How Much Does Aluminum Siding Cost for a Whole House?
Aluminum siding was widely used on homes for decades and is still found on many houses today. While it is no longer as common as vinyl or fiber cement, aluminum siding is valued for its resistance to rot and insects. Costs for aluminum siding depend on material thickness, finish, and installation labor. Below is a breakdown of what it costs to install aluminum siding on a typical home using clear assumptions and simple math.
What this article covers
This article focuses on:
Aluminum siding
A 1,000 square foot home footprint
Standard wall height and layout
Mid-range aluminum siding products
Professional installation
It does not include insulated aluminum panels, decorative profiles, or specialty finishes that can significantly increase cost.
How siding square footage is calculated
Siding is priced by exterior wall square footage, not interior floor space.
For consistency with other siding articles, this example assumes:
A 1,000 sq ft single-story home
Average wall height
Minimal architectural complexity
This typically results in approximately:
1,800 square feet of siding coverage
All calculations below use this figure.
Aluminum siding material cost
Aluminum siding material pricing varies based on thickness and coating quality.
A realistic mid-range aluminum siding material cost is:
$4 per square foot
For 1,800 sq ft of siding:
1,800 × $4 = $7,200 in material cost
Installation cost
Aluminum siding installation is similar in complexity to vinyl siding but requires more care to avoid denting.
A realistic average installation cost is:
$5 per square foot
For 1,800 sq ft of siding:
1,800 × $5 = $9,000 in installation labor
Total upfront cost for a whole house
Combining material and installation:
Material: $7,200
Installation: $9,000
Total upfront cost: $16,200
This represents a typical cost to install aluminum siding on a modest-sized home using mid-range materials and professional installation.
Long-term cost considerations
Aluminum siding does not rot and is resistant to insects, but it has other long-term considerations.
Can dent from impacts
May fade or chalk over time
Individual panels can be replaced if damaged
Aluminum siding typically lasts 30–40 years with proper care.
What affects aluminum siding cost
Total cost can vary based on:
Panel thickness
Finish quality
Home height and layout
Trim and flashing details
Regional labor rates
Heavier-gauge aluminum generally costs more but dents less easily.
What this does not include
The costs above do not include:
Removal of existing siding
Insulation upgrades
Rot or sheathing repairs
Custom trim or accent panels
These items can increase total project cost.
The bottom line
Installing aluminum siding on a typical home with approximately 1,800 square feet of exterior wall area usually costs around $16,200 upfront using mid-range materials and professional installation. Aluminum siding offers durability and resistance to rot, with tradeoffs in appearance and susceptibility to denting.
For a broader overview of siding options and how their costs compare, see Types of House Siding and What They Cost.