How much does metal siding cost?
How much does metal siding cost?
$7 – $16 cost per square foot installed (steel siding)
$6 – $10 cost per square foot installed (aluminum siding)
$14,000 – $32,000 average total cost installed (2,000 SF house)
Metal siding cost by house size
Metal siding costs $7 to $16 per square foot installed for steel or $6 to $10 per square foot installed for aluminum. Steel siding costs $14,000 to $32,000 on average for a 2,000 SF house. Metal siding prices vary by the metal type, thickness, finish, and fastener-panel design.
| Home size (square feet) | Average cost installed (steel) | Average cost installed (aluminum) |
|---|---|---|
| 900 | $6,300 – $14,400 | $5,400 – $9,000 |
| 1,000 | $7,000 – $16,000 | $6,000 – $10,000 |
| 1,200 | $8,400 – $19,200 | $7,200 – $12,000 |
| 1,500 | $10,500 – $24,000 | $9,000 – $15,000 |
| 1,800 | $12,600 – $28,800 | $10,800 – $18,000 |
| 2,000 | $14,000 – $32,000 | $12,000 – $20,000 |
| 2,500 | $17,500 – $40,000 | $15,000 – $25,000 |
| 3,000 | $21,000 – $48,000 | $18,000 – $30,000 |
| 3,500 | $24,500 – $56,000 | $21,000 – $35,000 |
| 4,000 | $28,000 – $64,000 | $24,000 – $40,000 |
Average cost to install metal siding
The following table shows the average cost to install galvanized metal siding on a 2,000-square-foot house.
| National average cost | $23,000 |
| Minimum cost | $8,000 |
| Maximum cost | $48,000 |
| Average range | $14,000 to $32,000 |
*Cost data is from research and project costs reported by HomeGuide members.
Metal siding prices by type
Steel and aluminum are the most popular metal siding types for both residential and commercial use. Galvanized steel siding is more expensive but more long-lasting than aluminum.
| Metal siding type | Cost per square foot installed |
|---|---|
| Aluminum (corrugated panels) | $4 – $7 |
| Aluminum (smooth boards) | $6 – $10 |
| Steel (exposed fastener panels) | $7 – $12 |
| Steel (concealed fastener panels) | $10 – $16 |
| Copper | $30 – $45 |
| Tin | $2 – $5 |
| Zinc | $25 – $40 |
Metal siding installation cost factors
Labor makes up 30% to 60% of the total cost to install metal siding, while materials, fasteners, and other supplies make up the remaining 40% to 70%.
| Factor | Cost per square foot (steel) | Cost per square foot (aluminum) |
|---|---|---|
| Materials & supplies | $4 – $6 | $3 – $4 |
| Labor | $3 – $10 | $3 – $6 |
| Total installed cost | $7 – $16 | $6 – $10 |
Other cost factors include:
Home size & design – Larger homes require more materials and labor, increasing costs. Labor costs are highest for multi-story homes with complex angles and architectural features.
Concealed vs. exposed fastener panels – Concealed fastener panels cost 35% to 45% more than exposed fastener panels but are more waterproof, temperature-resistant, and weather-resistant. Concealed fastener panels—also called standing seam panels—provide the look most homeowners envision when thinking of metal siding.
Metal thickness or gauge – Most metal siding is 24 or 26 gauge, as lighter gauges are too thin for home applications. Thicker 24-gauge metal siding costs 30% to 40% more than 26-gauge siding.
Trim – New trim adds $1 to $5 per linear foot, depending on if you're installing exposed fastener panels or concealed fastener panels.
Insulation siding – Insulated metal siding panels cost $1 to $2 per square foot more than uninsulated panels. Adding separate insulation costs $1.00 to $4.50 per square foot, depending on the material, type, and R-value.
Metal siding paint-finish options
Most residential steel siding has a Galvalume finish to protect it from scratches, rust, and corrosion, followed by a paint finish to add color. Panels with PVDF paint finish costs 15% to 40% more than panels with SMP paint finish, but the color will remain vibrant for much longer.
Unpainted galvanized metal siding has a bright, shiny finish and is typically only used for commercial and agricultural buildings.
Labor cost to install metal siding
The labor cost to install metal siding is $3 to $10 per square foot, depending on if it's aluminum or steel, the panel type, and your home's size and architectural features. Labor costs are typically 40% to 50% higher to install concealed fastener panels than exposed fastener panels.
Old siding removal costs $0.70 to $2.00 per square foot extra. When getting quotes for siding replacement, confirm your estimate includes removal and disposal fees.
Metal siding cost vs. other siding types
The average cost of siding replacement is $4 to $13 per square foot, depending on the material. Metal siding prices are comparable to other mid-range siding options. Metal siding costs more than vinyl siding but is more durable and lasts up to four times longer.
| Material | Cost per square foot installed | Average total cost (2,000 SF house) |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminum siding cost | $6 – $10 | $12,000 – $20,000 |
| Steel siding | $7 – $16 | $14,000 – $32,000 |
| Brick siding cost | $8 – $18 | $16,000 – $36,000 |
| Cedar shake siding cost | $7 – $16 | $14,000 – $32,000 |
| Engineered wood siding | $7 – $13 | $14,000 – $26,000 |
| Fiber cement siding cost | $6 – $15 | $12,000 – $30,000 |
| Log siding cost | $5 – $15 | $10,000 – $32,000 |
| Stone siding cost | $10 – $45 | $20,000 – $90,000 |
| Stucco cost | $7 – $17 | $14,000 – $34,000 |
| Vinyl siding cost | $4 – $12 | $8,000 – $24,000 |
Metal siding pros & cons
Advantages of metal siding include how it resists fire, insects, and weather damage while lasting longer than other siding options in its price range. However, disadvantages include corrosion and matching the color when repairing small sections of metal siding later.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
|
Metal siding FAQs
Is metal siding worth it?
Metal siding is worth it if you like the look of the material and it is within your budget. Metal siding is one of the most durable siding options and provides a return on investment (ROI) of 85% to 90%, depending on your location.
Metal siding provides the highest return on investment in areas with heavy windstorms, wildfires, or harsh winters.
How long does metal siding last?
Metal siding lasts 40 to 70+ years with proper care and maintenance, depending on the climate and weather exposure. Manufacturer warranties range from 40 years to limited lifetime guarantees.
What is the difference between aluminum and steel siding?
Though aluminum and steel siding look similar, there are some differences to be aware of:
Aluminum siding is durable, fire-resistant, insect-proof, and recyclable. The material is lighter and costs less than steel. However, aluminum is prone to scratches, dents, and fading.
Steel siding is also fire-resistant, insect-resistant, and recyclable but comes in more colors and outlasts aluminum. Steel costs more but provides a higher return on investment (ROI).
Can you paint metal siding?
Yes, you can paint metal siding. The average cost to paint metal siding is $1 to $4 per square foot of surface area. However, new metal siding typically comes with a painted finish designed to resist fading and chipping.
Is metal siding fireproof?
Metal siding is the most fire-resistant siding material available. Steel and aluminum are non-combustible and will not ignite. However, aluminum siding may warp or buckle in high heat, exposing the home's insulation and wood framing to the fire.
Does metal siding make your house hotter?
No, metal siding will not make your house hotter if properly installed and insulated. Metal siding doesn't trap heat in your home and may keep the interior temperature cooler because it reflects the sun's UV rays.
Getting estimates from metal siding installers
Before hiring a professional metal siding installer near you, be sure to:
Get at least 3 onsite estimates with similar siding quality to compare.
Choose licensed, bonded, and insured companies.
Read siding company reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Review their portfolio of past projects.
Ask for local references with contact information.
Confirm the estimate includes old siding removal and disposal.
Never pay in full before the work begins. Follow a payment schedule for work completed and get receipts.
Questions to ask
Ask these important questions when evaluating metal siding companies:
How many metal siding jobs have you done in the past year?
Can I see photos of your past work?
Which metal siding material and style do you recommend for my home, and why?
Can you provide references with contact information?
How long will the metal siding last?
Does the bid include old siding removal and disposal? If not, how much extra will that cost?
What other potential costs may come up during the project?
How long will the project take?
Do you handle the cleanup?
How long is the warranty, and what does it cover?