Use this Cement Board Siding Cost Calculator to quickly estimate the total material and labor expenses for your home renovation or new construction project. This tool provides a clear, detailed cost breakdown based on your project’s total area and unit pricing.
Cement Board Siding Cost Calculator
Estimated Total Project Cost
$0.00Cement Board Siding Cost Calculator Formula
Variables Explained
- Project Area (Total Square Footage): The total exterior surface area (in square feet) to be covered with cement board siding. This is the primary driver of total cost.
- Material Cost per Sq. Ft.: The cost of the cement board siding itself, including trim, flashing, and fasteners, averaged per square foot.
- Labor Cost per Sq. Ft.: The rate charged by installers for fitting the siding, averaged per square foot of installation. This typically covers setup, cutting, fastening, and clean-up.
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What is Cement Board Siding?
Cement board siding (often referred to by brand names like Fiber Cement Siding) is a durable, low-maintenance building material used to cover the exterior of a house. It is a composite made of cement, sand, and cellulose fibers. This unique composition makes it fire-resistant, impervious to termites, and capable of withstanding harsh weather conditions.
Its primary appeal lies in its resemblance to wood siding while offering significantly enhanced durability and a much longer lifespan. Due to the density and specialized cutting tools required for installation, the labor cost for cement board siding is often higher than for vinyl siding, which is why an accurate cost calculation is essential for budgeting.
The cost calculated above reflects the typical expense of mid-range, pre-painted cement board siding, including the necessary materials and professional installation fees.
How to Calculate Cement Board Siding Cost (Example)
Follow these steps to understand how the calculator arrives at the final cost:
- Determine the Total Area: Measure the exterior walls to be sided. Assume a project area of 2,000 square feet.
- Identify Unit Costs: Find the current material cost ($4.00/sq. ft.) and labor cost ($6.00/sq. ft.) for your region.
- Calculate Combined Unit Cost: Add the material and labor costs: $4.00 + $6.00 = $10.00 per square foot.
- Calculate Total Cost: Multiply the Combined Unit Cost by the Project Area: 2,000 sq. ft. × $10.00/sq. ft. = $20,000.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much waste should I factor into the material cost?
Generally, contractors factor in 5% to 15% material waste for cutting and trimming. This percentage is typically included in the ‘Material Cost per Sq. Ft.’ provided by your supplier. - Is Cement Board Siding more expensive than vinyl?
Yes. While the material cost is higher, the primary difference comes from labor. Cement board is heavy, requires specialized tools (like a diamond blade saw), and is more time-consuming to install than lightweight vinyl, leading to higher labor costs. - Does this cost include painting?
If you use pre-painted siding, the cost is included in the Material Cost. If you use primed siding, you must budget separately for primer and paint, and factor in additional labor costs for the painting crew. - What is the typical lifespan of cement board siding?
Cement board siding is extremely durable, often coming with warranties that last 30 to 50 years, and it can last even longer with proper maintenance.