How to Measure for Siding

At the beginning of a home re-side project, you may not know how to measure for siding. It can be a daunting process! Without experience, many homeowners estimate incorrectly when doing this part of the re-side process themselves, leading to stress and frustration during the project. But when you know how to measure a house for siding, you can avoid missteps and start conversations with a professional installer off on the right foot.

With this quick guide to one of the first steps to siding a house, you’ll have the insight you need to calculate siding for a house, leading to a budget estimate and a home siding project you’ll be proud of.

How Do I Calculate How Much Siding I Need?

Learning how to calculate siding for a house can help you predict about how much of an investment your siding project will be. First, siding is measured in squares. One unit of siding (one square) is equal to 100 square feet, so knowing how to measure in square feet for siding is key to a successful estimate. When it comes to trim, however, measuring in linear feet will help you get the right amount. You can find more details on lap siding coverage in the chart on page 49 of the LP SmartSide Product Catalog.

 Follow these steps for calculations you’ll use to learn how to measure for wood siding:

1. Measure height and width of each side. For each side, multiply height times width to get the total square feet.

2. Measure other areas not included in the sides, such as gables, dormers and more. For triangle areas, measure from the base of the triangle to the top and multiply that number by half of the base length.

3. Measure the height and width of each window, door and other areas not covered by siding. When in doubt, account for 15 square feet for windows and 20 square feet for doors.

4. Add together the square footage you calculated for the sides of your home and the additional areas.

5. Subtract the uncovered areas’ square footage from the total amount you calculated in step four.

6. Divide this number by 100 to get the number of squares of siding you will need to order.

With these simple steps, you can calculate siding for a house. There are also many siding estimate calculators online to use, but all involve quick and simple calculations like those above.

 Mistakes to Avoid When Measuring for Siding

If you've made these mistakes before, you're not alone in not knowing the ins and outs of how to measure for siding. But if you're re-siding your home for the first time, you can avoid these pitfalls from the start, especially when you partner with a reputable contractor. Get in touch at LPCorp.com/Request-A-Quote.

Ordering too little siding. While sticking to your budget is important, you can avoid the frustration that comes with not being able to finish your re-side efficiently by having to wait for additional siding shipments. Keep in mind that engineered wood siding is less prone to breakage, which can lead to less waste and more accurate purchasing on the front end of your project.

Inaccurate measurements. When in doubt, measure your house for siding a couple times to ensure you haven’t missed anything. Measuring on your own for a general cost estimate is a great way to get a sense of your investment, but be sure to hire a professional to get final measurements as they begin your project.

Leaving out additional costs. When it comes to how to measure a house for siding and establishing your budget, you’ll need to factor in more than the siding itself! Don’t forget to account for the cost of an installer, tools, caulk or sealant, nails, flashing, trim and other miscellaneous needs—and the time you’ll dedicate to the project. 

4 Quick Tips for Siding Measurement

These tips can help you avoid mistakes and get the job done right the first time. These are some techniques your siding installer may use as well.

1. Add 5-10% extra siding to account for mistakes. You can always use the extras for repairs if needed at a later time or as starter strips and spacing tools.

2. List all the materials you’ll need for the job. Your siding measurement accounts for costs for the siding itself, but be sure to add in trim and accessories to get the most accurate estimate possible.

3. Divide large areas into standard shapes for easy calculations. Instead of calculating the area of an irregular shape, start with a triangle portion, then slice out a square portion, and so on. Stick to calculations you’re comfortable with.

4. Complete any window and door repairs first. Don’t side over a damaged framework. Take care of issues from the start and your home will be healthier overall. Get in touch with a contractor to ensure repairs are done well.

Next Steps After Measuring for Siding

After you measure for siding installation, how to proceed with your project involves choosing a substrate. LP® SmartSide® Trim & Siding offers a great option for an easier, quicker installation process. Its lighter weights and longer lengths help installation run smoothly, and with four components of protection from the SmartGuard® process, it can stand up to almost anything the jobsite brings its way, not to mention weather, impact and more.

Next, find a professional installer to complete your re-side. You can find a local reputable contractor in your area and connect for a quote here.

Check out our siding and trim product page to explore our variety o timeless, durable LP SmartSide offerings.