How Much Does Metal Siding Cost? [2024 Data]
Normal range: $3,741 - $18,602
Expect to spend about $11,171 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.
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.
- Average
- $11,171
- Low end
- $400
- high end
- $38,496
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 Type | Cost Per Square Foot | Typical Lifespan |
|---|---|---|
| Tin | $1 – $3 | 15 years |
| Aluminum | $3 – $18 | 50 years |
| Steel | $4 – $16 | 50 years |
| Zinc | $15 – $25 | 80 – 100 years |
| Copper | $20 – $35 | 100+ 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 Material | Home Size in Square Feet | Average Price |
|---|---|---|
| Steel | 800 | $3,200–$12,800 |
| Steel | 1400 | $5,600–$22,400 |
| Steel | 2000 | $8,000–$32,000 |
| Steel | 2400 | $9,600–$38,400 |
| Steel | 3000 | $12,000–$48,000 |
| Aluminum | 800 | $2,400–$14,400 |
| Aluminum | 1400 | $4,200–$25,200 |
| Aluminum | 2000 | $6,000–$36,000 |
| Aluminum | 2400 | $7,200–$43,200 |
| Aluminum | 3000 | $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
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 Type | Cost 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
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%.
Metal siding is not always less expensive than regular vinyl siding. Metal siding sometimes has a higher upfront cost. At $3 to $12 per square foot, vinyl siding costs are lower on average than metal siding costs, which range from $1 to $35 per square foot depending on the type of metal you choose. However, metal siding is far more durable and long-lasting than vinyl siding.
Metal siding deteriorates at an accelerated rate if it’s subjected to intense weather patterns, but even the flimsiest tin can last over a decade. Copper lasts the longest, often centuries. Most metal siding you see (especially for homes) will be steel and aluminum, both lasting around 50 years. Zinc is a material that can last almost as long as copper, and there is tin, which rusts easily and has a lifespan of around 15 years.
While almost nothing is completely fireproof, metal siding is extremely fire-resistant. It’s non-combustible so while it may eventually melt in extreme temperatures, it won’t actually light on fire itself. This can add a layer of safety to structures that wood or vinyl siding can’t, making it attractive for industrial use. Metal siding can significantly slow down the spread of a fire, giving extinguishers and firefighters a much better chance at saving the structure and containing the blaze.
Metal siding does not make your house hotter in the sunny summer months. On the contrary, metal siding materials, such as steel, actually reflect the sun’s radiant heat away from the homes on which they’re installed. This can help keep a home’s inside temperature cooler and more comfortable during the summer.