26-gauge metal siding typically costs $9-$18 per sq. ft. installed, with many standard projects near $13 per sq. ft. Panel profile, finish, wall condition, trim, and local labor rates shape the final quote. For 1,800 sq. ft. of siding, that puts a typical project around $16,200-$32,400 before unusual repairs or upgrades.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Installed siding | $9/sq. ft. | $13/sq. ft. | $18/sq. ft. | Standard panel installation; excludes major wall repairs |
| Panels only | $4/sq. ft. | $6/sq. ft. | $8/sq. ft. | Price varies by profile, coating, and order size |
| 1,800-sq.-ft. project | $16,200 | $23,400 | $32,400 | Installed total before exceptional site work |
What 26-gauge siding costs on a typical house
For a straightforward residential job, installed pricing commonly falls between $9 and $18 per sq. ft. A basic exposed-fastener panel in a standard color may land near the lower end; concealed-fastener systems, complex trim, or higher-cost markets can push the quote upward. The price generally covers panels, ordinary installation labor, and standard trim, but not extensive sheathing replacement.
A 1,500-sq.-ft. wall area often budgets at $13,500-$27,000, with roughly $19,500 near the midpoint. The wall area is not the home’s floor area; contractors measure exterior walls and subtract openings where appropriate. Assumptions: standard steel panels, ordinary access, typical U.S. labor, and no major structural repairs.
How panels, trim, and installation shape the quote
Material and labor are the largest parts of most estimates, while corners, openings, delivery, and tear-off can add meaningful charges. Ask whether the quote includes underlayment or weather barrier, starter and finish trim, and disposal of existing siding.
| Quote component | Typical price | What changes the charge |
|---|---|---|
| 26-gauge panels | $4-$8 per sq. ft. | Profile, coating, color, and order quantity |
| Installation labor | $3.50-$7 per sq. ft. | Wall layout, height, openings, and fastening method |
| Trim and accessories | $1-$3 per sq. ft. | Corner posts, J-channel, flashing, and custom bends |
| Removal and disposal | $1-$3 per sq. ft. | Existing material, layers, and disposal distance |
| Delivery and setup | $250-$900 per job | Load size, distance, and equipment access |
Trim-heavy elevations and removal can add several thousand dollars even when the panel price looks competitive. Labor estimates can be checked with ; for example, 80-120 crew-hours at $55-$85 per hour represents $4,400-$10,200 in labor, before overhead and other trades.
Which panel specs and wall conditions raise the price?
Gauge alone does not determine the cost. A 26-gauge panel is thicker than common 29-gauge residential steel, but profile depth, steel grade, paint system, and manufacturer also matter. A premium coating or custom color may add roughly 10%-25% over a comparable standard finish, while a special-order profile can increase material costs or extend lead time.
Wall dimensions create another major price swing. Eaves or gables above 20 feet may require lifts or added fall-protection time; multiple windows and doors increase cutting and trim labor. If more than 10% of the sheathing is damaged, repairs can add about $2-$6 per sq. ft. of affected area, depending on access and replacement materials. Quotes should state measured wall area, panel profile, finish, and the assumed amount of substrate repair.
How long does a 1,800-square-foot installation take?
A crew of three or four may need about 5-9 working days for 1,800 sq. ft. on a simple, single-story house. Two-story walls, many openings, removal, and detailed trim can extend the job to 8-14 days. Weather interruptions and special-order panels affect scheduling as well as labor charges.
Ask for labor scope and estimated crew days, not only a per-square-foot rate. A lower rate may exclude old siding removal, flashing, or cleanup. Confirm whether the installer includes lift rental and whether the crew charges separately for setup, travel, or work above a specified height.
How regional labor rates shift metal siding prices
Local labor and delivery can change the installed price even when panel materials are similar. Dense metro markets and areas with limited siding crews may run about 10%-25% above a national midrange estimate. Rural projects can cost 5%-15% more when travel, small-job minimums, or freight outweigh lower local wages.
Coastal locations may require corrosion-resistant coatings or compatible fasteners, while cold-weather markets may have shorter installation seasons. Those specifications can add 5%-20% to material costs, depending on the product. Compare bids from contractors working in the same local market and using the same panel specification.
When removal, flashing, or repairs add extra charges
Removing vinyl or old metal siding commonly adds $1-$3 per sq. ft.; layered, brittle, or difficult-to-dispose materials can cost more. New flashing around windows, doors, and roof-to-wall transitions may be included as standard trim or priced separately. Rotten sheathing, framing repairs, and moisture remediation are usually additional work.
Permits vary by jurisdiction and project scope, with fees often around $100-$500 for a siding-only job where a permit is required. A contractor should identify permit responsibility and explain any code-related changes before work begins. Keep contingency money of about 5%-10% for concealed damage on older walls.
Ways to lower the siding bill without compromising the wall
Keep the layout simple, choose a stocked color, and request a clear allowance for trim rather than paying for unnecessary custom bends. If existing siding is sound and local rules allow installation over it, compare that option with tear-off; the wall still needs to be dry, flat, and suitable for the new system. Avoid covering damaged sheathing to save removal costs.
Schedule outside peak demand when possible, and compare at least three itemized quotes with matching panel gauge, coating, trim, and removal scope. Buying panels separately may not save money if delivery, waste, or warranty coordination shifts to the homeowner. The most reliable savings usually come from controlling scope and comparing equivalent specifications.
Three sample quotes for different 26-gauge siding jobs
These examples illustrate how size and site details alter the total; actual quotes depend on local rates and product selection. Each assumes standard colors and ordinary access unless noted.
| Project | Scope and rate | Estimated total |
|---|---|---|
| Small garage | 900 sq. ft.; panels at $5/sq. ft.; 45 labor hours at $65/hour; $900 trim and delivery | $8,550 |
| Single-story home | 1,800 sq. ft.; installed rate $13/sq. ft.; standard trim, no tear-off | $23,400 |
| Two-story replacement | 2,200 sq. ft.; installed rate $15/sq. ft.; removal and disposal at $2/sq. ft. | $37,400 |
Check that each total identifies included trim, disposal, flashing, repairs, and warranty terms. A bid that omits one of these items may appear cheaper but leave costs to be added later.