(aluminum, horizontal siding)
(copper, vertical siding)
Cost to install metal siding varies greatly by region (and even by zip code).
Get free estimates from siding contractors in your city.
The average cost of installing metal siding is $7,500 - $15,000.
There are many different options for siding, and metal has been on the market for quite a while. Aluminum was used for decades; steel is still known for being incredibly durable; zinc and copper occupy the higher end of the metal siding industry. The cost will vary depending on the material and the complexity of the project, but it can be comparable to vinyl 1 and wood siding.
The cost of installing metal siding will vary by material, but installing steel horizontal siding for a 1,500 square foot house will cost $5-$10 per square foot, or $7,500-$15,000.
As with all materials, there are pros and cons. Some of the benefits to using metal siding are that it’s incredibly low-maintenance and relatively inexpensive compared to a material like cedar shakes 2. Metal siding doesn’t have the same reaction to extreme weather that wood does and can easily be repainted to fit your style. Metal siding is also insect-resistant and can withstand cold, snow, and rain.
However, metal siding can also dent and scratch easily, which can be a problem if you live in an area that gets a lot of hail or high winds. Metal siding may come pre-colored, but that color may fade or become chalky over time (you can repaint, though). Metal siding is also susceptible to rust.
Horizontal siding is traditional, but vertical siding can be an element that makes your house stand out from everyone else on the block. Vertical siding can sometimes be more expensive to install because the installation process requires more expertise and specialization. Talk to your contractor about pricing if you’re interested in vertical siding.
That being said, vertical siding means less potential for water damage as water naturally streams down the sides. Vertical siding is also easier to clean than horizontal siding.
Sheathing refers to the layer that the metal siding attaches to. In some cases, sheathing is required for particular structures, so you’ll want to check your local ordinances to determine what’s required in your area.
Structural sheathing helps create the frame and walls for the building, typically this is plywood 3. Most contractors recommend a ¾-1” plywood thickness. Nonstructural sheathing is used partially for insulation and can vary greatly in thickness. Sheathing will cost a minimum of $3.00 per square foot.
“Metal siding” refers to a fairly large group of materials, each with their own pros and cons. Check out our list of the different specific material options for metal siding.
Aluminum siding is lightweight and rust-proof, but it is thinner than steel and is susceptible to dents and scratches. It is relatively inexpensive ($3-$6 per square foot, including installation) and can be painted any color. One of the downsides to using aluminum is that it needs repainting every 5-10 years.
Aluminum siding is not a very common siding material, but vinyl-wrapped aluminum siding is a hybrid material that has the look of vinyl 1 siding with the durability of aluminum. It can be more expensive than aluminum and vinyl siding.
Steel siding is heftier than aluminum and is less susceptible to dents and scratches, but it can rust. Steel siding costs $5-$10 per square foot, including installation.
Corrugated steel siding is typically used for outbuildings and commercial buildings, and the shape of the siding can hide imperfections that come from normal wear and tear. Corrugated steel costs around $5 per square foot.
Zinc is resistant to corrosion and rust and will develop a beautiful patina 4 over time. However, it will also cost more than aluminum or steel. Zinc siding costs $15-$25 per square foot, including installation.
Copper, like zinc, is also rust-resistant, but is more expensive than any other type of metal siding. Copper will also develop a patina and will inevitably stand out from its surroundings. Copper siding costs $20-$35 per square foot,which includes installation.
There’s a bit more to metal siding than just sticking something to the sheathing. Metal siding has different components that, when put together, create the exterior of your building.
Installing metal siding can be labor-intensive. The wall must be leveled and if there was old siding, the previous nails must be removed. If the siding is put up from scratch, sheathing must be installed. Some metal siding has J-channels built in, but the installation process may require separate J-channels. J-channels cost $0.30-$0.50 per linear foot.
Siding contractors are the pros to hire for this job. Installing metal siding can be tricky if you don’t know what you are doing, and you can hammer too deeply into the sheathing if you’re not careful. Contractors with experience installing metal siding will usually charge per square foot. The cost of labor will vary based on the choice of siding material, the orientation of the siding (vertical costs more than horizontal), and the overall complexity of the project. Another reason to consider hiring a pro is that many contractors are able to purchase the siding directly from suppliers for a lower cost. All that being said, a low-complexity aluminum siding project may cost $3 per square foot (materials and installation), while a high-complexity copper siding project may cost $35 per square foot (materials and installation).
One of the perks of metal siding is that it is incredibly low-maintenance. Metal siding is sometimes subject to scratches or dents, but otherwise, it generally just needs cleaning once a year. Pressure washing costs $60-$100 per hour, and a 1,500 square foot house will take 4-7 hours. Metal siding may also need to be repainted every few years, as the original paint or precolor can fade over time.
You may want to have your siding painted, but that will add extra costs to your overall project. Metal siding requires special paint, so you can expect to pay at least $2,000 for a 1,500 square foot painting project.
Gutters are an important part of building construction, and the cost for gutter installation will vary based on the material. Vinyl 1 gutters are less expensive ($3-$5 per linear foot), but metal gutters are more durable ($4-$9 per linear foot). Installing 125-200 linear feet of gutters will cost $375-$1,800.
Soffits 6 protect the underside of the roof from the elements and will cost $2-$20 per linear foot 3. Any contractor that has experience with siding will also be able to install soffits.
Metal siding costs approximately $3-$35 per square foot for materials and installation.
It depends on the type of metal roofing material and the intended project for your siding. Metal siding requires additional barriers, such as underlayment 7, if the structure is for any purpose other than a storage shed.
Somewhat, but not nearly as much as other siding materials. Steel is non-porous, which means it doesn’t absorb moisture that can expand and contract in extreme temperatures.
Siding is measured by the square foot. To get an estimate of your house size, multiply the height and width of each side of the house to get the square footage. To estimate the size of dormers and other triangle-shaped elements, multiply the height and width and divide in half.
Metal siding can be aluminum or steel and will vary in cost. Metal siding costs $3-$20 per square foot, including installation.
Aluminum siding costs $3-$6 per square foot including installation, depending on the complexity of the project.
Vinyl and metal are somewhat comparable in price, but metal can be less expensive depending on the complexity of the project. Vinyl 4 costs about $5 per square foot 3, while aluminum costs $3-$6 per square foot.
Cost to install metal siding varies greatly by region (and even by zip code). To get free estimates from local contractors, please indicate yours.