Enter your zip to
find local pros.
Please enter a valid 5 digit zip code

Siding

Engineered Wood Siding

Average cost range:

$5,370 - $12,869

Engineered wood siding costs anywhere from $3.58 to $8.58 per square foot to install. If you were to install engineered wood siding on an average size 1,500 square foot home, you could expect to pay between $5,370 and $12,870 in total installation costs.

In comparison, a natural wood siding can cost $6 to $12 per square foot, depending on the type of wood. Replacement costs vary depending on the size and design of your home, local labor rates, and whether you are doing a full vs. partial engineered wood siding installation.

Compare top siding contractors in your area.

The Modernize Mission

We help homeowners make confident decisions through our reliable, up-to-date, and unbiased information and average project costs. All of our content is thoroughly reviewed and fact-checked by our team of home improvement experts. Learn more about how we maintain these values.

What is Engineered Wood Siding?

Engineered wood siding is a type of manufactured siding that is well-known as a cost-effective alternative to natural wood siding. It is made up of cheaper, energy-efficient composite wood materials. This drops the cost per square foot to a more affordable rate for homeowners.

Engineered wood siding is typically available in 4 foot by 8 foot sheets or lap panels, as well as in smooth or embossed textures. This type of composite wood siding is relatively inexpensive compared to traditional wood siding at about $3 to $8 per square foot. You can expect your engineered wood siding to last between 20 to 30 years, compared to wood siding which typically lasts up to 50 years.
wood siding installers

Engineered Wood Siding vs. Natural Wood

Engineered wood products are designed to provide the look of natural wood siding while eliminating flaws, resisting deterioration, and being more cost effective to install and maintain. Manufacturers of engineered wood siding claim that the product is superior to real wood in the following ways.

  • Strength. Engineered wood siding is made up of wood strands that are coated with a resin binder and compressed to create a board of superior strength, making your siding more durable when it comes to standing up to inclement weather.
  • Moisture, Rot, and Pest-Free. Engineered wood siding is treated to prevent termites and rot. It is also coated with a moisture-resistant overlay. This creates a cedar-grain pattern for an authentic wood appearance while providing superior protection against moisture. Overall, engineered wood is more weather-resistant than natural wood.
  • Ease of Installation. Engineered wood siding is easier and more affordable to install than real wood siding. It is lighter in weight and features advances that make installation less complicated. For instance, engineered wood siding can be purchased pre-primed, ready to paint, or pre-finished in any number of finish options. This reduces the field and labor time during the installation process.

Engineered Wood Siding Benefits

There is a reason why engineered wood siding is found on more than 1.5 million homes in the United States. Consider the following benefits of engineered wood.

Versatility
Once you choose engineered wood siding for your home, you have a wealth of options to customize your home to the aesthetic you are trying to achieve. Faux wood siding is available in a variety of colors and design options, including textures that convincingly mimic cedar, brick, and stone.  This allows you to get the look of premium siding options that may exceed your budget.
Durability
Engineered wood siding will not split, crack, or warp after installation. The production process also avoids knots in the wood surface. Synthetic wood siding can stand up to hail and other potential weather damage, keeping your home safe from the elements.

During production, faux wood siding receives an additional chemical compound that helps it withstand mold, mildew, decay, and insect infestation. These chemical resins coat the surfaces of the siding to form a tight and impenetrable layer of protection that traditional wood siding cannot offer. Engineered wood siding products typically carry a 30 year warranty.

Less expensive
Engineered wood siding does not require the same extensive manufacturing process as natural wood siding, making it considerably less expensive siding installation option, ranging about $3 to $8 per square foot installed. Faux wood siding is also lighter than wood, reducing the labor cost of installation.
Eco-friendly
If you like the look of wood for the exterior of your home, but want to make the most environmentally sustainable choice, engineered wood siding is a great alternative. This siding contains sawdust and a bonding agent that holds the sawdust together effectively. The high wood waste content of engineered siding boosts its sustainability factor.

Engineered siding also comes with baked-on factory finish that reduces maintenance. Though the lifespan of engineered wood ranges 20 to 30 years, it is good to know that when it is time to replace your siding, your discarded engineered siding will easily biodegrade in a landfill. Additionally, in contrast to natural wood, engineered wood siding pieces are uniform and consistent in appearance. This creates less waste during installation.

engineered wood siding cost to install

Cons of Engineered Wood Siding

For the homeowner that desires the natural look of wood, synthetic wood may look a little too perfect. But for some, this can be a bonus, because the siding on your home will always look fresh.

Additionally, even though engineered wood siding is now supported by significant research and solid product warranties, earlier versions were plagued by moisture problems. Some builders believe that the new variety of faux wood siding has not been on the market long enough to truly demonstrate its durability.

We recommend speaking with reliable local engineered wood siding installers near you to ask them whether engineered wood is a good choice for your home’s needs.

Compare and contrast the pros and cons of other popular types of siding.

Engineered Wood Siding Maintenance Tips

Synthetic wood siding is virtually maintenance free. You may want to rinse your siding with a power washer to remove loose dirt once a year, but no further maintenance is required to keep your siding looking attractive and to preserve its strength throughout its lifetime.

Compare top-rated siding pros in your area.

Read real homeowner reviews, explore qualifications, and view promotions. Modernize makes it easy to browse professionals and find one that will be perfect for your project.