How Much Does Sheet Metal Cost in 2025?

This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.

Sheet metal fabrication costs average $1,581, with most homeowners paying between $418 and $3,018. Factors influencing cost include location, project size, and quality of materials. Smaller projects cost as little as $100, while larger or more complex installations reach up to $9,500. Hire a professional to ensure quality results with precise measurements and specialized equipment.

Sheet Metal Fabrication Cost Factors

When planning a project that involves sheet metal, you can determine how much you will pay by considering material costs, custom fabrication, and installation.

Material

Metal siding made from steel runs $4 to $19 per square foot, while aluminum ornamental fencing costs $15 to $48 per square foot on average. The cost of raw materials plays a big part in what you will pay for the project completion. Determining how much materials cost depends largely on the type of material and at what stage of the manufacturing process you purchase it.

In addition to the cost for raw steel, you still have to pay to have it fabricated into something useful, like siding, roofing, or fence panels. Other material choices include aluminum, copper, tin, titanium, and zinc.

The cost of prefab sheet metal varies based on its intended use. Aluminum screening for windows and doors starts at $0.35 per square foot, while brass for the same purpose costs up to $2.50 per square foot.

If your project does not require custom fabrication, purchasing pre-fabricated materials can be a cost-effective option. These materials are available online or at local home improvement stores. Pricing varies based on the specific materials and your project's requirements.

Design

Design costs vary widely, ranging from $50 to $200 per hour for sheet metal design services.

Production

The cost of metal fabrication is three times the cost of the raw material. For example, purchasing one ton of raw material for $500 results in a fabrication cost of $1,500 to transform it into customized fence panels, roofing shingles, or screens. The fabrication process can involve various methods, including slicing, shaping, bending, and finishing.

Sheet Metal Installation Costs

Sheet metal is heavy and unwieldy, making it difficult and potentially hazardous to work with. We highly recommend hiring a professional for installation services. Below are the primary professionals involved in sheet metal projects, their costs, and common tasks.

Handyperson

A nearby handyperson charges between $65 and $125 per hour to repair metal screening when you supply the necessary materials. Common tasks include minor repairs, such as fixing screen doors, window screens, or siding issues.

Roofer

Roofers charge $45 to $75 per hour, with average roof repair costs ranging from $400 to $2,000. They handle tasks such as installing new metal roofs, repairing damage, and performing maintenance.

Metal Fabricator or Welder

Local welders and metal fabricators are often required for custom sheet metal work, charging between $70 and $130 per hour. They perform tasks like customizing sheet metal to exact specifications, welding components, and fabricating unique designs.

Sheet Metal Fabrication Cost by Type

Sheet metal is an extremely versatile material, so you can use it for all sorts of home improvement and repair projects. The following are just a few examples of how you can use sheet metal around your home and what you can expect to pay per project type.

Siding

Installing new siding costs $5,600 to $17,700. Metal siding costs vary dramatically based on several factors, such as the material, style, size, and scope of your project.

Metal siding is a popular construction material because it provides superior strength while offering an attractive look. Unlike some other materials often used in siding, such as wood and vinyl, metal does a better job withstanding harsh weather, corrosion, and other types of damage.

Roofing

Metal roofing projects range from $5,700 to $17,700. When determining metal roof costs, account for materials, labor, and overhead, with each representing about one-third of the total cost of your project. The price for materials goes up based on material type, material gauge, and any custom fabrication needs.

Metal roofs are a top choice among homeowners for all the same reasons as metal siding. While a new metal roof can be a considerable expense, it comes with many benefits, including lower maintenance costs, increased energy efficiency, cheaper insurance rates, and a longer roof lifespan. You can typically recoup up to 95% of the cost of your metal roof when you sell your home.

Screening

Stainless steel, copper, and brass are popular metals for screening, ranging from $1 to $2.50 per square foot. Security screening, made from even thicker metals and sometimes utilizing bars or grates, costs up to $25 per square foot. Depending on the size and scope of your project, expect to pay $50 to $1,000 for new screening.

While fiberglass is a common material for window or door screening, it is not a durable option. If you are looking for something that will last longer and look better, consider metal screening. It costs more upfront but can pay for itself with reduced repair costs.

Structure

On average, the cost to create a basic metal structure or outbuilding ranges from $570 to $4,300. Larger buildings and custom projects can easily reach and exceed $12,000.

If you have been thinking about building a carport, shed, barn, or other outdoor structure, consider using metal over wood to enjoy a building that will last longer and better withstand the weather. The costs for these building types vary immensely. If you are only building a small shed to store garden equipment, you are better off purchasing sheet metal from a local home improvement store.

If you have plans for custom construction, hire a local pro to transform raw materials to your exact specifications. This is a more expensive endeavor as you have to pay for both material and production costs. But it is also the only way to achieve the exact look you want.

DIY vs. Hiring a Sheet Metal Fabrication Pro

Transforming raw metal into usable components is a complex process that requires detailed planning and specialized heavy machinery to cut and shape metal into pieces suitable for building fences, installing roofs, or constructing buildings. This process is beyond the scope of the average consumer. Options include purchasing prefabricated metal from a hardware store or hiring an experienced metal fabricator to create customized pieces. Metal is heavy and difficult to lift or move, with sharp edges that can cause serious injury if mishandled.

For most projects involving fabricated metal, especially larger ones, it is safer to hire a local metal fabrication service to manage the fabrication and installation.

How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data

No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.