Estimate your 2026 Seattle siding replacement — vinyl, LP SmartSide, fiber cement (James Hardie), cedar, or metal. The calculator factors old-siding tear-off, house wrap upgrade, trim accessories, and Seattle's pre-1978 asbestos-cement abatement surcharge when applicable. Itemized material + labor breakdown typically within 10-15% of quoted price.
If you're comparing reside to another exterior paint cycle, also run the exterior painting calculator — on 30+ year old cedar or rotting wood siding, a reside is usually the cheaper 15-year lifecycle even though it looks more expensive up front.
Estimated based on home exterior dimensions (minimum 500 sq ft)
Affects labor costs and scaffolding requirements
Siding Materials
Choose your siding type and additional materials
Loading materials...
Add insulation layer for energy efficiency and R-value improvement
Professional removal and disposal of existing siding material
Professional installation of trim boards, fascia, and soffit
Linear feet of trim boards, fascia, and soffit installation
Your Estimate
Configure your project and click Calculate
Enter your project details to get started
How Our Siding Cost Calculator Works
Professional siding replacement and installation estimates for Seattle homes
Accurate Cost Estimation
Our siding cost calculator provides detailed estimates reflecting Seattle's premium market for durable, weather-resistant exterior cladding.
The calculator considers home square footage, number of stories, siding material selection (fiber cement, vinyl, cedar, composite, metal, or stucco),
architectural complexity, and existing siding removal requirements. We base estimates on 2026 Seattle pricing from local suppliers including Dunn
Lumber, Compton Lumber, and specialty distributors, with installation labor rates of $5-15 per square foot depending on material and complexity.
Fiber cement siding (James Hardie, Allura) dominates Seattle's market due to superior performance in our wet climate. The calculator accounts for
all components beyond siding panels: house wrap and moisture barriers critical in the Pacific Northwest, trim boards and corner pieces, flashing
around windows and doors, fasteners rated for coastal environments, and painting or finishing for materials requiring it. We factor in waste
(10-20% depending on architectural complexity), scaffolding rental for multi-story homes, and disposal costs for old siding materials.
What The Calculator Includes
Every siding estimate includes comprehensive project breakdowns. Material costs encompass siding panels calculated by square footage with
appropriate waste factor, house wrap or moisture barrier (Tyvek or similar), trim boards for corners and around openings, J-channel or starter
strips, flashing materials for weather protection, fasteners (stainless steel in Seattle's moisture environment), caulk and sealants, and paint
or stain for materials requiring finishing. Labor includes removal and disposal of existing siding, inspection and repair of underlying sheathing
(rot repair is common in older Seattle homes), installation of house wrap and moisture barrier, flashing installation, siding panel installation,
trim and corner detail work, caulking and sealing all joints and penetrations, and complete cleanup. For fiber cement, we include painting (typically
two coats on primed siding). Equipment costs cover scaffolding rental for multi-story homes (typically $500-1500 depending on home size and duration),
specialized cutting tools for fiber cement, and safety equipment. Our calculator factors in Seattle's siding premium - proper installation with
moisture management costs more but is essential for longevity in our climate. We include realistic contingencies for sheathing repair discovered
during removal, found in 30-40% of Seattle siding replacement projects.
Seattle-Specific Considerations
Seattle's climate creates unique challenges for siding that our calculator addresses. The Pacific Northwest's constant moisture and rain
demands superior moisture management - proper house wrap, flashing, and caulking are critical. Many Seattle homes built before 1980 have original
wood siding showing decades of moisture damage, dry rot, and woodpecker holes (common in our area). Behind failing siding, we often discover rotted
sheathing or framing requiring costly repairs. The calculator includes realistic contingencies for this hidden damage. Fiber cement siding (James
Hardie, Allura) performs exceptionally well in Seattle's climate, resisting moisture, rot, insects, and fire while maintaining appearance for decades.
While more expensive than vinyl, it's the preferred choice for Seattle's conditions. Cedar siding offers beautiful natural aesthetics but requires
regular maintenance (sealing every 3-5 years) or it deteriorates quickly in our wet climate. Seattle's moderate climate means siding doesn't face
extreme freeze-thaw cycles but constant moisture exposure is more damaging than occasional extremes. Permits are required for whole-home siding
replacement in Seattle (typically $500-800), and our estimates include these costs. Washington state requires licensed contractors with proper L&I
coverage for siding work - proper installation with warranties protects your significant investment. Many Seattle neighborhoods have architectural
review boards (especially historic districts) requiring specific materials or styles, which can affect material choices and costs.
Using The Calculator Effectively
For accurate estimates, input your home's total exterior square footage (excluding roof area). Specify number of stories as multi-story
homes require expensive scaffolding and safety measures, increasing costs significantly. Select siding material based on budget, maintenance willingness,
and longevity goals: fiber cement (highest upfront cost at $8-12/sq ft installed, minimal maintenance, 30-50 year life, best for Seattle); vinyl
(moderate cost at $4-8/sq ft, low maintenance, 20-30 year life, good budget option); cedar (premium cost at $10-15/sq ft, high maintenance, 20-30
year life with upkeep, beautiful natural appearance); composite ($9-14/sq ft, low maintenance, 25-40 year life); engineered wood ($6-10/sq ft,
moderate maintenance, 20-30 year life). Indicate architectural complexity: simple (basic rectangular home, minimal details); moderate (standard
corners and gables); complex (dormers, multiple roof lines, extensive trim detail common in Craftsman homes). Specify whether removing existing
siding - removal and disposal add $1-3 per square foot but are necessary for most projects. The calculator provides instant feedback on how material
and complexity choices affect costs. All estimates include detailed breakdowns showing material costs, labor costs, equipment rental, permits,
disposal fees, and projected timelines typically 1-3 weeks for whole-home projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best siding for Seattle's rainy climate?
Fiber cement siding (James Hardie, Allura) performs best in Seattle's wet climate. It resists moisture, won't rot, repels insects, is fire-resistant, and maintains appearance for 30-50 years with minimal maintenance. While more expensive than vinyl ($8-12/sq ft versus $4-8/sq ft), its longevity and performance justify the investment. Cedar siding offers beautiful natural appearance but requires diligent maintenance in our climate. Avoid standard wood siding or non-pressure-treated materials that deteriorate rapidly in Seattle's moisture.
How long does siding replacement take?
Typical single-story homes (1200-1500 sq ft) take 1-2 weeks for complete siding replacement. Two-story homes (2000-2500 sq ft) take 2-3 weeks. Complex homes with dormers, multiple roof lines, or extensive architectural detail may take 3-4 weeks. Weather impacts timelines significantly in Seattle - rain delays work as proper moisture management requires dry conditions for installation. Projects started in summer (July-September) proceed faster than those in shoulder seasons. Add 3-5 days if significant sheathing repair is needed.
Should I remove old siding or install over it?
In Seattle, removing old siding is almost always recommended. Removal allows inspection of underlying sheathing and framing for rot damage (common in our wet climate), ensures proper moisture barrier installation, and provides a flat surface for new siding. Installing over old siding saves $1-3 per square foot but hides potential problems that worsen over time. Many Seattle homes have moisture damage behind failing siding that must be addressed. Building codes sometimes prohibit multiple siding layers. The extra cost of removal is worthwhile for long-term home health.
Why Trust Our Calculator?
Our interior painting cost calculator is built by Kolmo Construction, a licensed general contractor (License #KOLMOC*852PL) serving Seattle since 2008. We've completed over 500 interior painting projects throughout King County, from single-room refreshes to whole-home transformations. Our estimates reflect real-world costs from actual projects, not theoretical calculations. We maintain relationships with major paint suppliers, understand Seattle's permit requirements intimately, and employ only licensed, insured professionals. Every estimate includes a detailed breakdown of materials and labor, showing you exactly where your money goes. We stand behind our estimates - when you request a formal quote, we honor the calculator's projections for projects matching the described conditions.
What this calculator captures
Per-sq-ft installed pricing in 2026 Seattle, including tear-off and standard house wrap. A 2,200 sq ft whole-home reside in fiber cement is typically $28k-$42k with tear-off.
Vinyl
$6-$10 / sq ft
Entry tier. Lightweight, fast install, 20-30 year product life. Fine for rentals or budget-sensitive reside.
Fiber cement (Hardie)
$10-$16 / sq ft
The Seattle standard. Fire-safe, rot-proof, 30-year paint warranty. Heavier — takes 2 crew to install — but lowest long-run maintenance cost.
Cedar
$14-$23 / sq ft
Character choice for Craftsman, Tudor, Mid-Century. Refinish every 5-7 years. Highest curb appeal but highest lifecycle maintenance in Seattle climate.
Using this calculator
Does this include old siding tear-off and disposal?
Yes — toggle 'old siding removal' and the calculator adds $1-$3 per sq ft covering demo labor, hauling, and Seattle-area tipping fees. Asbestos-cement siding (common on pre-1978 Seattle homes) is NOT standard tear-off — it requires licensed abatement at roughly $8-$15 per sq ft and a separate permit. Flag pre-1978 + asbestos suspected for an abatement estimate line.
How does the calculator handle house wrap?
Standard Tyvek HomeWrap is included in the baseline full tear-off scope. For premium barriers — Tyvek CommercialWrap, ZipSystem sheathing, or Benjamin Obdyke Hydrogap — toggle 'upgraded WRB' to add $0.40-$0.80 per sq ft. Critical for Seattle's wet climate; skipping it is a warranty risk.
What's the difference between LP SmartSide, fiber cement, and cedar?
LP SmartSide is engineered wood — cheapest quality tier, 50-year warranty, good for most Seattle homes. Fiber cement (Hardie) is the premium-standard — fireproof, rot-proof, 30-year paint warranty, labor-intensive. Cedar is the character choice for Craftsman, Tudor, Mid-Century — highest maintenance (refinish every 5-7 years) but unmatched aesthetics.
Does it cover trim, soffit, and fascia?
Trim and J-channel are in the baseline. Soffit and fascia are toggleable add-ons: fascia replacement $4-$8/LF, soffit $6-$12/sf. Most Seattle whole-home reside projects include both since they weathered alongside the old siding.
How does Seattle's wet climate affect material choice?
Fiber cement is the safest long-term — zero rot, no refinishing. Cedar looks great but requires vigilant refinishing or it cups and checks. Vinyl is fine for 15-20 years before UV + freeze-thaw makes it brittle. The calculator notes lifecycle cost implications per material in a tooltip.
