How to Measure for Siding on Your Washington Home?
If you’re planning to replace your old exterior sidings or upgrade your home exterior in Washington, knowing how to measure for siding is the first and most important step in the process. Accurate measurements help you avoid ordering too much or too little material, saving both time and money. In this detailed guide, Builders Service Company, a trusted siding expert serving homeowners across Washington, walks you through everything you need to know to measure your home correctly and prepare for a smooth siding project.
Why Proper Siding Measurement Matters
Learning how to measure for siding correctly ensures your project runs efficiently from start to finish. Measuring for siding isn’t just about writing down dimensions, it’s about ensuring efficiency and precision throughout your home improvement project. Here’s why it matters:
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Avoid material shortages or excess waste that affect your square footage calculations.
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Ensure tight seams and a polished exterior look.
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Save money by ordering the right amount of lap siding or panels.
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Simplify installation for your contractor.
Whether you’re in Seattle, Tacoma, or Olympia, starting your siding project with precise measurements ensures a professional finish that lasts for years.
Tools You’ll Need to Measure for Siding
Before you start, gather these basic tools:
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Measuring tape (at least 100 ft for larger homes)
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Notepad or graph paper
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Step ladder
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Calculator or siding calculator tool
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Camera or phone for recording exterior paneling details
These simple tools will make your vinyl siding or fiber cement project in Washington far more manageable and help you communicate clearly with your siding contractor.
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Measure for Siding in Washington
If you’ve ever wondered how to measure for siding accurately, this step-by-step method ensures you calculate the right amount of material every time.
Step 1 – Break Your Home into Rectangles
Start by sketching your home’s exterior. Divide complex sections into simple rectangles or triangles, this helps when you calculate total square footage. For example, your main walls, gables, or dormers should each be treated as separate shapes.
Step 2 – Measure Wall Height and Width
Measure each section’s height and width. Record these numbers in feet, rounding to the nearest inch. Don’t forget to measure up to the roofline, including gables, extensions, or porches if they’ll receive vinyl siding or another finish.
Step 3 – Subtract Openings (Windows and Doors)
Now, measure all windows and doors. Multiply their height by width to get their area, then subtract these totals from the overall wall area. This ensures you don’t order siding for places that won’t need it.
Step 4 – Calculate Total Square Footage
For each section, multiply height × width, then add all sections together. Once you’ve got your total, subtract the combined area of windows and doors to get your total sq ft of siding material needed.
Step 5 – Add Overage (for Waste and Cutting)
Always add an additional 10–15% to your total to cover waste, trimming, and cutting errors. If your home has irregular shapes or architectural details, consider a slightly higher allowance to prevent shortages in squares measure.
Using a Siding Calculator for Accuracy
Online tools can make this process easier. A siding calculator helps homeowners:
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Enter their measurements in square feet.
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Choose siding material, vinyl, fiber cement, or vertical siding.
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Instantly calculate how many squares are needed for the siding panels.
If you’d prefer professional help, Builders Service Company offers personalized siding measurements and free estimates throughout Washington, ensuring every total sq ft is accounted for accurately.
How to Measure for Vinyl Siding vs. Fiber Cement
Different siding materials may require slightly different measurement considerations.
Vinyl Siding
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Vinyl panels are lightweight and flexible, making them easier to measure and install.
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Typically sold in squares (100 sq. ft.), so convert your square footage accordingly.
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Add 10% for trimming and cutting to avoid shortages.
Fiber Cement or Hardie Board
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Heavier and more rigid than vinyl, so precision is critical.
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Pay attention to corners, trim boards, and overlapping joints.
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Add 15% overage to compensate for cutting losses and irregular areas.
Knowing how to measure for siding based on your material choice will make your Washington home improvement seamless and long-lasting.
Common Mistakes Homeowners Make
Even small errors in measurements can cause costly headaches later. Avoid these common mistakes:
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Forgetting to subtract door and window areas.
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Overlooking gable or attic wall sections.
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Misjudging waste percentage for squares measure.
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Mixing units (switching between inches and feet inconsistently).
If you’re uncertain, reach out to a local professional like Builders Service Company for guidance, they’ve measured and installed exterior sidings on thousands of homes across Washington.
How Much Does New Siding Cost in Washington?
The cost of new siding installation in Washington generally ranges from $6 to $12 per square foot, depending on your home’s square footage, style, and material choice.
Cost Factors Include:
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Material type: Vinyl, fiber cement, or lap siding each have different price points.
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Labor costs: Skilled installation ensures durability and protection.
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Home design: Multi-story homes or those with unique vertical siding features need extra time.
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Old siding removal: Consider removal in your project estimate.
For a personalized siding quote, contact Builders Service Company, we’ll measure your total sq ft, calculate your siding panels, and provide an accurate, no-obligation estimate.
Why Choose Builders Service Company for Your Washington Siding Project
For over 40 years, Builders Service Company has been the name Washington homeowners trust for expert siding, roofing, and window replacements.
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Licensed and insured professionals, your siding project is in capable hands.
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Premium materials like Preservation and James Hardie.
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Financing options available through GreenSky.
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Local expertise with installations across Seattle, Tacoma, Spokane, and Bellingham.
We treat every home as our own, ensuring precise measurements, beautiful finishes, and exceptional durability.
Serving Areas Across Washington
Builders Service Company proudly serves customers across Western and Eastern Washington, including:
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Seattle, Tacoma, Bellevue, Everett, Olympia, Bellingham, and Spokane
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Kent, Federal Way, and Puyallup
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King, Pierce, Snohomish, Thurston, and Spokane Counties
No matter where you are, our siding experts are ready to help protect your home exterior from Washington’s diverse weather.
Ready to Transform Your Washington Home?
If you’re planning a siding project or need help calculating your square footage, Builders Service Company can handle everything, from accurate measurements to flawless installation.
We bring local expertise, premium materials, and reliable service to every home we work on. Whether you live in Tacoma, Olympia, Seattle, or Spokane, our specialists deliver beautiful and weather-resistant results.
Contact Builders Service Company today for your free siding consultation and estimate. We’ll help you calculate materials, measure correctly, and achieve the perfect finish for your Washington home. Call 888-980-8580
FAQs About Measuring for Siding
What’s the easiest way to measure my siding?
The easiest method is to break your walls into rectangles, then multiply height × width to find your total square footage. You can also use a siding calculator for faster estimates.
Should I measure before removing old siding?
Yes. Always measure before removal. It helps confirm the total sq ft and allows for adjustments during siding panel installation.
Can I install siding myself?
While DIY is possible, vinyl siding and lap siding installation require skill. Hiring professionals like Builders Service Company ensures panels are level, insulated, and securely fastened for long-term protection.
