Cost Estimators · Painting
Exterior Painting Cost Per Sq Ft Calculator
Enter your home's exterior area and get an instant painting cost estimate based on siding type and prep needed.
Exterior paint quotes vary wildly — two contractors can quote the same house $2,000 apart. The difference almost always comes down to prep work: pressure washing, scraping, caulking, and primer. Knowing the realistic cost per sq ft for your siding type helps you evaluate quotes fairly and avoid being undercut on prep quality.
Enter an area above to see your estimate
Using national average: $2–$6/sq ft
Estimates are based on national averages and are for planning purposes only. Actual costs vary by location, contractor, and material choice.
Example: 1,800 sq ft exterior wall area
Area
1,800
sq ft
Low Estimate
$3,600
@ $2/sq ft
High Estimate
$10,800
@ $6/sq ft
Based on national average rates of $2–$6/sq ft. Actual costs will vary by location and contractor.
What does exterior painting cost per square foot?
Exterior painting on standard wood or vinyl siding averages $2–$4 per sq ft. Brick and stucco cost more to paint at $3–$6 per sq ft due to surface texture and absorption. Multi-storey homes require scaffolding or boom lifts, adding $0.50–$1.50/sq ft to the labour cost. Always budget for two top coats plus primer on any repaint — a single coat over weathered paint will show uneven coverage within a year. For interior painting estimates, use our interior painting cost per sq ft calculator.
Cost by project size
| Project size | Low estimate | High estimate |
|---|---|---|
| 800 sq ft (small ranch home) | $1,600 | $4,800 |
| 1,200 sq ft | $2,400 | $7,200 |
| 1,800 sq ft (average two-storey) | $3,600 | $10,800 |
| 2,400 sq ft | $4,800 | $14,400 |
| 3,000 sq ft (large home) | $6,000 | $18,000 |
Approximate 2026 US national averages at $2–$6/sq ft installed. Actual costs vary by location, contractor, and project complexity.
What affects painting cost per square foot?
Siding material
Smooth vinyl and hardboard siding is cheapest to paint at $2–$3.50/sq ft. Rough wood siding and cedar shake absorb more paint and take longer — $3–$5/sq ft. Brick and stucco cost the most at $3.50–$6/sq ft due to texture and absorption.
Prep work required
Prep is 30–50% of the total exterior paint job cost. Pressure washing, hand scraping, sanding peeling paint, filling cracks, and caulking gaps can add $0.50–$2/sq ft depending on the home's condition. Never skip prep — paint fails on poorly prepared surfaces within 2–3 years.
Storey height & access
One-storey homes are straightforward. Two-storey homes require extension ladders and add $0.50–$1/sq ft to labour. Three-storey homes or homes with steep rooflines need scaffolding or boom lifts — adding $1–$2/sq ft more.
Number of colours & coats
Two-tone exteriors (body + trim) take more setup and masking time. A full primer coat plus two finish coats is standard. If paint is peeling or you're making a drastic colour change, an extra coat is needed — adding $0.30–$0.60/sq ft.
Trim, shutters & doors
Trim, fascia, soffits, shutters, and doors are typically quoted per linear foot or per item. A full exterior with trim and doors adds $500–$2,000 to the base wall price for an average-sized home.
Weather & timing
Exterior painting must be done in dry conditions above 50°F. In northern states, the painting season runs May–October. Rush jobs outside the optimal season may cost more or result in paint adhesion problems.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to paint a house exterior per square foot?
Exterior painting costs $2–$6 per square foot of wall area. Smooth siding runs $2–$4/sq ft. Brick, stucco, and textured siding costs $3–$6/sq ft. For an 1,800 sq ft home exterior, expect $3,600–$10,800 depending on siding type, condition, and number of storeys.
How do painters measure exterior square footage?
Painters measure the total wall area of the exterior, excluding windows and doors. They multiply perimeter × height for each floor, then subtract approximately 15 sq ft per window and 20 sq ft per door. A 1,500 sq ft home footprint with 8 ft walls has roughly 800–1,200 sq ft of paintable exterior wall area.
How often does exterior paint need to be redone?
Exterior paint on wood siding lasts 5–8 years. Vinyl siding paint lasts 8–12 years. Stucco and masonry hold paint 8–15 years. Climate matters — homes in high-UV, coastal, or freeze-thaw climates repaint more frequently. Dark colours fade faster than light ones.
Should I pressure wash before painting?
Yes — always. Painting over dirty, chalky, or mildewed surfaces is the single biggest reason exterior paint jobs fail early. Professional painters include pressure washing in their quote. If a contractor skips this step, that is a red flag.
What is the best exterior paint for durability?
100% acrylic latex exterior paint is the best choice for most siding types. Premium brands like Sherwin-Williams Emerald Exterior and Benjamin Moore Aura Exterior cost $65–$90/gallon but offer significantly better adhesion, flexibility, and fade resistance than budget-grade paints.