How to Install Siding
Learn how to install siding step by step, with the tools, materials, and a free calculator to estimate exactly what you need. To estimate siding, find the wall area (perimeter × height), add 10–15% for waste, then divide by 100 for squares. Multiply the area by the installed price per square foot — vinyl runs about $4–$8 and fiber-cement $6–$13. A 40×30 ft home with 9 ft walls needs about 1,386 ft² of siding.
Get exact numbers
Use the free Siding Calculator to estimate your project.
Tools
- Tape measure
- Snap-lock punch
- Tin snips
- Level
- Utility knife
Materials
- Siding panels
- J-channel & corner posts
- House wrap
- Starter strip
- Nails
Step-by-step
- 1
Measure the perimeter
Add the length of all exterior walls (2 × (length + width) for a rectangle).
- 2
Multiply by wall height
This gives the gross wall area in square feet.
- 3
Add waste
Add 10% for simple walls, 15% for homes with many corners and openings.
- 4
Convert to squares
Divide by 100. Siding is ordered and priced by the square.
Pro tips
- Avoid: not subtracting large openings — Big windows, garage doors, and entries reduce the siding area — but keep the waste factor for cuts around them.
- Avoid: forgetting trim and accessories — J-channel, corner posts, starter strip, and house wrap add to the order and the budget.
- Avoid: skipping house wrap — A weather-resistant barrier behind the siding prevents moisture damage and drafts.
- Avoid: underestimating gables — Triangular gable walls add area that a simple perimeter × height misses — measure them separately.