Want to boost your property’s appeal and durability but can’t figure out the metal siding cost? Several factors, like metal type, thickness, size of wall, and coating, would impact the cost. The location, labor charges, and waste material must also be accounted for.
Acknowledging these factors that affect the cost to install metal siding is crucial to avoid budget overruns. Moreover, it helps you effectively plan the return on your investment.
This is exactly where Cost Bidding helps you with clear and accurate metal siding estimates. We provide precise installation prices for metal sidings for doors, parapets, soffits, garage doors, lawn walls, and more.
Key Takeaways
- Metal siding costs range from $1 to $35 per sq. ft, depending on the metal type (tin, aluminum, steel, zinc, or copper).
- Total installation costs vary by home size and typically range between $8,200 – $76,340 for an average 2000 sq ft house.
- Cost factors include the type of metal, design style, installation complexity, and labor rates.
- Metal siding can last up to 100 years with minimal maintenance, outperforming vinyl and wood in longevity and strength.
What Is the Average Cost of Metal Siding Per Square Foot?
The demand for metal siding is growing by an annual rate of 1.2% according to the Freedonia Focus report. Several contractors and homeowners look for the best prices. The easiest way to understand the cost of metal siding for a specific purpose is to understand the cost per square foot.
Metal siding will cost you about $1 to $35 per sq. ft. This cost is directly influenced by the material you use for metal siding. You can install metal siding made of tin, aluminum, zinc, steel, vinyl, and copper.
Cost Bidding saves you from the trouble of estimating metal siding cost. Using RSMeans and connections with local suppliers across the USA, we help you get the exact cost of metal siding. Allowing you to make a choice that is durable and budget-friendly.
Total Installation Costs by Home Size
Metal siding cost also depends on your home’s size. Larger homes with greater exterior costs more than small homes. Considering the cost of metal siding per square foot to be $1 to $35 per sq ft, a 1000 sq ft house will cost about $4,100 to 38,170.
The labor cost, equipment cost, and the area of the exterior increase the total installation price. A 1000 sq ft will require covering a 1,200 sq ft – 1,600 sq ft of exterior with metal siding. Here’s a complete breakdown of the metal siding cost according to the different home sizes.
| Size of the House | Cost of Metal Siding Installation | Total Hours |
| 500 sq ft | $2,050 – $19,085 | 27.34 hrs |
| 1,000 sq ft | $4,100 – 38,170 | 54.68 hrs |
| 1,500 sq ft | $6,150 – $57,255 | 82.02 hrs |
| 2,000 sq ft | $8,200 – $76,340 | 109.36 hrs |
| 2,500 sq ft | $10,250 – $95,425 | 136.7 hrs |
The most common choices for homeowners are copper, aluminum, and steel siding. These sidings are much more fire and corrosion resistant and last considerably longer.
Factors That Influence Metal Siding Costs
Why are the metal siding prices always varying? The cost to install metal siding depends on a number of factors. This includes labor charges, time taken, quantity of metal, and even the location where your house is built. Having a clear figure for your metal siding cost helps residential, commercial, and industrial property owners in effective decision-making. It allows them to plan their budget accordingly, while making the best quality choice.
Type of Metal
As discussed before, different metals used for sidings include tin, zinc, steel, and copper. Why does the cost of metal type vary? Some metals offer greater yield strength, corrosion resistance, and are a more durable option. They can incur harsh weather conditions, stress, surface dents, and wind uplift pressure. Not just that! The thickness of the metal installed also impacts its price.
RSMeans data of 2024 shows that a 24-gauge steel sheet will cost 20 – 25% more than a 29-gauge steel sheet. The cost of steel siding is substantially higher, but it can endure more pressure and last considerably longer. Here’s a breakdown of metal siding cost according to the different material types.
| Metal Type | Cost (Per Sq. Ft.) | Quality Notes |
| Tin | $1 – $3 | Cost-Effective, Less Durable |
| Aluminum | $3 – $18 | Rust-Resistant, Lightweight Metal |
| Steel | $4 – $16 | High Strength, Dent-Resistant, Corrosion-Resistant |
| Zinc | $15 – $25 | Self-Healing, Quality Coating to Prevent Corrosion, Long Lifespan |
| Copper | $20 – $35 | Attractive Look, Lasts Over a Century |
Wondering what metal siding will cost you? Calculate your project estimate now.
Style and Profile
Different ways and styles of installing metal siding also increase the cost. Common metal siding styles include lap siding, board and batten style, log style siding, shiplap siding, and more. Each style has a different appearance, built style, and cost. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of how much different metal siding profile impacts the cost.
| Metal Siding Style | Average Cost Per Sq Ft | Features |
| Lap Siding | $5–$10 per sq ft | Consists of metal layers that overlap and are generally affordable |
| Corrugated Panels | $10–$15 per sq ft | Metal siding is shaped into wavy panels with an aesthetic design and is highly weather-resistant. |
| Standing Seam Panels | $10–$16 per sq ft | Sleek design that consists of raised seams and flattened areas in between each of them. |
| Board & Batten Metal | $3–$13 per sq ft | Wide vertical boards with narrow battens; textured look. Requires less maintenance |
| Log Look Metal Siding | $5–$15 per sq ft | Panels shaped like shingles or shakes. Fire-resistant and best for decorative styling. |
Each siding material offers distinct advantages, increasing the cost. Metal board and batten siding cost is quite low, but it’s one of the most common choices, since it suits both farmhouse and traditional home styles. Log style seems like wood logs. However, it is made of metal and is very appealing too.
Installation Complexity
The complexity of your house increases the metal siding cost. Some houses with personalized rooflines, high ceilings, or multiple different-purpose rooms increase the cost of metal siding. The precise detailing required for the complex structure needs expert labor and resources. The labor cost can rise up to 50% due to design complications. Therefore, a $1,000 sq ft house can have its cost increased by $5000 to $10,000 due to the design complications.
Labor Costs
Labor rates are affected by the expertise. Labor charges cost about $18 – $26 per hour, while highly experienced professionals can take up to $55. Installing metal siding involves the work site preparation, adding insulation, cutting sheets, tightening joints, and installing trims around doors and window edges. The labor cost to install metal siding is about $1 to $3.5 per sq ft. This labor cost varies from one state to another.
Additional Costs
The installation process also involves other works, which brings cost for metal siding installation. You will need to pay for the permits, waste disposals, painting, and refurbishing.
Permitting cost: The permits are required to install metal siding for each home. According to the RSMean database, the cost for a residential siding permit is $13 for every $1,000 cost of the project. The permit cost is calculated after the first $1,000 of the project. For a commercial metal siding project, the permit cost is $15 for every $1,000.
Waste Disposal Cost: You are expected to pay $1.50 to $2 per sq ft for waste disposal after the installation is completed.
Maintenance Cost: Annual maintenance is also required for quality performance and lifespan. It will cost somewhere between $100 $400 for maintenance costs per year.
Painting Cost: You might also need to paint metal siding for a cleaner and more appealing exterior. The painting cost is estimated to be $1 to $3 per square foot. The additional coats and refurbishing increase the final installation price.
Comparing Metal Siding to Other Siding Types
According to a study conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau’s Survey of Construction (SOC), vinyl siding was the most used siding material for homes, making up 26%. There are several other types of siding material other than the typical metal types. Knowing the cost allows you to calculate the ROI as per the life. You can easily make a more durable and cost-effective choice. According to the latest market data and RSMeans database, an accurate comparison for metal, vinyl, fiber cement, and wood-grain metal siding is given below.
| Material Type | Installation Cost per sq. ft. | Lifespan | Features |
| Metal | $1–$35 | 50-100 years | Highly Durable and long-lasting. |
| Vinyl | $2–$7 | 30–40 years | Less durable and cost-effective than metal siding. |
| Wood | $6–$12 | 20–40 years | Requires regular maintenance for better performance. |
| Stucco | $7–$10 | 50–80 years | Heavier and requires more labor to install than metal siding. |
| Fiber Cement | $5–$11 | 50–100 years | More durable and expensive than most of the metal siding types. |
Choosing the best type of siding for your home exterior depends on your budget, location, and how long you need the siding. Homeowners often compare the cost of metal siding vs vinyl. Even when the vinyl siding is less expensive, metal siding offers a greater return on investment due to being able to withstand stress for a longer period of time. Moreover, it is easily paintable, allowing you to customize your siding the way you want, while vinyl cannot be painted.
Metal siding is generally a better option than most siding. It is highly resistant to fire, moisture, weather, or pests. Also, metal siding has an ROI of about 70-89%, which is far more than vinyl or fiber cement siding.
Pros and Cons of Metal Siding
| ● Long lifespan up to 50+Years
● Requires far less maintenance than other siding types ● Can endure high pressure for a longer period ● Resistant to corrosion, fire, pests and insects ● Customizable with paint ● Easily recycled
|
● Very expensive
● Installation is time-consuming ● Worst insulation since metal is a heat conductor ● Scratches and dents can be made if heavily impacted by tree branches or during installation. ● Some types of metal can corrode ● Repairing is difficult |
How to Save Money on Metal Siding Installation
Taking the right step can help you reduce the cost of metal siding by 25%. That’s where you will need not just metal cost estimators with relevant metal siding installation expertise. Cost Bidding can help you make smart choices and guide you throughout the installation costing and scheduling process, saving you substantial costs. You can save costs on metal siding installation with the following steps.
Buy Material in Bulk
Most vendors will offer discounts when purchasing in bulk. Even if you do not need the extra material purchased, selling it might still be an option to make something out of it. This is how you can significantly save on your siding installation cost.
Estimate Installation Process
Comprehensively define the cost and schedule the entire installation process. You will be able to execute the project smoothly this way. This also helps you to point out processes that take time and cost, and helps you plan accordingly.
Choose Budget-Friendly Material
Choose a material that offers great features and is budget-friendly at the same time. Avoid useless customization. Make an appealing and cost-effective choice.
Conclusion
The articles provide a greater understanding of the cost of metal siding per square foot. Hiring an estimator will help you break down the comprehensive cost associated with the installation process.
The price of metal siding depends on your geo-location, so hiring an expert will help you understand the best material for your home that is both cost-efficient and high quality. So get connected with Cost Bidding. We offer leading estimators in the market, providing zip-based estimates for metal siding installation.
FAQs
- Is metal siding cheaper than vinyl or wood?
Metal siding costs about $1 to $35 per sq ft. At the same time, vinyl and wood sidings cost about $2-$7 and $6-$12. Tin and aluminum sidings are less expensive than vinyl or wood sidings, but copper and steel sidings provide a higher cost tag.
- What is the life expectancy of metal siding?
Metal siding can last 50-60 years, and in some cases, the lifespan is up to 100 years. Effective maintenance and repairing minor damages on time can increase the lifespan of metal siding.
- Does metal siding increase home value?
Yes, metal siding increases home value. It provides greater protection from harsh weather conditions and significantly increases home appeal. Even according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), metal siding significantly increases a property’s marketing appeal and sale cost.
- Is metal siding noisy during rain or hail?
Yes, metal siding is noisy during rainfall and hail. However, modern houses with proper insulation, house wraps, and firm wall sheathing hardly cause any sound to enter your house. So sound is not a major issue in metal siding installation.
