Concrete log siding costs an average of $30,000 for a 1,500-square-foot home, or between $18,800 and $42,000 based on material quality.
Concrete log siding costs vary based on a few factors, but most homeowners will pay between $12 to $28 per square foot for labor and materials. If your house has 1,500 square feet of exterior space, you could expect to pay between $18,800 and $42,000 to clad your home in concrete log siding.
The appearance of glass fiber reinforced concrete (GFRC) log siding is one of the most exciting innovations in siding in recent years. Developed in response to the threats that wildfires pose to classic log cabins of the Interior West, concrete log siding evokes the quaint look of logs but in a very sturdy and fire-resistant material that requires significantly less maintenance than wood.
While you can install siding yourself, we recommend contacting a pro. Improper installation can decrease the life span of the siding and cost more money in the long run.
The cost of concrete log siding varies significantly based on many different factors. The most significant considerations include:
Depending on the brand and the style profile, concrete log siding materials typically cost between $7.55 to $16 per square foot. The price of cornered pieces runs higher, around $10.55 per square foot on the low end, or as much as $150 to $360 per corner, depending on the level of customization.
For professional installation, you can expect to pay between $5 to $12 per square foot, depending on the complexity of the home’s design and the prevailing rates in your area.
| Common House Sizes | Square Footage |
|---|---|
| Single Story Home | 1,000–2,200 |
| Split-Level Home | 1,500–2,500 |
| Triple-Story Home | 2,500–4,000 |
Manufacturers of concrete log siding use different proprietary processes to produce their GFRC materials, leading to a wide range of material costs. The price difference can be as wide as $10 per square foot in some cases.
While most concrete log siding manufacturers only offer their products in one or two standard profiles (in other words, the appearance of the siding), there are more stylized profiles available, such as rounder, log-like designs, or profiles that mimic familiar styles like board and batten siding.
These profiles will put you at the highest end of the price range per square foot.
The shape of your house will also affect the cost of log siding. Corner pieces, trim, windowsills, and accent blocks require materials that cost more than standard siding panels. So the more corners and windows you have to cover, the higher the total cost. If your home is tall enough to require installers to use scaffolding, or if it features a lot of detailed work that needs additional precision, labor costs can rise steeply.
If your house already features siding that you’d like to replace with concrete logs, you will have to pay an additional charge to remove the old materials. Average labor costs run between $0.94 to $1.94 per square foot to remove vinyl, wood, engineered wood, aluminum, or fiber cement, and between $3 to $13 per square foot to remove brick, stone, or vinyl log siding. Add $20 to $50 per ton if you’re going to dump the waste yourself, or between $100 and $800 for pick-up.
If you don’t choose to DIY this project, the cost of labor for installing concrete log siding can vary depending on factors such as the complexity of the installation, the location of the house, and the availability of skilled labor. Hiring professional installers or contractors will incur additional expenses.
Other costs worth keeping in mind when planning your project budget include:
To ensure proper insulation and protection against moisture, it is often necessary to install additional materials such as insulation boards and moisture barriers. These materials add to the overall cost of the siding installation by around $1,000 to $3,000.
Concrete log siding typically requires finishing and sealing to enhance its appearance and protect it from weather elements. The cost of these finishing products and the labor involved in applying them should be taken into account, which is typically between $500 to $2,000.
If you are purchasing concrete log siding from a manufacturer located far from your home, shipping and delivery costs may apply. The distance and size of the shipment can affect the overall expense by an additional $500 to $2,000.
Depending on your location, you may need to obtain permits or adhere to specific building regulations when installing concrete log siding. The cost of obtaining permits and complying with regulations could average around $100 to $1,000.
Concrete log siding, like any other siding material, requires regular maintenance and occasional repairs. The cost of cleaning, painting, or repairing damaged sections should be factored into the long-term expenses of owning concrete log siding.
Unless you have experience installing siding and a working knowledge of local building codes, you will likely save time and money in the long run by hiring a professional siding contractor. The material is heavy and must be installed properly to yield long-term benefits and savings in low maintenance (since improper installation will require costly repairs) and energy efficiency (gapping, cracks, and other consequences of a bad install will let cold air in).
Additionally, building codes vary by location, and many local jurisdictions have precise specifications about different aspects of siding installation. An experienced contractor will know how to navigate these requirements and ensure that the siding and its installation is compliant with local regulations.
Many concrete log siding manufacturers offer packages designed to make DIY installation as easy as possible. The pre-finished siding and accent pieces are packaged in crates and shipped directly to the consumer.
The average cost to hire a professional to install log siding runs between $5 to $12 per square foot, depending on the contractor’s rate and the particular demands of a project. For a typical 1,500-square-foot house, opting to install the siding yourself could save you between $7,500 to $18,000 on the final bill.
In addition to the basic installation costs, there are common add-ons that can increase the overall expense of installing concrete log siding:
Trim and corner pieces: Trim and corner pieces provide a finished look to the siding installation. You can budget between $500 and $2,000 for trim and corner pieces for an average-sized home.
Window and door trims: Trim around windows and doors can enhance the aesthetic appeal of the siding. Similar to trim and corner pieces, you can expect to spend between $500 and $2,000 for window and door trims.
Soffits and fascia: Installing soffits and fascia can improve the overall appearance and functionality of the siding. As a general estimate, you can budget between $1,000 and $3,000 for soffits and fascia installation for an average-sized home.
If you're looking to reduce the cost of installing concrete log siding or any type of siding, consider the following money-saving strategies:
DIY simple tasks: While hiring professionals is recommended for the overall installation, you may be able to tackle simpler tasks, such as painting or sealing the siding, to save on labor costs.
Opt for standard profiles: Choosing standard siding profiles instead of more intricate designs can help lower the cost per square foot.
Look for off-season discounts: Contractors may offer discounts during slower seasons, so consider scheduling the installation during off-peak times to potentially save on labor costs.
Remember, while cost-saving measures can be beneficial, it's crucial to maintain quality and adhere to building codes to ensure a durable and aesthetically pleasing installation.
Updating the siding on your house is one of the best home renovation projects you can do to increase its value. In fact, the average ROI for replacing siding is around 69%, but it depends on the type of material you choose. Concrete log siding is among one of the types of siding that can boost the value of your home because it is fire-resistant and has a long lifespan, making it a worthwhile investment in most cases.
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Concrete log siding is not the same as fiber cement siding. While GFRC log siding is a relatively new innovation, there are other types of siding made with cement-based materials. Fiber cement siding, made from a mixture of cement and cellulose fibers, has been around since the early 20th century.
While some manufacturers may offer a fiber cement product engineered to more closely resemble logs, it differs from GFRC log siding. Fiber cement is less expensive, with materials costing an average of $0.70 to $15 per square foot and it doesn't mimic the appearance of wood logs as well. It's also more susceptible to moisture damage.
Concrete log siding offers some cost savings when compared to wood logs, which require ongoing maintenance that can total up to $750 annually. However, their concrete counterparts don’t require regular maintenance. Since concrete log siding exceeds the requirements of most building codes, it can also lower insurance premiums and boost resale value.
A small handful of companies sell concrete log siding, with just four accounting for the bulk of the concrete log siding industry in the United States. These include Everlog Systems, based in Missoula, MT; Old Kentucky Logs, located in Corbin, KY; NexGen Logs, in Wisconsin Rapids, WI; and Clear Creek Log Siding, in Springfield, MO.
Concrete log siding can last several decades, from 20 to 40 years or more, as long as you keep up with proper maintenance. Luckily, concrete log siding is much lower maintenance than typical types of wood siding. To keep your concrete log siding in good shape, you’ll simply need to reseal it every 1 to 3 years. Confirm with your manufacturer to determine how often to reseal.
Concrete log siding is growing increasingly popular, but if you’re on a budget, you may prefer to consider some types of vinyl siding, though it’s important to understand the major differences between concrete log vs. wood vs. vinyl siding. If you want the true log cabin look, you can even purchase vinyl log siding. On average, vinyl log siding costs $6,000 to $16,500.
Vinyl isn’t your only option as an alternative to concrete log siding, however. Other options include:
Traditional wood siding or engineered wood siding
Various types of metal siding, including aluminum
Brick veneer or stone veneer siding
