How much does it cost to paint a house exterior?

Professional: 1,000 sq ft home: $1,500-$4,000. 1,500 sq ft: $2,500-$6,000. 2,000 sq ft: $3,000-$8,000. 2,500 sq ft: $4,000-$10,000. National average: $3,000-$5,000 for a standard 2-story home. DIY: $500-$1,400 (paint, primer, supplies, equipment rental). Cost factors: house size, stories (taller = more expensive), condition (prep work), paint quality, number of colors, and your region. Labor is 70-80% of professional cost.

How often should you paint a house exterior?

By siding material: wood siding: every 5-7 years. Stucco: every 5-6 years. Aluminum or vinyl siding: every 5-10 years (if painted). Brick: every 15-20 years (if painted). Cement fiber (Hardie): every 10-15 years. Factors: climate (harsh weather shortens life). Sun exposure (south and west facing fade faster). Paint quality (premium lasts longer). Color (dark colors fade faster). Prep quality (proper prep = longer lasting paint). Signs you need to repaint: fading or chalking. Peeling, cracking, or flaking. Bare wood showing. Caulk cracking. Mildew growth.

What is the best exterior paint?

Best overall: Benjamin Moore Aura Exterior or Sherwin-Williams Duration. Excellent coverage, durability, and color retention. 15+ year lifespan. Cost: $50-$70/gallon. Best value: Behr Marquee Exterior or PPG Timeless. Very good performance at a lower price. 10-12 year lifespan. Cost: $35-$50/gallon. Best budget: Behr Premium Plus or Glidden Exterior. Decent performance for the price. 7-10 year lifespan. Cost: $25-$35/gallon. The rule: spend more on paint, less on labor. A $50/gallon paint that lasts 15 years costs less per year than a $25/gallon paint that lasts 7 years. For a whole house: the paint cost difference is only $200-$400 but the performance difference is significant.

Can I paint my house exterior myself?

Yes, but it is a major project. Time: a typical 2-story home: 4-7 days (full-time). Skills needed: ladder safety (most important). Power washer operation. Scraping, sanding, caulking. Brush and roller technique. Optional: paint sprayer (faster but more overspray). Safety concerns: working at heights (falls are the biggest risk). Lead paint (homes built before 1978). Power tool safety. Savings: 60-80% vs professional. A $5,000 professional job can be done DIY for $500-$1,400. The recommendation: DIY single-story homes (manageable ladder heights). Hire professionals for: two-story or taller homes. Lead paint situations. Extensive wood repair needed. Limited time or comfort with heights.

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Siding & Exterior

Exterior Painting Guide: Cost, Tips & Best Paint

Lumberama Editorial Team, Exterior Painting & Home Improvement Specialists Nov 7, 2026 9 min read

Exterior Paint Types

100% acrylic latex: The best type for most exterior surfaces. Flexible (expands and contracts with temperature). Breathable (allows moisture to escape). UV-resistant. Easy cleanup. Lasts 10-15 years. Cost: $30-$70/gallon.

Alkyd (oil-based): Harder, more durable finish. Better adhesion on bare wood. Yellows over time (whites and lights). More difficult cleanup (mineral spirits). Being phased out in some areas (VOC regulations). Lasts 7-10 years. Cost: $25-$60/gallon.

Elastomeric paint: Thick, rubbery coating. Bridges hairline cracks. Excellent waterproofing. Best for stucco, concrete, and masonry. Cost: $40-$80/gallon.

Exterior stain (for wood): Transparent: shows wood grain, least protection. Semi-transparent: partial grain visibility, moderate protection. Solid stain: opaque like paint but penetrates wood. Best for: cedar, redwood, and natural wood siding. Cost: $25-$60/gallon.

Cost

Professional exterior painting: Per sq ft of paintable surface: $1.50-$4. By house size: 1,000 sq ft (small): $1,500-$4,000. 1,500 sq ft: $2,500-$6,000. 2,000 sq ft: $3,000-$8,000. 2,500 sq ft: $4,000-$10,000. 3,000+ sq ft: $5,000-$12,000+.

National average: About $3,000-$5,000 for a standard 2-story home.

DIY exterior painting: Paint: $200-$600 (10-15 gallons). Primer: $100-$200 (if needed). Supplies (brushes, rollers, tape, caulk, drop cloths): $100-$300. Equipment (ladder, sprayer rental): $100-$300. Total DIY: $500-$1,400.

Additional costs: Power washing (prep): $100-$300 (professional) or DIY with rental. Scraping and sanding: included in professional quotes or DIY time. Caulking: $50-$200. Wood repair (rotted trim, siding): $200-$1,000+. Lead paint testing/abatement (pre-1978 homes): $300-$1,000+.

Preparation

Exterior painting is 80% prep: Power wash: remove dirt, mildew, and loose paint. Wait 24-48 hours to dry. Scrape: remove all loose, peeling, and flaking paint. Sand: smooth rough edges and glossy surfaces. Caulk: seal all gaps around windows, doors, and trim. Repair: fix rotted wood, damaged siding, and loose trim. Prime: bare wood, patched areas, and stained spots. Paint: 2 coats of high-quality exterior paint.