Sheet metal siding typically costs $7-$16 per sq ft installed, or about $14,000-$32,000 for 2,000 sq ft of exterior wall area. Panel type, metal thickness, trim details, removal, access, and local labor rates have the biggest effect on the quote.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Installed siding | $7 per sq ft | $11 per sq ft | $16 per sq ft | Standard panels, labor, and basic trim |
| Materials only | $2 per sq ft | $4.50 per sq ft | $8 per sq ft | Panel type and finish affect price |
| 2,000 sq ft wall project | $14,000 | $22,000 | $32,000 | Before major repairs or premium panels |
Installed prices for common metal siding panels
For a typical U.S. home, basic corrugated or exposed-fastener steel siding runs about $7-$12 per sq ft installed. Painted steel panels with upgraded trim commonly reach $10-$16 per sq ft. Aluminum siding is often $8-$17 per sq ft installed, while standing-seam or architectural panels can cost $16-$30 per sq ft.
A 2,000 sq ft wall area generally budgets $14,000-$32,000 for standard installed panels. The wall area is not the home’s floor area; doors and windows reduce the surface to cover, while gables and waste increase material needs. Assumptions: standard panel quality, ordinary access, and no extensive sheathing repair.
How panels, trim, and labor shape the quote
Quotes vary in what they include. The table below separates common line items; prices are approximate and may overlap when contractors bundle materials or installation.
| Quote item | Low | Average | High | What changes the charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Metal panels | $2 per sq ft | $4.50 per sq ft | $8 per sq ft | Steel or aluminum, gauge, coating |
| Labor | $3 per sq ft | $5 per sq ft | $9 per sq ft | Cutting, height, layout complexity |
| Trim and fasteners | $1 per sq ft | $2 per sq ft | $4 per sq ft | Corners, openings, custom flashing |
| Removal and disposal | $1 per sq ft | $2.50 per sq ft | $5 per sq ft | Existing siding type and disposal rules |
Labor and trim together can account for a substantial share of an installed siding estimate. A common labor range is $50-$100 per worker-hour, although contractors usually quote by project or square foot.
Which panel gauge and wall height raise the price?
Panel thickness, profile, and finish can change both material and installation costs. Lightweight residential panels cost less than heavier-gauge or architectural products; confirm the stated gauge and coating in the quote because gauge conventions can differ between metals. Premium factory finishes and custom colors may add roughly 10%-30% to panel costs.
Height and geometry also matter. A straightforward one-story wall may install near the lower end of the labor range, while two-story walls, steep gables, many windows, or intricate corners can add 15%-35%. Repairing damaged sheathing can add $2-$6 per sq ft of affected area. Ask whether the bid includes flashing, corner trim, and replacement of any deteriorated substrate.
Ways to lower the metal siding bill without cutting corners
Keep the project on a simple panel profile and standard color when appearance requirements allow; custom colors and intricate layouts can increase material waste and labor. Measuring wall area accurately and grouping work on connected elevations can reduce excess ordering and setup charges.
Compare bids using the same panel gauge, finish, trim scope, and removal terms. If existing siding is sound and local code permits, installing over it may avoid removal fees, but trapped moisture or an uneven surface can make that a poor trade. Get a written price for any sheathing repair rather than assuming it is included.
Metal siding prices by U.S. region
Local wages, contractor availability, and delivery distance shift installed prices. For comparable materials and scope, quotes in high-cost coastal metros can run about 15%-30% above a national middle estimate. Many Midwest and Southern markets fall near the middle, while remote rural projects may add delivery or mobilization charges despite lower labor rates.
Use regional differences as a check, not a substitute for local bids. Ask contractors to identify freight, travel, and disposal charges separately. In areas with severe wind, snow, or coastal exposure, specified fastening and corrosion-resistant finishes may increase the upfront price but may be required by code or manufacturer instructions.
Removal, flashing, and wall repairs that add to the total
Removing old siding commonly costs $1-$5 per sq ft, depending on material, layers, and disposal. Extra costs can include house wrap at roughly $0.50-$1.50 per sq ft, replacement flashing at $5-$15 per linear ft, or sheathing repair at $2-$6 per sq ft of damaged area. These are planning ranges, not guaranteed add-ons.
Have the estimate distinguish known work from allowances for concealed damage. Difficult access, a lift or scaffold, and tight working space can add several hundred to several thousand dollars. A separate allowance makes it easier to compare bids and prevents a low initial price from hiding likely repair charges.
Steel, aluminum, and premium profiles compared
Exposed-fastener steel is usually the lower-cost choice and suits many straightforward exterior projects. Aluminum can be useful where corrosion resistance or lower weight matters, but panel thickness and dent resistance should be checked. Standing-seam panels conceal most fasteners and create a sharper profile, but their specialized installation places them at the premium end.
Choose based on installed scope and expected upkeep, not panel price alone. A premium system may cost $16-$30 per sq ft installed, compared with roughly $7-$16 for many standard systems. Compare finish warranties, fastening details, and repair procedures alongside the total bid.
How long installation takes and what labor covers
A simple one-story house with about 1,500-2,000 sq ft of wall coverage may take a three-person crew roughly 4-8 working days. Removal, framing repairs, complex openings, or multiple stories can extend the job to 1-3 weeks. Weather and material delivery can also affect the schedule.
Confirm the quote covers layout, cutting, fastening, flashing, trim, cleanup, and disposal where applicable. A bid that lists only panel installation may exclude important finishing work. Ask whether labor is priced per sq ft, by the job, or with a minimum charge, and verify how change orders are approved.