How to Measure for Siding on Your Washington Home?

Whether you’re upgrading the exterior of your home or replacing worn-out panels, understanding how to measure for siding is essential to any siding project, especially when calculating square footage and planning the cut of panels. At Builders Service Company, we specialize in siding solutions for Washington homeowners and are here to help you get the measurements right the first time.

Below, we’ll walk you through the process step by step, explain why measurements matter, highlight the tools you need, and break down costs and material options for Washington homes.

Accurate width measurements and square calculations are necessary to determine the total square footage of your exterior walls. Whether you’re working with horizontal siding or vertical siding, knowing how each side measures ensures you estimate the total sq ft needed for vinyl siding or other siding materials. Our experts also guide you on how to cut around windows and doors, and add 10 percent to account for waste and overlapping siding panels.

In this guide, we’ll break down how to measure for siding based on your home’s unique layout. Many homeowners in Washington wonder how to measure for siding correctly before starting a siding project. If you’re planning a siding upgrade, knowing how to measure for siding can streamline your project timeline. Builders Service Company provides professional insights into how to measure for siding efficiently. Our expert team can walk you through how to measure for siding on multi-story homes and irregular layouts. Contractors across Washington rely on proven techniques for how to measure for siding during all seasons. Understanding how to measure for siding is critical when using vinyl or engineered wood materials. You’ll learn exactly how to measure for siding around windows, gables, soffits, and trim. Before ordering materials, it’s smart to double-check how to measure for siding to avoid overages. Our consultation includes teaching you how to measure for siding to match both design and budget.

Why Accurate Siding Measurements Matter

Preventing costly overages or shortages

Overestimating means overspending. Underestimating delays your project. Either way, the result is stress, mess, and waste. Correct measurements help you avoid these pitfalls from the start.

Ensuring proper material estimation for Washington’s variable climate

From the wet coasts of Everett to the dry heat of Yakima, your home’s exposure varies. Siding needs to be tailored to your region’s conditions, and quantity matters when factoring in protective overlap and sealing.

Saving time and money during installation

Fewer surprises equal faster timelines. Precise numbers streamline the entire process—ordering, scheduling, and installation.

Tools You’ll Need to Measure for Siding

Tape measure, ladder, calculator, and notepad

• Tape measure: Preferably 25+ feet

• Ladder: Safe height access for upper walls and gables

• Calculator: For square footage and material conversions

• Notepad or mobile device: To track every measurement clearly

Safety gear for measuring taller surfaces

Safety glasses, gloves, and a sturdy ladder are a must—especially when working with multi-story homes or uneven terrain.

Optional: digital apps or siding calculators

You can also use mobile apps or a siding calculator to speed things up, though they should complement—not replace—manual measurements.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Measure for Siding

Step 1: Break the house into measurable sections

Visualize each wall of your home as a rectangle or square. Treat gables and other features separately.

Step 2: Measure the width and height of each wall

Use your tape measure to get the width and height in feet. Round up slightly to account for trim or slight architectural variation.

Step 3: Multiply width by height to get square footage per section

Example:

• Wall width = 20 ft
• Wall height = 10 ft
• Square footage = 20 × 10 = 200 sq ft

Step 4: Subtract window and door openings

Don’t pay for siding you won’t need. Measure window and door dimensions and subtract them from your wall totals.

Step 5: Account for gables and irregular surfaces

Use triangle and trapezoid formulas for peaks and angles. A gable’s square footage is usually:
(base × height) ÷ 2

Step 6: Add 10% for waste and overlap

Always include a buffer to account for cut pieces, pattern matching, and future repairs.

How to Measure Gables, Dormers, and Other Complex Surfaces

Measuring triangular and trapezoidal shapes

Area = (base × height) ÷ 2 for triangles
Area = 0.5 × (base1 + base2) × height for trapezoids

Special considerations for multi-story homes

Split the home into vertical layers and treat each floor as a separate wall system.

Factoring in soffits, eaves, and trim boards

You may need additional material for overhangs, fascia boards, and accents.

Siding Measurement Example: Washington Home Case Study

Sample breakdown of a 2-story Bellevue home

• Front wall: 20 ft × 18 ft = 360 sq ft

• Back wall: 20 ft × 18 ft = 360 sq ft

• Two side walls: 30 ft × 18 ft = 540 sq ft each

• Total base: 1800 sq ft

• Subtract windows/doors: 200 sq ft

• Net: 1600 sq ft

• Add 10% waste: 1600 + 160 = 1760 sq ft

Calculating material needed

• Vinyl siding: covers ~100–150 sq ft per box

• Fiber cement: calculated by plank width and overlap

What Are the Signs Your Siding Needs Replacement?

• Warping, cracking, or rot
• High energy bills and poor insulation
• Fading, bubbling, or loose panels
• Pest damage or moisture intrusion

How Much Does New Siding Cost in Washington?

Siding Material | Avg. Cost per Sq Ft
Vinyl | $4.50
Fiber Cement | $6.75
Engineered Wood | $7.25

Price variations

Urban areas like Seattle may have higher labor costs. Eastern cities like Yakima may be more affordable.

Hidden costs

• Siding removal

• Permit fees

• Labor (usually $1.50–$3.00 per sq ft)

Why Choose Professional Siding Services in Washington?

Local expertise

• Knowledge of local codes and climate

• Faster timelines, cleaner work

• Familiar with popular home styles

Reliable results

• No missed measurements

• Material efficiency

• Warranty and compliance guaranteed

Siding Materials Best Suited for Washington Homes

Vinyl

• Affordable

• Low maintenance

• Water resistant

Fiber Cement

• Excellent durability

• Fire and pest resistant

• Handles wet weather well

Engineered Wood

• Natural wood appearance

• Good insulation

• Requires sealing in damp areas

Serving Homeowners Across Washington State

Builders Service Company proudly serves Washington cities including Seattle, Bellevue, Tacoma, Kent, Everett, Bellingham, Redmond, Spokane, Yakima, and Olympia. We bring precision and professionalism to every siding project.

Schedule a Free Siding Consultation Today

Why choose Builders Service Company

We help you plan every step, from accurate measurement to final panel. Our experts provide personalized recommendations based on your home and region. Builders Service Company is a Better Business Bureau “A+” accredited business. We have also received the Golden Hammer Contractor Award not once, but twice from Alcoa Building Products, and are the designated Dealer of Distinction for Preservation Windows and Siding.

What to expect

• On-site measurement

• Siding recommendations

• Full material estimate

• No-pressure consultation

Contact us

Call or fill out our quick form online to schedule your free siding estimate. Proudly serving homeowners across Washington State.