If you are pricing new siding in East Tennessee, the first question is simple: what is the siding replacement cost for a house like mine? The honest answer is that it depends on the size of your home, the material you choose and what is hiding under the old siding. This guide walks through current national price ranges, what drives the cost to replace siding on a Knoxville home, and how to get a quote you can actually compare.
We are American Home, a family-owned Knoxville siding company. Since 1997 our crews have completed more than 15,000 projects across East Tennessee, so we see every one of these cost factors up close.
In this article
Average siding replacement cost in 2026
Cost guides publish slightly different numbers because they use different data and house sizes, so it helps to look at more than one:
- Fixr (updated January 2026) puts the national average siding replacement cost at about $14,500, with most projects between $8,500 and $20,000 for a 2,000 sq ft home.
- Angi (updated October 2026) reports an average of about $11,588, with a typical range of $5,554 to $17,721.
- Remodeling’s 2025 Cost vs. Value report for the East South Central region (which includes Tennessee) lists an average job cost of $14,596 for vinyl siding replacement and $18,260 for fiber cement.
Those are national and regional averages, not a Knoxville quote. Your home could land below or above them depending on the factors below.
Siding cost per square foot by material
Siding is priced by the wall area being covered. Contractors often talk in “squares,” where one square equals 100 square feet. Here are Fixr’s 2026 installed-cost ranges, materials and labor combined:
| Material | Installed cost per sq ft | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Vinyl | $3–$12 | Never needs painting; thicker panels cost more |
| Fiber cement (James Hardie) | $5–$14 | Heavier, noncombustible, longer install |
| Engineered wood | $2–$10 | Needs periodic painting |
| Wood | $2–$15 | Highest upkeep in humid climates |
Vinyl siding cost
Vinyl is usually the most budget-friendly option. Price climbs with panel thickness, profile and color. Premium panels such as Alside Odyssey Plus vinyl cost more than builder-grade vinyl, but they are stiffer, lie flatter on the wall and hold up better over time.
James Hardie siding cost
James Hardie is the best-known brand of fiber cement, so neutral cost guides price it within the fiber cement range rather than separately. Fixr’s January 2026 fiber cement guide lists an average of about $15,000 per project, with planks running roughly $4–$14 per square foot and shingle or panel styles costing more. Fiber cement takes more labor because the boards are heavy and must be cut with special tools. See our James Hardie siding page for the styles we install.
Composite and specialty siding
Composite products such as Everlast and accent products such as Tando shake and stone are priced by the manufacturer and profile. We could not find a neutral, published per-square-foot figure for them, so the only reliable number is a written quote for your house.
7 things that change the cost to replace siding
- Wall area. A bigger house, more gables and more stories mean more material and more labor.
- Access and height. Steep lots, second-story walls and tight spaces need ladders, staging and extra time.
- Tear-off and disposal. Fixr estimates $1,000–$2,500 to remove and haul away old siding.
- Hidden damage. Rotted sheathing behind old siding has to be replaced before new siding goes on. Read 7 warning signs your siding needs replacing to see what we often find.
- House wrap and flashing. A proper weather barrier and flashing at windows and doors protect your walls from water.
- Trim, soffit and fascia. Replacing these at the same time adds cost but gives a matching, finished look.
- Permits. Fixr lists $150–$1,500 for permits and inspections nationally. Requirements vary, so confirm with the City of Knoxville or Knox County codes office for your address.
Knoxville tip: If your home sits in a historic overlay district, siding changes may need design review first. Some local guidelines, such as Fourth and Gill, do not allow vinyl or aluminum siding. Check before you choose a material.
Is new siding worth the cost?
New siding is one of the remodeling projects that holds its value best. In the 2025 Cost vs. Value report, siding replacement recouped about 114% of its cost at resale for fiber cement and about 97% for vinyl nationally. Regional figures for the East South Central states were lower, about 94% for fiber cement and 77% for vinyl, but siding still ranked among the better-returning exterior projects. Beyond resale, new siding stops water damage before it spreads, which is often the bigger saving.
How to get an accurate siding quote in Knoxville
- Get at least three written, itemized estimates so you can compare the same scope.
- Make sure each quote lists the material and profile, tear-off, house wrap, trim, disposal and cleanup.
- Ask how the contractor handles rotted sheathing found during tear-off and how it is priced.
- Check licensing and insurance. Our guide to choosing a siding contractor in Knoxville lists what to verify.
Not sure which material fits your budget? Compare the two most popular options in vinyl vs. fiber cement siding.
Want a real number for your home? Call (865) 459-7753 or request a free in-home estimate. We measure, inspect your walls and give you a clear written quote with no pressure to decide.
Siding replacement cost FAQ
How much does it cost to replace siding on a 2,000 sq ft house?
Fixr’s 2026 guide puts most 2,000 sq ft homes between about $8,500 and $20,000, with an average around $14,500. Material, number of stories and hidden damage move the final price up or down.
Is vinyl or fiber cement cheaper?
Vinyl is usually cheaper to buy and install. Fiber cement costs more up front but recouped a higher share of its cost at resale in the 2025 Cost vs. Value report.
Does siding replacement cost include removing the old siding?
It should, but not every quote does. Ask whether tear-off, disposal, house wrap and trim are included so you are comparing the same work.
When is the best time to replace siding in Knoxville?
Siding can be installed most of the year in East Tennessee. Spring and summer are the busiest months, so booking your estimate early gives you more scheduling options.
