Metal siding is durable, functional, and visually appealing, so it’s unsurprising that many property owners consider installing it.
Since the siding cost is a big factor for many homeowners, it’s important to understand what affects the price and how to choose the best metal siding.
How Much Does Metal Siding Cost?
The national average cost of metal siding is $10,467.
Typically, the total price varies between $3,921 and $17,366.
The final price for a specific project depends on the material, labor costs, square footage, location, accessibility, and other factors.
Metal Siding Costs by Metal Type
Different types of metal have different durability, strength, and resistance.
Naturally, the stronger the metal, the higher the price.
Property owners can choose one of the five options: tin, aluminum, steel, zinc, and copper.
| Type | Cost per Square Foot |
|---|---|
| Tin | $0.95-$2.85 |
| Aluminum | $2.85-$5.70 |
| Steel | $3.80-$7.60 |
| Zinc | $14.25-$23.75 |
| Copper | $19.00-$33.30 |
Tin Metal Siding
Tin metal siding is the most affordable option, with its price ranging from $0.95 to $2.85 per square foot.
While tin metal siding is budget-friendly, it’s also the least durable option.
The average life span of this siding is around 15 years.
Plus, the material is more susceptible to corrosion, rust, and dents.
Aluminum Metal Siding
Installing aluminum siding costs between $2.85 and $5.70 per square foot.
Although more expensive than tin, aluminum metal siding is a popular option for many homeowners because it doesn’t rust.
However, it’s still prone to dents and scratches like tin.
If it’s maintained properly, aluminum metal siding can last up to 50 years.
Steel Metal Siding
Steel is resistant to weather, is durable, and requires less maintenance than other materials used for metal siding.
An occasional coat of paint is all it takes to keep steel metal siding visually appealing and corrosion-free.
The cost of steel metal siding ranges between $3.80 and $7.60 per square foot.
The total costs depend on the seamlessness of the panels and the type of installation.
Steel panels can have exposed or concealed fasteners.
The concealed fasteners gives a property a uniform, seamless look many people enjoy. This is also the more expensive option because concealed fasteners can cost twice as much.
Property owners can expect to pay around $15.20 per square foot of steel siding with concealed fasteners.
Steel metal siding can be installed by individual pieces (“logs”) that cost approximately $4.60 per square foot. This type of installation is popular because it mimics the appearance of a log cabin and offers much more durability than real wood.
Zinc Metal Siding
Zinc is one of the most expensive metal siding materials.
Its price per square foot ranges between $14.25 and $23.75.
Zinc features a higher price tag because it’s resistant to rust and corrosion and has an average life span of 80-100 years.
Copper Metal Siding
Copper is the most expensive metal siding option.
Copper siding has superior resistance to rust and corrosion and can last up to 100 years.
Copper is easy to maintain since it doesn’t require painting or coating.
Copper siding will change its color and develop a patina over time, but it’s all part of its charm.
The price of copper metal siding ranges between $19 and $33.30 per square foot.
Did you know? Copper has a reddish-metallic coloring no other element has.
Factors That Affect Metal Siding Cost
These are the factors that affect the total cost of metal siding.
The Size of the Property
The more space you have to cover, the higher the price.
Many property owners with a large surface to cover choose more affordable metals like tin or aluminum. This can save thousands of dollars in initial costs.
Quality of the Metal
As mentioned, not every metal has the same properties.
If you’re looking for superior durability and resistance to rust and corrosion, zinc and copper are excellent options. Keep in mind that these metals have a hefty price tag.
It’s important to mention that metal prices are based on the current market.
For example, if there’s a zinc shortage, the price of zinc metal siding will be much higher.
Labor Costs
Labor costs usually range between $498 and $31,712.
The final price of installation depends on the type of material, size of your property, and accessibility.
Pro Tip: While hiring a professional for the installation may seem like an unnecessary expense, it’s a wise investment.
Metal panels are heavy and difficult to install, and those without previous experience could end up hurting themselves or destroying the material.
Exterior Jobs
In some cases, metal siding installation isn’t possible until different exterior jobs are completed. These usually involve repairing or replacing the gutters or reinforcing the soffits.
On average, gutter repairs cost around $313, while soffits cost between $9.50 and $21.50 per 12-foot section.
What Are The Advantages And Disadvantages Of Metal Siding?
Metal is a popular material for siding because it offers numerous advantages. However, it’s not perfect.
Here are the most important advantages and disadvantages of metal siding every property owner should consider.
Advantages of metal siding:
- Fire-resistant
- Strong and weatherproof
- Can have a seamless look
- Eco-friendly
- Low-maintenance
- Good insulation properties
Disadvantages of metal siding:
- Heavy
- Not suitable for DIYers
- Some metals can rust or corrode relatively quickly
- Some metals can dent easily
Pro Tip: If you live in an area with a lot of wildfires or extreme weather conditions, metal siding could be a great choice.
Signs That Old Siding Should Be Removed Before Installing New Siding
If the existing siding is in good condition, you can choose not to remove it. Such siding can serve as an underlying solid surface or a substrate.
However, if there are signs of warping, loose panels, rotting, mold, or any other damage, you should have the siding removed.
These signs indicate water issues, and in such cases, an inspection of the wall cavity is highly recommended.
Installing new siding over damaged siding is a patch that doesn’t address the underlying issue and can cause even costlier problems in the future.
Beyond Cost, What Else Should You Consider When Choosing Your Metal Siding?
While price is an important factor when choosing metal siding, there are other things you consider.
Think about what would be the best metal for your property.
Explore the features of every type of metal to find the one that matches your budget and preferences.
How Much Does It Cost To Put Siding On A 1,500-Square-Foot House?
The average price of covering 1,500 square feet with metal siding ranges between $1,425 and $49,950.
The final costs largely depend on the type of metal.
For example, if you choose tin metal siding, the price to cover a 1,500 square foot house will be around $1,425-$4,275.
Aluminum is the slightly costlier option, with an average price of $4,275-$8,550 for 1,500 square feet.
Property owners who decide to go with steel metal siding can expect to pay anything between $5,700 and $11,400 for a 1,500-square-foot project.
If you want zinc metal siding, you’ll need around $21,375 to $35,625 to cover 1,500 square feet.
Lastly, the most expensive option is copper metal siding, with an average price of 28,500 to $49,950 for 1,500 square feet.
How Much Does It Cost To Put Steel Siding On A House?
The average price of steel siding ranges between $3.80 and $7.60 per square foot.
Those who want corrugated steel should expect to pay anything between $4.75 and $7.60 per square foot.
Keep in mind that concealed fasteners cost around twice as much as regular steel siding.
Moreover, you’ll need to pay more if you want to install steel siding with individual log-style pieces.
Total costs for installing steel siding on a 1,500-square-foot home are around $3.80 to $7.60 per square foot without insulation.
If you want insulation, you’ll need an additional $1,200 to $1,500.
Cost Of Pole Barn Metal Siding
Pole barns can be used for any type of agricultural building.
Pole barn structures have sides consisting of poles with a wire mesh.
Metal is one of the most popular siding choices for pole barns because it offers incredible advantages: it’s weather-resistant, durable, and visually appealing.
The price of pole barn metal siding depends on the type of metal you choose.
If you’re looking for more affordable options, the prices typically range between $0.95 and $5.70 per square foot.
If you want top-quality, durable metals, you can expect to pay anything between $14.25 and $33.30 per square foot.
Corrugated Metal Siding Prices
Corrugated metal siding features ridges and grooves that give it a lightweight structure.
Corrugated metal siding is easier to install, offers more durability, and enhances the home’s property value and curb appeal.
Due to its advantages, corrugated metal siding is slightly more expensive than regular metal siding.
The price of corrugated steel siding ranges between $4.75 and $7.60 per square foot.
Steel Siding Prices Menards
Menards offers a wide range of steel siding options.
Menards’ steel siding prices vary depending on the siding’s width, weight, design, resistance, and manufacturer.
More affordable steel siding options cost around $25 per package at Menards.
One package of steel siding is enough to cover around 8.33 square feet, so the average price per square foot of steel siding at Menards is approximately $3.00.
If you want Menards’ premium steel siding options, be prepared to pay over $40 per package.
Menards lets property owners enter the measurements and order premium cut-to-length steel siding panels.
Metal Siding Cost vs Vinyl
The two most popular siding materials are metal and vinyl.
Both vinyl and metal siding have unique advantages and drawbacks, and choosing the right one can be challenging for many homeowners.
Here’s a comparison of metal and vinyl siding based on the most important features.
Durability
Durability is one of the essential factors to consider when choosing the perfect siding for a property.
While both vinyl and metal are quite durable, metal definitely has more strength.
Metal is one of the toughest materials on the market and provides superior protection and resistance to wind, hail, snow, and impacts.
Vinyl can be durable, but it’s more prone to damage (punctures) due to small impacts.
Vinyl siding is more susceptible to warping because it contracts and expands with changing temperatures.
Life Span
Another important siding feature is its life span.
Most property owners want to purchase siding that will look great for decades.
The average expected life span of vinyl siding is 20-40 years. If it’s well-maintained, the vinyl siding can look great for more than 50 years.
When it comes to metal siding, its expected life span is around 40-70 years. With proper care, some types of metal siding can last 100 years or more.
Regardless of your choice, remember that regular and adequate maintenance is key for extending the life span of both vinyl and metal siding.
Maintenance
Property owners usually look for a material that require minimal maintenance but looks great. In this sense, both vinyl and metal are excellent choices.
Metal siding requires virtually no maintenance.
There’s no power washing, scrubbing, or spraying for bugs; metal siding can be cleaned with a microfiber cloth, soft-bristled brush, or a sponge and a light cleaning solution.
Property owners should also visually inspect their metal siding once a year to ensure there’s no damage.
Vinyl siding is also easy to maintain but requires a bit more care.
Since vinyl siding can develop green-colored algae and mold, especially in shaded areas, property owners should clean it thoroughly at least once a year.
Many property owners decide to hire cleaning professionals to ensure their vinyl siding is spotless.
Design
Both vinyl and metal siding come in a wide range of colors and patterns.
Still, many consider metal siding a better choice because it allows the creation of unique looks and has an eye-catching appearance.
If you’re looking for a modern look, metal siding is a better choice.
Those who prefer a traditional style should choose vinyl.
Environmental Impact
If you’re trying to be more eco-friendly, metal siding is the better choice.
Metal siding is usually made of recycled materials and is energy-efficient.
Vinyl siding can also be made of recycled materials, but it’s not as energy efficient because it tends to absorb sunlight.
Installation
Metal siding requires a professional installation while setting up vinyl siding is suitable for DIYers.
Price
Last but not least, vinyl and metal siding differ in price.
Metal siding has a higher upfront cost and installation fees.
Keep in mind that the initial costs are justified because metal siding lasts longer and does not require maintenance.
Vinyl siding is the more affordable option in terms of material and installation fees, but vinyl is less durable and requires a bit more maintenance.
Therefore, although metal siding is more expensive initially, it represents a better investment in the long run.
Did you know? Vinyl is made of a plastic polymer created as a more affordable alternative to aluminum in the 1950s.
Is Metal Siding Expensive?
The answer to this question depends on what expensive means.
Metal siding is certainly not the most affordable siding material, but it’s also not the most costly option.
Moreover, there are numerous types of metal with different price ranges to choose from.
Tin and aluminum are considered affordable, with an average price ranging from $0.95 to $5.70 per square foot.
Zinc and copper are quite costly, and their price per square foot is $14.25 to $33.30.
While many consider these two options expensive, other siding materials like stone have an even heftier price tag.
How Much Does Metal Siding Cost Per Square Foot?
On average, metal siding costs between $0.95 and $33.30 per square foot.
If you want more affordable options, look for tin or aluminum.
Copper and zinc are on the more expensive end of the scale.
What Is the Cheapest Metal Siding?
The cheapest metal siding material is tin.
The average price of tin metal siding is $0.95 to $2.85 per square foot.
So, if you need to cover 2,000 square feet, you’ll need between $1,900 and $5,700, which is quite affordable compared to other metals like zinc or copper.
What’s The Difference Between Aluminum And Steel Siding?
Aluminum and steel siding may seem similar, but they differ in many aspects.
Aluminum is a lighter material and costs less than steel.
Aluminum is easy to work with and offers flexibility.
However, aluminum is not as impervious as steel.
Aluminum is prone to scratches and dents and has a shorter average life span than steel.
Plus, the aluminum is noisy when it rains, and expands and contracts due to temperature changes.
Since aluminum is finished with a top coat, exposure to rain, snow, and ice can cause the color to wear off, and finding a replacement piece in the exact color can be very challenging.
Steel offers more durability and resilience. Plus, steel doesn’t require priming, painting, or staining.
Another advantage is that steel comes in a wide range of colors and styles, while aluminum siding is often basic.
Many consider aluminum siding out of style because of its limited color options.
Is Metal Siding Cheaper Than Wood?
As mentioned, there are five types of metal siding. Therefore, it’s impossible to say that all metal siding is cheaper or more expensive than wood.
The average price of natural wood siding is $5.70 to $11.40 per square foot.
This makes wood siding it more affordable than zinc, copper, and some types of steel siding.
Natural wood siding is more expensive than tin and aluminum siding.
Pro Tip: Natural wood siding may be appealing but requires much more maintenance than metal siding.
If you don’t have enough time for proper and regular care, it may be wiser to choose a different material.
Make Your House More Appealing With Metal Siding
Metal siding is eye-catching, modern, and functional.
Metal siding offers superior protection and resistance to the elements and requires little maintenance.
Therefore, it’s unsurprising that many property owners consider metal siding the best choice.
Since there are five options of metal siding materials, every property owner can surely find something that suits their preferences and budget.
