By The Roofing Brief Team ยท Last reviewed: October 2026
A metal shingle roof costs about $6 to $14 per square foot installed, or $600 to $1,400 per roofing square (100 sq ft), according to HomeGuide’s November 2025 metal roof cost data. On 2,000 sq ft of roof surface that works out to roughly $12,000 to $28,000. Plain stamped steel shingles sit at the low end, stone-coated steel lands in the middle, and aluminum, copper, and zinc shingles push the top of the range.
This page is The Roofing Brief’s dedicated cost guide for metal shingles: per-square pricing by product type, what named brands charge, the line items inside a real quote, and totals for common roof sizes. If you are still choosing a look or a brand, start with our guide to metal roofs that look like shingles. For the full durability, energy, and resale comparison against asphalt, see metal vs asphalt shingle roof.
Key numbers at a glance
The figures most homeowners came for, each tied to a named source. Ranges are national and can move 25% or more in either direction by region, roof pitch, and how cut-up the roof is.
| What you are pricing | Typical range | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Metal shingle roof, installed | $6 to $14 per sq ft ($600 to $1,400 per square) | HomeGuide, Metal Roof Cost (Nov. 2025) |
| Metal shingle material only | $3 to $6 per sq ft | HomeGuide, Metal Roof Cost (Nov. 2025) |
| Installation labor for metal shingles | $3 to $8 per sq ft (about 50% to 60% of the job) | HomeGuide, Metal Shingle Roof Cost |
| Architectural asphalt, installed (for comparison) | $4 to $6 per sq ft | HomeGuide, Metal Roof vs Shingles Cost (Nov. 2025) |
| National average job cost, metal vs asphalt roof replacement | $51,865 vs $31,871 | Remodeling 2025 Cost vs Value Report |
| Retail shelf price, stone-coated steel shingle | $16.99 per 5 sq ft piece (about $340 per square) | Menards listing, Roser SteelGUARD, Oct. 2026 |
How much does a metal shingle roof cost per square?
Metal shingles cost about $600 to $1,300 per square installed for steel, $700 to $1,300 for stone-coated steel, and $670 to $1,600 for aluminum, per HomeGuide’s cost data. Material alone runs $300 to $650 per square for those three, so labor, tear-off, and trim make up roughly half of every square you buy. Copper and zinc shingles are a separate, far pricier tier.
Contractors quote roofing by the square, which is 100 sq ft of roof surface, not floor area. Divide any per-square figure by 100 to get the per-square-foot price.
| Metal shingle type | Material per square | Installed per square | Installed per sq ft | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stamped or painted steel shingles | $300 to $500 | $600 to $1,300 | $6 to $13 | HomeGuide, Metal Shingle Roof Cost |
| Stone-coated steel (shingle, shake, or tile profile) | $350 to $600 | $700 to $1,300 | $7 to $13 | HomeGuide, Metal Roof Cost (Nov. 2025) |
| Aluminum shingles | $325 to $650 | $670 to $1,600 | $6.70 to $16 | HomeGuide, Metal Shingle Roof Cost |
| Metal slate (steel slate-look shingles) | $300 to $500 | $600 to $1,400 | $6 to $14 | HomeGuide, Metal Roof Cost (Nov. 2025) |
| Zinc shingles | $500 to $1,000 | $1,000 to $2,000 | $10 to $20 | HomeGuide, Metal Shingle Roof Cost |
| Copper shingles | $900 to $2,000 | $1,300 to $3,000 | $13 to $30 | HomeGuide, Metal Shingle Roof Cost |
Published ranges disagree more than most guides admit. SquareDash’s April 2026 guide puts metal shingles at $5 to $8 per sq ft, while HomeGuide lands at $6 to $14. The low quotes usually assume a simple gable roof, an overlay with no tear-off, and painted steel. Treat any single number as a starting point, not a bid.
Shake, slate, and tile looks: what changes the price
Within one metal, the profile you pick moves the price. HomeGuide reports that shingle-style stone-coated panels are typically the cheapest, while tile profiles fall at the higher end. Tile looks often go on battens, which HomeGuide prices at $50 to $80 per square extra, and they use more trim pieces at hips and ridges.
Manufacturer specifications show why. DECRA’s own spec sheet lists the following for its stone-coated steel lines, and each figure feeds directly into how many panels and pieces of trim a contractor orders.
| DECRA product | Look | Minimum roof pitch | Panels per square | Installed weight | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shingle XD | Architectural shingle | 4:12 | 23.8 | 150 lb per square | DECRA specifications sheet |
| Shake XD | Wood shake | 3:12 | 23.4 | 150 lb per square | DECRA specifications sheet |
| DECRA Tile | Barrel or Spanish tile | 3:12 | 20 | 150 lb per square | DECRA specifications sheet |
| Villa Tile | High-profile tile | 3:12 | 25.2 | 160 lb per square | DECRA specifications sheet |
At about 1.5 lb per sq ft, these systems weigh a fraction of clay or concrete tile, which is why a metal tile look can often go on framing that was never built for real tile. For profile details, see our guides to stone-coated steel roofing and the slate metal roof.
What do named metal shingle brands cost?
Brand-level installed pricing for stone-coated steel runs about $750 to $1,450 per square, per HomeGuide’s manufacturer breakdown: DECRA $800 to $1,400, Metro, Gerard, and Boral $750 to $1,450, and Roser USA $1,200 to $1,400. Most metal shingle brands sell only through dealers and certified installers, so a retail sticker price is rare.
| Brand | Product type | Published or retail price | What the price covers | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DECRA | Stone-coated steel | $800 to $1,400 per square | Installed | HomeGuide, Stone-Coated Steel Roofing Cost |
| Metro / Gerard / Boral | Stone-coated steel | $750 to $1,450 per square | Installed | HomeGuide, Stone-Coated Steel Roofing Cost |
| Roser USA | Stone-coated steel | $1,200 to $1,400 per square | Installed | HomeGuide, Stone-Coated Steel Roofing Cost |
| Roser SteelGUARD | Stone-coated steel shingle | $16.99 per 5 sq ft piece | Field panel only, retail | Menards online listing, Oct. 2026 |
| Interlock | Aluminum shingles | No published per-square price | Quote only | Interlock Roofing knowledge base (July 2026) |
HomeGuide adds that big brands such as Matterhorn, DECRA, and EDCO generally cost more than lesser-known labels, in exchange for premium finishes and top hail-impact ratings. Interlock, an aluminum shingle maker, states on its own site that an exact figure requires a measured quote rather than a per-panel price. For warranty, wind, and impact terms brand by brand, see our shingle-look metal roofing brand comparison. The Metro, Gerard, and Boral line in the table now sells as Westlake Royal’s Unified Steel; for that line’s history, see our review of Gerard roof cost and warranty.
Shelf-price check: metal shingle vs asphalt at the same store
Retail listings let you test the material gap directly. In October 2026, Menards listed Roser SteelGUARD stone-coated steel shingles at $16.99 per 5 sq ft piece and Atlas Castlebrook architectural asphalt shingles at $37.99 per 32.8 sq ft bundle. Prices vary by store and change often.
| Product (Menards, Oct. 2026) | Shelf price | Cost per sq ft | Cost per square | Per square with 10% to 15% waste |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roser SteelGUARD stone-coated steel shingle | $16.99 per 5 sq ft | $3.40 | $340 | $374 to $391 |
| Atlas Castlebrook architectural asphalt | $37.99 per 32.8 sq ft | $1.16 | $116 | $127 to $133 |
Roofing Brief calculation from the listed shelf prices. The 10% to 15% waste factor comes from DECRA’s Shingle XD estimating sheet. Neither line includes starter, ridge, rake trim, underlayment, or fasteners.
At the shelf, the metal shingle costs about 2.9 times the asphalt shingle per square. Installed, the gap narrows: Remodeling’s 2025 Cost vs Value national averages put a metal roof replacement at about 1.6 times an asphalt one. That is because tear-off, disposal, overhead, and profit make up a large part of both jobs.
What is in a metal shingle roof quote?
A metal shingle quote combines panels, labor, tear-off, underlayment, trim, and allowances for deck repair. For stone-coated steel, HomeGuide prices those parts at $350 to $600 per square for materials, $350 to $700 for labor, $100 to $300 for removing the old roof, and $10 to $90 for underlayment. Ridge, hip, and rake trim adds $6 to $10 per linear foot.
| Line item | Typical cost | When it applies | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stone-coated steel panels | $350 to $600 per square | Every job | HomeGuide, Stone-Coated Steel Roofing Cost |
| Installation labor | $350 to $700 per square | Every job | HomeGuide, Stone-Coated Steel Roofing Cost |
| Old roof removal | $100 to $300 per square | Tear-off jobs | HomeGuide, Stone-Coated Steel Roofing Cost |
| Underlayment material | $10 to $90 per square | Every job | HomeGuide, Stone-Coated Steel Roofing Cost |
| Battens | $50 to $80 per square | Batten-mounted profiles | HomeGuide, Stone-Coated Steel Roofing Cost |
| Roof deck replacement | $200 to $500 per square | Only where sheathing is rotted | HomeGuide, Stone-Coated Steel Roofing Cost |
| Ridge, hip, and rake trim | $6 to $10 per linear foot | Every job | HomeGuide, Stone-Coated Steel Roofing Cost |
| Ice and water shield | $2 to $5 per sq ft of coverage | Cold or wet climates, where code requires it | HomeGuide, Metal Shingle Roof Cost |
| Permit | $150 to $500 | Most jurisdictions | HomeGuide, Metal Shingle Roof Cost |
How a contractor takes off a metal shingle roof
Metal shingle quotes are built from a material takeoff, and DECRA publishes the formulas its installers use for Shingle XD on a direct-to-deck job. Knowing the steps lets you check whether a quote’s quantities make sense.
- Measure roof area in squares. Multiply squares by 23.8 panels per square for Shingle XD, then add a 10% to 15% waste factor.
- Count ridge and hip footage. Divide hip and ridge linear feet by 2 to get hip and ridge pieces.
- Size ridge ventilation. Divide ridge linear feet by 20 for ridge vent packages, which come as two 20 ft rolls.
- Price the eaves. Divide eave linear feet by 6.4 for starter clips with drip edge, allowing a 1 inch overlap.
- Price the rakes. Divide rake or gable linear feet by 6 for rake channel pieces, which includes a 6 inch overlap.
- Add wall and penetration flashing. Divide sidewall footage by 6 for channel pieces, counting skylights and chimneys, and double it for hips.
Source: DECRA Shingle XD direct-to-deck estimating sheet. Other brands use different panel sizes, so their per-square counts differ.
Metal shingle roof cost for typical home sizes
On 1,500 sq ft of roof surface, a metal shingle roof typically costs about $9,000 to $19,500 for steel, $10,500 to $19,500 for stone-coated steel, and about $10,000 to $24,000 for aluminum. On 2,500 sq ft, the same products run about $15,000 to $40,000. These totals are Roofing Brief calculations from HomeGuide’s per-square-foot installed ranges.
| Roof surface area | Steel shingles ($6 to $13) | Stone-coated steel ($7 to $13) | Aluminum shingles ($6.70 to $16) | Architectural asphalt ($4 to $6) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1,000 sq ft (10 squares) | $6,000 to $13,000 | $7,000 to $13,000 | $6,700 to $16,000 | $4,000 to $6,000 |
| 1,500 sq ft (15 squares) | $9,000 to $19,500 | $10,500 to $19,500 | $10,050 to $24,000 | $6,000 to $9,000 |
| 2,000 sq ft (20 squares) | $12,000 to $26,000 | $14,000 to $26,000 | $13,400 to $32,000 | $8,000 to $12,000 |
| 2,500 sq ft (25 squares) | $15,000 to $32,500 | $17,500 to $32,500 | $16,750 to $40,000 | $10,000 to $15,000 |
| 3,000 sq ft (30 squares) | $18,000 to $39,000 | $21,000 to $39,000 | $20,100 to $48,000 | $12,000 to $18,000 |
Roofing Brief calculation: roof area multiplied by HomeGuide’s installed per-square-foot ranges (metal shingle, stone-coated steel, and asphalt guides, 2023 to 2025). Excludes deck replacement and unusual trim.
Convert house square footage to roof area
Roof area is larger than floor area because the roof is sloped, and a two-story house has a smaller roof than a one-story house with the same living space. Multiply the building footprint by the pitch factor below, then add eave and rake overhangs. The factors are standard slope geometry.
| Roof pitch | Pitch factor | 2,000 sq ft footprint becomes |
|---|---|---|
| 4:12 | 1.054 | 2,108 sq ft (21.1 squares) |
| 6:12 | 1.118 | 2,236 sq ft (22.4 squares) |
| 8:12 | 1.202 | 2,404 sq ft (24.0 squares) |
| 10:12 | 1.302 | 2,604 sq ft (26.0 squares) |
| 12:12 | 1.414 | 2,828 sq ft (28.3 squares) |
Worked example: a 2,000 sq ft ranch in stone-coated steel
Take a single-story ranch with a 50 ft by 40 ft footprint and a simple 6:12 gable roof. Before overhangs, the roof measures about 22.4 squares. Using HomeGuide’s stone-coated steel line items for a direct-to-deck tear-off job, the estimate builds up like this:
- Panels, labor, tear-off, and underlayment: $810 to $1,690 per square, multiplied by 22.4 squares, comes to about $18,100 to $37,900.
- Ridge and rake trim: about 139 linear feet (one 50 ft ridge plus four 22.4 ft rakes) at $6 to $10 per foot, or about $840 to $1,390.
- Permit: $150 to $500.
- Estimated total: about $19,100 to $39,700, before any deck repair.
When every line item comes in at the high end, a quote can land above the headline $7 to $13 per sq ft range. That is a good reason to ask for a line-item bid instead of a single lump sum.
How much more do metal shingles cost than asphalt shingles?
Metal shingles usually cost about 1.6 to 2 times as much as architectural asphalt to install. HomeGuide prices metal shingles at $6 to $14 per sq ft installed against $4 to $6 for architectural asphalt. Remodeling’s 2025 Cost vs Value Report puts the national average metal roof replacement at $51,865, compared with $31,871 for asphalt shingles, a gap of about $20,000.
| Measure | Metal shingles or metal roof | Architectural asphalt | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Installed cost per sq ft | $6 to $14 | $4 to $6 | HomeGuide (Nov. 2025) |
| Labor per sq ft | $3 to $8 | $2 to $3 | HomeGuide metal shingle and asphalt guides |
| National average job cost | $51,865 (metal roof) | $31,871 | Remodeling 2025 Cost vs Value |
| Share of cost recouped at resale | 50% | 68% | Remodeling 2025 Cost vs Value |
| Typical lifespan | 40 to 70 years | 20 to 30 years | HomeGuide metal shingle and asphalt guides |
Standing seam is the other metal option people compare. HomeGuide puts it at $9 to $16 per sq ft installed, so metal shingles are often the cheaper way to get a metal roof on a traditional-style house. For the per-year math and break-even point, see our steel roof vs shingles cost analysis. For every metal profile, including corrugated and standing seam, see the metal roof cost guide.
Why is metal roofing so expensive?
Metal shingles cost more for three reasons. The material costs about three times as much as asphalt per square at retail. Installation pays more per square foot, at $3 to $8 compared with $2 to $3 for asphalt, according to HomeGuide. And each system needs its own matching trim, clips, and flashing. HomeGuide also lists a limited pool of skilled installers as a drawback, which can keep bids high.
The material itself is a layered product. DECRA’s specifications sheet lists steel with an aluminum-zinc hot-dip coating, an acrylic primer and basecoat, ceramic-coated stone granules, and an acrylic over-glaze, backed by a lifetime limited warranty on U.S. single-family homes, a 120 mph wind speed warranty, and a hail stone penetration warranty. Steel and aluminum prices also respond to trade policy, which our 2026 metal roofing tariff report tracks.
Can you save by installing metal shingles over old shingles?
Often, yes. Skipping tear-off saves the $100 to $300 per square that HomeGuide lists for old roof removal, or about $1,500 to $4,500 on a 15-square roof. The 2021 International Residential Code (IRC) allows a recover when the new covering is installed per the manufacturer’s approved instructions. It is not allowed over a water-soaked or deteriorated roof, or over a roof that already has two or more layers.
Check three code points before you count the savings. IRC Section R908.3.1.1 bans a recover over slate, clay, cement, or asbestos-cement tile. IRC R905.4.2 bars metal roof shingles on slopes below 3:12, and some products need more: DECRA lists 4:12 for Shingle XD. Local amendments and the manufacturer’s warranty terms can be stricter than the model code, so confirm both. Our guide to installing metal roofing over shingles covers the furring and underlayment details.
Which metal shingle fits your budget?
The cheapest metal shingle is plain painted steel on a simple roof. Stone-coated steel costs a little more and suits hail country and shingle-look neighborhoods. Aluminum is the coastal choice. If you plan to sell soon, asphalt usually returns more of what you spend.
| Your situation | Usually the better pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Lowest upfront metal price, simple gable roof | Stamped or painted steel shingles | $600 to $1,300 per square installed (HomeGuide) |
| Want a shingle, shake, or tile look in hail country | Stone-coated steel with a UL 2218 Class 4 listing | $700 to $1,300 per square (HomeGuide); ask your insurer about Class 4 credits |
| Home within sight of salt water | Aluminum shingles | HomeGuide notes aluminum shingles resist rust and corrosion; $670 to $1,600 per square |
| Want a slate look the framing cannot carry | Metal slate shingles | $600 to $1,400 per square vs $10 to $30 per sq ft for natural slate (HomeGuide) |
| Selling within 5 to 10 years | Architectural asphalt | 68% of cost recouped vs 50% for metal (Remodeling 2025 Cost vs Value) |
| Roof pitch below 3:12 | Not a metal shingle job | IRC R905.4.2 bars metal roof shingles below 3:12; look at low-slope metal panels |
How to get an accurate metal shingle roof quote
The fastest way to an accurate price is three itemized bids built on the same scope. Without that, you are comparing different roofs rather than different prices. Use this sequence:
- Get your roof area in squares. Use a measurement report or the pitch-factor method above, so every bid uses the same quantity.
- Name the product. Ask for brand, product line, metal, gauge, and finish in writing, for example DECRA Shingle XD or a specific aluminum shingle line.
- Request a line-item bid. Separate panels, labor, tear-off, underlayment, trim footage, and the permit.
- Set a deck repair price. Agree on a per-sheet or per-square rate for rotten sheathing before work starts.
- Confirm overlay or tear-off. Ask the contractor to cite the code section and manufacturer instruction that allow an overlay.
- Check certification and warranty registration. Many metal shingle warranties require a trained installer and a registered warranty.
- Ask about insurance credits. If the product carries a UL 2218 Class 4 rating, ask your carrier for the credit in writing before you sign.
No federal tax credit applies to a new roof in 2026. The IRS says the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit covered property placed in service through December 31, 2025, and roofing is not on its list of eligible components. Check for state or utility programs instead.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average cost of a metal shingle roof?
HomeGuide’s metal shingle guide puts the national average at about $19,200, with most jobs between $9,000 and $35,000 on 1,500 to 2,500 sq ft of roof. Per square foot, expect $6 to $14 installed. Stone-coated steel averages around $19,500 per HomeGuide. Roof pitch, tear-off, trim footage, and local labor rates explain most of the spread between quotes.
Is it cheaper to put a metal roof or shingles?
Asphalt shingles are cheaper to install. HomeGuide prices architectural asphalt at $4 to $6 per sq ft against $6 to $14 for metal shingles, and Remodeling’s 2025 Cost vs Value national averages are $31,871 for asphalt and $51,865 for metal. Metal can cost less per year of service if you stay long enough to avoid a second asphalt roof.
Are metal shingle roofs worth it?
They can be if you stay long enough to skip a second asphalt roof, live where hail, wildfire, or wind is common, or want a light roof with a shake or tile look. HomeGuide lists 40 to 70 years for metal shingles versus 20 to 30 for architectural asphalt. If you sell within a few years, asphalt usually recovers more: 68% of cost at resale versus 50% for metal, per Remodeling’s 2025 report.
How much is 1,000 sq ft of metal roofing?
For 1,000 sq ft of roof surface (10 squares), metal shingles typically cost $6,000 to $14,000 installed, per HomeGuide’s metal shingle guide. Steel shingles run about $6,000 to $13,000 and aluminum about $6,700 to $16,000. Small jobs can cost more per square foot because many contractors charge minimum project fees.
How much more does a metal roof cost than shingles?
Expect roughly 1.6 to 2 times the installed price of architectural asphalt, based on Remodeling’s national averages and HomeGuide’s midpoint prices. Remodeling’s 2025 Cost vs Value national averages show a gap of about $20,000 ($51,865 versus $31,871). At the retail shelf the gap is wider: in October 2026, Menards listed a stone-coated steel shingle at about $340 per square and an architectural asphalt bundle at about $116 per square.
Can you get a tax credit for a metal roof in 2026?
No federal credit applies to a metal roof installed in 2026. The IRS states that the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit covered property placed in service through December 31, 2025, and roofing is not on its list of eligible items. Some states, utilities, or insurers may offer separate programs or premium credits, so check local options and ask a tax professional.