Metal siding typically costs $7-$16 per square foot installed, while Hardie board, a fiber-cement siding, commonly costs $8-$16 per square foot. The final quote depends on siding style and thickness, wall area, removal, trim details, access, and local labor rates.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Metal siding installed | $7/sq ft | $11/sq ft | $16/sq ft | Standard panels; premium profiles can exceed this range |
| Hardie board installed | $8/sq ft | $12/sq ft | $16/sq ft | Fiber cement siding with typical trim and installation |
| 2,000 sq ft metal project | $14,000 | $22,000 | $32,000 | Based on siding surface area |
| 2,000 sq ft Hardie project | $16,000 | $24,000 | $32,000 | Excludes major sheathing repairs |
Assumptions: U.S. national planning ranges, standard-grade products, accessible walls, and no extensive structural repairs. Siding area means exterior wall surface, not home floor area.
Installed prices for metal panels and Hardie plank
For a typical home with 2,000 square feet of siding surface, metal siding may total $14,000-$32,000, with a midpoint near $22,000. Hardie board may total $16,000-$32,000, averaging about $24,000. Quotes vary by region and product; corrugated steel, aluminum, and premium standing-seam panels do not share one price.
At comparable standard product levels, metal is often slightly less expensive, but the ranges overlap. Metal material alone commonly runs $3-$8 per square foot, while Hardie plank materials and basic trim often run $3-$6 per square foot. Premium colors, thicker gauges, factory finishes, and elaborate trim can raise either estimate.
What panels, labor, and trim add to each quote
Contractors may quote a single installed rate or itemize materials and work. The ranges below are approximate contributions per square foot of siding area; they are not guaranteed to add up to the headline installed price because overhead, waste, and project conditions are handled differently by each contractor.
| Quote component | Metal siding | Hardie board | What changes the charge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $3-$8/sq ft | $3-$6/sq ft | Panel type, finish, thickness, plank profile |
| Labor | $3-$6/sq ft | $4-$8/sq ft | Cutting, fastening, wall height, crew experience |
| Equipment and access | $0.50-$2/sq ft | $0.50-$2/sq ft | Scaffolding, lifts, steep or obstructed walls |
| Removal and disposal | $1-$3/sq ft | $1-$3/sq ft | Existing siding type and disposal requirements |
| Trim and flashing | $1-$4/sq ft | $1-$4/sq ft | Windows, corners, soffits, and water detailing |
Removal, trim, and access can shift a quote as much as the siding material itself. Replacing damaged sheathing or adding house wrap is typically priced separately. Ask whether the estimate includes starter strips, corner boards, window flashing, fasteners, waste, and cleanup.
How gauge, wall height, and plank details change pricing
Metal costs depend on the profile and gauge. Basic corrugated panels generally land near the lower end, while standing-seam profiles, heavier-gauge steel, and premium aluminum finishes can reach $12-$25 per square foot installed. A move from a simple profile to a custom or concealed-fastener system can add several dollars per square foot.
For Hardie, board width, exposure, factory finish, and trim package influence the estimate. Smooth or textured lap siding is usually less costly than intricate shingle or panel layouts. Complex trim and labor-intensive patterns increase both material waste and installation hours.
Wall height and access matter for either product. A straightforward one-story wall may need little staging, while two-story elevations, steep grades, or tight access can add roughly 10%-25%. Rot repair becomes more likely when removal reveals moisture damage; sheathing replacement may add $2-$5 per square foot of affected area.
Where U.S. labor rates push siding estimates higher
Labor and local availability create meaningful regional differences. In lower-cost rural markets, straightforward installations may come in 10%-15% below national midrange estimates. Major coastal metros and high-cost western cities can run 15%-30% above them, particularly when labor is scarce or access is difficult.
Compare bids from contractors working in the same area and using the same scope. A low quote may exclude removal, flashing, painting, or disposal rather than reflect a cheaper equivalent installation. Ask contractors to state the product line, siding surface measurement, trim scope, and warranty in writing.
How long metal and Hardie installation usually takes
A crew of three or four may need about 5-10 working days for a typical 2,000-square-foot siding project with uncomplicated access. Metal panels can install quickly across broad, simple walls, while Hardie requires careful handling, cutting, and fastening. Detailed trim, multiple stories, repairs, or weather interruptions can extend the schedule.
Labor pricing can be estimated as crew hours multiplied by the hourly labor rate. Individual installers may bill at roughly $50-$100 per hour, although most residential quotes are project-based and include payroll costs and overhead. Ask whether the contractor expects a dedicated crew or will divide the work across multiple jobs.
Three siding quotes for different home elevations
These examples use siding surface area, standard products, and typical access. They illustrate why house floor area alone does not predict siding cost.
| Project | Specifications | Labor allowance | Estimated total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small metal replacement | 1,200 sq ft at $10/sq ft, basic panels | 80-110 crew-hours | $12,000 |
| Average Hardie installation | 2,000 sq ft at $12/sq ft, standard trim | 140-190 crew-hours | $24,000 |
| Large Hardie project | 2,800 sq ft at $15/sq ft, two stories and detailed trim | 220-300 crew-hours | $42,000 |
Confirm that each quote measures the same wall area and includes comparable work. The labor-hour figures are planning estimates for the crew, not hours for one worker, and actual schedules depend on weather, repair needs, and crew size.
Ways to lower a metal or Hardie siding quote
Keep the project scope consistent by measuring siding area and identifying which walls need replacement. If existing siding is sound and code permits, installing over it may avoid removal fees, but it can conceal damage and interfere with trim or window details. A contractor should inspect the wall before recommending that approach.
Choose a standard profile and limit custom trim before trading away necessary water protection. Compare at least three itemized bids, schedule during a contractor’s less-busy period when practical, and bundle siding with related exterior work only when it reduces duplicated setup costs. Avoid paying for premium finishes or accessories unless their appearance or performance matters for the specific home.
Metal and Hardie maintenance also differ: metal can dent or scratch, while fiber cement may need repainting as its finish ages. Consider finish warranty terms and the cost of future touch-ups, but do not assume either material eliminates upkeep. Confirm local permit requirements and any code-related wall upgrades before setting the final budget.