Board and Batten vs Brick: Cost Comparison for U.S. Homes 2026
Prices for exterior siding options vary widely by material, labor, and regional factors. This article breaks down the cost of board and batten versus brick, focusing on the total price, per-square-foot estimates, and typical drivers that influence the final bill.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Board and Batten (material only) | $2.50/sq ft | $5.50/sq ft | $9.00/sq ft | Average engineered wood or vinyl options vary by quality |
| Board and Batten (installation) | $3.50/sq ft | $6.50/sq ft | $10.00/sq ft | Labor-intensive; spacing and trim affect cost |
| Brick (brick veneer, material) | $6.50/sq ft | $9.00/sq ft | $12.50/sq ft | Facade veneer costs lower than full brick |
| Brick (installation) | $15.00/sq ft | $25.00/sq ft | $40.00/sq ft | Labor-dependent; wall accessibility matters |
| Permits and inspections | $100 | $400 | $1,000 | Location-dependent |
| Preparation and teardown | $0.50/sq ft | $2.50/sq ft | $6.00/sq ft | Existing siding removal may add cost |
| Delivery and waste disposal | $0.25/sq ft | $1.00/sq ft | $3.00/sq ft | Packaging and haul-away |
Board and Batten Cost By Size and Material Quality
Total price depends on surface area and material choice. A typical 2,000 sq ft house with board and batten siding may run from $12,000 to $40,000 for full exterior cladding, including installation. Assumptions: standard 5-inch boards, vinyl or primed pine, Midwest labor rates, normal access.
Low end reflects vinyl board and batten with basic trim and no elaborate trim work. The low end often requires minimal prep and relies on stock profiles.
Average combines mid-range material with standard labor, including basic corner boards and sealing. Assumptions: 2,000 sq ft, normal rooflines, typical window openings.
High end uses premium fiber cement or solid wood with specialty profiles and extra insulation or water-resistive barriers. Assumptions: larger homes, steep roofs, complex corners.
Brick, Veneer vs Full Brick: Material Costs and What They Include
Brick veneer prices span roughly $9 to $12 per square foot for material, with installation adding $15 to $40 per square foot. A full brick exterior can push costs higher, often $25 to $40 per square foot installed. Assumptions: standard wall thickness, common brick types, no unusual patterns.
Brick veneer offers a lower upfront price with easier installation, while full brick adds substantial mass, structural implications, and heavier foundation needs. Perimeter detailing and existing openings drive additional trim costs.
Labor Costs: Installation Time and Crew Size Differences
Board and batten installations typically require 1–2 workers per 1,000 sq ft for basic siding, with a typical project pace of 1,500–2,500 sq ft per week depending on weather and access. Brick veneer crews often run 2–4 workers and higher daily productivity on large, flat walls. Assumptions: standard ladders, scaffolding as needed, daytime work.
Labor ranges show a wide spread due to wall complexity and climate-driven scheduling.
Regional Price Variations Across the U.S.
Pricing can shift by up to 20–40% between regions. The Pacific Northwest and Northeast may see higher labor and material costs, while the Midwest and parts of the South often run lower. Assumptions: urban markets vs. rural markets, typical climate zones.
Consult local quotes to capture regional deltas and any regional incentives.
Prep Work, Permits, and Exterior Finish Details
Also affecting final price are roof penetrations, window trim, flashing, moisture barriers, and the cost of any backup insulation. Permitting can add $100–$1,000 depending on jurisdiction. Assumptions: standard cold- or mix-climate exterior assembly.
Effective prep reduces long-term maintenance costs and prevents hidden expenses later.
Per-Square-Foot Breakdown: Board and Batten vs Brick
Board and batten pricing often settles in the range of $5 to $15 per sq ft for installed siding, depending on material quality and labor intensity. Brick veneer installed price commonly lands between $24 and $40 per sq ft, including mortar work. Assumptions: standard two-story home, accessible exterior.
Per-unit cost helps compare projects of different sizes on an apples-to-apples basis.
Material Quality Impacts and Long-Term Value
Premium board and batten materials (fiber cement or premium wood) can raise upfront costs by 30–60% over basic vinyl. Brick options with higher-strength mortars and richer textures may add 10–25% more to the installed price but can improve curb appeal and potential resale value. Assumptions: typical 25-year durability expectations for materials.
Durability and aesthetic longevity are key price drivers over time.
Maintenance, Upkeep, and 5-Year Ownership Costs
Board and batten often requires painting or sealing every 5–7 years for wood variations, or little upkeep for vinyl, impacting long-term costs. Brick generally requires less frequent maintenance but may need repointing every 20–25 years in some climates. Assumptions: standard residential climate, typical maintenance cycles.
Maintenance planning can shift the total cost of ownership in significant ways.
Cost Scenarios by Project Scope
Small-scale refresh of a 1,200 sq ft bungalow with board and batten may fall in the $8,000–$18,000 range for material and install. A 3,000 sq ft two-story with brick veneer could reach $70,000–$120,000, depending on pattern and accessibility. Assumptions: standard wall heights, no unusual structural work.
Scoping accuracy is essential to avoid under- or over-budget estimates.
Three Real-World Quote Scenarios
Scenario A: 1,200 sq ft, vinyl board and batten, Midwest, standard trim, no added insulation. Total: $9,000–$12,000. Labor: $3–$5 per sq ft; Materials: $2–$4 per sq ft.
Scenario B: 2,400 sq ft, fiber cement board and batten, sunbelt region, premium trim, moisture barrier. Total: $22,000–$38,000. Labor: $5–$8 per sq ft; Materials: $6–$10 per sq ft.
Scenario C: 2,800 sq ft brick veneer, coastal region, detailed edging, higher-end mortar. Total: $70,000–$105,000. Labor: $15–$25 per sq ft; Materials: $9–$12 per sq ft.
These ranges illustrate how material, scope, and climate shift outcomes.
| Cost Component | Board and Batten | Brick Veneer |
|---|---|---|
| Materials (board type) | $2.50–$9.00/sq ft | $9.00–$12.50/sq ft |
| Labor (installation) | $3.50–$10.00/sq ft | $15.00–$40.00/sq ft |
| Preparation/Trim | $0.50–$3.00/sq ft | $2.00–$6.00/sq ft |
| Permits | $100–$400 | $200–$900 |
| Delivery/Disposal | $0.25–$3.00/sq ft | $0.50–$3.00/sq ft |