New siding in Markham typically runs $6 to $18 per square foot installed, or roughly $8,000 to $30,000 for a full home in 2026. The final number depends on your siding materials, the size of your home, and how complex the siding installation is.
The team at Edmunds Home Improvements have been working on homes in Markham for over 30 years, and siding costs are one of the first questions homeowners ask when planning a siding project. In York Region, your exterior takes a beating from freeze-thaw cycles, lake-effect snow off Lake Ontario and Lake Simcoe, and humid summers.
This guide covers what Markham homeowners in our area are paying in Ontario in 2026, broken down by material, labour, hidden fees, and ways to keep your siding costs manageable and maximize home value.
What Does New Siding Cost Per Square Foot in Ontario?
Vinyl siding runs $6 to $14 per sq ft installed in Ontario, while fiber cement (Hardie board) lands at $12 to $18 per square foot. These are all-in prices covering siding materials and labour. Markham and GTA labor costs tend to be 10 to 20% higher than smaller Ontario cities because of demand and overhead.
Labour typically accounts for 40% to 60% of total siding costs. When you see a per-square-foot price from a contractor, roughly half is materials and the other half is the crew doing the work.
Popular Siding Materials by Material Type
Material type is the single biggest factor in what homeowners pay for siding materials. In Markham, vinyl and fiber cement account for most of the siding projects I quote. Here is what each popular siding material runs and how it performs in our climate.
Vinyl Siding
Standard vinyl siding is the most popular option in Markham. It is low maintenance, comes in dozens of colours, and starts at $6 to $10 per sq ft installed. Premium vinyl siding with thicker siding panels and better fade resistance runs $8 to $12 per sq ft. Insulated vinyl siding, which has foam backing bonded to the panel, lands at $10 to $14 per sq ft and delivers better energy efficiency.
I handle vinyl siding installation across Cornell, Berczy Village, and the surrounding area. The foam backing on insulated vinyl adds real R-value, which helps reduce heating bills during York Region’s cold winters. If you are curious about how long your current panels might last, our guide to how long vinyl siding lasts in Markham covers the signs of aging and when siding replacement makes sense.
One thing to note: basic vinyl can crack in extreme cold. During a January cold snap below minus 20, cheaper siding panels become brittle. Premium and insulated products handle extreme cold much better. Vinyl generally lasts 20 to 40 years depending on the grade.
Fiber Cement Siding and Hardie Board
Fiber cement, most commonly sold under the James Hardie brand (Hardie board), is the premium mainstream option. It runs $12 to $18 per sq ft installed and lasts 40 to 50 years with minimal maintenance. It is fire resistant, handles freeze-thaw without cracking, and resists rot. This is a low maintenance option that many Markham homeowners prefer for its long lifespan.
I see it going onto newer homes in Cathedraltown and across the GTA regularly. It offers the highest ROI among premium materials because it holds up so well. The factory-applied ColorPlus finish resists fading far better than painted wood.
The tradeoff is weight. The panels are heavy, and professional installation is not optional. You need experienced contractors with the right cutting tools and a crew that knows how to install siding of this weight.
Engineered Wood Siding
Engineered wood (LP SmartSide is the most common brand) runs $4 to $10 per sq ft installed. It gives you the appearance of real wood with better moisture resistance. If cut edges are not sealed properly, water infiltration can develop, which is a real concern in Ontario’s wet climate.
Wood Siding
Natural wood siding, usually cedar, runs $10 to $20 per sq ft installed. It has a natural beauty that no other material matches, and some homeowners in Heritage Unionville choose cedar for its character. The tradeoff is regular maintenance: staining or painting every 3 to 5 years. Skip a cycle and you risk moisture damage.
Stone Veneer
Manufactured stone veneer runs $6 to $12 per sq ft installed. Many Markham homes use it as an accent on the front face paired with vinyl or fiber cement on the remaining walls. It adds strong curb appeal with minimal maintenance and high durability.
Metal Siding
Aluminum and steel cost $3 to $8 per sq ft for materials. Metal is fire resistant and stands up well in wet climates, but it is less common on residential homes in Markham. Aluminum can dent from impact, and steel needs coatings to prevent rust. Good insulation behind metal panels improves thermal performance.
How Much Does 1000 Sq Ft of Siding Cost?
Expect to pay $6,000 to $18,000 installed for 1,000 square feet of coverage, depending on the material. Vinyl at entry level would run $6,000 to $10,000. Fiber cement would run $12,000 to $18,000. That wall area is about what a small Markham bungalow needs.
Total siding costs also include trim, starter strips, J-channel around windows, and disposal of old material. Those extras add up.
How Much Does Siding Cost for a 2000 Sq Ft House in Canada?
A 2,000 square foot home in Ontario typically needs 1,400 to 1,800 square feet of exterior wall coverage, putting total cost at $12,000 to $30,000 depending on the chosen material. Your total home square footage and exterior wall area are two different numbers.
For a typical Markham two-storey, vinyl siding installation would land around $10,000 to $22,000 and Hardie board around $19,000 to $29,000. Homes with multiple stories, complex rooflines, or extensive trim work will land higher.
What's the Cheapest Siding to Put on a House?
Standard vinyl is the cheapest option, starting around $6 per sq ft installed. But cheaper upfront does not always mean cheapest over 20 years. Basic vinyl may need siding replacement in two decades, while insulated vinyl or fiber cement can last 40+ years with low maintenance and minimal upkeep.
I have seen homeowners pick the low cost option and then hire the cheapest contractor for their siding project. That approach backfires. Poorly installed panels lead to moisture problems, and the repair bill ends up higher than doing it right. Match your material choices to your budget, then hire someone qualified.
How Much Does Hardie Siding Cost for a 2000 Sq Ft House?
For a 2,000 square foot home in Markham, Hardie board typically runs $20,000 to $32,000 installed, based on 1,400 to 1,800 sq ft of wall area at $12 to $18 per sq ft. Professional installation is a must because the material is heavy and requires specialized tools. If a contractor quotes fiber cement at vinyl prices, that is a red flag.
Siding Installation Costs in Markham
Siding installation costs in Markham vary depending on material, home size, and complexity. Understanding what drives those numbers helps you make sense of your quote.
Labor Costs Per Square Foot
Labor costs for siding installation in Ontario range from $2 to $12 per sq ft, depending on material. Vinyl is lower because it is lighter and faster to install. Fiber cement and wood require more specialized skills. Markham labor rates tend to run above provincial averages, and most contractors include labour in their quoted price.
Installation Complexity and Your Home's Design
Homes with complex rooflines, lots of windows, dormers, or intricate trim work cost more. Every corner and cutout requires custom fitting. Scaffolding is needed for homes with multiple stories, which adds to installation costs.
Newer Markham homes in Berczy Village often have bump-outs, mixed facade materials, and varying rooflines. Those features add to installation complexity compared to a straightforward bungalow.
Removing Old Siding Before Professional Installation
Removing existing siding adds $1 to $3 per sq ft. In most cases, old siding needs to come off so your contractor can inspect the sheathing and house wrap underneath. On older Markham homes, freeze-thaw cycling may have damaged sections of plywood behind the panels.
Some homeowners ask about installing over existing siding to save money. I do not recommend it. Covering up old panels hides moisture damage that will worsen, and most manufacturers void the warranty.
Hidden Replacement Costs to Budget For
Sheathing repair can add $500 to $3,000+ if rot is found behind old siding. In Markham, ice damming is a common cause of hidden damage. Weather barrier replacement runs $800 to $2,500. Starter strips, J-channel, and trim accessories should be in your quote but confirm in writing. Disposal of old material runs $300 to $600.
Permit fees in Markham range from $50 to $500 depending on scope. Ask your contractor about local building codes and whether a permit is needed. Scaffolding for taller homes adds $200 to $500. Pre-1978 homes may require lead paint abatement at $2,000+. Ask about these replacement costs upfront so there are no surprises on day two.
Energy Efficiency and Your Siding Project
New siding is the best time to improve your home’s energy efficiency and enjoy the broader benefits of new siding installations. When the walls are exposed, adding insulation is far cheaper than doing it later. Insulated vinyl siding and Hardie board with foam backing both improve your home’s thermal envelope and deliver energy savings.
In York Region, with extreme cold winters and lake-effect weather, excellent insulation behind your walls leads to lower utility bills year after year. Homeowners who bundle insulation upgrades may qualify for Canada Greener Homes rebates. Good insulation also works with your attic ventilation to manage moisture. New exterior cladding can also boost curb appeal and home value.
DIY Installation vs. Hiring a Siding Contractor
DIY installation can work for smaller projects like replacing a few panels. For a full siding installation, hiring a professional is the smarter move. The work requires precise measurements, proper sealing, and compliance with local building codes, including the Ontario Building Code. Mistakes lead to moisture problems and costly repairs.
Professional installation also protects your manufacturer warranty. Experienced contractors spot hidden structural problems and finish faster. A pro crew can complete a typical Markham home in 3 to 7 days. A homeowner on weekends could take weeks, with weather conditions adding risk. If you are looking at a smaller repair first, our vinyl siding cleaning guide can help extend the life of your current panels.
How to Save Money on New Siding
Get multiple quotes from local contractors. I recommend at least three written estimates for any siding project. This helps you see the market rate and spot outliers. Be cautious of extremely low quotes, as they often come from inexperienced crews.
Schedule in the off season. Late fall and early spring mean less demand, and your general contractor may offer better pricing. Choose the right material type for your timeline: our guide to choosing the right siding for your home explains how insulated vinyl delivers strong performance at a mid-range price, while fiber cement pays off for long-term homeowners who want to maximize curb appeal. Homeowners can recoup 97% to 114% of their investment at resale, which keeps overall siding costs in perspective. Bundling your siding project with eavestrough and soffit work or a roof replacement can reduce your total installation costs. Ask your contractor for a free quote on the combined work.
Choosing an Experienced Siding Contractor in Markham
Look for a contractor who carries WSIB clearance certificates and proper liability insurance. Confirm they are familiar with York Region weather conditions and local building codes. Make sure each quote spells out everything: removing existing siding, inspecting sheathing, weather barrier, trim, cleanup, and disposal. Get multiple quotes in writing.
Edmunds Home Improvements has been serving homeowners in Markham, Unionville, and the GTA for over 30 years. You can preview different styles on your home using the Gentek Visualizer before deciding.
Get a Free Quote from Edmunds Home Improvements
If you are thinking about new siding for your Markham home, I would be happy to come out, take a look, and give you a free quote with no pressure. We handle siding installation, roofing, window replacement, doors, eavestroughs, and soffit/fascia as part of our full range of home improvement services.
Give us a call at (905) 472-0276 or visit edmundshomeimprovements.com. You can also stop by our showroom at 3400 14th Ave, Unit 28, in Markham. Visit our home improvement blog for more articles on roofing, windows, and exterior renovations.
Steve Gibson
President & CEO, Edmunds Home Improvements
Steve Gibson has over 35 years of hands-on experience in home renovation across
Markham and the Greater Toronto Area. As President and CEO of Edmunds Home
Improvements — a company serving the community since 1947 — Steve specializes in
roofing installation and repair, siding, window replacement and installation, and
door installation. A longtime local resident, he took ownership of Edmunds in 1989
and has built the company into one of the GTA’s most trusted exterior renovation
contractors. Edmunds is fully insured (WSIB and $5 million public liability) and
is a BBB Accredited Business and ENERGY STAR partner.
