2023 Modern Siding Prices, Installation, Options

The sleek sophistication of modern siding makes it a popular choice among builders and homeowners looking to start a renovation project.

The bold accents and the creative use of materials can give you something new to make your home’s exterior look fresh and outstanding.

How Much Does Modern Siding Cost?

You won’t find a one-size-fits-all figure for the cost of modern siding.

For example, your home’s size and design can significantly change this figure.

If your house is large or has a complex architecture, it will need more material, longer labor hours, and possibly more precise cuts.

Therefore, installing modern house siding (or another type) will cost you more.

With variable labor hours, local rates come into play in a big way.

If labor costs are higher than average in your town or city, the total cost of installation will be considerably higher, especially for a larger home.

Another important factor in your final price is the siding material you pick for the job.

Each material has a different price tag, and the more elaborate or rare materials will cost more.

However, considering all these factors, you could still expect a certain price range within the national average.

In most parts of the country, the median total cost for exterior modern siding falls between $5,000 to $14,050.

That average includes materials and installation costs combined.

Modern House Siding Cost Breakdown

Modern exterior siding comes in several materials.

On average, modern siding materials can cost between $2 and $9 per square foot, each with variable costs.

For example, aluminum, a common material that’s not the most eco-friendly but is durable and low-maintenance, costs between $2 and $5 per square foot.

On the other hand, the classic and exceptionally durable brick siding has an even broader price range, from $9 to $28 per square foot.

Another increasingly popular material for modern siding is engineered wood.

This siding has a narrower and more consistent price range of $3.58 and $8.58 per square foot to install.

For that reasonable price, you get a mix of the traditional beauty of wood and the durability of engineered materials. As such, it’s the best of both worlds that’s still modern while not straying away too much from the classic aesthetic.

Modern Siding Expense Breakdown	Average Cost per Square Foot	Average Cost for 2,000 Square Foot
Aluminum Siding	$2-$5	$4,000-$10,000
Engineered Wood Siding	$3.58-$8.58	$7,160-$17,160
Brick Siding	$9-$28	$18,000-$56,000
Labor Costs	$1-$5	$2,000-$10,000

Finally, once you pick the material and design for your modern siding, you must also factor in labor costs.

They also vary and usually make up a considerable portion of the total cost of siding installation.

Labor costs cover the time it takes to remove the old siding (if necessary, especially if the home is older or water-damaged), prepare and install the new siding, and clean up after the job.

To get the best prices and avoid unfair expenses, get quotes from several contractors before you settle on one.

Labor usually costs $1 to $5 per square foot, depending on the job’s complexity, how many days it’ll take, and where you live.

Did you know? Fiber cement siding is fire-resistant or at least fire-retardant. Hence, this material can be safer if your house is in a wildfire-prone area or if you have any fire hazards around it.

Additional Modern Exterior Siding Cost Factors

Along with materials and contractor rates, there are a few other factors that will matter when budgeting for the project:

The Home’s Design

Some siding jobs are more complex than others, and several factors determine this complexity.

If your house has a lot of corners, angles, or intricate architectural details that the contractors need to work around, the job will be more complex and time-consuming.

Architectural complexity can add to the cost regardless of your home’s overall size.

Condition of the Walls

Your home’s existing exterior and overall condition will impact the installation cost.

If your old siding or house exterior is in poor condition or suffered considerable damage, it will need repairs or replacement.

This will add to the cost of installation and additional materials for repair.

Extra Finishes

Your taste and desires can also affect the cost.

If you wish to add any extra features or finishes, you must include them in the budget.

For example, a high-contrast trim or a distinctive color and paint for the siding can add to the total cost.

Complex Patterns

Also, choosing a higher-end siding material or a more complex pattern that you’d like the contractors to work into the design can increase the cost.

Granted, more durable high-end materials may cost more upfront, but you might save money in the long run through less frequent repairs or lower energy bills.

Where To Buy Modern Siding

You can buy modern siding in various styles and materials in many places.

Brick-and-Mortar Stores

You may prefer to shop in a brick-and-mortar store or online.

Big-box home improvement stores like Home Depot and Lowe’s are a good starting point as they’re convenient and widely available.

They also have a solid range of siding offerings, including more modern materials like fiber cement and engineered wood, along with traditional wood or vinyl.

These stores can often provide installation services through contractors they choose and contract for you.

Such convenience is excellent if you have a one-stop-shop approach.

Online Stores

Home improvement stores like Lowe’s, Home Depot, and Menards let you purchase online, but you can also try online-first retailers like BuildDirect as your source of modern siding.

They carry a vast selection of siding materials and styles.

When shopping online, it’s easier to compare prices and styles without the trouble and time-sink of going to several different stores.

It also gives you access to more products than you might find in physical stores within your local area.

You might prefer to go straight to the source. That is also an option, as it’s possible to purchase siding directly from some manufacturers.

Companies like Allura, LP SmartSide, and Nichiha will let you buy directly.

Buying directly from the manufacturer can sometimes allow you access to exclusive styles or colors that aren’t currently available through retailers.

Pro Tip: Darker colors are more dramatic and catch the eye more easily. They also let you play more with lighting and accents, which can considerably change the look of your porch.

Popular Modern Siding Colors

Color may seem like a superficial consideration when picking a siding, but it’s a significant factor.

After all, changing the color of your siding will entirely transform the aesthetics of the siding.

An emerging trend in modern siding is moving toward unexpected, bold colors and high contrast.

High-contrast trims against darker sidings give the exterior a contemporary feeling and accentuate the detail of the home.

This contrast also adds depth and makes the home stand out in the neighborhood.

Some of the most popular modern siding colors at the time of writing are a mix of bold and neutral tones.

For example, blue, deep gray, and cobalt are trendy and can modernize your home’s appearance.

Meanwhile, natural wood and charcoal tones give a more neutral and natural palette that doesn’t feel “too modern” but still adds modern sophistication to the overall design.

And, of course, plain white is still as classic as ever, thanks to its clean, crisp look that pairs well with any architecture and decoration.

If you’re struggling to decide what would work best for your house and porch decoration, this neutral color might be a safe bet.

When choosing a color, consider the local climate.

Darker siding colors may look striking and modern, but they can absorb more heat and not be optimal for hotter climates.

Lighter colors reflect heat, so they will keep your house cooler.

Top Modern Siding Styles

Modern siding styles are all about distinctiveness and texture.

Using differently shaped sidings to create more visual variety from one area of the house to the next is quite prominent.

If you wish to accomplish this, you can, for example, use horizontal siding on one part of the house and visual siding on the other.

Or, you can mix traditional lap siding with panel siding to make the walls look more eclectic.

Another modern trend you can give a shot at is using different styles and sizes of cladding.

You can mix and match various siding styles to highlight other parts of the house, especially if there’s an ornate area you think deserves particular attention.

Using different colors can create more contrast.

You could use one color or style of siding on the main body of the house and a different one on the gables or dormers.

Modern siding often incorporates other materials, like metal or stone, although they aren’t usually its main components.

They add more texture and variety and can affect the siding’s durability.

These materials can serve as accents or mix with the siding to give it more interest and distinctiveness.

Did you know? Fiber cement siding is a blend of cement, sand, and cellulose fibers, one of the most popular types of modern siding (that can also work well as a rustic siding material). This distinctive composition gives it durability and resistance to common issues like termites and rot, which could affect wood or vinyl more severely.

Modern Siding vs Traditional Siding

It may not always be easy to pinpoint what someone would consider “modern” siding, but there are several observable patterns.

Tastes and preferences evolve and change, and modern siding is a reflection of this shift.

This type of siding gives houses a fresh, contemporary, and versatile aesthetic. It is often easy to spot thanks to its innovative use of materials and colors.

Think of unexpected shades, high-contrast trims, and materials such as fiber cement. Modern siding breaks the mold and makes a statement – all the while being durable.

On the flip side, traditional siding conjures up comfortable thoughts of yesteryear, evoking a sense of warmth and nostalgia.

Wood, vinyl, and other traditional siding materials have been around for decades.

Its colors and designs will feel instantly familiar to many. But traditional siding isn’t usually quite as flexible as its modern counterpart when it comes to personalization.

While traditional siding captures the familiar old-world charm, modern siding allows those who embrace it to innovate and step out of the box.

The fact that there is no single design you can point to and say, “This is modern siding and nothing else,” is one of its main strengths.

You can express yourself through modern siding without sticking to the same look for decades.

What Type Of Siding Is Used On Modern Homes?

Blending functionality with style is a significant goal for modern homes.

As such, materials like fiber cement, engineered wood, and vinyl siding are often the go-to choices.

Fiber Cement

Fiber cement, for one, offers the beauty of wood but without the susceptibility to termites or decay.

While this composite material isn’t limited to one style only and can work well with traditional homes, its composition and modern chemistry make it one of the best for a modern house.

Engineered wood

Engineered wood, another favorite, is extraordinarily moisture-resistant for wood material.

It is also eco-friendly, which will please environmentally-conscious buyers.

Choosing this material contributes to reducing waste and protecting the forests.

Vinyl

Vinyl siding, with its vast range of colors and relatively low maintenance, continues to be popular for those who want durability and a solid appearance at a lower price point.

Although, this material isn’t the most eco-friendly one.

Did you know? Engineered wood siding is a more environmentally friendly siding material compared to traditional wood siding. The reason is that engineered wood comprises wood waste products like sawdust combined with bonding agents. That means it reduces demand for fresh wood and gives old and discarded wood products a new purpose.

Is Shake Siding Modern?

Shake siding is usually a more traditional type, but it can absolutely work as modern siding when done right.

Shake siding has its roots in conventional home designs, often conjuring up images of quaint cottages and rustic cabins.

It’s traditionally made from split logs, and its classic look is undeniably charming.

However, the world of siding is ever-changing, and shake siding has seen its own modern transformation.

Today, shake siding that uses vinyl or fiber cement is gaining traction.

These advanced materials can capture the textured appearance of traditional shakes but with the benefit of greater durability and a broader color palette.

Suppose you carefully plan for this design and style it correctly, with the right color combinations and complementary materials.

In that case, modern shake siding can be a perfect blend of the old and the new, letting you enjoy distinctly modern eclecticism that doesn’t forget about tradition and history.

How Do You Modernize The Siding On A House?

Modernizing the siding on the house is akin to giving the facade a facelift, albeit with more choice and fewer potential scars.

It updates its look to reflect current trends within the limits of your preferences and imagination while keeping it functional.

One of the first steps in modernizing the siding on the house is to reconsider the color palette.

Modern designs often lean towards bold, contrasting colors that make the home stand out.

A modern composite material, like fiber cement or engineered wood, can also instantly update the look without changing the feel too much.

When installing new siding, it’s a good idea also to add a layer of insulation underneath.

Insulation will improve energy efficiency and save you money on heating and cooling costs in the long run.

But it’s not just about the siding itself. Think holistically.

You could add large, floor-to-ceiling windows or sleek glass doors if you’re planning a much more substantial home renovation and don’t mind the extra cost.

Not only do these additions modernize the exterior, but they also flood the interior with natural light. This way, your home will have an open, airy ambiance.

In essence, to modernize your home’s siding, think beyond just the material and color, but instead consider how the entire facade can reflect a contemporary aesthetic and just how much you wish to transform it.

Did you know? Vinyl siding was first introduced in the 1950s as a replacement for aluminum siding. It’s now the most commonly used siding material in the United States. It’s affordable, durable, and versatile but isn’t necessarily the most eco-friendly option and is still prone to damage, such as warping.

What Is The Most Popular Modern Siding?

Modern siding comes in several styles, but likely the most popular trend is fiber cement siding.

Builders love it for its durability, low maintenance, and relative eco-friendliness.

Fiber cement can successfully mimic natural wood grain. It gives more texture and adds an accent to the exterior of your house.

While there are other excellent modern siding materials, like brick, fiber cement can fit with more styles and look more timeless.

Therefore, it can work with eclectic designs that don’t follow a strict aesthetic.

Siding for the Modern Age

Almost any home can have an updated and stylish look with versatile modern siding.

Many materials, colors, and styles fall under this umbrella term, so your opportunities for customization are nearly endless.

New homes can instantly benefit from the siding for the modern age, but older homes can look and feel new with a refreshed facade with a nice boost in curb appeal.