Metal siding has surged in popularity among homeowners who want a modern look, low maintenance, and long-term weather protection. Yet one question still rules every conversation: how much is metal siding for a typical residential project?
As the leading AI estimating platform for contractors and homeowners, CountBricks tracks live material costs, labor rates, and regional markups every single day. Below, we reveal the price ranges you can expect, explain the cost drivers, and show you how CountBricks can turn a complicated calculation into an instant, accurate estimate.
• Economy corrugated steel: $5.00 – $7.50 per square foot installed
• Standard 26-gauge standing seam: $8.00 – $11.50 per square foot installed
• Premium aluminum or zinc panels: $12.00 – $18.50 per square foot installed
Multiply those numbers by the typical 2,000 sq ft exterior surface area, and total project costs range from $10,000 on the low end to $37,000 on the high end. Still, averages only tell part of the story. Let’s look at the variables CountBricks tracks in real time.
1. Panel profile and thickness: Thicker gauge steel or specialty profiles like textured panels raise material costs by up to 40 percent.
2. Fastening system: Concealed fasteners cost more than exposed screws but deliver a sleeker look and fewer penetrations.
3. Underlayment package: Adding high-performance weather barriers, insulation boards, or furring strips can add $1.25–$2.75 per square foot.
4. Labor complexity: Tall wall sections, intricate window trims, and steep grade lots lengthen install time and increase labor hours by 15–30 percent.
5. Regional pricing pressures: Steel prices, freight surcharges, and local labor rates fluctuate daily. CountBricks updates these numbers every time you open a project file so your estimate never goes stale.
• Voice-to-Estimate technology translates your site walk-through into a full materials list in seconds
• Live pricing feeds from national and local suppliers ensure every line item reflects today’s market
• Built-in labor productivity tables calibrated for residential crews predict exact install hours
• AI blueprint takeoffs eliminate manual measurements and catch every gable, dormer, and bump-out
• One-click proposal creator turns raw numbers into a branded PDF you can send to homeowners the same day
A recent CountBricks client in Riverside upgraded a 1,600 sq ft stucco ranch to 26-gauge standing seam. The CountBricks estimate pegged material at $9.35 per square foot and labor at $3.80. The final invoice landed within 2 percent of the original AI estimate—proof that real-time data beats guesswork every time. View more success stories at CountBricks.com/portfolio.
• Reuse existing furring where code allows to cut down on lumber purchases
• Opt for factory-applied paint finishes instead of field coating to reduce labor hours
• Bundle gutter and fascia replacements with siding installation to leverage crew mobilization savings
• Schedule installation during off-peak seasons when labor availability is higher
1. Upload your elevations to CountBricks.com/takeoff or start a live voice walkthrough.
2. Choose panel type, gauge, and color in the intuitive materials library.
3. Confirm local labor rates auto-populated by the AI engine.
4. Review waste factors and accessory allowances already calculated for you.
5. Generate a detailed estimate and homeowner-ready quote in under five minutes.
On a per-square-foot basis, yes—metal typically runs 20 – 40 percent higher. However, metal lasts two to three times longer and demands far less maintenance, driving a lower lifetime cost.
When paired with rigid insulation or an integrated rain screen, metal siding can improve thermal performance and reduce heating and cooling costs by 10 percent or more.
A typical 2,000 sq ft home requires 5–7 crew days. CountBricks scheduling tools sync labor calendars so you can lock in the earliest available start date.
Stop guessing how much is metal siding for your home. Start a free CountBricks trial, or book a live demo at CountBricks.com/consultation and see your numbers appear in real time.
Even the best headline numbers can hide smaller line items that derail a budget. CountBricks analytics surface these costs before they surprise you.
• Trim profiles and custom corners: Decorative corners can cost three times more than standard L-trim yet are often overlooked during bidding.
• Fastener color matching: Powder-coated screws eliminate rust bleed but add roughly $0.12 per square foot—a charge many suppliers list separately.
• Delivery and equipment rental: Boom lifts, dumpsters, and delivery fuel surcharges typically total 4–6 percent of the materials package.
1. High-temperature synthetic underlayment resists radiant heat, extending panel paint life by up to five years.
2. Integrated rain screen battens allow drainage and air flow, lowering moisture-related repair costs over the home’s lifespan.
3. Solar-reflective coatings can decrease attic temperatures by 10°F, cutting summer cooling bills and potentially qualifying for local energy rebates.
A coastal client compared aluminum and steel options using CountBricks dual estimates. While aluminum cost $2.75 more per square foot up front, the AI forecast showed break-even at year nine due to corrosion resistance and maintenance savings. This insight helped the homeowner commit confidently to the higher-end material, and the contractor won the project with a data-backed upsell.
• Always account for a 10 percent waste factor on diagonal layouts—CountBricks inserts this automatically.
• Lock in supplier quotes through the CountBricks purchasing portal to avoid mid-project price spikes.
• Use CountBricks scheduling to align siding crews immediately after framing inspection, reducing site idle days.
When you leverage CountBricks’ real-time data, these hidden costs and profitable upgrades become clear, allowing you to deliver bids that win projects and protect margins. Explore more insights at CountBricks.com/services and schedule your personalized platform walkthrough today.
