Siding installation cost varies more than most homeowners expect — not just by material, but by the size and shape of your home, what’s hiding underneath your old siding, and how much detail work is involved. This guide breaks down real cost ranges for Metairie and South Louisiana, what actually drives the price, and how to get an estimate you can trust.
Quick Answer: Typical Cost Ranges
For most South Louisiana homes, siding installation costs fall into these general ranges by material, priced per square foot installed:
Vinyl siding: $4 – $9 per sq ft installed
Fiber cement siding: $8 – $14 per sq ft installed
Wood siding: $6 – $12 per sq ft installed, plus ongoing maintenance cost
For a typical 2,000 sq ft South Louisiana home, that translates to roughly $8,000–$18,000 for vinyl, $16,000–$28,000 for fiber cement, and $12,000–$24,000 for wood — before accounting for the project-specific factors below, which can move the number significantly in either direction.
What Drives the Cost of Siding Installation
1. Material Choice
As shown above, material is the single biggest lever. Vinyl is the most budget-friendly option per square foot; fiber cement carries the highest material cost but the longest lifespan and best storm resistance; wood falls in between but adds long-term maintenance cost that doesn’t show up in the initial quote.
2. Size and Shape of Your Home
More square footage means more material and labor, but shape matters too — a home with lots of corners, dormers, gables, and architectural detail costs more per square foot to side than a simple rectangular footprint, since cutting and fitting around those features takes more time.
3. Condition of What’s Underneath
Once old siding comes off, sometimes what’s underneath needs attention before new siding goes up — rotted sheathing, water damage, or inadequate moisture barriers. This is one of the most common reasons a final cost ends up higher than an initial estimate, and it’s also exactly why a thorough inspection before the quote matters.
4. New Installation vs. Full Removal and Replacement
Installing siding over an existing layer (where feasible and code-compliant) can sometimes reduce labor cost compared to full tear-off and disposal of the old material — though this isn’t always the right call structurally. We cover this tradeoff in detail in our guide on installing new siding over old siding.
5. Moisture Barriers and House Wrap
Proper installation includes a weather-resistant barrier beneath the siding — this material and labor cost is a smaller line item, but skipping or skimping on it is one of the most common ways a cheap installation fails early.
6. Home Height and Accessibility
Two-story homes and areas requiring extended ladder work or additional safety equipment add labor cost compared to single-story, easily accessible walls.
7. Trim, Detail Work, and Accessories
Corner trim, window and door trim, and any custom detailing around architectural features add both material and labor time beyond the flat wall area.
Cost Comparison by Home Size and Material
| Home Size | Vinyl | Fiber Cement | Wood |
| 1,500 sq ft | $6,000 – $13,500 | $12,000 – $21,000 | $9,000 – $18,000 |
| 2,000 sq ft | $8,000 – $18,000 | $16,000 – $28,000 | $12,000 – $24,000 |
| 2,500 sq ft | $10,000 – $22,500 | $20,000 – $35,000 | $15,000 – $30,000 |
| 3,000+ sq ft | $12,000 – $27,000+ | $24,000 – $42,000+ | $18,000 – $36,000+ |
Ranges reflect typical Metairie and South Louisiana market pricing for straightforward installations and vary based on home shape, condition of underlying sheathing, and detail work. A free in-person estimate is the only way to get an accurate number for your home.
How Contractors Calculate Your Estimate
- Total square footage of exterior wall area to be sided
- Material selected and its cost per square foot
- Whether existing siding requires removal and disposal, or can be sided over
- Condition of the sheathing and structure once old siding is removed
- Home height, roof pitch interactions, and accessibility
- Amount of trim, corner detail, and architectural features
A proper estimate involves an in-person walkthrough, not just a square footage calculation over the phone — the condition underneath old siding can’t be assessed remotely, and it’s often the biggest swing factor in final cost.
Financing Options
Whole-house siding replacement is a significant investment, and we offer flexible financing solutions to make siding installation more manageable. Ask about financing during your free estimate if cost is a barrier to addressing aging or damaged siding promptly.
Will Insurance Cover Siding Installation?
Typically not for routine replacement due to age or gradual wear — that’s generally considered a maintenance expense. However, siding damage caused directly by a specific storm event (wind-driven debris, hail, hurricane damage) may be covered under your homeowners policy. It’s worth having storm-related siding damage documented and discussed with your adjuster before assuming it’s out of pocket.
How to Reduce Your Siding Installation Cost
- Get multiple in-person estimates rather than relying on phone quotes or square-footage rules of thumb
- Address any known moisture or rot issues before the project starts, when possible, to avoid surprise change orders
- Bundle siding with roofing, soffit, or fascia work to reduce total labor and staging costs
- Ask about financing to spread a larger project over time rather than delaying necessary repairs
- Choose a material that matches your actual timeline in the home — the cheapest option isn’t always the best value if you’re staying long-term
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it cheaper to repair siding or replace it entirely?
For isolated damage — a few cracked or warped panels — repair is almost always cheaper. Once damage or aging has spread across a large portion of the exterior, full replacement often becomes more cost-effective than piecemeal repairs, both in materials and labor efficiency.
How long does a siding installation project take?
Most residential siding projects take anywhere from a few days to about a week, depending on home size and material. Larger homes, extensive trim work, or sheathing repairs discovered mid-project can extend the timeline.
Does removing old siding always cost extra?
In most full-replacement projects, yes — removal and disposal of old material is typically included as a line item. Installing over existing siding, where structurally appropriate, can sometimes reduce this cost, though it isn’t always the right choice for the underlying structure.
What’s included in a typical siding estimate?
A thorough estimate should include material and labor costs, removal and disposal of old siding if applicable, any necessary sheathing repair, moisture barrier installation, trim and detail work, and a projected timeline — not just a flat square-footage price.
Can I get a free estimate before deciding on a material?
Yes. We provide free siding inspections and estimates for homeowners throughout Metairie and Greater New Orleans, and can walk you through material options and real costs for your specific home before you commit to anything.
Get an Accurate Estimate for Your Home
General cost ranges are a helpful starting point, but the only way to know exactly what your project will cost is a free, in-person inspection. Our team can assess your home, explain what’s driving the cost, and walk you through material options before any work begins.
We install vinyl, fiber cement, and wood siding throughout Metairie, New Orleans, and South Louisiana — see our Siding services page for more, or give us a call to schedule a free estimate. Still deciding on a material? Start with our
Vinyl vs. Fiber Cement vs. Wood Siding guide for a full comparison.
Call us at (504) 230-6512 or request a free inspection online.
