing that “surprises” homeowners, it’s what we find underneath the old siding.
Storm Damage and Sheathing Repair St. Louis is no stranger to severe weather. If a storm has cracked your siding, moisture has likely reached the wood sheathing. About 30-40% of our reside projects require some level of sheathing repair. You can’t just nail new siding over rotted wood—it won’t hold, and the rot will spread. Budgeting a 10-15% contingency fund for these “hidden” repairs is a smart move. Our guide on Calculating the Lifetime Cost of Vinyl Siding Installation Repairs Maintenance goes into detail on these long-term considerations.
Permits and Disposal Fees Don’t forget the paperwork. Most municipalities in St. Louis County and St. Charles County require a building permit for siding, which can cost anywhere from $200 to $800. Additionally, hauling away your old siding isn’t free. Disposal and “tear-off” fees typically range from $1,000 to $3,000 depending on the number of layers being removed.
Warranties and Moisture Barriers A cheap job often skips the “extras,” but those extras are what keep your home dry. Using high-performance moisture barriers and ensuring all window flashing is updated is critical. We always emphasize checking Everything You Need to Know About Siding Warranties to make sure your investment is protected against both material defects and labor errors. For those in particularly exposed areas, The Homeowner Guide to High Performance Insulated Siding is a great resource for understanding how to build a weather-tight exterior.
Frequently Asked Questions About Siding Costs
How does a siding cost calculator work and what inputs does it require?
Most modern siding calculators use a 3-step process to give you a “ballpark” figure. To get an accurate result, you’ll need:
- Total Square Footage: The exterior wall area (not the floor plan).
- Home Style & Stories: Whether it’s a ranch, colonial, or split-level.
- Material Selection: Vinyl, fiber cement, or wood.
- Number of Openings: How many windows and doors the crew has to work around.
While these tools are great for initial budgeting, they can’t see the rot under your current boards or the complexity of your trim. Always follow up a calculator estimate with a professional on-site inspection.
What is the average cost range for new siding installation in Wisconsin?
While we primarily serve the St. Louis area, we often look at neighboring Midwestern states like Wisconsin for market trends. According to Average Siding Cost by State in 2026 (All 50 States Compared) | UseCalcPro, Wisconsin homeowners typically pay between $6,000 and $14,000 for a full siding replacement on an average-sized home.
Labor variations in cities like Milwaukee or Madison can drive prices slightly higher than in rural areas, but the material availability remains stable across the region. On average, you can expect to pay about $6.12 per square foot for a standard vinyl installation in the Badger State.
How do recent storms or weather events in Wisconsin affect siding replacement costs and timelines?
Severe weather is the biggest “disruptor” in the siding industry. When a major hailstorm or wind event hits, demand for siding contractors sky-rockets. This leads to:
- Demand Surges: Response times can jump from two weeks to three months.
- Material Shortages: Popular colors and styles may go on backorder.
- Price Creep: With high demand, labor rates often see a temporary 5-10% hike.
If you’re dealing with storm damage, act quickly but carefully. We discuss strategies for managing these situations in St. Louis Siding Prices and How to Beat Them.
Conclusion
Navigating the average cost of new siding installed doesn’t have to be a headache. Whether you’re in Florissant, Maryland Heights, or O’Fallon, the key is finding a partner who values your home as much as you do.
At Martin & Sons, we do things differently. We believe you should never have to worry about where your money is going. That’s why we require no upfront deposits. You only pay when the job is 100% complete and you are 100% satisfied. Combined with our lifetime labor warranties and our commitment to providing the best prices upfront, we make sure your new siding project is a smooth, stress-free experience.
Ready to transform your home? Get a professional siding estimate in St. Louis from the team at Martin & Sons today. Let’s give your home the protection and curb appeal it deserves!