Choosing siding for your home isn’t just about looks — it’s a strategic decision that impacts insulation, moisture resistance, durability, and your property’s overall value. For many Canadian homeowners, one of the first questions during a renovation or build is, “How much does siding cost?” Everyone wants the perfect balance of functionality, aesthetics, and affordability.
Today’s market is filled with options — vinyl, fiber cement, rainscreen exterior hardwood siding, wood exterior siding, metal, brick — each with its own characteristics, styles, and price points. The choices can quickly become overwhelming.
In this article, we’ll break down the factors that influence siding costs, the most popular siding materials in Canada, and how to choose the right one without blowing your budget.
What Affects the Cost of Siding?
Siding prices depend on several key factors:
- Type of material
- Total exterior surface area
- Architectural complexity of the home
- Local labor rates
- Additional services (e.g., removing old siding, insulation, trim work, flashing)
Most Popular Siding Materials in Canada With Pricing
Below are the main siding options commonly used in Canada, along with estimated prices per square foot (including materials and installation):
- Vinyl Siding
Price: $6–$10 CAD/sq. ft.
Pros: Affordable, low-maintenance, moisture-resistant
Cons: Fades over time, may crack in extreme cold
Vinyl is a budget-friendly favorite due to its affordability and range of color options. However, it’s not a long-term solution. Within just five years, vinyl siding can begin to lose its appearance and durability, requiring repairs or replacement.
- Fiber Cement Siding
Price: $10–$14 CAD/sq. ft.
Pros: Fire-resistant, long-lasting, resists insects and rot
Cons: Expensive to install, heavy
Fiber cement is a solid mid-range choice but demands expert installation to look polished. The styling isn’t always impressive, and installation costs are high due to its weight and complexity.
- Wood Siding
Price: $12–$18 CAD/sq. ft.
Pros: Natural look, eco-friendly
Cons: Requires regular maintenance, susceptible to rot
Wood siding looks beautiful and classic but needs ongoing upkeep to maintain its integrity and appearance.
- Metal Siding (Aluminum or Steel)
Price: $10–$16 CAD/sq. ft.
Pros: Fire-resistant, durable, insect-proof
Cons: Prone to dents, feels cold to the touch
Often seen on modern or minimalist homes, metal siding offers a clean, industrial aesthetic.
- Brick or Stone Veneer
Price: $20–$35+ CAD/sq. ft.
Pros: Premium appearance, highly durable, low maintenance
Cons: Very costly, heavy, requires professional installation
Mostly used for high-end homes or as an accent, full brick siding is beautiful but often not cost-effective.
- Tropical Exotic Hardwood Siding such as Kayu Batu, Mahogany, Balau, Ipe, Bangkirai and Cumaru IPE (Brazilian Walnut): $25–$35 CAD/sq. ft.
Balau: $18–$25 CAD/sq. ft.
Pros: High-end appearance, fire- and insect-resistant, long lifespan, low maintenance and
woodpecker proof
Cons: Expensive
When homeowners decide to buy hardwood for exterior siding, they’re often thinking long-term. Yes, IPE costs more than vinyl, but it can last 40–75 years with virtually no maintenance. It’s not just attractive — it’s premium. This exotic hardwood is often used in luxury homes and upscale commercial projects because of its beauty, strength, and durability. Choosing IPE or Balau siding makes a bold statement and adds serious value.
Example: Estimating Siding Costs for a Home
Let’s say your single-story home has 1,500 sq. ft. of floor area, with 1,200 sq. ft. of exterior wall surface. If you choose vinyl siding at $8 per sq. ft., the calculation looks like this:
Material + Installation: 1,200 Ă— $8 = $9,600 CAD
Additional costs (removal, insulation, prep): ~$2,000–$3,000 CAD
Total Cost: ~$11,600–$12,600 CAD
Switching to fiber cement or wood could raise that total to $15,000–$20,000 CAD or more.
Example: IPE Siding for the Same Home
Exterior Wall Area: 1,200 sq. ft.
Price: $30 CAD/sq. ft.
Material + Installation: 1,200 Ă— $30 = $36,000 CAD
Additional work (demo, framing, insulation): ~$5,000 CAD
Total: Around $41,000 CAD
While it’s a larger upfront investment, this siding will last for decades — potentially a lifetime — and can significantly increase your home’s value and curb appeal.
Comparison: IPE vs. Other Siding Options
| Material | Lifespan | Maintenance | Appearance | Cost (CAD/sq. ft.) |
| IPE | 40–75 years | Low | Premium | $25–$35 |
| Balau | 25–40 years | Low | Warm, Natural | $18–$25 |
| Fiber Cement | 20–35 years | Low | Contemporary | $10–$14 |
| Vinyl | 15–30 years | Low | Basic | $6–$10 |
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Final Thoughts
Vinyl siding might seem like a smart choice initially due to its low cost, but it can start to degrade within just a few years, leading to additional expenses for repairs or replacement.
Hardwood siding, on the other hand, is not just an expense — it’s a long-term investment in your home. Yes, it comes with a higher price tag, but you get:
- Stunning, high-end curb appeal
- Superior resistance to harsh Canadian weather
- Boosted property value
- Minimal maintenance for decades
If you care about quality, aesthetics, and durability, IPE or Balau hardwood siding is one of the best siding investments you can make for your Canadian home.
We carry high quality exotic hardwood.Â
Contact us for more information or a free quote!
Hardwood siding typically costs between $15 and $30 per square foot installed, depending on the wood species, profile, installation method, and region. Exotic hardwoods like Ipe or Cumaru may be priced even higher due to their durability and appearance.
Key pricing factors include:
Wood species (e.g., Ipe, Red Balau, Cumaru)
Board profile and thickness
Installation complexity (especially hidden fasteners)
Total exterior square footage
Site preparation and insulation
Delivery and shipping costs
Ipe (Brazilian Walnut): Extremely dense and weather-resistant
Red Balau (Bangkirai): Warm tone, good stability, more affordable
Cumaru (Brazilian Teak): High durability, beautiful golden-brown look
These hardwoods are ideal for harsh Canadian climates due to their longevity and low maintenance needs.
Hardwood siding is a premium cladding material that offers:
Natural beauty and uniqueness
Superior resistance to rot, insects, and moisture
Lifespan of 40–50+ years with proper maintenance
Vinyl or fiber cement may be cheaper upfront, but hardwood provides better long-term performance and aesthetics.
Yes – especially for high-end homes or custom builds. Hardwood siding:
Increases curb appeal and property value
Requires less frequent replacement
Is sustainable when sourced responsibly (e.g., FSC-certified wood)
With proper sealing and maintenance, hardwood siding like Ipe or Cumaru can last 40 to 75 years, far outlasting typical siding options.
Maintenance includes:
Annual cleaning with water and mild soap
Reapplying UV oil finish every 1–2 years to preserve color
Inspecting for cracks, mildew, or fading
Unfinished hardwood will naturally weather to a silver-gray patina, which some homeowners prefer.
