The Ultimate Exterior Siding Cost Guide 2025: How Much to Budget?

Thinking about updating or installing new siding on your home? With so many materials available—ranging widely in style, durability, and cost—it can be challenging to know how much it costs to reside a house or the siding cost per square foot in Canada. This guide will break down the average cost of siding a house and the most common exterior siding choices, helping you make an informed decision.

Siding is more than just a facelift for your home—it’s its first line of defense against the elements and a major factor in curb appeal. When selecting the right material, consider not only aesthetics but also durability, maintenance, local climate, and your budget to ensure your home looks great and stays protected for years to come.

How Much Does It Cost to Reside a House in Canada?

Affordable Options

Vinyl Exterior Siding Material (Plastic)

Source : Peinture Pro-Max

Vinyl siding isn’t only super easy to install but also shock- and scratch-resistant. Not only that, but vinyl siding prices in Canada range from $2.50–$11 per square foot, including installation. For many homeowners, the average cost of vinyl siding makes it a cost-effective way to update their home’s exterior.

Fibre Cement Panels

Source : Les Entreprises Lemieux et Fils Inc.

Fibre cement panels make for modern houses and buildings. This type of product holds its own against parasites and extreme weather conditions. However, l’Ordre des architectes du Québec (professional association of architects in Quebec) has taken issue with this material given that some problems have been witnessed soon after installation: cracks, fading, chipping surface, etc. 

Fibre cement panel manufacturing companies claim that such problems have since been fixed and that the products now retailed are of much better quality. Typically, this product should last roughly 40 years. However, before choosing this material, check with your hired contractor. Fibre cement panels cost between $5–$15 per square foot (including installation).

Engineered Wood Fibre Panels (CanExel)

Source : GUERTI

Engineered wood panels, also known as CanExel, are an increasingly sought-after siding material option. CanExel is much more affordable than wood and is a reliable, quality faux wood. As for colours and textures, needless to say, options aren’t lacking. 

Compared to real lumber, engineered wood products tend to withstand humidity and UV rays better. This material, with its 25-year service life, offers the best value for money and is suited to most budgets. However, if CanExel cladding isn’t properly installed, it’ll require a lot more maintenance and repairs, and its lifespan will inevitably be affected. Its price point ranges from $5 to $15 per square foot (including installation).

Aluminum Siding

Source : RenoQuotes

Aluminum siding offers excellent weather resistance, mostly in terms of wind and temperature variations. Unlike vinyl, aluminum doesn’t warp. However, it reacts poorly during fires, as it’s not really flame-retardant. In optimal conditions, this type of siding material can last more than 40 years. Prices range from $4,50 to $12 per square foot (including installation).

To learn more about aluminum siding, check out our article The Pros and Cons of Aluminum Siding. 

Suretouch

Source : Construction MJC Excellence inc.

Suretouch exterior siding can be categorized alongside brick and stone cladding but at a much lower cost. A polystyrene (styrofoam) mould is mounted against the house, and then argyle bricks or concrete stones are affixed to it. This is a pressure-based installation. As for the mould, it’s secured to the house with stainless steel screws and plates. This product, which has been marketed for about a decade now, is actually gaining popularity. It’s easy to install and is known for its insulation properties (R13.5). 

Moreover, it has good ventilation and weatherproofing properties (provided that the joints are well done). Since it’s a relatively new product, information about its durability is hard to come about. However, so far, the feedback is very positive. The average cost of Suretouch cladding is $8 to $15 per square foot.

Standard-Priced Products

Wood Cladding

Source : Construction Yannick Gosselin Inc.

One of the options that will definitely add the most value to your house. Wood cladding is, for the most part, affordable but is rather high maintenance. The wood must be treated with flaxseed oil every five years to preserve its appealing look.

If you apply a coat of stain to alter the wood’s colour, you’ll have to carry out some touch-ups every year or two to maintain the product’s overall appeal. Wood cladding costs between $10 and $25 per square foot (including installation) and lasts anywhere from 25 to 55 years. 

Acrylic Coating and Rendering

Source : 9482-6732 Québec inc.

According to Dave Barriault, ADEX Systems, when it comes to exterior acrylic coatings and renderings, one should definitely opt for second-generation EIFS, or Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems. In fact, with first-generation installations, a lot of homeowners experienced issues regarding the materials’ waterproofing capabilities. (Watch the November 13, 2018 episode of La Facture.) However, according to Barriault, unlike the first-generation product, the most recent version of EIFS, first marketed towards the end of the 90s, features various components to ensure the building's exterior envelope is watertight and well-insulated.

This type of siding material also ensures adequate drainage if water seeps behind the cladding. However, its installation process isn’t very easy as it includes several important factors and steps to consider. Hire a siding contractor who’s both qualified and experienced in working with this type of product. Second-generation EIFS cladding costs between $10 and $15 per square foot (materials and installation included). 

Brick Cladding: High-End Option

Source : Rénovations MTR inc.

This is a timeless, classic choice. However, brick is rather costly right off the bat, but its service life extends beyond 75 years. Typically, it doesn’t require much upkeep. However, you’ll have to be on the lookout for cracks that could negatively affect the siding's resistance when faced with parasites and extreme weather. On average, siding prices range from $25 to $55 per square foot (including installation).

If your house is clad with brick and you suspect an issue, make sure the brick isn't “beef-bellying” (swelling).

For more insight on how to spot such an issue, check out our article Bulging Brick Walls and Bowed Walls: How to Identify and Solve the Issue. 

What Factors Affect the Overall Cost?

Source : Revêtement Chabot inc.

Size of House

The size of the house will directly affect the overall cost. The bigger the surface (multiple stories), the higher the material and labour costs will be. For an average-sized home, costs can range from $25,000 to $90,000, depending on the material used and the project specificities. Naturally, larger homes will cost more to side.

Installation Complexity

Installation complexity can also affect costs. For example, a house with complex architectural features or shapes, such as gables or curves, will mandate more time and accuracy to install siding, thereby increasing costs. Some materials like brick or stone also call for trade-specific expertise, which can further complicate the installation process.

Labour Cost

The cost of labour hinges on the region and the contractor's experience. Labour costs can represent a significant portion of the overall budget, especially for complex or large-scale projects. In general, requesting several quotes is recommended to compare costs and hire the right siding contractor who will be able to carry out the work at the right price, guaranteeing installation quality.

Choosing Strong and Durable Exterior Siding

Sometimes, investing a bit more money upfront is best, ensuring you’re getting a sustainable product. In the long run, if the material requires little maintenance and is of decent quality, the investment will have been cost-effective.

Regional and Seasonal Price Variations

Where you live and the time of year you schedule your siding project can have a noticeable impact on the final bill. Siding costs tend to be higher in large urban centres like Toronto or Vancouver, where labour rates and demand are elevated. In contrast, rural or less populated areas may offer more competitive pricing due to lower overhead and labour costs.

Seasonal fluctuations also play a role: contractors are busiest during the summer, which can drive prices up. Booking your project for early spring or late fall—when demand is lower—may help you secure better rates or promotional discounts. Keep in mind that local climate can also influence the availability and pricing of certain materials, as some siding types are more common or better suited to specific regions across Canada.

Energy Efficiency and Environmental Impact of Siding Materials

Choosing the right siding can make your home more energy efficient and environmentally friendly. Materials such as insulated vinyl siding and Suretouch panels offer improved thermal performance by adding an extra layer of insulation to your home’s exterior. This can help reduce heat loss in winter and keep your home cooler in summer, potentially lowering energy bills.​

Engineered wood panels like CanExel are made from wood fibre composites, which use wood by-products for a more sustainable choice compared to traditional wood. Aluminum siding is also notable for being fully recyclable at the end of its lifespan.​

For the most eco-conscious upgrade, consider siding options that combine durability with recycled or recyclable content, and look for opportunities to add insulation during installation. These choices support a more energy-efficient home and help reduce your overall environmental footprint.​

What Are the Additional Costs?

The total project cost hinges on whether the entire siding needs replacement or simply specific sections. In other words, whether it's in good condition or not, meaning that it's insect-proof and didn't suffer from improper installation. Should the entire siding need to be replaced, you’ll incur additional costs as you’ll have to cover old siding removal fees and reinstallation costs.

For older homes, problems like rotting wood or termite-related damage may require repairs prior to installing the new siding material, which will undeniably increase overall expenses.

For more insight about the average cost of different renovation projects, check out our Home Renovation Price Guide.

FAQ

What is the best exterior siding?
Unfortunately, there isn’t one type of exterior siding material that’s universally better for every type of home. It all depends on your budget, needs, and aesthetic preferences. However, vinyl siding is a very sought-after, cost-effective product.

How much to vinyl side a house?
The cost to vinyl side a house in Canada depends on size, installation complexity, and materials. On average, vinyl siding cost in Canada ranges from $2.50 to $11 per square foot, including installation.

What type of wood is best for exterior siding for a house?
Cedar is a highly recommended exterior siding material given its natural resistance to rot and insect-related damage, including its lightweight factor, facilitating installation practices. Its versatility makes staining or painting the product to suit your home’s aesthetic a possibility. However, there are many other siding materials and the best choice hinges on your personal needs and preferences. 

Should I install siding myself or hire a professional?
DIY siding installation can save on labour costs, but it requires specialized tools, safety precautions, and construction know-how. Mistakes may lead to water damage or void warranties. For most homeowners, hiring a professional ensures proper installation, code compliance, and long-term durability.

How can I maintain my siding to ensure it lasts as long as possible?
Regular maintenance is key to extending the lifespan of your siding. For most materials, this means cleaning dirt and debris with a garden hose or mild soap once or twice a year. Inspect your siding annually for cracks, warping, or signs of damage, and repair any issues promptly to prevent further deterioration.

For wood siding, reapply stain or protective treatments as recommended—usually every few years. By keeping up with these simple tasks, you can help your siding stay attractive and durable for decades.

What are some effective ways homeowners can save on siding costs in Canada?
To save on siding costs, Canadian homeowners can shop around for multiple quotes, choose standard or less premium materials, schedule installations during the off-season when contractors may offer discounts, bundle siding with other exterior renovations to reduce overall labour costs, and look for available government rebates or tax credits for energy-efficient upgrades.