Exterior Painting in Toronto — Protect & Beautify Your Home

Answer: The cost can vary, but you can expect to pay roughly $2.25–$4 CAD per square foot for professional exterior painting in Toronto. An average Toronto home (about 1,500–2,000 sq ft) costs around $3,000–$7,000 CAD (plus HST) for a full repaint. This would cover typical work like prepping surfaces, priming, and applying two coats of quality exterior paint. Remember that extremely small or large projects will fall outside this range (see next question), but most typical house exteriors in the GTA will land somewhere in this cost bracket. Always get a detailed quote, as prices fluctuate with paint quality, season, and the contractor’s rates.

Answer: Painting costs increase with home size. For example, an average small bungalow (800–1,200 sq ft) might cost roughly $2,000–$4,000 + HST. In contrast, a larger two-story detached house (say 2,500–3,500 sq ft) could be $8,000–$10,000 + HST or more. As a rule, the higher the price, the more surface area and complexity (eaves, trim, multiple levels) a home has. In Toronto, a modest semi-detached might be around the mid-point, whereas an expansive three-story home with detailed trim could exceed these ranges. Always factor in not just wall area but also things like the number of windows, gables, and the existing paint’s condition (which can add prep work). These examples give a ballpark idea so you can budget accordingly.

Yes – the type of siding has a significant impact on cost. Different materials require different prep and paint, affecting the price per square foot:

• Aluminum or Vinyl Siding: These are among the cheapest to paint, roughly around $2–$4 CAD per sq ft in Toronto. Vinyl, in particular, is relatively inexpensive to repaint because modern paints adhere well to it and it often needs less primer.

• Wood Siding is typically in a similar range as aluminum (around $2–$4 per sq ft) if the wood is in good shape. However, old peeling wood can require extensive scraping, priming, and caulking, which raises labour time and cost. So, wood can skew higher if a lot of prep or repairs are needed.

• Brick or Masonry: Painting brick is more labour-intensive, so costs are higher, often about $3–$6 CAD per sq ft. Brick and other porous surfaces may need specialty primers and extra coats to get good coverage. (Brick staining, an alternative to painting, is even more costly upfront, though it lasts longer—see the next FAQ.)

In short, smoother materials like vinyl/aluminum are cheapest to paint. At the same time, porous or textured surfaces like brick, stucco, or heavily weathered wood will cost more due to extra preparation and paint needed. Always let your painting contractor know what type of siding you have so they can give an accurate estimate.

For most cases, painting is cheaper upfront than staining the exterior. For example, staining a brick house might cost roughly 15% more than painting it, because the stain products are high-end and the process is more involved. However, that higher upfront cost comes with a benefit: stain penetrates the material and can last decades without peeling, whereas paint sits on the surface and may need reapplication sooner. On the other hand, the material costs differ for wood surfaces like siding or decks: a gallon of exterior paint can cost around $50–$95, while a gallon of stain costs about $50–$75​. So, paint itself is a bit more expensive than stain, but the overall project cost (labour and materials) to paint vs. stain wood is often comparable.

When to choose staining vs painting? Consider longevity and looks: Stains (especially on brick or natural wood) provide a permanent, breathable finish that won’t chip, so although you pay a bit more now, you save on maintenance long-term. Paint is initially cheaper and offers solid colour coverage, but it may peel in a few years on surfaces like wood, meaning you’ll need to scrape and repaint periodically. In summary, painting usually has a lower initial price tag, but staining can be worth the extra cost for the longer-lasting finish. Evaluate your budget versus how long you want the finish to last, and ask your contractor for both options if applicable.

Several key factors can raise or lower the cost of your exterior painting job:

• Home size and height: More square footage or additional stories mean more labour and paint, increasing cost. A complex three-story Victorian will cost more than a simple one-story bungalow.

• Condition of the surfaces (prep work): If your exterior has peeling paint, cracks, or wood rot that needs scraping, sanding, caulking, or repairs before painting, expect higher charges. Proper prep is labour-intensive but essential for a lasting paint job.

• Siding material: As noted above, the material (wood, brick, vinyl, etc.) affects cost. Rough or porous surfaces and detailed trim require more work (often more coats), raising the price. Smooth surfaces or previously painted siding may be quicker and cheaper.

• Quality of paint and number of colours: Premium paints cost more per gallon. Using multiple colours (for trim, accents, etc.) can also increase labour time (with more cutting-in and switching) and thus cost.

• Contractor experience and insurance: Highly rated, experienced painters in Toronto may charge more for their expertise and warranty, but this can be worth it. A very cheap quote could indicate a newcomer or someone cutting corners. Ensure the crew is insured – it’s usually factored into professional pricing.

• Timing/Season: The time of year can have a negligible effect. Summer and early fall are peak exterior painting season in Toronto, so demand is high. While not huge, some contractors may charge a premium for height-of-summer jobs or offer off-season discounts. Also, a rush job or a tight deadline might incur extra costs.

Late spring through early fall (May to October) is ideal. We schedule jobs during dry, mild-weather days — avoiding extreme heat, rain, or high humidity for best results.

Not necessarily. As long as we have access to the work areas and know your preferences, you don’t need to be home during the project. We’ll keep you updated every step of the way.

Pricing depends on the size of your home, the surfaces being painted, and the prep required. On average, exterior painting projects in Toronto range from $2,500 to $10,000+. We offer free, detailed on-site estimates so you know exactly what to expect.

We work on almost all exterior surfaces: siding (vinyl, wood, aluminum), brick, stucco, fences, decks, doors, trim, and more. If you’re unsure, just ask — we’re happy to assess it during the estimate.

Yes! We provide a 2-year warranty on our exterior painting services. Our goal is to give you peace of mind and results that last.