Key takeaways
- Prices shown are starting points and vary by style, quality and colour chosen
- Vinyl: from $1.15/sq ft
- Standard aluminum: from $3.70/sq ft
- Fiber cement: from $4.25/sq ft
- Canexel: from $4.55/sq ft
- Commercial steel: from $4.00/sq ft
- Premium metal: from $7.00/sq ft
- Natural wood (Maibec): from $7.00/sq ft
- Premium aluminum: from $8.00/sq ft
- Labour is always on top of material prices
- Rénoclimat can reimburse up to $3,750 if work includes exterior insulation
- A contractor without an RBQ licence is a financial and legal risk
Before signing anything, you want to know what to expect. That's understandable. Exterior cladding is a major investment.
In this guide we give you real numbers: material prices, labour costs, what drives the bill up or down, and how to read a quote without surprises.
Exterior cladding material prices in Montreal in 2026
Les Entreprises EJA has been installing exterior cladding in Montreal, Laval and the South Shore for 13 years. Here are the per-square-foot material prices for what we install. These are material costs only — labour is additional.
Vinyl — from $1.15/sq ft
The cheapest at purchase. That's why it stays popular. Lightweight, available in many colours, fast installation. The downside: it's the material that lasts the least and ages the worst through our winters.
Standard aluminum — from $3.70/sq ft
Good value for money. Lightweight, no rust, minimal maintenance. Our recommendation for most homeowners who want a durable result without breaking the budget. Learn more about aluminum cladding →
Fiber cement — from $4.25/sq ft
The premium choice for longevity. James Hardie guarantees up to 50 years. Heavier, specialized installation, but the result is exceptional. Discover fiber cement cladding →
Canexel — from $4.55/sq ft
The aesthetic of wood without the upkeep. Made from compressed wood fibres with a protective finish. Very popular on the South Shore and in Laval. Our full Canexel guide breaks down profiles, colours and the warranty. See Canexel cladding →
Commercial steel — from $4.00/sq ft
Solid, modern, highly weather-resistant. Popular for commercial projects, multi-unit buildings and contemporary homes. The range varies by profile: AD300, corrugated steel or profiled steel.
Premium metal — from $7.00/sq ft
Gentek Distinction, Mac Metal, Ideal Roofing Laurentien. The best of residential and high-end commercial. Architectural finishes, long-term warranties, premium look.
Natural wood (Maibec) — from $7.00/sq ft
Beautiful. Cedar, pine, thermally modified wood. But also the most demanding upkeep: painting every 7 to 10 years, rot monitoring, regular treatment. See wood cladding →
Premium aluminum — from $8.00/sq ft
Premium finishes, custom colours, superior thickness. For those who want a distinct architectural look with all the durability of aluminum.
| Material | Material price (from) |
|---|---|
| Vinyl | $1.15/sq ft |
| Standard aluminum | $3.70/sq ft |
| Commercial steel | $4.00/sq ft |
| Fiber cement | $4.25/sq ft |
| Canexel | $4.55/sq ft |
| Premium metal | $7.00/sq ft |
| Natural wood (Maibec) | $7.00/sq ft |
| Premium aluminum | $8.00/sq ft |
Material prices only, excluding labour, demolition, insulation, permits and scaffolding. Source: EJA internal data, 2026.
Labour: what to budget for on top
The material is only part of the price. Labour is often just as much, if not more.
Always included in EJA labour:
- Surface preparation
- Panel and accessory installation (corners, mouldings, soffits if needed)
- Sealant and joints
- Finishing around windows, doors, gutters
- Full site cleanup
- Final inspection with the client
Added depending on the project:
- Demolition of old cladding
- Structural repair if needed
- Exterior insulation installation (Isoclad or equivalent)
- Scaffolding for multi-storey homes or difficult terrain
- City permits (EJA handles the process, cost is passed to the client)
Typical duration: 5 to 10 days for a standard single-family home in Montreal, Laval or the South Shore.
What drives the price up or down
Two houses on the same street can have very different prices. Here are the 7 variables that explain why.
The size of the surface to cover
The larger the surface, the more expensive the project in absolute terms. But the per-square-foot price often drops with size.
Architectural complexity
A rectangular bungalow with no ornamentation: simple project, standard cost. A house with gables, bow windows, columns, nooks: each detail complicates installation and drives up labour hours.
Building access
Ground-floor bungalow with easy access: no scaffolding, lower cost. Two or three-storey home, sloped terrain or blocked access: scaffolding required, higher cost.
Condition of existing cladding
If your old cladding is structurally sound, we can sometimes install on top. If the structure behind is rotten or water-damaged, demolition and repair come first.
Finish and colour chosen
Standard finish: normal price. Custom colour, anodized finish, special-texture material: can add 10 to 20% to the material price.
Season
Spring and summer are the busiest seasons in Montreal. Lead times are longer and prices can be slightly higher. Fall often offers better availability.
Exterior insulation
Adding an insulation layer (which we almost always recommend) increases project cost. But this expense can be partly recovered through Rénoclimat grants (up to $3,750).
How to read an exterior cladding quote
You have quotes in hand. Here's how to read them without getting caught off guard.
A good quote always details these 6 elements separately:
- Materials: which brand? Which exact model? What quantity in sq ft? Price per sq ft? A quote that just says "aluminum cladding: $8,000" with no detail is a red flag.
- Labour: how many hours planned? At what rate? Or a clearly defined flat fee? You need to know what you're paying for the work, separate from the material.
- Demolition: is removal of old cladding included? At what price? Who handles the debris?
- Insulation: if insulation is planned, what type? What thickness? What R-value? Included or extra?
- Permits: who applies? Who pays? At EJA, we handle permits and inform you clearly.
- Warranties: manufacturer warranty on the material and installation warranty.
Don't compare just the total price. Compare what's included. A $12,000 quote that covers everything is often worth more than a $9,000 quote that excludes demolition, insulation and permits.
5 questions to ask every contractor:
- Are you RBQ-licensed? (licence number verifiable at rbq.gouv.qc.ca)
- Do you have liability insurance?
- Who will be on site: your direct employees or subcontractors?
- What is a realistic timeline to start and finish?
- What happens if structural problems are found once work has begun?
Why hire an RBQ-licensed contractor for your exterior cladding
This isn't just a formality. It's real protection for you.
- Competence is verified. To obtain and maintain an RBQ licence, a contractor must demonstrate technical skills.
- Insurance is mandatory. An RBQ contractor must have liability insurance. If something goes wrong during the work, you're covered.
- You have legal recourse. If the work is poorly done or unfinished, you can file a complaint with the RBQ.
- Legal warranty applies. The Building Act provides warranties on work done by a licensed contractor.
- Your Rénoclimat grants are protected. The Rénoclimat program requires work to be done by an RBQ contractor. No licence = no grant.
How to verify in 30 seconds: go to rbq.gouv.qc.ca and enter the licence number or company name.
At EJA, our RBQ licence is valid and current. Emir Hudjic, our project manager, holds a DEP in carpentry, his journeyman card and CNESST training.
Available grants for your exterior cladding in Montreal
Rénoclimat (Government of Quebec)
If your work includes exterior insulation (which we almost always recommend at EJA), the insulation portion may qualify for the Rénoclimat program. The grant can reach up to $3,750 for exterior wall insulation. Requirements: work by an RBQ contractor, pre- and post-evaluation by a certified advisor.
Municipal programs
Some cities like Montreal, Laval and Longueuil offer residential renovation programs with financial assistance. These programs change from year to year. Check with your municipality before starting.
LogiRénov tax credit
Check your project's eligibility for the provincial renovation tax credit. Rules vary depending on the work performed.
We help you navigate these programs during the free consultation.
Your questions about exterior cladding prices, answered
What is the average price of exterior cladding?
It depends on the material and the size of your home. In materials only, budget from $1.15/sq ft for vinyl up to $10/sq ft for premium aluminum. Labour and related costs are on top. Ask EJA for a free quote to get a real number based on your home — call (514) 726-6499.
How do you calculate the price for exterior cladding?
Measure your home's exterior surface in square feet: length × height of each wall, minus openings like windows and doors. Multiply by the per-sq-ft price of the chosen material. Add labour, demolition if needed, insulation and permits. For a precise calculation, nothing beats an on-site visit from a contractor.
Is it cheaper to paint or re-clad a house?
Painting is cheaper in the short term, but it's not a permanent solution. Paint lasts 5 to 10 years depending on the existing material, then you do it again. Over 20 to 30 years, installing new cladding often costs less than repainting repeatedly. And new cladding adds value to your property, unlike paint.
What is the most popular cladding material?
In Quebec, vinyl has historically been the most popular for its accessible price. In recent years, aluminum and Canexel have been gaining significant ground in Montreal and the South Shore. Homeowners increasingly want a material that lasts a long time without maintenance, and aluminum fits that perfectly.
What is the cheapest cladding material?
Vinyl, from $1.15/sq ft in materials. It's the most accessible entry point. That said, it has a shorter lifespan and ages less gracefully than aluminum or Canexel. If budget is tight but you want something that lasts longer, standard aluminum from $3.70/sq ft is often the best compromise.
The price of exterior cladding is rarely a simple number. Don't shop just on price. Shop on total value. An RBQ-licensed contractor who details everything clearly is always worth more than the lowest bid with no guarantee. At EJA, that's how we've worked for 13 years in Montreal, Laval and the South Shore.
