Metal & Steel Siding: Cost and Value
Independent research · Last reviewed August 2026 · Costs are 2026 planning estimates, not quotes
The short answer
Metal siding costs about $4.50 to $16 per square foot installed in 2026 — aluminum $5–$12, steel $7–$16 — or roughly $9,000 to $24,000 for an average home. It's extremely durable and fire-safe, lasting 40 to 60 years with little upkeep, but it can dent, scratched steel can rust, and it costs more upfront than vinyl.
What metal siding is
Residential metal siding is steel or aluminum, formed into profiles from traditional lap to modern standing-seam and corrugated panels. It's non-combustible, immune to rot and insects, and increasingly popular for modern, farmhouse, and mountain-modern looks. Price is driven by three things — the metal, the panel profile, and the gauge (thickness) — so a “metal siding” quote can vary widely.
Metal siding cost by metal and profile
By metal
| Metal | Installed / sq ft | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminum | $5–$12 | Lightweight, won't rust — best for coastal salt. Dents more easily. |
| Galvanized / coated steel | $7–$16 | Stronger and more dent-resistant; can rust where scratched. |
By profile
| Traditional lap / panel | $6–$12 / sq ft | Mimics classic siding; the mainstream residential look. |
| Corrugated | $7–$12 / sq ft | Wavy ribbed profile, exposed fasteners — cheapest and fastest. |
| Standing seam | $10–$16 / sq ft | Concealed fasteners; premium, most weather-tight. 35–45% more than exposed-fastener panels. |
Total by home size
| 1,000 sq ft | $6,000 – $16,000 |
| 1,500 sq ft (avg) | $9,000 – $24,000 |
| 2,500 sq ft | $15,000 – $40,000 |
Steel vs aluminum: which to choose
The single most useful metal decision. They cost similar amounts but behave differently:
| Strength / dents | Steel is stronger and resists dents better |
|---|---|
| Rust | Aluminum never rusts; scratched steel can |
| Coastal salt | Aluminum handles salt air far better |
| Weight / install | Aluminum is lighter and easier to handle |
| Best for | Steel for most homes; aluminum for coastal |
Gauge and oil-canning: two things quotes gloss over
Gauge is the panel thickness, and lower numbers are thicker. 26-gauge steel resists hail, wind, and oil-canning noticeably better than thinner 29-gauge, at about a 20–25% price premium — usually worth it on a primary home, especially in hail country.
Oil-canning is the visible waviness that can appear in flat metal panels, most in thin gauges and broad standing-seam pans. It's cosmetic, not structural, but it bothers some people. Thicker gauge, a textured or striated profile, and careful installation over a flat substrate all reduce it. Ask to see the exact panel and gauge on a real wall before you commit.
Pros and cons — the honest version
Where it's strong
- 40–60 year lifespan with minimal upkeep
- Non-combustible (Class A) — strong in wildfire zones
- Immune to rot, termites, and warping
- Clean, modern looks; won't fade quickly
- Recyclable at end of life
Where it falls short
- Dents from hail or impact
- Scratched steel can rust if not touched up
- Thin panels can oil-can (look wavy)
- Transfers heat/cold more than insulated siding
- Costs more upfront than vinyl
Maintenance and lifespan
Metal is genuinely low-maintenance: rinse it once or twice a year, and touch up scratches on steel promptly to prevent rust. The finish is what ages — a quality factory paint (Kynar/PVDF) resists fade and chalk for decades and is what the 30–40 year warranty covers. Dents are the main repair, and unlike a paint problem, a dented panel usually has to be replaced rather than fixed.
When metal is the wrong choice
- Hail-prone areas without impact-rated, thicker-gauge panels — denting can be permanent and cosmetic.
- Bare or thin steel in heavy coastal salt — choose aluminum or a marine-grade coating.
- If you want a true wood look — engineered wood or fiber cement reads far more like wood.
- Noise-sensitive rooms without a solid substrate — metal can amplify rain drum without good sheathing behind it.
How to sanity-check a metal siding quote
- Steel or aluminum, the gauge, and the coating/finish (and its warranty)
- Profile (lap, corrugated, standing seam) and trim as separate line items
- Tear-off, house wrap, and any furring or insulation behind the panels
- Fastener type — concealed vs exposed, and stainless in coastal areas
Check whether a quote is fair and vet the installer with the contractor checklist.
Keep going
Frequently asked questions
- How much does metal siding cost?
- About $4.50–$16 per square foot installed — aluminum $5–$12, steel $7–$16; corrugated is cheapest, standing seam priciest.
- Is steel or aluminum siding better?
- Steel is tougher (but rusts when scratched); aluminum won't rust and suits coastal salt but dents more easily.
- What gauge metal siding is best?
- 26-gauge resists hail, wind, and oil-canning better than 29-gauge for ~20–25% more — usually worth it on a primary home.
- What is oil-canning on metal siding?
- The visible waviness in flat metal panels — cosmetic, not structural. Thicker gauge and textured profiles reduce it.
- What are the disadvantages of metal siding?
- Denting, rust on scratched steel, more heat transfer, possible oil-canning, and a higher upfront cost than vinyl.
- How long does metal siding last?
- Typically 40–60 years — longer than vinyl or engineered wood — with a 30–40 year finish warranty.
Cost figures are independent 2026 planning estimates and vary by metal, profile, gauge, region, and installer. SidingWise is not a contractor or manufacturer.