Steel Log Siding Cost and Pros & Cons in 2022 – ROI and More

Steel log siding is a unique type of siding made from steel that looks like real wood logs. It was invented and is manufactured in Colorado, where strong siding is a must to stand up to extreme weather.

TrueLog Steel Siding Canyon Red

On average, steel log siding cost is $8.50 to $16.50 per square foot for the material and professional installation. The cost range reflects differences in material options, installation complexity, and your home’s location (robustness of the local home remodeling and real estate market).

By comparison, natural wood log siding ranges from $10.50 to $17.50 per square foot installed.

This guide focuses on steel log siding cost, pros and cons, durability, the return on your investment in terms of your home’s value. Along the way, we’ll make comparisons to authentic log siding, so you can see steel’s relative advantages and disadvantages.

That Appeal of Log Siding

Log siding makes a home look solid, warm, and inviting. It is classic siding with unsurpassed charm.

Steel log siding remarkably mimics the look and texture of wood while eliminating the worst aspects of real log siding – high maintenance costs and susceptibility to insects, rot and fire.

What is Steel Log Siding?

Here are the basics of this material often called fake log siding.

Lightweight G-90 galvanized steel 26 gauge (thicker) and 28-gauge steel is used. The material is stamped with authentic wood texture: cedar, pine, weathered wood and more. Some designs include faux chinking.

Durable coatings are designed to resist fading, cracking, and blistering. Foam backer inserts are added for stability and an R-value of 3 to 4.

Steel log siding is installed using the same techniques and accessories as standard steel or vinyl siding, so the process goes quickly. The siding is backed with very good warranties discussed below.

Read more

Vinyl Siding Cost per Sq. Ft. in 2022: Foam-Backed Vs. Hollow Siding

There’s nothing more unseemly than peeling paint or badly worn out siding on a house. We’ve all heard the suggestion that first impressions matter and when it comes to the exterior appearance of your home, that couldn’t be truer! 😉

vinyl-siding-on-a-cape-style-home

If your siding needs replacing, it’s best to do it as soon as possible. This is a job that is probably best left to professionals, unless it’s something you’ve done before, and you happen to have all the necessary tools including metal trim break, ladders and platforms, plus a handy and reliable friend willing to help. 😉

Cost Installed

On average, foam-backed vinyl siding will cost between $7.50 and $15.00 per square foot installed on a simple single-story house. So, for a typical house requiring about 2,000 sq. ft. or 20 “squares” of vinyl siding installed, your total cost will be between $15,000 and $30,000 for materials and labor.

Some homeowners may opt for a less-costly non-insulated siding option which would cost about $7.50 to $9.50 per sq. ft. to install on average or about 30% less than foam-backed option.

In addition to the cost of the job, you may also have to pay for the removal and disposal of the old siding. Lastly, you will need to take into the account the cost of obtaining a building permit from your local town hall. This cost will vary depending on your location.

Materials Basics

vinyl-siding-on-a-house

When installing a new vinyl siding on your house, you will have a few choices of materials ranging from basic to premium. In most cases, standard options should work just fine for most homes.

Cost of Materials:

Some contractors may charge more for the entire job including labor if you choose to go with a premium option. On the low-end, your siding materials will cost about $1.50-$2.00 more per square foot.

A standard, middle of the road option will cost about $2.50 per square foot. A more premium option will cost $3.00 per square foot.

All else being equal, premium colors and styles or patterns will cost more. In addition to the cost of materials, you will also need to consider the cost of building permits, supplies such nails, wrap, aluminum trim for windows, etc.

Read more