Requesting a Quote for Siding and Cladding: What to Include

Start with Your Project Dimensions

The foundation of any material quote is accurate project dimensions. For siding and cladding, this means providing the total linear footage or square footage of the walls you intend to cover. Consider each distinct wall section separately, especially if they have varying heights or features.

Measure the total length and height of each wall area that will receive siding or cladding. If there are openings like windows or doors, you will need to decide whether to deduct these areas. Typically, for smaller openings, material is still ordered for the full wall area to account for cuts and waste. For larger openings, deducting the area can reduce the material quantity. Be explicit about your approach.

For example, if you have a wall section that is 20 feet long and 10 feet high, that's 200 square feet. If this wall includes a 3-foot by 5-foot window, you might specify the gross area and note the window, allowing for calculation of necessary cuts and potential waste.

Specify Your Desired Siding and Cladding Profile

Siding and cladding come in a variety of profiles, each offering a distinct aesthetic and installation method. Your chosen profile significantly impacts material quantities, milling requirements, and ultimately, the cost. Lumber Plus offers a range of options, including thermally modified wood, Maximo Accoya, Brazilian hardwood, and Norx composite cladding.

Common profiles include Tongue & Groove, Shiplap, Board & Batten, and Lap Siding. Each profile has specific dimensions (width and thickness) and how it interlocks or overlaps. If you have a specific profile in mind, such as a custom milled option, provide as much detail as possible, including desired face width, overall width, and thickness.

Consider the visual effect you want to achieve. A wide, flat profile will look different from a narrow, deeply shadowed one. The profile also influences how the material interacts with trim, corners, and other architectural details. Be sure to reference specific profile names or provide a detailed description.

You can explore options like Scandinavian thermally modified wood or the bold grain of Brazilian hardwood for different looks and performance characteristics. Maximo Accoya offers acetylated wood, which is distinct from thermally modified wood, providing another option for various applications. Norx composite cladding provides a consistent, modern aesthetic.

Identify the Material Species or Type

The type of wood or composite material you select is a primary cost driver and influences the appearance, durability, and maintenance requirements of your project. Be clear about your preference.

Lumber Plus supplies various materials, including thermally modified Ayous, thermally modified Ash, thermally modified Clear Radiata, and Brazilian hardwoods like Ipe, Cumaru, Garapa, Angelim, Jatoba, and Tigerwood. Each has unique characteristics. For instance, Ipe is known for its strength, while Cumaru offers a golden tone. For composite options, Norx composite cladding is available.

If you are considering different options, list them, perhaps in order of preference, or ask for quotes on a few different materials. This allows for a comparative cost analysis. For example, you might request pricing for both thermally modified Ayous and Norx composite for the same dimensions and profile.

Review the characteristics of each material to ensure it aligns with your project's goals, considering factors such as grain pattern, natural color, and how it weathers over time. Thermally modified wood, for instance, is engineered for stability, while certain hardwoods are selected for impact resistance.

Confirm Your Project ZIP Code and Site Access

Your project's location is essential for calculating delivery costs and confirming service options. Provide the full ZIP code where the materials will be delivered. This allows us to provide an accurate freight estimate.

Beyond the ZIP code, describe the site access. Is it a residential street with easy access for a large truck? Are there any restrictions, such as narrow roads, low bridges, or limited turning radius? Will the delivery truck need to navigate a steep driveway or unpaved road? Knowing these details upfront helps us plan for appropriate delivery vehicles and avoid potential issues on arrival.

Consider where the materials can be safely offloaded and stored. Is there sufficient space on-site, or will a specific drop-off point be required? Providing these logistical details helps ensure a smooth and efficient delivery process.

Outline Your Project Timeline and Quantity Needs

Understanding your project timeline helps us assess material availability and plan for milling and delivery schedules. Indicate your target date for needing the materials on-site. If your project has flexibility, mention that. If it's a tight deadline, communicate that clearly.

Beyond the initial dimensions, consider if you need any extra material for waste, future repairs, or unexpected cuts. A common practice is to add 5-10% to your calculated quantity to account for these factors. Be explicit about the total quantity you wish to purchase, stating whether it includes this waste factor.

For example, if your calculations show you need 500 linear feet of siding, you might request a quote for 550 linear feet to cover potential waste. This helps prevent delays if you run short during installation.

Worked Example: Requesting a Quote for a Small Accent Wall

Let's say you're planning an exterior accent wall for a covered patio. The wall measures 12 feet wide by 8 feet tall. You've decided on a thermally modified Ayous, Tongue & Groove profile, with a 5.5-inch face width.

Here's what your quote request could look like:

**Project:** Covered Patio Accent Wall

**Location:** [Your Project ZIP Code]

**Dimensions:** One wall section, 12 feet wide x 8 feet tall. Total area: 96 square feet. (No openings to deduct).

**Material:** Thermally modified Ayous

**Profile:** Tongue & Groove, 5.5-inch face width (approximately 6-inch overall width).

**Quantity:** Based on 96 sq ft, and assuming a 5.5-inch face width, this translates to roughly 210 linear feet. Adding 10% for waste, requesting 231 linear feet. (Note: Always confirm specific board lengths available to optimize cuts and minimize waste.)

**Desired Delivery:** Within the next 4-6 weeks.

**Site Access:** Residential street, easy access for standard delivery truck. Driveway can accommodate offloading. Storage space is available on the side of the house.

This level of detail provides Lumber Plus with all the necessary information to generate an accurate quote, including material costs, milling specifics, and delivery logistics.

Complementary products you might consider for a complete project include:

Thermally Modified Wood: [/thermally-modified-wood]

Maximo Accoya: [/products/maximo-accoya]

Norx Composite Cladding: [/brands/norx]

Before you order

• Total linear footage or square footage for each wall section?
• Gross area or net area (with openings deducted)?
• Specific siding/cladding profile (e.g., Tongue & Groove, Shiplap, custom)?
• Desired face width and overall dimensions of the profile?
• Material species or type (e.g., Thermally Modified Ayous, Ipe, Norx Composite)?
• Full project ZIP code for delivery?
• Description of site access for delivery (e.g., street width, driveway type, obstacles)?
• Target delivery date or project timeline?
• Total quantity requested, including any waste factor?
• Any special milling or finishing requests?

Confirm installation details, approved uses and warranty terms in the current instructions for the exact product and profile. Your installer should verify the substrate, structure and applicable project requirements.

Questions to help you decide

Keep planning your project