What You’ll Actually Pay for Aluminum Siding Installation
Installing aluminum siding runs $8.87 to $15 per square foot nationwide. For a typical 1,500-square-foot home, that shakes out to roughly $13,300 to $22,500 total. But those numbers shift hard depending on where you live, what your house looks like, and who’s swinging the hammer.
The price per square foot covers four main things: the panels themselves (just $0.21–$0.32 per sq ft for basic material), basic labor ($1.85–$4.32), equipment and supplies ($4.02–$6.63), and disposal of the old siding ($2.74–$3.42). If you’re removing existing siding, add another $0.03–$0.06 per foot.
Here’s the thing: most of the sticker shock comes from labor and overhead, not the metal. A contractor in Boston or San Francisco has to pay for insurance, permits, trucks, and crews who can actually find parking. That’s why the range is so wide.
Where You Live Changes the Price by Thousands
Pull out a map. The same 1,500-sq-ft job can cost $12,660 in Austin, Texas ($8.44/sq ft) or $25,500 in New York City ($17/sq ft). That’s nearly double.
Some real metro spreads from our data:
- New York, NY: $10–$17 per sq ft
- San Francisco, CA: $9.89–$17
- Seattle, WA: $9.75–$17
- Chicago, IL: $9.60–$16
- Los Angeles, CA: $9.46–$16
- Dallas, TX: $8.53–$14
- Miami, FL: $8.50–$14
- San Antonio, TX: $8.47–$14
- Austin, TX: $8.44–$14
If you’re in a smaller market or a suburb, expect the lower end of your region’s range. If you’re in a dense city where contractors are booked out for months, you’ll pay the premium.
What Homeowners Actually Report Paying (and the Gotchas)
Real people on Reddit tell a consistent story: get three to five quotes, and don’t trust the first number you hear.
One homeowner in a Nashville suburb got bids for a 1,700-sq-ft single-story house that ranged from $20,000 to $30,000 for vinyl siding replacement. That’s about $11.76–$17.65 per sq ft — right in line with aluminum costs. Another guy in Minnesota, a pro himself, said for 13 squares (1,300 sq ft) he’d charge closer to $20,000, which is $15.38 per sq ft. A Charlotte homeowner quoted $40,000 for 3,401 sq ft — about $11.76 per sq ft.
But here’s the real-world warning: patching aluminum siding is a bear. One DIYer found out the hard way that you can’t just replace a single damaged panel. The metal bends and locks into adjacent panels — try to pull one out and you’ll crease the whole row. That’s why contractors often say you need to reside the entire wall. A smart workaround homeowners use: cut a thin sheet metal patch a few inches bigger than the hole, prime and paint it, then glue it on with construction adhesive. It’s not invisible, but it costs pennies compared to full replacement.
Another gotcha: aluminum siding hides rot. A century-home owner on Reddit who pulled off 1960s-era aluminum found a massive wood siding repair project underneath. If you’re removing old aluminum, budget for surprises. One commenter wisely said, “Go slow. Do the back first.”
How to Get a Fair Price Without Getting Burned
- Get three to five quotes minimum. The spread can be $10,000 on the same house. A $30,000 quote might be the “we don’t want the job” price, while $20,000 is the real one.
- Ask what’s included. Does the quote cover tear-off, disposal, house wrap, new trim, and flashing? Many low-ball quotes skip those.
- Consider going through a lumber yard or distributor. One Redditor suggested contacting 84 Lumber or similar — they can negotiate a material deal, then you hire a separate installer.
- Don’t assume expensive equals better. A $20,000 job and a $30,000 job often use the same material from the same distributor. The difference is overhead and markup.
- If you’re handy, do the demolition yourself. Removing old siding is grunt work. You can save $0.03–$0.06 per sq ft, which on a 2,000-sq-ft house is $60–$120 — not huge, but every bit helps.
FAQ: What People Actually Ask
Is aluminum siding very expensive? Compared to vinyl ($3–$7 per sq ft installed), yes. But aluminum lasts longer — 40+ years vs. vinyl’s 20–30 — and it won’t crack in cold weather. You’re paying for durability.
How much does aluminum siding cost per square foot? $8.87–$15 installed nationally. But check your city in the table above.
Can I install aluminum siding over old siding? Sometimes. If the old siding is flat and sound, you can go over it. But most pros recommend a tear-off to inspect for rot and add house wrap. That adds cost but prevents future headaches.
Is aluminum siding hard to repair? Yes. You can’t just swap one panel. Patches work for small holes, but for widespread damage, you’re looking at full-wall replacement.
What about Home Depot or big-box store installation? Their subcontractors often charge mid-range prices. You might get a decent deal, but read the fine print — they may not include disposal or trim work.
These are reference ranges based on national averages and real metro data. Your actual quote depends on your house’s shape, your local market, and the contractor’s schedule. Always get multiple bids in writing.