Updated: April 2, 2026
Written by Laura Madrigal
Nieves Martinez is a writer and editor at Fixr.com, specializing in home improvement and construction content. With over five years of experience and a Master's degree in Digital Marketing, she collaborates with industry professionals to create clear, carefully reviewed cost guides and renovation resources that help homeowners make informed remodeling decisions.
Learn moreReviewed by Nieves Martinez
Metal siding installation costs $9,000 to $28,000, with a national average of $17,000. Prices vary based on metal type, panel style, gauge, and home size.
Metal siding has become a go-to choice for homeowners who want low maintenance and long-term durability. With a lifespan of 40–70 years, fire resistance, and no painting required with factory finishes, it delivers strong ROI, especially in wildfire-prone or coastal regions.
Metal Siding Cost
Metal Siding Cost Factors
Total installed cost depends on house size, metal type, panel profile, gauge, and local labor rates. Here's how each factor affects your budget.
Metal Siding Cost per Square Foot
Metal siding is priced per square foot of exterior wall area (not floor area) with most installations running from $4 to $16 per sq.ft. fully installed. Actual coverage depends on wall height, number of stories, and window and door count.
House Size (sq.ft.) | Estimated Wall Area | Aluminum Cost | Steel Cost |
1,000 | ~1,200 sq.ft. | $3,600 – $21,600 | $4,800 – $19,200 |
1,500 | ~1,600 sq.ft. | $4,800 – $28,800 | $6,400 – $25,600 |
2,000 | ~2,000 sq.ft. | $6,000 – $36,000 | $8,000 – $32,000 |
2,500 | ~2,400 sq.ft. | $7,200 – $43,200 | $9,600 – $38,400 |
3,000 | ~2,800 sq.ft. | $8,400 – $50,400 | $11,200 – $44,800 |
Metal Siding Cost by Material
Aluminum and steel are the two main residential options, each available in multiple profiles. Steel is more impact-resistant; aluminum is lighter and naturally rust-proof, making it ideal for coastal climates. Zinc and copper are premium choices with exceptional lifespans and higher price tags to match.
Aluminum: lightweight, naturally rust-resistant, no paint needed; slightly lower cost than steel in most markets.
Steel (Galvalume): bare metallic finish, highly durable; common in agricultural and modern industrial applications.
Steel (painted/coated): factory-applied SMP or PVDF (Kynar) finish; the most common residential steel option; widest color selection.
Zinc: develops a natural patina over time; self-healing surface; 80–100 year lifespan; popular in contemporary European-influenced architecture.
Copper: premium living finish that weathers from bright copper to verdigris green; 100+ year lifespan; used in high-end and historic applications.
Metal Type | Installed Cost (per sq.ft.) |
Aluminum | $3 – $18 |
Steel (Galvalume) | $4 – $12 |
Steel (coated or painted) | $7 – $16 |
Zinc | $20 – $45 |
Copper | $30 – $50 |
Metal Siding Cost by Style
Panel style is separate from metal type, and both aluminum and steel are available in most profiles. The key cost driver here is the fastener system: exposed fastener panels install faster and cost less; concealed fastener systems require more precision and add to labor time.
Style | Fastener System | Installed Cost (per sq.ft.) | Best For |
Corrugated | Exposed | $7 – $12 | Agricultural, industrial accents |
Ag panel / PBR | Exposed | $7 – $12 | Pole barns, sheds |
Board and batten | Concealed | $9 – $14 | Modern farmhouse |
Wood grain / plank | Concealed | $9 – $14 | Contemporary residential |
Standing seam / T-groove | Concealed | $10 – $16 | Premium residential |
Corrugated metal siding
Corrugated panels have a wavy ribbed profile and exposed fasteners, making them the fastest and most affordable style at $7 to 12 per square foot. Most common in agricultural and industrial applications, they've also gained traction as a modern accent on contemporary homes.
Pole barn metal siding (Ag panel / PBR / R-panel)
Ag panels, also called PBR or R-panels, have a flat ribbed profile with exposed fasteners and cost between $7 and $12 per square foot installed. They're the standard choice for pole barns and sheds, and a practical budget option for residential projects where aesthetics are secondary to cost.
Board and batten metal siding
Metal board and batten costs from $9 to $14 per square foot installed. Vertical panels with raised batten strips and a concealed fastener system give homes a clean, seamless look, without the warping and rot risk of the wood equivalent.
Wood-grain metal siding
Wood grain siding runs from $9 to $14 per square foot installed. Horizontal panels embossed with a wood-like texture mimic the look of cedar or lap siding without the maintenance: no staining, no rot, no repainting.
Standing seam metal siding
Standing seam is the premium option at $10 to $16 per square foot. Panels interlock vertically with a fully concealed fastener system, creating a sleek profile with no visible screws. The precision installation, sometimes using on-site roll-forming, pushes labor costs to the highest of any metal siding style.
Gauge and Finish
Gauge refers to the thickness of the metal panel: a lower number means thicker, heavier steel. The two most common gauges for residential steel siding are 26-gauge and 29-gauge. Thicker 26-gauge panels carry a cost premium of roughly 20–25% over 29-gauge panels but offer better resistance to hail, wind, and oil-canning (buckling).
Paint finish tier also affects both price and warranty length. SMP (siliconized modified polyester) finishes are the economy option, while PVDF (also known as Kynar) finishes offer superior UV reflectance and typically come with 30–40 year paint warranties. Bare Galvalume panels are the lowest-cost surface option and rely on the zinc-aluminum alloy coating for corrosion protection without added paint.
Factor | Economy Option | Premium Option | Cost Impact |
Gauge (steel) | 29-gauge | 26-gauge | ~20–25% premium for 26-gauge |
Finish | SMP paint | PVDF / Kynar | PVDF adds to material cost; longer warranty |
Surface | Galvalume (bare) | Painted / coated | Painted panels cost more; broader color range |
Labor Cost to Install Metal Siding
Labor typically accounts for 30–60% of the total project cost. Most residential siding contractors quote labor at $2 to $12 per sq.ft., depending on region, panel complexity, number of stories, and whether old siding must be removed. Concealed fastener systems cost more to install than exposed fastener systems due to the precision alignment required. Multi-story projects and homes with complex rooflines, dormers, or bay windows add additional labor hours and scrap waste.
Additional Metal Siding Cost Factors
Beyond material and labor, several project-specific variables can push the final bill higher. Homeowners should account for the following line items when budgeting for a metal siding installation.
Tear-off and disposal. Removing existing siding typically adds between $1,000 to $2,500 to the project costs Installing metal over sound vinyl with furring strips is an option to avoid this cost.
Substrate repairs. Hidden rot or moisture damage found after tear-off typically costs $2 to $5 per sq.ft. to fix. Budget a contingency for older homes.
Permits. Most jurisdictions require a permit for a full siding replacement, running around $150 to $1,500 in most markets and up to $3,000 in heavily regulated areas.
Home complexity. Dormers, bay windows, and multi-story walls increase cut complexity and waste. Simple projects factor in ~10% waste; complex ones can reach 20%.
Insulated panels. Rigid foam-backed panels cost more upfront but can reduce HVAC costs by 15–20% and cut rain noise. Insulation board runs an additional $1 to $2.50 per sq.ft.
Paint and touch-ups. Factory finishes don't usually need repainting, but custom colors or repaints run from $1 to $3 per sq.ft.
Metal Siding Pros and Cons
Metal siding offers significant performance advantages over most competing materials, but the higher upfront cost and a few installation considerations are worth weighing before committing.
Pros
- + Lifespan of 40–70 years with proper maintenance
- + Fire-resistant and non-combustible — won't ignite or feed a fire
- + Low maintenance — no painting required with factory finish
- + Resistant to rot, pests, and mold
- + 100% recyclable; most panels contain at least 70% recycled content
Cons
- - Higher upfront cost than vinyl siding
- - Can dent from hail or heavy impact, particularly on lower gauges
- - Can be noisier during rain without insulation backing
- - Scratches on steel can expose bare metal to rust if not touched up promptly
- - Requires a skilled installer; fewer local contractors than vinyl
DIY vs. Professional Metal Siding Installation
DIY installation of metal siding can reduce total project cost by roughly 30–40%, since the homeowner pays for materials only and avoids labor charges. Exposed fastener corrugated and Ag panels are the most accessible option for experienced DIYers: they install faster, require less precision, and need fewer specialized tools.
That said, improper installation of metal siding can lead to water intrusion, panel movement, and voided manufacturer warranties. Concealed fastener systems, multi-story projects, and jobs requiring significant trim work are best left to professionals. The precision required for standing seam and board-and-batten profiles in particular demands a trained installer familiar with thermal expansion tolerances.
Metal Siding Repair vs. Replacement
If the damage is limited to a few dented or corroded panels, repair is almost always the more cost-effective path. One thing worth planning ahead for: keep a few spare panels from the original installation. If your color gets discontinued, matching it years later can be difficult.
Replacement makes more sense when rust or corrosion has spread across a large area, panels are separating at seams and letting water in, or the siding is simply reaching the end of its lifespan. If you're planning to re-insulate the exterior walls anyway, that's also a natural point to replace rather than patch.
If you want to understand the full scope of an exterior re-siding project, check our siding replacement cost guide for a comprehensive overview.
Metal Siding vs. Other Siding Materials
Metal siding costs more upfront than vinyl but less than fiber cement or natural wood. Its longer lifespan and lower lifetime maintenance make it more cost-effective than vinyl over a 30-year horizon. The right choice depends on budget, climate, and aesthetic preference.
Siding Material | Installed Cost (per sq.ft.) | Avg. Lifespan |
$3 – $12 | 20–40 years | |
Metal siding (aluminum) | $3 – $18 | 40–50 years |
$4 – $9 | 20–40 years | |
Metal siding (steel) | $4 – $16 | 40–70 years |
$5 – $14 | 25–50 years | |
$7 – $17 | 50–80 years | |
$12 – $18 | 50–100+ years |
Is Metal Siding a Good Investment?
For most homeowners, yes. Metal siding's combination of longevity, fire resistance, and near-zero maintenance makes it one of the strongest-performing exterior upgrades at resale, particularly in wildfire-prone or weather-exposed regions. The real payoff tends to show up over time: unlike wood or vinyl, you're not repainting every few years or replacing warped panels. What you install is largely what you live with for decades.
How to Save Money on Metal Siding Costs
Metal siding is a premium investment, but strategic planning can meaningfully reduce the total cost without sacrificing quality.
Get at least three quotes. Labor and material pricing vary widely by region; competitive bidding can yield 10–20% savings.
Choose exposed fastener panels. Corrugated and Ag panels install faster and cost less in labor. If the farmhouse aesthetic isn't a priority, these offer the best value.
Install over existing siding. If the substrate is sound, furring strips let you skip tear-off costs.
Book in the off-season. Contractor demand peaks in spring and summer. Late fall and winter typically bring lower labor quotes and better availability.
Stick to standard colors. Custom-order finishes add lead time and surcharges. Bundling siding with other exterior work, like gutters or roofing, can also unlock a whole-home discount.
Metal Siding Cost FAQ
The main drawbacks are a higher upfront cost than vinyl, susceptibility to denting on lower-gauge panels, and rain noise without insulation backing. Partial repairs can be tricky if the original color has been discontinued. Scratches on steel need prompt touch-up: if left untreated, the exposed metal will rust.
Compared to vinyl (the most common residential choice at $3 to $12 per square foot installed), metal generally costs more upfront. On a lifetime basis, though, metal's lower maintenance needs and longer lifespan (40–70 years versus 20–40 for vinyl) can make it the more cost-effective option for homeowners planning to stay put long-term.
Aluminum typically lasts 40–50 years. Steel lasts 40–70 years with a factory coating intact. Bare Galvalume carries a similar lifespan as long as its coating remains undamaged. PVDF paint warranties typically cover 30–40 years. Zinc lasts 80–100 years; copper can exceed 100 years.
Very little. Rinse panels annually to remove dirt and salt, inspect for scratches or chips and touch up any exposed steel, and check caulking around trim and openings every few years. Factory-finished panels don't require painting under normal conditions.
No, but it is fire-resistant. Metal siding is non-combustible, meaning it won't ignite or feed a fire. At extreme temperatures, it will soften and deform, but it won't burn. This makes it a popular choice in wildfire-prone regions, where fire-resistant exteriors are increasingly required or incentivized by insurers.