How much does 2000 sq ft of siding cost?

Installing new siding is a significant project, and cost is often the first question homeowners ask. So, how much does 2,000 sq ft of siding cost? The answer depends on many variables, including the siding material, labor rates, and whether you’re replacing old siding or starting fresh. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the average cost range, compare different siding materials, and address common questions about a 2,000 square foot siding project. We’ll use a professional, educational tone to give you clear insights with an engaging flow. Let’s dive in.

How Much Does 2,000 Sq Ft of Siding Cost on Average?

For a typical 2,000 sq. ft. house, you can expect the siding installation to cost somewhere between $10,000 and $25,000 in most cases. That range accounts for both labor and materials for common siding options. On average, homeowners nationwide spend roughly $15,000–$18,000 to side a house of this size. This figure is a broad midpoint – your actual price could fall on the lower end or higher end depending on specifics.

Why such a wide range? Siding costs vary primarily with the type of material you choose (as we’ll detail below). For instance, basic vinyl siding on a simple one-story home might cost around $8,000–$12,000 total. In contrast, opting for a premium material like natural wood or stone veneer on the same 2,000 sq ft could run $20,000–$30,000 or more. The price also fluctuates based on local labor rates and project complexity.

Key point: “How much does 2000 sq ft of siding cost?” really comes down to the specifics of your project. It’s wise to budget within the mid five-figures for a full siding job on a house this size, then adjust that estimate once you choose a material and get quotes. In the next sections, we’ll explore the factors that influence these costs and compare different siding materials to help refine your budget.

Factors Affecting the Cost of Siding a 2,000 Sq Ft Home

Several important factors will determine where your project falls in that cost range. Understanding these will help you plan and control your siding budget. Here are the main factors that affect the cost to side a 2,000 sq ft house:

• Siding Material Type: The material you select has the biggest impact on price. Budget-friendly choices like vinyl or aluminum are much cheaper than high-end options like cedar wood, fiber-cement (Hardie Board), or stone veneer. We’ll compare material costs in detail in the next section.
• Home Design and Size: A simple one-story ranch with 2,000 sq ft of exterior surface is easier and cheaper to side than a 2,000 sq ft two-story with complex gables, eaves, and lots of corners. Taller structures, intricate architectural details, and irregular layouts require more labor time (and sometimes extra materials for trim and waste).
• Labor Rates: Labor costs vary by region and contractor. In areas with a higher cost of living or limited siding contractors, you’ll pay more per square foot for installation. For example, coastal cities might have higher labor rates than a town in Ohio. Labor typically makes up $1–$4 per square foot of the cost, depending on local wage standards and job complexity.
• Removing Old Siding: If this is a siding replacement project (tearing off old siding and installing new), there will be additional costs for demolition and disposal. Removing old siding can add $1,000 to $3,000 (or more) to a 2,000 sq ft job, depending on the amount and type of material being removed. Homes with multiple layers of old siding or hazardous materials (like lead paint on old wood siding) could incur higher removal and disposal fees.
• Home Repairs or Prep Work: Sometimes, removing old siding reveals issues like rotted sheathing or structural damage underneath. Repairing any underlying damage (or installing new house wrap or insulation boards) will add to the total cost. It’s important to fix these issues before the new siding goes up, to ensure a long-lasting installation.
• Insulation and Upgrades: Many homeowners choose to add features like insulated siding or foam board insulation under the siding, especially in colder climates. This improves energy efficiency but will increase upfront cost. Similarly, premium underlayments, moisture barriers, or upgraded trim packages can add to the expense.
• Season and Scheduling: The time of year and project schedule can sometimes affect pricing. Siding contractors are busiest in spring and summer. If you schedule your siding installation in the off-season (late fall or winter), you might get slightly lower labor quotes or off-season discounts from some companies. However, weather delays could extend the project duration.
• Location (Regional Cost Differences): As mentioned, prices differ by region. For example, in many parts of the Midwest (like Ohio), siding costs tend to be around the national average or a bit lower. In central Ohio, a full siding replacement on a 2,000 sq ft home might range from roughly $11,000 to $17,000 for a typical vinyl or fiber-cement job. In higher-cost metropolitan areas, the same project could easily exceed $20,000. Always consider local pricing trends when budgeting.

By keeping these factors in mind, you can better understand any siding estimates you receive. Next, we’ll look closely at how your choice of siding material influences the overall cost for a 2,000 sq ft project.

Siding Cost Comparison by Material for 2,000 Sq Ft

One of the most important decisions is which siding material to install. Different materials come at very different price points, and each has its own pros and cons in terms of durability, maintenance, and appearance. The table below compares several common siding types and shows national average installed costs for 2,000 square feet (roughly an average house’s worth of siding):

Notes on the table: These figures are total installed cost estimates, meaning they include both material and typical labor charges for an average project. The ranges are broad because of variations in product quality and regional pricing. For instance, vinyl can be on the lower end ($3–$5 for basic clapboard style) or higher end ($6–$8 for premium insulated or textured vinyl). Stone veneer costs can vary widely depending on whether it’s manufactured stone panels (cheaper) or individual masonry-installed veneer (more expensive).

Let’s briefly discuss each siding type:

• Vinyl Siding: Vinyl is one of the most affordable and popular siding options. It’s a PVC plastic material that’s low-maintenance (never needs painting) and comes in many colors and styles. For a 2,000 sq ft house, vinyl is often the cheapest route – sometimes under $10k total if using basic materials. Higher-quality vinyl or insulated vinyl will cost more but typically stay within the $12k–$16k range for a house this size.
• Fiber-Cement Siding: Fiber-cement is a blend of cement, sand, and cellulose fibers that creates a very durable, fire-resistant siding. James Hardie’s “Hardie Board” is the best-known brand of fiber-cement. Fiber-cement siding can resemble wood clapboards or shingles but requires far less maintenance than real wood. Costs are moderate-to-high: typically a bit more than vinyl. On a 2,000 sq ft home, fiber-cement installation usually falls in the mid-teens to low $20k range. (For example, Hardie Board siding might be around $15,000–$25,000 installed for 2,000 sq ft.)
• Wood Siding: Traditional wood siding (such as cedar shakes or wood clapboard) offers classic beauty but at a premium price. High-quality wood is one of the most expensive mainstream options both in material and in the careful labor it needs. For 2,000 sq ft, real wood siding can easily range from about $15k on the low end (for pine or spruce lap siding) up to $25k–$30k for cedar shingles or high-end hardwood siding.
• Engineered Wood Siding: Engineered wood (also called composite wood siding) is a manufactured product made from wood fibers or strands bonded with resins. It’s designed to mimic real wood but with improved resistance to moisture and insects. Engineered wood (e.g., LP® SmartSide®) typically costs less than natural wood – it sits between vinyl and fiber-cement in price. For a 2,000 sq ft job, expect roughly $14k–$24k installed. It’s still more pricey than vinyl, but it can achieve a wood-like appearance. This material is lighter and comes pre-primed, making installation a bit easier than fiber-cement or full wood. Engineered wood can be a nice compromise: you get the look of wood without the extreme price, and maintenance is slightly reduced (though it still requires painting or finishing over time and proper installation to avoid moisture issues).
• Metal Siding (Aluminum or Steel): Metal siding is another option, commonly used in some regions or for modern architectural styles. Aluminum siding was popular in mid-20th century and is still used; it’s lightweight and won’t rust, typically costing around $8k–$15k for 2,000 sq ft (often comparable to vinyl in cost). Steel siding is heavier and more durable, sometimes used in wood-look board-and-batten or log-style panels. Steel tends to cost a bit more than aluminum – a 2,000 sq ft steel siding project might run $15k–$20k or more depending on the type. Both metals are fire-proof and insect-proof.
• Stucco: Stucco is a plaster-like siding (cement, sand, and lime or polymers) that creates a continuous textured look, common in Southwestern or Mediterranean-style homes. It’s applied in layers over the house exterior. Stucco installation for 2,000 sq ft typically costs around $14k–$20k. The price per square foot is moderate, but stucco is labor-intensive (multiple coats and curing time), which is reflected in the cost. Stucco excels in dry climates and provides a seamless, fire-resistant finish.
• Stone Veneer: Stone veneer siding provides the high-end appearance of real stone without using full-thickness stones. It can be manufactured stone (cultured stone) or natural stone cut into thin pieces. Stone veneer is on the upper end of cost – it’s often the most expensive option on this list. For 2,000 sq ft, you might pay anywhere from $25k on the very low side up to $50k or more. The wide range comes from the product choice (manufactured stone panels can be $10-$15 per sq ft, while natural stone veneer installed by a mason can be $20-$30+ per sq ft) and the labor involved. Stone veneer is heavy and time-consuming to install, especially if done piece-by-piece.

Tip: If you’re torn between options, consider requesting estimates for two different materials. A professional siding installation contractor can price out (for example) both vinyl and fiber cement for your home. You might find the fiber cement is within budget after all, or you might decide the savings with vinyl are worth it. Also, remember to factor in long-term maintenance costs: a material like fiber-cement might cost more now but save repainting costs later, whereas wood will require ongoing investment in upkeep.

How Much Does It Cost to Replace Siding on a 2,000 Sq Ft House?

If you already have old siding that needs replacement, the cost question changes a bit. Replacing siding involves two phases: tearing off the old material and installing the new siding. For a 2,000 sq ft house, the cost to replace siding will include everything we discussed earlier (material and install for the new siding, which might be $10k–$25k depending on type) plus the cost of removal/disposal of the old siding.

On average, removal of old siding can add roughly $1–$3 per square foot to the project. That translates to about $2,000 to $6,000 additional for a 2,000 sq ft exterior, though the high end of that range is usually for difficult removals. The actual cost depends on what the old siding is and how it’s installed. For example:

• Removing old vinyl or aluminum siding is on the easier/cheaper side (it’s relatively lightweight and comes off in panels). This might be closer to $1 per sq ft extra.
• Removing old wood siding or fiber-cement is more labor-intensive (lots of nails to pry out; materials are heavier). This could be $2+ per sq ft in added labor.
• If there are multiple layers of siding (e.g. old wood shingles under a layer of vinyl), removal takes longer and costs more.
• Dumping fees for the old material also contribute to cost. Siding is bulky waste. Professional contractors include haul-off in their quotes, but it’s part of what you’re paying for in a replacement job.

So, how much does it cost to replace siding on a 2,000 sq ft house? In practice, if a new vinyl siding install would cost $12,000, you might expect the full replacement (including tearing off your old siding) to be around $14,000–$15,000. If you’re upgrading from vinyl to a more expensive material like Hardie Board, your total might be, say, $20,000 for install + $3,000 for removal = $23,000. Always have the contractor spell out whether their quote includes old siding removal and disposal. Most will include this in a replacement estimate, but it’s wise to confirm.

One more consideration: when replacing siding, you have an opportunity to “start fresh.” This might be the time to add insulation wrap or new flashings or fix any issues on the exterior walls. Those are additional services that could add cost but are often worthwhile during a siding replacement. Discuss these options with your contractor. It’s usually cheaper to handle them during the siding project than to come back later.

How Much Siding Do I Need for a 2,000 Square Foot House?

Homeowners often get confused by the relationship between their house’s square footage and the amount of siding needed. A 2,000 square foot house (in terms of living space) does not automatically equate to 2,000 square feet of siding coverage. The siding square footage refers to the exterior surface area of your walls.

To estimate how much siding you need, you’ll want to calculate the total exterior wall area of your home. Here’s a simplified approach:

1. Measure or obtain the exterior dimensions of your house (length and height of each wall). If your house is a simple rectangle, this is straightforward: e.g., 40 feet long x 10 feet high for one wall = 400 sq ft, etc. Don’t forget gable ends (triangular wall sections under the roof) if you have them – calculate those as ½ * base * height for each triangle.
2. Add up the area of all exterior walls. For a one-story 2,000 sq ft home (assuming roughly 2,000 sq ft footprint), the exterior wall area might be around 1,800–2,000 sq ft, accounting for some standard door/window deductions. For a two-story 2,000 sq ft home (approx. 1,000 sq ft footprint times 2 floors), the wall area is larger – perhaps in the 2,500–3,000 sq ft range depending on the shape and number of windows.
3. Subtract large openings like big windows, doors, or garage doors – those areas won’t need siding. (It’s often not necessary to be very precise here, as waste factors cover small differences.)
4. Add a waste factor. It’s standard to add about 10% for waste/cuts, especially for materials that come in panels or planks. This ensures you purchase enough siding to account for trimming pieces at corners, mistakes, and extra pieces for future repairs.

Example: Suppose you have a two-story house with a rectangular footprint 30 ft by 35 ft (1,050 sq ft per floor, roughly 2,100 sq ft total living space, close to our 2,000 example). The exterior wall area might be around:

• Perimeter = (30+35)*2 = 130 linear ft.
• Wall area per floor = 130 ft * 8 ft wall height = 1,040 sq ft.
• Two floors = 2,080 sq ft of wall, plus gable ends if any.
• Subtract some for windows/doors, say 200 sq ft, = ~1,880 sq ft.
• Add 10% waste (~188 sq ft) = ~2,070 sq ft of siding needed (around 20.7 “squares” of siding, since 1 square = 100 sq ft).

Pro tip: Always round up when ordering materials. It’s better to have a little extra siding left over than to run short mid-project. Extra pieces can often be kept for future repairs. And when budgeting, make sure you include not just the siding panels but also trim pieces, starter strips, nails, housewrap, and any other accessories – these are usually part of a contractor’s quote, but if you’re calculating yourself, they add to the material cost.

How Long Does It Take to Side a 2,000 Sq Ft House?

Planning for a siding project isn’t just about money – you also need to consider the timeline. So, how long does it take to side a 2,000 sq ft house? For an average home of this size, a professional crew typically takes about one to two weeks to complete the job. The exact duration depends on a few factors:

• Crew Size and Efficiency: A larger or highly experienced crew might reside a house faster. For example, a team of 4-5 skilled installers could potentially finish a straightforward vinyl siding job on a single-story 2,000 sq ft home in around 4-5 days (one work week). A smaller crew or one less familiar with the siding product might take longer, perhaps 7-10 days.
• Weather Conditions: Siding installation is weather-dependent to some extent. Light rain might not stop work (unless you’re doing painting or stucco), but heavy rain, strong winds, or other severe weather will cause delays. In winter, short daylight hours or snow/ice can also slow things down. It’s wise to build in a buffer for weather if you’re scheduling the project.
• Removal and Prep Work: If old siding needs to be removed first (siding replacement scenario), add a couple of days for that demolition phase and for any repairs needed underneath. Removing siding carefully can take as much time as installing the new siding, especially if the old material is stubborn. Also, if the project involves additional work – like installing new plywood sheathing, wrapping the house, or adding insulation – those steps extend the timeline.
• Complexity of the Home: As with cost, the home’s design affects time. Lots of corners, gables, trim details, or multiple stories mean more cutting and fitting pieces, which slows installation. A plain two-story box might be resided in a week, whereas a Victorian with lots of angles could take two weeks or more.
• Material Type: Some materials are quicker to install than others. Vinyl siding is relatively quick – it’s lightweight and comes in long strips that go up fairly fast once the hangers are in place. Fiber-cement planks (Hardie siding) take a bit more time because they’re heavier (often a two-person lift for each plank) and require special cutting tools; installers tend to be a bit more methodical with these to avoid breakage. Stucco siding takes quite long because it’s a multi-step wet application (scratch coat, brown coat, finish coat, with drying time in between) – a stucco job might stretch over 2 or even 3 weeks for 2,000 sq ft. Stone veneer is labor-intensive as well, piece by piece. So, the material choice can add days to the project timeline.

Roofing and Siding Packages: Bundling Home Exterior Projects

If your home improvement plans include more than just siding, you might wonder about doing projects together. One smart strategy is to consider bundling your roofing and siding projects. Some contractors (especially exterior specialists) offer roofing and siding packages that combine both services. This can potentially save you money and time. Here’s how:

• Cost Savings: When you hire the same company to do both the roof and the siding, they may offer a discount or package deal. From the contractor’s perspective, they can streamline logistics (one crew handling multiple tasks, one scaffold/setup for both jobs), and those efficiencies can translate into savings on labor costs. For the homeowner, a bundle deal might shave off a percentage of the total cost or include freebies (like upgraded materials or extended warranties).
• Single Mobilization: Doing roof and siding together means the company sets up their equipment and access (ladders, scaffolding, dumpsters, etc.) once for both projects. Every time a crew mobilizes to your site, there’s a fixed cost. One mobilization instead of two can reduce those overhead charges. For example, the dumpster used to collect old roofing shingles could also be used for old siding removal, rather than ordering two separate dumpsters at different times.
• Aligned Aesthetics: Coordinating roofing and siding at the same time allows you to match styles and colors more harmoniously. You can plan your home’s whole exterior look in one go. This is especially nice if you’re doing a major update – you won’t have a brand-new roof with tired old siding (or vice versa) in between projects. The curb appeal upgrade is dramatic when both are done together.
• Efficiency in Timing: Typically, a roof replacement on an average house takes a few days, and siding, as we discussed, one to two weeks. If done separately, you might have construction stretching over a much longer period. Combined, a roofing+siding overhaul might be completed in two to three weeks total, rather than, say, one week for roofing and another two weeks for siding spread out at different times. You get the disruption over with in one continuous period.
• Financing and Deals: Many exterior contractors offer financing plans or seasonal promotions. If you bundle services, you might qualify for a larger financing package or promotional deal. Always ask – for instance, “If we do both the roof and siding with your company, is there a package price or any incentive?” You might be pleasantly surprised.

Conclusion: Getting the Most Value from Your 2,000 Sq Ft Siding Project

Residing your home is a significant investment, but it’s one that can dramatically improve your home’s appearance, durability, and value. For a 2,000 sq ft house, we’ve learned that the cost can range widely – from as low as around $10,000 for an economy vinyl job to $25,000 or more for premium materials. On average, how much does 2000 sq ft of siding cost? Many homeowners will find the sweet spot around the $15k–$20k mark for a balanced choice of quality and affordability.

To make the best decision for your home and budget, keep these key takeaways in mind:

• Plan and Compare Materials: Different siding materials offer different aesthetics and lifespans, at different price points. Use the material comparison as a guide and decide what fits your needs. Don’t hesitate to get multiple quotes (e.g., one for vinyl, one for fiber-cement) to compare the value.
• Understand the Full Scope: Remember that the quoted price should include everything – materials, labor, accessories, old siding removal (if it’s a replacement), permits, cleanup, and disposal. Clarify this with your contractor so you’re comparing apples to apples. The cheapest quote isn’t a bargain if it leaves out essential components.
• Consider Long-Term Value: The cheapest option upfront might not be the cheapest in the long run. For example, wood siding may look great but require costly upkeep. Fiber cement or engineered wood might cost more initially but save on maintenance and last decades longer. Likewise, investing in house wrap or insulation under the siding can reduce energy bills for years to come.
• Timing and Seasonal Deals: If you’re flexible, scheduling your project in the less busy season (or inquiring about any current promotions) might yield a better price. Just be mindful of the weather constraints.
• Work With a Trusted Contractor: A skilled, experienced siding contractor is worth their weight in gold. Proper installation is crucial for siding to perform well. Check reviews, ask for references, and make sure you feel comfortable with the company’s communication and professionalism. A good contractor will also help you navigate choices and might offer insights specific to your local climate (for example, what siding holds up best in Ohio’s freeze-thaw cycles, or which colors fade less in strong sun, etc.).