A new coat of exterior paint does more than simply refresh your home’s appearance. It protects it from the weather, raises its value, and gives you a sense of pride when you pull into the driveway. But the question almost every homeowner in Brentwood, TN asks first is: how much does it cost to paint the exterior of a house?
The short answer is it depends on your home’s size, siding type, and the quality of paint you choose. Let’s break it down so you can understand what goes into the cost and what to expect before starting your next exterior painting project.
Key Takeaways:
- The average cost to paint the exterior of a house ranges from $3,000 to $5,500, depending on home size and materials.
- Siding type, paint quality, prep work, and number of stories are the biggest cost factors for exterior painting.
- Premium exterior paint types last longer and protect better against Tennessee’s humidity and heat.
- Proper prep work, including cleaning, caulking, and primer application, ensures long-lasting adhesion and color durability.
Average Exterior Painting Costs
The average cost to paint the exterior typically ranges between $3,000 and $5,500. Smaller, single-story homes may fall around the $2,500 mark, while larger or more detailed properties can reach $7,000 or more.
On average, homeowners spend about $1.50 to $4 per square foot for professional painting, which includes labor, materials, and prep work.
| Home Type | Average Paintable Area | Estimated Cost | Cost Per Sq. Ft. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small one-story (vinyl or aluminum) | 1,400–1,800 sq. ft. | $2,800 – $4,500 | $1.50 – $2.50 |
| Two-story wood home | 2,000–2,800 sq. ft. | $5,000 – $7,000 | $2.50 – $3.50 |
| Brick or stucco mix | 3,000+ sq. ft. | $7,000 – $10,500 | $3.00 – $4.00 |
Note: These are national averages. Actual exterior pricing may vary depending on the complexity of your home, paint type, and local labor rates. Get a quote from trusted professional exterior painters in your area for the most accurate estimate.
What Affects The Cost Of Painting Your Home’s Exterior?
Every home is different, which is why the price of how much it costs to paint the exterior of a house can vary so much. Here are the main factors that impact pricing in Brentwood.
Home Size And Shape
The larger your home, the more materials and time are required. But square footage isn’t the only thing that matters. Unique layouts, rooflines, dormers, or wraparound porches increase complexity and time on the job.
Siding Material
The type of siding makes a big difference in how paint adheres and how much prep work is needed.
- Vinyl and wood siding are easier to paint and cost less.
- Brick and stucco require more prep and primer because they absorb more paint.
- Concrete and masonry surfaces may need specialized coatings for better adhesion.
Choosing the right exterior paint types is important. They determine how long your finish will last and how resistant it will be to cracking or mildew.
Paint Quality And Finish
High-quality paint often costs more upfront, but it saves you money down the road. Premium products, like those from Sherwin Williams exterior paint types, are designed to handle the Tennessee humidity, UV rays, and temperature shifts. Finishes like satin or eggshell offer a smooth look while resisting mildew and dirt buildup.
Using an online paint color visualizer can help you see how your new color scheme looks before buying gallons of paint. It’s an easy way to make sure you’ll love the final result.
Prep Work And Repairs
Surface prep is where professional painters spend the most time. Peeling paint, cracks, or damaged siding all need to be fixed before applying a new coat. Cleaning, sanding, priming, and caulking add to the total cost but make all the difference in how long the finish will last. A proper primer improves paint adhesion and ensures even coverage.
Number Of Stories And Accessibility
Higher homes are more expensive to paint because of safety equipment and extra labor time. A second or third story could add up to 50% more cost due to the use of scaffolding or lifts.
Labor Costs And What’s Included
In Brentwood, most painters charge between $1.50 and $3.50 per square foot for labor. That usually includes:
- Prepping and cleaning surfaces
- Caulking cracks and seams
- Applying primer and two coats of exterior paint
- Touch-ups and cleanup after the project
Professional crews often finish a standard two-story home within 4–6 days, depending on weather and prep work required. Larger or more intricate homes can take a week or more.
Common Painting Mistakes That Raise Costs Later
Some try to cut corners by skipping prep work or using cheaper paint, but that approach always costs more in the long run. Common mistakes include applying paint over dirty or peeling surfaces, ignoring primer, or painting under poor weather conditions.
If you want your new paint job to last, take a look at our post about painting mistakes — it explains which shortcuts lead to early fading, chipping, or water damage. A few hours of prep can extend your paint life by several years.
How Long Does Exterior Paint Last?
Most exterior paint jobs last 7 to 10 years, depending on the type of paint, the surface it’s applied to, and the exposure to sunlight or moisture.
Wood siding might need repainting sooner, while brick or concrete can hold up longer. Local weather plays a big role too — Tennessee’s mix of heat, humidity, and rain can shorten the lifespan of lower-quality paint.
If you’re not sure when to repaint, check out our article on how long does paint last for more detailed insights on paint durability and maintenance tips.
So, How Much Does It Cost To Paint The Exterior Of A House?
Understanding how much it costs to paint the exterior of a house helps you plan better and avoid surprises. Most homeowners spend around $3,000 to $5,500, depending on home size, paint quality, and prep needs. While price matters, long-term value comes from doing the job right the first time with high-quality products and proper preparation.
Here’s how Marlin Painting & Remodeling can help you get started:
- Free, no-obligation quotes
- Transparent pricing and clear communication
- Expert guidance on colors, coatings, and finishes
- Dedicated local team that treats your home like their own
Call us today at 615-552-7680 for a FREE estimate, and let’s give your home a finish that lasts for years to come.
