Metal Siding Cost Per Square Foot — Steel vs Aluminum
Metal siding comes in two primary types: aluminum and steel. Each has distinct cost profiles, performance characteristics, and ideal use cases. Here's how they break down:
| Metal Type | Material/SqFt | Installed/SqFt | 2,000 SqFt Home | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aluminum Siding | $1.50–$3.50 | $3.50–$7.00 | $7,000–$14,000 | 30–50 yrs |
| Steel Siding (galvanized) | $2.50–$6.00 | $5.00–$12.00 | $10,000–$24,000 | 40–60 yrs |
| Steel (Galvalume/premium) | $3.50–$7.00 | $6.00–$14.00 | $12,000–$28,000 | 50–60+ yrs |
Source: NAHB, Metal Building Manufacturers Association, contractor surveys. National averages.
Aluminum is the budget-friendly metal option — pricing overlaps with vinyl siding but with significantly better durability and fire resistance. Steel commands a premium because it's stronger, more dent-resistant, and lasts 10–20 years longer than aluminum. The Galvalume option (an aluminum-zinc alloy coating on steel) offers the best corrosion protection and is the standard in coastal and high-humidity environments.
Metal Siding Cost by Home Size
| Home Size | Aluminum (Low–High) | Steel (Low–High) |
|---|---|---|
| 1,000 sqft | $3,500–$7,000 | $5,000–$12,000 |
| 1,500 sqft | $5,250–$10,500 | $7,500–$18,000 |
| 2,000 sqft | $7,000–$14,000 | $10,000–$24,000 |
| 2,500 sqft | $8,750–$17,500 | $12,500–$30,000 |
| 3,000 sqft | $10,500–$21,000 | $15,000–$36,000 |
Installed pricing including materials, labor, and trim. Excludes old siding removal.
Steel vs Aluminum Siding: Key Differences
| Factor | Aluminum | Steel |
|---|---|---|
| Dent resistance | Low — dents from hail, ladders, impacts | High — resists most impacts |
| Rust/corrosion | Does not rust (ever) | Can rust if coating is damaged |
| Weight | Light — easy to install | Heavier — may need structural support |
| Fire rating | Non-combustible | Non-combustible |
| Noise | Moderate rain noise | Moderate rain noise |
| Energy efficiency | Low R-value without insulation | Low R-value without insulation |
| Best for | Budget metal, coastal areas | Hail zones, commercial, maximum durability |
Factors That Affect Metal Siding Cost
Gauge and Thickness
Metal siding comes in various gauges. Residential aluminum is typically 0.019–0.024 inches thick. Steel ranges from 26-gauge (thinnest/cheapest) to 22-gauge (thickest/premium). Thicker gauge means better dent resistance and longer lifespan, but higher material cost — the difference between 26-gauge and 22-gauge steel can be $1.00–$2.00 per square foot.
Profile Style
Metal siding comes in horizontal lap, vertical board and batten, shake/shingle profiles, and standing seam panels. Standing seam is the most expensive profile ($8.00–$14.00/sqft installed) because of the interlocking seam system. Horizontal lap is the most affordable and most common for residential applications.
Geographic Location
Metal siding installation labor varies 25–35% between states per BLS data. Additionally, metal siding is particularly popular in hail-prone regions of the Midwest and Great Plains, where the dent resistance of steel provides real value. Coastal areas favor aluminum for its corrosion immunity.
Insulation Backing
Metal has virtually no R-value on its own. Insulated metal siding panels with foam backing add $1.00–$2.50/sqft but dramatically improve thermal performance and reduce rain noise. For older homes without wall cavity insulation, the insulated version is usually worth the premium.
How Our Metal Siding Cost Calculator Works
The calculator uses BLS wage data for siding installers (OCC 47-2211) with state-level multipliers across all 50 states. Metal siding material pricing comes from NAHB construction cost surveys, the Metal Building Manufacturers Association, and manufacturer data from EDCO, Rollex, and ABC Seamless. Estimates land within 10–20% of actual contractor quotes.
Metal Siding Pros and Cons
Pros
- ✓ Extremely durable — 40–60+ year lifespan (steel)
- ✓ Fire-resistant / non-combustible
- ✓ Termite-proof and rot-proof
- ✓ Hail-resistant (steel — important in Midwest/Plains)
- ✓ 100% recyclable at end of life
- ✓ Near-zero maintenance — occasional washing only
- ✓ Won't warp, crack, or swell
Cons
- ✗ Aluminum dents easily from hail and impacts
- ✗ Steel can rust if coating is damaged
- ✗ Rain noise without insulation backing
- ✗ Low R-value — poor insulator without foam backing
- ✗ Can cause condensation in humid climates
- ✗ Limited aesthetic options vs wood or fiber cement
- ✗ Fading over time (especially darker colors)
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does metal siding cost per square foot?+
Is metal siding cheaper than vinyl?+
Does metal siding rust?+
How long does metal siding last?+
Metal siding vs vinyl — which is better?+
How much to side a 2,000 sqft house with metal?+
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Data Sources & Methodology
📊Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) — Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), OCC 47-2211 & 47-2031
🏠National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) — Construction Cost Survey, 2024-2026 data
🏭James Hardie Corp — Published product pricing and warranty specifications
🌲Western Red Cedar Bureau — Cedar siding grade pricing and specifications
🔧Active contractor pricing surveys — 50-state coverage, updated quarterly
All cost data is updated quarterly. Last comprehensive update: Q1 2026.
Home Exterior Cost Analyst
Sarah Brennan
Sarah Brennan is a construction cost researcher specializing in exterior building envelope systems. With 14 years of experience in residential construction estimating, she transitioned from managing siding installation crews to independent cost research. Her data draws from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, NAHB construction cost reports, manufacturer pricing databases, and active contractor surveys across all 50 states. Sarah is a Certified Construction Specifier (CCS) through the Construction Specifications Institute.
Important Disclaimer
The cost estimates provided by SidingCosts.com are for informational and educational purposes only. Actual siding costs vary based on local labor rates, material availability, site conditions, contractor pricing, and other factors not captured by this calculator. These estimates should not be used as a substitute for professional contractor quotes. SidingCosts.com is not a licensed contractor and does not provide installation services. Always obtain at least 3 written quotes from licensed, insured contractors in your area before starting any siding project. Data sources include the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), and manufacturer published pricing. Last updated: 2026.