How Much to Paint a House in Edmonton? Average Exterior Paint Cost and 1,000 Sq Ft Breakdown
Edmonton homeowners ask about paint cost for two reasons. First, exterior paint is the most visible part of a home’s curb appeal. Second, our freeze-thaw cycles punish siding, trim, and caulking every year. A good paint job looks clean on day one and holds up through spring melt and January cold snaps. This article explains real pricing in Edmonton, what drives it up or down, and how a 1,000 sq ft house compares to larger homes. It uses clear numbers, local examples, and practical advice from crews who spray and back-brush in this climate. If timing is right and scope is clear, Depend Exteriors can price and complete exterior house painting in Edmonton with minimal disruption and zero surprises.
What Edmonton Homeowners Pay on Average
For a typical single-family home in Edmonton, full exterior house painting usually ranges from $3,500 to $10,500. Most fall between $5,500 and $8,000. That includes siding, fascia, soffits (if paintable), trims, and door frames, plus spot-priming, minor repairs, and two finish coats. Brick and stucco cost differently than vinyl or fiber cement siding. Tall houses and complicated roofs need more set-up time and often a boom or additional staging.
A tight two-storey with detailed trim might land at $9,000 because of the labour hours, even if the square footage is modest. A simple bungalow with smooth Hardie siding might come in at $5,800 because it sprays evenly and the masking time is predictable. Edmonton pricing moves with the season too. Late May to early July books fast, and premium slots carry a higher opportunity cost than late August or early September.
Cost Drivers That Matter in Edmonton
Surface type sets the baseline. Stucco soaks paint and needs careful crack repair. Old wood can cup or check and often needs oil-based primer on bare spots. Vinyl cannot change to a darker colour that exceeds the manufacturer’s heat gain allowance. Aluminum needs a proper clean and adhesion primer if chalking is heavy. Each surface adds or removes hours and materials.
Height and access shift costs as much as surface type. A two-and-a-half storey in Westmount with steep gables means more ladder moves and tie-offs. A hill in the backyard can block ladder placement. Narrow side yards in mature neighbourhoods like Strathcona complicate staging and add time to reach soffits. Corner lots can be easier on access and faster to mask, which lowers labour.
Condition drives the prep budget. Flaking paint on a 1970s wood trim takes scraping, sanding, and feathering. UV damage on south and west elevations often doubles the prep time compared to the north side. If caulk lines have split or shrunk around window casings, recaulking is needed before paint. That’s pennies per bead but adds up across a whole house.
Colour choice changes labour. A big colour shift, such as brown to off-white, might require an extra prime coat and one more finish coat. Deep colours require uniform priming for even coverage. Accent colours on fascia, window trim, front door, and shutters introduce more masking cuts and brush work. A single-colour scheme is cheaper than a three-colour design with contrasting trim and doors.
Weather windows and schedule also impact price. Edmonton painters build around dew points, wind, and rain risk. Cold nights in May and September can slow cure times. Crews may stage the project differently to hit sunlit walls at the right time. That scheduling discipline protects the finish but can stretch the calendar.
1,000 Sq Ft Example: A Realistic Breakdown
A 1,000 sq ft bungalow in Mill Woods with painted fiber cement siding and wood trim provides a good benchmark. Assume standard lot access, no major rot, and a moderate colour change within the same tone family.
Scope:
- Power wash, light detergent clean, and rinse.
- Mask windows, doors, fixtures, and soft landscaping.
- Scrape and sand loose trim paint; spot-prime bare wood.
- Caulk gaps at trims and penetrations as needed.
- Spray and back-brush two coats on siding; brush and roll two coats on wood trims and fascia.
Labour: Approximately 40 to 60 crew hours depending on detail density. A two-person crew over three to four days is typical.
Material: 12 to 18 gallons of exterior paint and primer combined. Higher build stucco or rough-sawn wood might add a few gallons. Professional-grade acrylic exterior paint runs about $55 to $95 per gallon in Edmonton, depending on brand and contractor pricing. Premium lines like Duration or Aura can go higher; mid-tier contractor lines cost less and still perform well on clean, primed surfaces.
Equipment and overhead: Plastic, paper, tape, masking film, sundries, spray tips, filters, rollers, brushes, plus ladders and safety gear. This is a small slice of the total but necessary to do clean edges and protect windows, shingles, and hardscapes.
Estimated total: $3,800 to $5,800 for the full exterior on this 1,000 sq ft bungalow, assuming moderate prep and two colours. Add $250 to $500 for a bold colour shift that needs extra priming. Add $200 to $600 if there is extensive recaulking. If the front door and garage door get premium enamel with a separate colour, add $300 to $700 depending on prep and finish.
How Pricing Scales for Larger Homes
For a 1,600 to 2,000 sq ft two-storey in Terwillegar or Lewis Estates with composite or vinyl siding and wood trim, pricing typically ranges from $6,500 to $9,500. The added height increases ladder moves and safety time. Window count rises, which increases masking. If the home has lots of peaks, frieze boards, and dentil moulding, those trims add significant brush hours.
For stucco homes of the same size, expect $6,800 to $10,500 depending on hairline crack repair, elastomeric patching, and how thirsty the stucco is. Stucco often benefits from an elastomeric topcoat or a high-build acrylic. These coatings give better bridging over fine cracks and resist UV chalking, but they cost more per gallon and take longer to apply.
Edmonton Climate and Paint Selection
Hot sun on the south and west sides and freeze-thaw cycles demand flexible, UV-resistant coatings. Depend Exteriors High-quality 100 percent acrylics stick to a wider range of surfaces and stay flexible. Oil-based primers are useful on weathered wood where tannin bleed or resinous knots are possible. For stucco, breathable acrylic coatings handle moisture vapor better. Dark vinyl needs specialized vinyl-safe colours to avoid warping.
Painters in Edmonton look closely at dew point and overnight lows. If paint dries too slowly, dirt and pollen imprint. If it flashes dry in hot sun, lap marks can appear. Crews schedule the sunny walls earlier or later depending on the day’s heat and wind. This planning is as important as the product.
Prep Is Where Jobs Win or Fail
Most failures trace to prep. Chalking on aged paint reduces adhesion. A simple hose rinse does not remove embedded dust and oxidized pigments. Good cleaning uses a low-pressure wash with a mild detergent, scrub pads where needed, and a thorough rinse. Delicate surfaces or older vinyl get gentle treatment to avoid forced water behind siding.
Gaps around windows and doors welcome water. Caulk should be paintable and flexible. Painters cut out brittle bead and apply new lines with clean corners, not smeared over old silicone that paint cannot bond to. Bare wood needs spot-priming. Rusted nail heads on fascia and trims need spot treatment with a rust-inhibiting primer before finish coats.
Two Coats, Back-Brushing, and Why It Matters
On rough or porous surfaces, spray-only can leave shallow coverage on the ridges while valleys stay thin. Back-brushing or back-rolling works paint into the profile for better film build. On cedar, this helps seal grain and extend the life of the coating. On stucco, back-rolling fills pinholes and smooths texture. Two finish coats give uniformity, especially on colour shifts and sun-faded elevations.
Common Add-Ons That Affect Price
Front doors and garage doors often use higher-sheen enamel that looks sharp and resists hand oils and tire scuffs. This takes more care and time. Metal railings and exterior stairs need rust prep and a different coating. Pergolas or privacy screens are labour-heavy due to angles and spindles. Detached garages can add $800 to $1,800 depending on size and condition. These items are worth discussing early so the quote matches your scope.
What Homeowners Can Do to Keep Costs Down
Small choices keep a project on schedule and within budget. Clear vehicles and outdoor furniture away from walls. Trim shrubs that touch the siding. Confirm colours before the crew arrives, including sheen selection. If there is a condo board or community guideline, secure approvals early. A tidy site and fast decisions help painters spend time on craftsmanship, not logistics.
How Long Exterior Paint Lasts in Edmonton
Quality jobs on siding and trim usually last 7 to 10 years before the next refresh. South and west exposures might need earlier touch-ups on trims. Stucco often holds colour longer if the coating is high-build and light in tone. Dark colours show fade and dust sooner, especially near roads. Changing wind patterns near the Henday can load dust on one side of a home; clean and light maintenance keep the finish fresher.
Warranties and What They Mean
A one to three-year workmanship warranty is common for exterior house painting in Edmonton. It covers peeling and adhesion failures due to prep or application, not physical damage or substrate rot. Product warranties vary by brand and usually cover defects, not labour. Read the fine print. Depend Exteriors lists what is covered and what isn’t in plain language, including how to request a touch-up if something fails.
Paint Brands, Sheens, and Real-World Choices
Homeowners often ask for the “best” paint. In practice, the best paint is the one matched to the substrate and conditions. On smooth fiber cement or engineered wood, a premium acrylic with a satin sheen strikes a balance between washability and lap hide. On stucco, a flat or low-sheen acrylic hides texture variation and reduces roller flashing in strong sun. On metal doors and railings, a durable urethane-modified acrylic holds up to Edmonton’s freeze-thaw.
Sheen selection matters for appearance and durability. Satin sheds dust and water better than flat but can show brush marks on tricky trims. Flat hides surface defects but chalks faster under UV. Semi-gloss on a front door looks crisp and is easier to wipe. Painters will test a small spot if there is any concern about lap marks or colour shift under changing light.
Permits, Lead Paint, and Safety
Most exterior painting in Edmonton does not require permits. Homes built before 1990 may have lead on old trim layers. If sanding reveals suspect layers, safe practices reduce dust spread. Professional crews use dust extraction and containment. If a full lead-safe protocol is needed, that can raise costs due to specialized PPE, cleanup, and disposal standards. Discuss this early if your home predates the 1980s.
How Quotes Are Built
A solid quote lists surfaces, prep level, product line, number of coats, and what is included or excluded. It also notes height access, expected timeline, start window, and payment schedule. Clear scope prevents scope creep. If a surprise appears, like rotten fascia under a gutter, a written change order with photos keeps trust intact. Good contractors are transparent about how an extra two hours for a tricky gable or an extra gallon for a thirsty wall changes the bill.
Seasonal Timing in Edmonton
Prime painting months are late May through early September. April and October can work, but crews watch overnight lows and daytime humidity. Booking early in spring secures better dates and sometimes better pricing. After Canada Day, schedules tighten. A fall slot can still be fine if daytime highs sit above 10°C with low wind, and nights don’t drop too close to the dew point.
Quick Comparison: Stucco vs. Siding Costs
- Stucco: More product, careful crack repair, and often back-rolling. Expect higher material use and moderate labour.
- Wood siding and trim: Prep-heavy with sanding, spot-priming, and grain sealing. Labour is the driver.
- Vinyl and aluminum: Thorough cleaning, careful colour selection for vinyl-safe ranges, and adhesion focus for aluminum. Usually faster than wood, slower than perfect Hardie.
- Fiber cement: Smooth and efficient to spray and back-brush. Predictable coverage and clean edges, often mid-range cost.
- Brick and masonry accents: Usually stain or masonry paint; often add-on pricing for lintels and sills.
Red Flags and How to Avoid Repaints That Fail
Watch for quotes that skip washing or list “one coat” as a standard. A single pass rarely holds up on aged surfaces or sun-faded colours. Be wary of bids that are far below average without a reasoned explanation. The cost of masking and two coats alone sets a floor that honest contractors cannot go under. Ask about product, coats, and prep steps. A five-minute conversation saves a five-figure repaint down the road.
What Depend Exteriors Brings to Exterior House Painting in Edmonton
Depend Exteriors works on stucco, siding, and trims across Edmonton, St. Albert, Sherwood Park, and Spruce Grove. The crews plan jobs around weather, use products that fit the substrate, and keep masking neat to protect windows, shingles, and landscaping. Quotes are specific. Photos document prep and repairs. The office team communicates start dates and day-by-day progress so there are no surprises.
Clients appreciate clean edges, correct sheens, and tidy sites at day’s end. If a storm rolls in, the team pauses rather than push through conditions that could damage the finish. That restraint saves repaint costs and protects your siding.
Getting an Accurate Price for Your Home
Photos help, but an on-site visit is better. Depend Exteriors checks access, measures elevations, tests for chalking, and reviews colour options. The estimator will note tricky gables, fencing that blocks ladders, or shrubs that need trimming. Expect a written scope with line items for siding, trims, doors, and any add-ons such as railings or detached garages.
A 15-minute curbside look often misses the small things that add hours. A thorough walk-around sets a fair price and a realistic schedule. If the goal is speed for a listing, that can be arranged. If the priority is maximum longevity, product and prep levels can be adjusted. Either approach should be clear in writing.
Ready to Price Your Project?
If you are planning exterior house painting in Edmonton or nearby communities, request a quote from Depend Exteriors. Share your address, siding type, preferred colours, and any deadlines. The team will schedule a site visit, confirm scope, and provide a fixed price with a start window that fits your calendar. Quality prep, the right coating, and careful scheduling deliver results that withstand Edmonton weather and keep the home looking sharp for years.
Depend Exteriors provides stucco repair and exterior masonry services in Edmonton, AB. Homeowners and businesses trust our team for stucco installation, repair, and replacement across a range of property types. As experienced Edmonton stucco contractors, we focus on durable finishes, reliable timelines, and clear communication with every client. Whether you need minor stucco patching, complete exterior resurfacing, or full stucco replacement, we deliver results that add value and protection to your property. Licensed and bonded, we stand behind our work and complete projects on schedule with attention to detail. If you are searching for stucco contractors near me in Edmonton, Depend Exteriors is ready to help. Depend Exteriors
8615 176 St NW Phone: (780) 710-3972 Website: https://dependexteriors.com Social Media:
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Edmonton,
AB
T5T 0M7,
Canada