Siding Painting Cost In The United States (2024): Factors, Prices, And What To Expect 2025

Painting your siding is a cost-effective way to refresh your home’s exterior, improve curb appeal, and protect against the elements. However, the siding painting cost can vary widely based on several factors. This comprehensive guide covers pricing in 2025, key cost drivers, material comparisons, labor, regional differences, and tips to maximize your investment. Explore detailed breakdowns, average prices per material, and what impacts your final bill.

Siding Type	Average Cost Per Sq Ft	Average Total Cost (1,500 Sq Ft Home)
Wood	$1.50 – $4.00	$2,250 – $6,000
Vinyl	$1.25 – $3.00	$1,875 – $4,500
Aluminum	$1.70 – $4.50	$2,550 – $6,750
Fiber Cement	$1.80 – $5.00	$2,700 – $7,500
Brick (Painting, Not Staining)	$2.00 – $5.50	$3,000 – $8,250

What Influences Siding Painting Cost?

The cost to paint siding is shaped by several factors. Homeowners need to consider everything from surface material to painter experience. Recognizing these influences helps with both budgeting and project planning.

• Type of Siding: Materials like wood, vinyl, aluminum, fiber cement, and brick vary in required prep and paint.
• Home Size & Surface Area: Larger homes require more paint and labor.
• Paint Quality: Premium paints cost more but offer better protection and longevity.
• Number of Stories: Multi-story homes require extra equipment, increasing costs.
• Condition & Prep Work: Homes needing scraping, repairs, or priming cost extra.
• Labor Rates: Costs shift depending on your location and contractor expertise.
• Design Complexity: Intricate architectural details or multiple colors increase both time and materials.

Siding Painting Price By Material

Siding material is the most significant cost driver. Here’s how common siding types compare in 2025:

Wood Siding

Wood siding painting costs average $1.50 to $4.00 per square foot. Wood requires more prep (such as sanding and priming) and regular repainting. It’s favored for its classic look, but labor drives up expense if surfaces are weathered.

Vinyl Siding

Vinyl siding painting generally ranges from $1.25 to $3.00 per square foot. Vinyl doesn’t require as much prep, but specialized paints are required for durability. While considered lower-maintenance, not all paints adhere well to vinyl, so paint selection is crucial.

Aluminum Siding

Aluminum siding costs between $1.70 and $4.50 per square foot to paint. This type often requires etching primers and thorough cleaning to remove oxidation. While labor-intensive, a new paint finish can transform faded aluminum panels.

Fiber Cement Siding

Fiber cement siding painting averages $1.80 to $5.00 per square foot. It generally holds paint well but can be challenging to prep if it’s never been painted before. Fiber cement’s popularity has risen for its resilience and low maintenance.

Brick Siding

Painting brick siding can cost $2.00 to $5.50 per square foot. Preparation often includes cleaning, priming, and sealing to ensure long-lasting results. Painted brick offers a modern, clean appearance, but cannot be easily reversed.

Siding Type	Main Prep Tasks	Recommended Paint
Wood	Sanding, scraping, priming	100% Acrylic Exterior Paint
Vinyl	Power wash, vinyl-safe primer if needed	Vinyl-Safe Acrylic Latex Paint
Aluminum	Clean, remove oxidation, etching primer	100% Acrylic Exterior Paint
Fiber Cement	Power wash, caulk, primer if raw	Acrylic or Elastomeric Paint
Brick	Clean, masonry primer	Elastomeric or Masonry Paint

Labor Cost Versus DIY Siding Painting

Homeowners often wonder if it’s better to paint their siding themselves or hire professionals. The answer depends on your time, experience, and willingness to invest in the project.

Professional Labor Cost

Labor is typically the largest expense in siding painting, ranging from $1.00 to $2.80 per square foot. Licensed, insured pros guarantee a longer-lasting, quality finish. Most pros charge $40–$75 per hour, with crew sizes depending on the size and complexity of the job.

DIY Siding Painting

For a DIY approach, materials such as paint, primer, tape, and brushes will cost $250–$600 for a small home and up to $1,200+ for larger houses. However, DIY is time-consuming and physically demanding, and improper prep or technique can mean future maintenance or paint failure.

Cost Component	Typical Professional Price	Typical DIY Price
Labor	$1,000 – $4,000+	$0
Paint & Supplies	$500 – $1,200	$300 – $1,000
Equipment Rental (Scaffolding, Sprayers)	Included in quote	$50 – $400

Average Cost To Paint Siding By Home Size

The total square footage of your home is a key cost metric. Here are typical expenses by common home sizes:

Home Size (sq ft of siding)	Average Cost Range	Labor % of Total
1,000	$1,500 – $4,500	55% – 70%
1,500	$2,250 – $6,750	60% – 75%
2,000	$3,000 – $9,000	65% – 80%
2,500	$3,750 – $11,250	68% – 82%
3,000	$4,500 – $13,500	70% – 85%

Cost Of Exterior Paint: Product Choices

The type and brand of exterior paint matter a great deal to the overall siding painting cost. High-end paints provide better color retention, UV resistance, and mildew protection, often making them worth the premium.

Average Paint Costs (2025)

• Standard Acrylic Latex: $25–$50 per gallon (covers 250–400 sq ft)
• Premium Exterior Paints: $55–$85 per gallon
• Specialty Paints (Vinyl, Elastomeric, Masonry): $55–$95+ per gallon

Primer adds $15–$30 per gallon, and typically at least one coat is required for new or heavily weathered surfaces, further adding to material costs.

Regional Price Differences For Siding Painting In The U.S.

Regional labor costs, climate, and demand fluctuations strongly affect how much you’ll pay to have siding painted. Here’s a look at cost differences by broad geographic area:

Region	Average Cost Per Sq Ft	Notable Factors
West Coast	$1.90 – $5.50	High demand, skilled labor, stricter environmental codes
Midwest	$1.40 – $4.00	Lower labor/wage costs, freeze-thaw cycles
South	$1.20 – $4.25	Lower costs, humid conditions drive higher prep needs
Northeast	$1.60 – $4.75	Higher costs near metro areas, cold winters

Additional Cost Considerations

Hidden or variable charges can affect your final bill. Homeowners should plan for:

• Repair Work: Rotten wood replacement, caulking, or exterior damage repairs can add $200–$1,500+.
• Lead Paint Removal: Homes built before 1978 may require special handling, raising costs by $1,000–$3,000.
• Trim/Detail Painting: Painting fascia, soffits, shutters, or ornamental details adds $300–$2,000 depending on scope.
• Power Washing: Required for a clean surface, usually $150–$500.
• Permits or HOA Requirements: Potential extra costs in some areas, especially with major color changes.

Cost Breakdown By Project Perspective

Perspective	Main Items Included	Average Cost Range
Homeowner (All-In)	Labor, paint, prep, minor repairs, cleanup	$3,000 – $8,500
DIY Enthusiast	Paint, primer, rental equipment, supplies	$400 – $2,200
Investor/Flipper	Economical paint, minimal repairs, fast turnaround	$2,500 – $5,000
Luxury Homeowner	Premium paints, extensive prep, multi-color schemes	$6,000 – $15,000+
Commercial Property	Commercial-grade coatings, scaffolding, large scale labor	$10,000 – $80,000

Each project type has different needs and priorities. Investors may focus on cost-saving methods, while luxury homeowners invest in top-tier materials and restoration-quality prep.

How Often To Repaint Siding?

The expected repainting interval varies:

• Wood: Every 4–7 years; if properly maintained, may last up to 10 years
• Vinyl: Every 8–12 years or as needed
• Aluminum: Every 7–15 years depending on exposure
• Fiber Cement: Every 10–15 years
• Brick: 10–20 years (painted brick should be monitored for peeling and efflorescence)

Ways To Lower Your Siding Painting Cost

• Get Multiple Bids: Always obtain at least three written estimates from reputable painters.
• Plan Off-Season: Painters may offer discounts in slower months or before high-demand spring/summer seasons.
• Reduce Color Changes: Using fewer or similar colors can lower labor costs.
• DIY Prep Work: Cleaning, minor scraping, or caulking yourself can cut expenses.
• Bundle Services: Some pros offer savings if siding painting is combined with trim, doors, or deck staining.

Choosing The Right Siding Painter

Selecting a qualified contractor is just as vital as choosing the right paint. Look for licensed, insured, and well-reviewed professionals. Ask for references and confirm the type of paint, prep work, and warranty they include. Local expertise can make a big difference, especially in regions with harsh weather or wide temperature swings.

FAQs About Siding Painting Cost

Is It Cheaper To Paint Or Replace Siding?

Painting siding is almost always cheaper than replacement—often by 60%–80% or more. New siding typically runs $7,000–$25,000+ depending on material and home size.

How Long Does Siding Painting Take?

A professional crew can paint an average home in 3–6 days, including prep. Larger or more intricate jobs may take a week or longer. Weather and drying time can also affect scheduling.

Are There Eco-Friendly Paint Options?

Low-VOC and zero-VOC exterior paints are now widely available and can slightly increase material costs, but they are better for the environment and air quality.

Can All Siding Types Be Painted?

Most siding can be painted if prep is done correctly. Some warranties for new vinyl or fiber cement siding may prohibit painting, so always check manufacturer terms.

Key Takeaways: What To Expect For Siding Painting Cost

• Expect to pay $1,500–$13,500+ to have your home’s siding professionally painted, depending on size, material, and region.
• DIY projects start closer to $400–$2,200 for materials, but require skill and significant effort.
• Material, prep work, and labor are biggest cost factors; luxury finishes and complex homes cost more.
• Get multiple quotes and understand all charges before starting your project.

Investing in professional siding painting enhances both your home’s value and protection—the right choices deliver lasting results and a better return on your investment.