Masonite hardboard lap siding costs $4 to $8 per square foot installed or $10,000 to $20,000 for a 2,500-square-foot house. Masonite material prices are $2 to $5 per square foot, depending on the quality, finish, and size of the home's exterior. Labor prices are $2 to $3 per square foot.
| Home size (square feet) | Average cost installed |
|---|---|
| 900 | $3,600 – $7,200 |
| 1,000 | $4,000 – $8,000 |
| 1,200 | $4,800 – $9,600 |
| 1,500 | $6,000 – $12,000 |
| 1,800 | $7,200 – $14,400 |
| 2,000 | $8,000 – $16,000 |
| 2,500 | $10,000 – $20,000 |
| 3,000 | $12,000 – $24,000 |
| 3,500 | $14,000 – $28,000 |
Masonite is a siding material made with wood fibers, resin, wax, and binders. Although the Masonite Corporation does not manufacture siding anymore, other companies manufacture this hardboard material and still refer to it as Masonite siding.
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| National Average Cost | $12,600 |
| Minimum Cost | $2,900 |
| Maximum Cost | $23,200 |
| Average Range | $8,400 to $16,800 |
Hardboard siding materials make up about 50% to 60% of the total cost, while labor fees make up the other 40% to 50%.
| Factor | Average cost (per square foot) |
|---|---|
| Materials & supplies | $2 – $5 |
| Labor | $2 – $3 |
| Total cost | $4 – $8 |
The labor cost to install Masonite siding is $2 to $3 per square foot on average. Complex architectural features and sharp angles may increase labor charges because it will take longer to measure, cut, and fit the boards.
Masonite siding is affordable and durable but is much more prone to damage from moisture than other materials like vinyl or metal. This siding needs regular maintenance to prevent mold, rotting, warping, and water damage.
To prevent damage, inspect Masonite siding regularly and make sure all cracks and joints are thoroughly sealed with a heavy-duty caulk.
Siding replacement costs $4 to $13 per square foot on average, depending on the material. Masonite costs less than most other siding types, although other materials like vinyl and metal are more durable and don't require as much maintenance.
| Material | Cost per square foot installed | Average total cost (2,500 SF) |
|---|---|---|
| Masonite | $4 – $8 | $10,000 – $20,000 |
| Vinyl siding cost | $4 – $12 | $10,000 – $30,000 |
| Aluminum siding cost | $6 – $10 | $15,000 – $25,000 |
| Brick siding cost | $8 – $18 | $20,000 – $45,000 |
| Cedar siding cost | $6 – $16 | $15,000 – $40,000 |
| Wood siding cost | $5 – $15 | $12,500 – $37,500 |
| Fiber cement siding cost | $6 – $15 | $15,000 – $37,500 |
| Log siding cost | $5 – $15 | $12,500 – $37,500 |
| Metal /steel siding cost | $6 – $16 | $15,000 – $40,000 |
| Stone siding cost | $10 – $45 | $10,000 – $25,000* |
| Stucco cost | $7 – $17 | $17,500 – $42,500 |
*For partial stone siding to accent the home's architectural features.
Masonite siding is a composite engineered wood hardboard made of wood chips, resin, glue, and wax. Contrary to popular belief, hardboard siding does not contain asbestos. The term Masonite comes from a brand that popularized this hardboard style but no longer makes siding.
The Masonite Corporation stopped manufacturing siding after a series of lawsuits, which claimed the siding was defective but wasn't covered under the warranty. However, the Masonite hardboard style is still available from other companies.
Masonite siding lasts 20 to 40 years on average, depending on how well it's maintained. Inspect your siding regularly for water damage and immediately caulk any cracks or gaps to prevent damage. Consider replacing your siding if you see cracks, holes, warping, or significant fading.
The best paint for Masonite siding is a water-based or latex exterior paint. Before painting Masonite siding, make sure it is clean, sanded, primed, and free of damage.
While it's safer to remove old siding before replacing it, you can install vinyl siding over Masonite siding as long as you take the proper precautions. Make sure to repair any structural damage and cover the existing siding with a moisture barrier and insulation.
