Garage siding is undoubtedly an essential part of your home’s exterior and protection. The right siding can unify the look of your property with admirable harmony throughout its exterior.
If your garage siding needs upgrading or you want a completely new look to complement your home, there are now more options than ever.
To get started on your siding project, contact your local siding pros for FREE ESTIMATES!
How Much Does It Cost To Put New Siding On A Garage?
The overall cost of installing new garage siding depends on the following factors:
- The siding quality
- Installation cost
- Your property’s location
- The garage layout
- The condition of the existing siding
- Whether you need to remove or built over old siding
- Siding Cost by Material Type per Foot
While the total of garage siding materials can vary, the average price of each particular type of material is generally the same no matter where you purchase it.
Each garage siding type will include its own hidden costs.
For example, although wood is cheap, its regular maintenance requirements will increase its cost in the long run.
How easy the garage siding will be to install is also an essential factor, as labor can increase the end cost to surprising amounts.
Here is a breakdown of the most popular garage siding costs per square foot.
Garage Siding Material Cost Per Square Foot | |
---|---|
Wood | $2 – $6 |
Metal | $3 – $11 |
Vinyl | $5 |
Fiber Cement | $6 |
Brick | $9 |
Stone | $20 – $50 |
You can expect to pay between $1,500 and $9,500 to cover a 20 x 20-foot garage, and the cost will be approximately 25% less for an attached garage.
Meanwhile, labor costs for installation are usually around the $1 to $4 per square foot mark.
Did you know? The first garages were carriage houses or barns built to provide shelter for horses and their equipment? Today they have evolved into storage for our vehicles and prized possessions.
What Can I Use For Exterior Garage Walls?
Here are examples of the most prevalent garage siding materials.
Vinyl Siding
Vinyl siding is a durable type of plastic cladding that has been the most popular type among homeowners for years. It is inexpensive, quick to install, easy to obtain, and simple to maintain.
Vinyl is available in more style options and colors than before and can be installed vertically or horizontally.
Its low cost and durability make it an ideal garage siding choice.
Fiber Cement Siding
Fiber cement siding is a low-maintenance, long-lasting, very durable, and fire-resistant garage siding material.
Fiber cement is comprised of cellulose fibers, cement, and sand.
It has quickly found its way to many home and garage exteriors due to its good looks and high resale value.
Fiber cement can be made to resemble wood grain or stucco.
Due to its water, pest, and fade resistance, you won’t need to worry about the elements or anything else damaging its good looks.
Fiber cement siding is available in several stains and colors to give it an authentic vintage look.
This siding is also easy to install.
Steel Log
If you’re attracted to a log cabin look for your garage that will turn it into a unique hangout space, steel log siding offers an easy way to achieve that effect.
Steel log looks like a natural wood log, but it is, of course, made from steel, making it strong enough to withstand winter storms and hurricane-force winds.
And to keep it looking great only requires a rinse using a garden hose occasionally.
Stucco
Stucco is another trendy garage siding material. Many homeowners like stucco for its elegant and clean look.
It’s also inexpensive and can be applied easily shaped to cover different surfaces.
Stucco is made of composed sand, Portland cement, and lime and contains no chemicals. It is solid and stands up well against harsh weather elements.
It’s also low maintenance and fire- and insect-resistant.
Stucco siding will easily last 50 years or more with correct care. Therefore, you’d only need to apply this type of siding to your garage once.
Modern stucco can help maintain and regulate the temperature inside your property with an extra layer of insulation.
Stucco is an excellent option if you want to use your garage as a hangout or living space.
Metal
Homeowners also consider metal siding ideal for a garage and home thanks to its budget-friendly price.
Metal siding like aluminum is strong, weatherproof, fire-proof, and pest-proof.
It’s installed as individual panels.
While metal siding can be damaged more quickly than other types, damaged panels can be easily replaced if necessary.
One of its main benefits is how easily it can be painted with little prep work. So, if you enjoy changing the look of your home, you can experiment with the color as often as you like.
Did you know? Steel siding is more fire-resistant than most other siding types? It can withstand inclement weather like no other and doesn’t dent or chip like many other siding materials might.
Engineered Wood
Engineered wood siding is an alternative to natural wood siding.
It is made from thin strips of discarded wood that have been pressed and bonded using resin.
To achieve a beautiful and authentic wood look and turn your garage into a living space, add-on engineered wood cladding is an ideal option.
It is solid, more durable than traditional wood siding, and eco-friendly.
Thanks to its resin property, it is more resistant to wrapping, cracking, pests, and other elements that real wood siding cannot handle.
Engineered wood siding is ready to be primed and painted, or you can choose from various pre-painted boards.
Engineered wood is also easy to install.
Brick
Traditional brick siding is solid and attractive.
It has a timeless classic look that works exceptionally well on vintage-style properties.
It withstands heat and provides better fire protection than wood siding, and it is also an eco-friendlier siding option. However, brick siding requires professional installation to ensure longevity.
Stone
Stone siding is a thin layer of stone that is used more as a decorative siding option.
Stone siding is a natural, sustainable, and widely available choice for your garage. It is solid and can withstand harsh weather, making it ideal if you lived in a climate with plenty of snow or rain.
Stone siding is available in different types, colors, and textures for a lovely finish.
Concrete
Concrete siding also offers insulation properties for energy efficiency, so it’s an ideal garage siding option if you wish to turn your garage into a living space.
It is impervious to water damage; therefore, there’ll be zero risk that it will rot over time.
Like vinyl siding, concrete siding is one of the lowest maintenance siding materials, it is easy to install, and requires little maintenance.
This siding material will give your garage a modern look but with vintage appeal that will continue to look on trend for years.
Wood
Some homeowners prefer real wood for their garage siding because of its natural beauty. It is picturesque and will instantly enhance your home’s curb appeal.
However, natural wood siding does have several drawbacks.
It doesn’t last as long as many other types. It can become a sanctuary for insects and pests. In addition to being a fire risk, it can crack, fade, and warp due to sun, rain, wind, and snow exposure.
It also requires special maintenance to keep up its good looks.
If the aesthetic of your garage siding is more important than its durability and cost, then this type is an option.
Board and Batten
Board and batten siding is another prevalent garage siding type in the U.S.
It is basic yet uniquely attractive and is commonly used on barns. It uses strips of narrow wood called battens, alternating with wider boards to create a pleasing layered effect.
Its style makes it weathertight and resistant to harsh winds, and with the correct maintenance, it can last for many years, if not decades.
It is also one of the most versatile types, with the option to install horizontally, vertically, or both.
Did you know? The most popular garage door colors are brown, white, and blue?
How To Design Great Garage Siding
Garage siding is essential to your property’s exterior and should be well thought-out during the design stage.
Consider the following to select a garage siding style to compliment your property’s overall look.
The Details
Details such as the garage door could influence the selection of the most suitable siding option.
In addition, the final design should take into consideration the dimensions, windows, details, shape, and exterior lighting.
Color
Color is another significant factor.
Many homeowners prefer a trim and door color that contrasts with the garage siding.
For modern residences, white is a popular choice. However, beige, dark brown, and black are also attractive garage siding colors that can achieve a unique setting.
Consider the Bigger Picture
When considering different siding ideas, always account for the bigger picture.
For example, your property’s curb appeal should be considered.
The more architectural attributes your property has – including wraparound porches, gables, dormers, columns, and awnings – the more prospects for experimenting with texture, color, and design features.
Garage Siding Ideas
Consider the following garage siding ideas to help with inspiration.
Board and Batten
Consistency is essential if you’re thinking about a bold and unusual color for your garage siding.
The look of dark cobalt siding, for instance, can be elevated with gray stone and white trim for a welcoming effect.
Board and batten garage siding can be fitted throughout the exterior for a consistent layout and texture.
It is an ideal selection for adding understated texture to dark colors, and you can incorporate additional details to help break up a heavy garage siding color.
In addition, board and batten installed vertically will help lift the focus upwards, and these upright details help lighten rich colors.
Horizontal Lap and Board and Batten Gables
The traditional style of horizontal lap siding continues to uphold its appeal.
You can create a unique look with a modern, on-trend feel by pairing horizontal lap siding on your garage with a board and batten roof.
The color contrast between the garage siding and roof creates extra depth to your property’s overall look. Meanwhile, a crisp white trim here would accentuate the separation and unify the look.
Horizontal Lap and Variegated Shake
White trim is not the only option to produce a cohesive and clean garage siding look.
For example, a dark brown tone tends to create a natural look that can be enhanced with a variegated shake on the roof for character and concentrated color dimension.
In addition, a dark brown trim to match the color of your garage siding doors would work well.
Did you know? More than 30% of houses in the U.S. have vinyl siding installed? This makes vinyl the most used residential siding type material in the country.
Garage Siding Replacement
Installing new siding on your garage can be challenging but ultimately a rewarding task.
Whether your garage siding needs replacing due to damage or you want to swap to a type with less maintenance, the technique will be similar.
Once you have decided on the type of siding you want to be installed, here is a high-level overview of what’s involved in a garage re-side project.
Take Measurements and Verify Restrictions
Carefully measure the length and height of your garage to determine the amount of siding material required.
Include the trim board measurements, which will likely need replacing too.
Check with your local building codes to determine if there are any restrictions on the kind of siding you can use.
Remove Old Siding Boards and Trim
Use a pry bar to pull the boards loose if the old siding is wood, for example.
Sometimes you can pull enough to reveal the nails, which can then be removed using a prybar or hammer.
Once that’s done, check the condition of the sheathing and waterproofing paper, or any other material which may need replacing.
Install New Siding
Starting from the bottom and working your way up is usually the easiest.
You’ll likely need help and ladders as most siding comes in 12-foot or longer planks.
Install the siding according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Then complete your garage siding with trim.
What Kind Of Siding Is Best For A Garage?
Vinyl siding is the least expensive and, therefore, popular for exterior garage walls, especially for detached garages.
It is durable, rot- and insect-resistant, DIY-friendly, and available in various colors and finishes.
However, with all siding types, there are drawbacks: vinyl siding can look cheap and may negatively affect your property’s valuation.
Other top choices include fiber cement, engineered wood, and stone siding.
What Is The Cheapest Siding For A Garage?
Vinyl siding is the least expensive material for garages.
Achieve the Customized Garage Look You’ve Always Wanted
The number of garage siding options available may overwhelm you when you’re ready to side your garage.
Generally, to help you make your final decision, there are just a few essential things to consider.
Think about how much you need to spend on the entire project. Do you want your siding installed professionally?
Find out whether there are restrictions on the type of siding you can install and how you want the result to look.
Getting the material and design right will significantly increase your home’s value.
Consider discussing your ideas with a professional siding installation company that can advise you on the best siding for your requirements and how to achieve the perfect customized look.
For over 20 years Leo has run a successful roofing business in New England, specializing in metal roofing, as well as cool flat roofing technologies. Having replaced and installed hundreds of roofs in New England, Leo has first hand experience with pretty much every residential roofing material and roofing manufacturer available in the US.