Columbus, OH · Updated
Cedar Siding in Columbus: Replacement Options and Costs
Cedar siding installation in Columbus costs between $7,900 and $29,150 per job. About 50% of homes were built before 1980, which may affect renovation rules (ACS 5-year 2020-2024, B25034 Year Structure Built).
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A permit for a 1-3 family dwelling costs $140 and includes one inspection (City of Columbus BZS 2026 Combined Development Related Fee Schedule).
Replacement choices for older homes with cedar siding in Columbus
Replacing cedar siding on older homes in Columbus involves choosing between durable materials like vinyl, fiber cement or engineered wood, each with distinct care and longevity requirements.
Vinyl siding is listed as 'Lifetime' by NAHB and expands and contracts with temperature so it must hang loosely on its fasteners (NAHB/Bank of America Home Equity, Study of Life Expectancy of Home Components (Feb 2007), Table 1) Vinyl can also buckle or distort if nailed too tightly without end clearance, leading to wavy or bowed panels in summer (polymericexteriors.org). For a longer-lasting alternative, fiber cement siding like HardiePlank is rated for up to 50 years and resists moisture damage when installed with proper clearances (NAHB/Bank of America Home Equity, Study of Life Expectancy of Home Components (Feb 2007), Table 1).
Engineered wood siding offers a 'Lifetime' service life according to NAHB standards and may be suitable for homes where traditional wood has deteriorated over time (NAHB/Bank of America Home Equity, Study of Life Expectancy of Home Components (Feb 2007), Table 1). However, exterior wood siding generally lasts about 20 years before needing replacement (NAHB/Bank of America Home Equity, Study of Life Expectancy of Home Components (Feb 2007), Table 1). When considering materials, it is important to match the new siding with the home's architectural style and existing trim for a cohesive look.
How to replace cedar siding in Columbus?
Begin by assessing the condition of the current cedar siding, checking for rot or damage. Choose between vinyl, fiber cement, or engineered wood based on your needs and local conditions. Ensure proper installation with clearances to avoid buckling or warping. For guidance on matching materials to your home’s style, explore other siding options available in Columbus.
Columbus siding price bands
| Job | Low | Typical | High | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cedar siding | $7,900 | $15,150 | $29,150 | bobvila.com, homeadvisor.com, thisoldhouse.com, 2026-09 |
Typical ranges from public data (bobvila.com, homeadvisor.com, thisoldhouse.com; September 2026), not a quote — your contractor's written contract sets the price.
Price ranges are estimated from national price guides, adjusted for Columbus.
What changes the price in Columbus
Each local rule or condition below changes what to do, choose or pay for this job; sources included. More rows: full table.
| Local rule or condition | What it changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Columbus charges $140 for a 1-, 2- or 3-family dwelling permit covering roof, siding, windows and doors, including one inspection | A permit is required for cedar siding installation and costs $140, covering roof, siding, windows and doors with one inspection (source). | City of Columbus BZS 2026 Combined Development Related Fee Schedule |
| Columbus applies the 2019 Residential Code of Ohio (RCO) to 1-, 2- and 3-family dwellings and the 2024 Ohio Building Code (effective March 1, 2024) to other buildings | The 2019 Residential Code of Ohio applies to 1-3 family dwellings, affecting material and installation standards for cedar siding (source). | Columbus BZS: Getting Started, Commercial & Residential Codes |
Illustrative example based on the public data cited on this page (October 2026), not a quote — your contractor's written contract sets the price.
Understanding the cost of cedar siding in Columbus
Cedar siding costs in Columbus vary based on home age and material choice. Older homes may require more labor or adjustments, affecting the final price range significantly depending on condition and design.
Sun focused by double-pane low-E windows can exceed 200F and soften vinyl; dark colors soften sooner (structuretech.com) This means no special adjustments are needed for cedar in such cases.
Cedar siding installed on pre-1980 homes can also benefit from its natural durability. Unlike vinyl or fiber cement, cedar does not soften under high heat and is less prone to warping over time. This makes it a good fit for older homes with limited space between siding and other surfaces, though proper installation still requires leaving 1/4 inch at openings. If the home has stucco or brick in the neighborhood, cedar may be chosen for its aesthetic contrast, though stucco itself has a longer service life of 50-100 years (NAHB/Bank of America Home Equity, Study of Life Expectancy of Home Components (Feb 2007), Table 1). Finally, if silica dust is a concern during nearby fiber cement work, cedar does not release harmful particles, making it a safer choice for homes near such projects.
How much does cedar siding cost in Columbus?
Cedar siding costs for pre-1980 homes typically fall within the same price range as newer homes, but may be slightly higher due to necessary modifications. Older homes may require custom cuts or adjustments for existing structures, which can increase labor and material costs.
Before you hire, read Cedar Shingle Siding Styles and Board and Batten Siding.
Local data notes for Columbus
- About half of Columbus housing units were built before 1980 (ACS 5-year 2020-2024, B25034 Year Structure Built) For example, older homes might have narrower window openings or different framing that requires custom cuts or adjustments, increasing labor time and material waste.
Tips for fixing or replacing cedar siding yourself in Columbus
Replacing cedar siding yourself in Columbus is possible but requires attention to local permit and fee rules. You must account for inspections, fees and code compliance to complete the job legally.
Columbus charges $140 for a 1-, 2- or 3-family dwelling permit covering roof, siding, windows and doors, including one inspection (City of Columbus BZS 2026 Combined Development Related Fee Schedule). If your work fails the initial inspection, a re-inspection costs $175 (City of Columbus BZS 2026 Combined Development Related Fee Schedule). Always ensure that your repairs do not involve cutting away any wall or removing structural supports, as minor repairs can proceed without an application (Ohio Board of Building Standards: Residential Code of Ohio rules (Amendments Group 97)).
If you are replacing cedar siding on a home in Columbus, be aware of the permit costs and inspection process. The city’s building fees are generally non-refundable and due at submission (City of Columbus BZS 2026 Combined Development Related Fee Schedule). For accessory structures or alterations, a separate permit costs $385 and includes two inspections (City of Columbus BZS 2026 Combined Development Related Fee Schedule). You should also consider that local contractors must be licensed by the Columbus BZS for siding work (City of Columbus: Contractor Licenses).
Can you replace cedar siding yourself on a home in ZIP code 43217 in Columbus?
Columbus charges $140 for a dwelling permit covering siding work (City of Columbus BZS 2026 Combined Development Related Fee Schedule). You should also be aware of re-inspection costs and ensure your repairs meet code requirements.
A worked budget
Example budget, not a quote.
| Line | Amount |
|---|---|
| Local band typical | $15,150 |
| Illustrative total | $15,150 |
Illustrative example based on the public data cited on this page (October 2026), not a quote — your contractor's written contract sets the price.
Before you sign a cedar siding quote in Columbus
- Lead-safe renovation practices if working (ACS 5-year 2020-2024, B25034 Year Structure Built)
- Permit fee: $140 for 1-3 family dwellings (City of Columbus BZS 2026 Combined Development Related Fee Schedule)
- Inspection details and who will conduct them
- Schedule including start and finish dates
Parts of a cedar siding job you can handle yourself
Always check with local building codes for specifics.
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Local data notes for Columbus
- About half of Columbus housing units were built before 1980 (ACS 5-year 2020-2024, B25034 Year Structure Built) For larger projects or permits, hiring a licensed contractor is recommended.
Next steps for your cedar siding project in Columbus
- Plan work during spring or fall for favorable weather conditions
Estimate your Hardie siding range in Columbus
What a good written quote lists
- Workmanship and product warranty, in writing
- Material, profile and colour named
- Removal of the old material and disposal
- Trim, flashing and house wrap spelled out
- Who pulls the permit, if one is needed
- Clean-up and nail sweep
Questions to ask the pro
- Is removal of the old material included?
- How do you protect windows and landscaping?
- Who pulls the permit, if one is needed?
- How long will the job take?
- Which warranty is yours and which is the manufacturer's?
Common questions about cedar siding in Columbus
How can you tell if cedar siding needs to be replaced in Columbus?
Cedar siding may need replacement if it shows signs of rot, warping, or severe weather damage. A professional inspection can help determine the condition.
Can cedar siding be repaired instead of replaced in Columbus with a re-inspection?
Cedar siding can often be repaired if damage is minor, and a re-inspection may be possible. Repairs should meet local building codes to pass inspections.
Is it possible to remove and reinstall cedar siding in Columbus under the Residential Code?
Yes, cedar siding can be removed and reinstalled if done according to the Residential Code. A permit is required for such work.
Do you need a permit for cedar siding in Columbus?
Cedar siding work on a 1- to 3-family dwelling in Columbus may require a permit covering roof, siding, windows and doors, which costs $140 and includes one inspection (City of Columbus BZS 2026 Combined Development Related Fee Schedule). For more details or confirmation of whether your project needs a permit, contact Columbus Building and Zoning Services at 111 N Front Street, Columbus, OH 43215 (614-645-7433) (City of Columbus BZS 2026 Combined Development Related Fee Schedule).
How much is siding installation per square foot in Columbus?
Cedar siding installation costs range from $7,900 to $29,150 per job, depending on size and complexity. A square-foot rate cannot be determined from available data; ask a pro for an estimate based on your home's specifics.
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Page history
- — Updated 97% of the text; new sections: Replacement choices for older homes with cedar siding in Columbus, What in Columbus changes a cedar siding job, Understanding the cost of cedar siding in Columbus; removed: Replacement Options for Cedar Siding in Columbus, Understanding Cedar Siding Pricing Across Columbus Housing Types, Cedar Siding Permitting Costs
- — Updated 97% of the text; new sections: Replacement Options for Cedar Siding in Columbus, Understanding Cedar Siding Pricing Across Columbus Housing Types, Cedar Siding Permitting Costs
- — Updated 97% of the text; new sections: Replacement choices for older homes with cedar siding in Columbus, What in Columbus changes a cedar siding job, Understanding the cost of cedar siding in Columbus; removed: Replacement Options for Cedar Siding in Columbus, Understanding Cedar Siding Pricing Across Columbus Housing Types, Cedar Siding Permitting Costs
- — Updated 15% of the text
- — Updated 15% of the text
- — Updated 97% of the text; new sections: Replacement Options for Cedar Siding in Columbus, Understanding Cedar Siding Pricing Across Columbus Housing Types, Cedar Siding Permitting Costs
- — Updated 97% of the text; new sections: Replacement choices for older homes with cedar siding in Columbus, What in Columbus changes a cedar siding job, Understanding the cost of cedar siding in Columbus; removed: Replacement Options for Cedar Siding in Columbus, Understanding Cedar Siding Pricing Across Columbus Housing Types, Cedar Siding Permitting Costs
- — First version
Only content changes are listed here; spelling and layout fixes are left out.
