How Much Does Metal Siding Cost? [2024 Data]

Normal range: $3,629 - $17,908

Expect to spend about $10,768 on metal siding. Budget-friendly options are available from $1 to $3 per square foot, though more expensive materials, such as copper, can cost as much as $35 per square foot.

How we get this data
Modern house with black metal siding
Photo: SYARGEENKA / Adobe Stock
Mitchell Grant
Written by Mitchell Grant
Contributing Writer
Updated December 18, 2023
Modern house with black metal siding
Photo: SYARGEENKA / Adobe Stock

If your home's siding is past its prime, metal siding is probably on your radar. Metal siding costs between $1 to $35 per square foot, and it’s a trend for good reason. Depending on the material you choose, you'll have a house covering that provides decades of stylish durability. From budget-friendly tin at $1 to $3 per square foot to durable copper at $35 per square foot, there’s a metal siding for every home.

See the price range for metal siding in
your area
How we get this data
Normal range for U.S.
$3,629 - $17,908
  • Average
  • $10,768
  • Low end
  • $320
  • high end
  • $40,000
LOWHIGH

Metal Siding Cost Factors

A variety of factors affect the cost to install metal siding panels. We explore the major ones below.

Material Type

Metal siding for homes is made from a variety of different metals that vary in durability and cost. Higher-end metals tend to cost more, but are also generally more resistant to scratches, dents, rust, and corrosion. The table below breaks down siding costs by type of metal.

Metal Siding TypeCost Per Square FootTypical Lifespan
Tin$1 – $315 years
Aluminum$3 – $1850 years
Steel$4 – $1650 years
Zinc$15 – $2580 – 100 years
Copper$20 – $35100+ years

Most steel siding costs $4 to $8 per square foot installed. However, there are a few specific types of steel siding that differ in price.

  • "Log" style steel used to create popular cabin looks costs around $5 per square foot.

  • Corrugated metal siding prices are usually $5–$8 per square foot.

  • Seamless steel panels with concealed fasteners cost up to $16 per square foot.

Thickness or Gauge

Gauge refers to the thickness of a piece of metal. Lower numbers indicate a heavier gauge or thicker metal. Metal siding ranges from 22- to 29-gauge, although 24-gauge and 26-gauge are most common for home use. A heavier gauge will cost more than a lighter gauge. However, while you can save with a lighter gauge, going lighter than 26-gauge is not recommended.

Size of Home

Metal siding typically costs $1 to $35 per square foot to install. A larger home or a project that covers more square footage will require more materials, bringing up your total project cost. However, due to minimum labor and delivery costs, your total cost per square foot may double or triple if your home or project requires less than 500 square feet of metal siding material.

Siding MaterialHome Size in Square FeetAverage Price
Steel800 $3,200–$12,800
Steel1400$5,600–$22,400
Steel2000$8,000–$32,000
Steel2400$9,600–$38,400
Steel3000$12,000–$48,000
Aluminum800$2,400–$14,400
Aluminum1400$4,200–$25,200
Aluminum2000$6,000–$36,000
Aluminum2400$7,200–$43,200
Aluminum3000$9,000–$54,000

Labor

Installation labor for metal siding accounts for about 30% to 60% of your total metal siding installation costs. Expect to pay more for labor if your home's siding is difficult to access or if you live in a remote area.

Panel Profile

Visual comparison of metal siding exposed and concealed fastener panels, with concealed having no visible fastener heads
Photos: Tuomas A. Lehtinen / Moment / Getty, shunli zhao / Moment / Getty Images

Metal siding is available in various shapes, or panel profiles. Each offers a different aesthetic. The two main groups are exposed fastener panels and concealed fastener panels.

Concealed fastener panels, such as the flush wall panel or wave panel, are gaining popularity thanks to the clean, modern look they create with hidden fasteners. However, they're more difficult to install than exposed fastener panels and are twice as expensive.

Insulated vs. Non-Insulated Panels

Choosing between insulated or non-insulated panels will come down to whether or not the structure requires insulation, or if there is existing insulation already in place. There are pros and cons to both:  

  • Insulated panels: Significantly more expensive than non-insulated, but can lower the overall cost of the project if insulation is required (vs. installing separate insulation underneath the panels). Over time, the energy savings can offset its cost. 

  • Non-insulated panels: Lighter, simpler, and cheaper than insulated. It is preferred if there is existing insulation already in place, or as a temporary siding option if insulation is unavailable or the structure will be altered further. 

Assuming the underlying structure is prepped for paneling, there won’t be a large difference in cost during installation. Almost all of the increase will be due to material costs and, if you’re purchasing yourself, transport costs—insulated panels weigh more. 

Finish

There are a variety of finish options for metal siding. Siding for residential homes is often finished to protect against corrosion, then painted to add color. PVDF paint offers better durability and longer-lasting vibrant colors than SMP paint, but it also costs 15% to 35% more. Galvanized metal provides a bright, shiny finish and corrosion protection without paint.

The table below breaks down siding costs by finish type.

Finish TypeCost Per Square Foot
Galvanized Metal Finish (26-gauge)$1.50 – $2
Galvanized Metal Finish (24-gauge)$2.50 – $3
SMP Paint Finish$2 – $2.50
PVDF Paint Finish (Standard Colors)$2.50 – $3
PVDF Paint Finish (Specialty Colors)$3.75 – $4.25
PVDF Paint Finish (Aluminum)$3.50 – $6.50

Accessories

A complete metal siding installation requires certain accessories, including fasteners and trim. The amount you'll need to purchase will vary depending on the size of your project.

  • Metal siding fasteners: $0.10–$0.15 each

  • Trim for exposed fastener panels: $1–$2.50 per linear foot

  • Trim for concealed fastener panels: $2–$5 per linear foot

Existing Siding Removal

Detail of a modern house with metal siding
Photo: U. J. Alexander / Adobe Stock

If you're installing metal siding on an existing home with wood siding, you'll need to consider whether or not to replace the existing siding first. Wood siding in good condition can be used as a substrate for metal siding and doesn't require removal. However, removal is necessary if you notice any of the following signs of a water leak:

  • Warped or rotting wood

  • Loose panels

  • Paint or wallpaper peeling inside your home

  • Mold

Your contractor will help you evaluate the condition of your existing siding and recommend the best course of action. Removing your old siding will add approximately $1 per square foot to your total project cost.

Installing Metal Siding Yourself vs. Hiring a Pro

You can save a large percentage on labor costs by installing metal siding yourself, but that doesn’t mean you should. Only attempt a DIY installation if you have the knowledge and experience, which in this case means you’ve previously been a roofer, siding installation pro, or maybe a steelworker. 

Metal siding is heavy, and a mistake during installation could lead to serious damage down the road. We don’t recommend this project as a DIY adventure, there are just too many things that could go wrong that have the potential to create significant problems. 

Hiring a pro can ensure a quality installation and minimize future maintenance costs. The typical range to hire a metal siding contractor for your installation project is $4,500 to $18,500

How You Can Save Money on Metal Siding

You have control over the price you pay for metal siding when it comes to the material quality you choose. The upfront cost of aluminum siding or steel is less than that of high-end materials like copper or zinc. These mid-range metals may be good options if you plan to sell your home in the short term.

You can find out exactly how much your metal siding project will cost by gathering quotes from contractors or material providers. Once you've decided which materials you want to use, you may be able to save money by purchasing directly from metal manufacturers.

How Angi Gets Its Cost Data

Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We survey real Angi customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects. 

Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to costquotes@angi.com. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Metal siding may come with a higher up-front cost than other siding materials, but many homeowners find this cost worth it. Metal siding is one of the best house siding options to boost curb appeal. Its durability is unmatched, and it has one of the highest average returns on investment (ROI) of any siding material at 86%.

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Learn more about our contributor
Mitchell Grant
Written by Mitchell Grant
Contributing Writer
Mitchell loves to share his passion for hands-on work at home. His current writing can be found on Investopedia, Citigroup, LendingTree, and more where he provides financial tips on saving, buying, and investing in homes.
Mitchell loves to share his passion for hands-on work at home. His current writing can be found on Investopedia, Citigroup, LendingTree, and more where he provides financial tips on saving, buying, and investing in homes.
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