The average cost ranges from $4,200 to $5,800, with an average cost of $5,000 for 1,500 square feet. Prices vary based on the square footage and the home’s design and the type of material.
Clapboard siding costs $5,000 on average, with most projects ranging from $4,200 to $22,500. Depending on the materials used and the design of your home, you could spend anywhere from $3,000 to $22,500. Let’s review how to budget for clapboard siding costs.
Clapboard siding costs anywhere from $2 to $15 per square foot. The size of your home determines how much siding you need, which directly impacts your cost for labor and materials. A 1,000-square-foot home could cost as low as $2,000, while a 3,000 square foot home can go as high as $45,000.
| Home Size in Square Feet | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| 1,000 | $2,000–$15,000 |
| 1,500 | $3,000–$22,500 |
| 2,000 | $4,000–$30,000 |
| 2,500 | $5,000–$37,500 |
| 3,000 | $6,000–$45,000 |
Materials play a significant role in the cost of clapboard siding. Wood, once the standard material, fluctuates the most in price—basic pine is the most affordable, while hardwoods like ipe and teak have the highest price tag. Non-wood varieties including fiber cement, vinyl, and composite are all relatively similar in terms of cost, though fiber cement is often the least expensive of the three.
| Siding Material | Average Cost per Square Foot |
|---|---|
| Wood | $2–$15 |
| Fiber Cement | $3–$6 |
| Vinyl | $4.50–$8 |
| Composite | $3–$7 |
Labor costs for siding installation typically range from $1 to $4 per square foot, depending on the complexity of the job, or an average hourly rate of $40 to $75. While most contractors include labor costs in their estimates, it's important to verify this during the hiring process.
Don’t forget to factor in these additional costs when creating a budget for your clapboard siding project.
Contractors typically charge between $1,000 and $3,000 for removing old siding, which works out to approximately $0.25 to $0.75 per square foot. This task will increase your labor cost, as it will require several hours to remove the existing siding.
The cost to repair siding can vary from $2 to $50 per square foot, with wood siding repairs typically falling between $4 and $13 per square foot. You might find unexpected issues beneath the old siding, like holes, cracks, or signs of rot. To help your new siding last and preserve the structural integrity of your home, it’s important to take care of necessary repairs before you install new clapboard siding.
Your home's shape, the number of stories, and any distinctive characteristics can greatly affect your budget. More intricate home designs will demand additional siding and custom cuts, which can drive up both installation and material expenses.
The cost of permits can vary based on local regulations, but you can generally expect major construction permits to fall within the range of $150 to $2,000. When it comes to significant renovations, such as replacing siding or working with a general contractor for new construction, obtaining building permits is often required. Small siding projects might not need a permit, so be sure to check local laws when planning your budget.
Installing wood siding on your own is a doable DIY project if you are confident in using power tools, taking precise measurements, and working from a ladder. However, the potential for error is high and repairs can be expensive, plus it can even void the manufacturers’ warranty. Poorly installed siding increases the risk of air and water leaks in your home. By working with a local siding contractor, you can ensure that your siding is installed properly and will last for years to come.
If you decide to tackle this project yourself, you can save between $2 and $5 per square foot or $40 to $90 per hour in labor costs on average. When you install wood siding on your own, your costs will include only the materials, which range from $1 to $30 per square foot, along with any tools you need to purchase.
The average cost of siding repair is between $900 and $1,500, depending on the extent of the damage. If you’re happy with the look of your current siding, and it’s still relatively new with only minor damage, repairs can potentially save you big. If you know how to fix clapboard siding yourself, that can reduce your repair costs even further. On the other hand, siding with rot, severe water damage, or structural issues often calls for a replacement to maintain your home’s structural integrity and energy efficiency.
It’s also worth checking if your siding is under warranty. Many manufacturers provide long-term warranties, and if yours applies, it could help offset repair or replacement costs. Finally, consider the 50% rule: If repairs cost more than half the price of a full replacement, it’s usually more practical to replace the siding. Ultimately, the decision depends on the extent of the damage, the age of the siding, and your budget.
Installing clapboard siding can be a high-budget project, but there are a few good ways to help keep your costs down:
Opt for cost-effective materials like vinyl or fiber cement instead of traditional wood.
Take on the task of removing the old siding yourself.
Maintain a flexible timeline to improve your chances of finding lower prices on siding materials
Request multiple quotes to compare prices, services, and warranties.
Plan your siding project during the off-season and book your contractor well in advance.
With its durable design and clean, classic style, clapboard siding can potentially increase your home’s value, especially if your current siding is dated, dingy, or damaged. From a functional standpoint, clapboard siding is highly durable and offers excellent protection against the elements, especially when properly maintained. This helps prevent water damage and improves insulation, which can lower energy bills—a significant selling point for potential buyers who want a more turnkey home. They might view this as a smart investment, as it suggests fewer future repairs (and maximizes curb appeal to boot).
Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
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If you’re trying to decide whether clapboard siding is good, know that it’s a solid choice that many homeowners are happy with. It’s one of the more affordable siding options, making it budget-friendly without compromising on quality. Its versatility and cost-effectiveness make it a popular and practical choice for enhancing a home’s exterior.
If you’re wondering how to clean clapboard siding, the approach depends on its material and condition. Siding in good shape may need only light soap and spray from the hose, while older siding often requires more thorough treatment. For serious cleaning, power washing can remove caked-on dirt, but you should consider hiring a professional to avoid causing damage in the process.
While both shiplap and clapboard use overlapped pieces for enhanced moisture protection, they differ in design. Shiplap features grooves, “rabbeted,” edges, which allow for a snug overlap. Clapboard, on the other hand, features wedge-shaped panels, with one edge thicker than the other. This design creates a natural overlap, giving the exterior a smooth yet distinct lap profile when installed.
The main differences between dutch lap versus clapboard siding have to do with their design and texture. Clapboard siding features flat, beveled planks stacked at a slight angle, offering a simple, traditional look. Dutch lap siding features a subtly concave surface along with a notch that creates a shadowed look between the boards. This eye-catching design often resembles wood grain and introduces a noticeable shadow line, making it more visually interesting compared to the simpler look of clapboard siding.
