Is vinyl or aluminum siding cheaper?

Vinyl is 10-20% cheaper than aluminum. Vinyl costs $2-$7 per square foot installed vs $3-$8 for aluminum. For an average home (1,500 sq ft of siding), vinyl costs $3,000-$10,500 vs $4,500-$12,000 for aluminum. Vinyl also has lower lifetime costs because it never needs painting, while aluminum siding needs repainting every 10-15 years ($2,000-$5,000 per painting). Both are significantly cheaper than fiber cement, wood, or stone siding. How long does vinyl siding last?

How long does vinyl siding last?

Vinyl siding lasts 20-40 years depending on quality, climate, and installation. Premium insulated vinyl with a lifetime warranty can last 30-40+ years. Basic vinyl may start fading and becoming brittle after 20 years. Extreme cold (below -20°F) can cause cracking, and extreme heat can cause warping. Aluminum siding lasts slightly longer (40-50 years) but requires repainting every 10-15 years. Fiber cement (HardiePlank) lasts 50+ years but costs more. Can you paint vinyl siding?

Can you paint vinyl siding?

Vinyl siding is not designed to be painted, though it is technically possible with vinyl-safe exterior paint. The color in vinyl siding goes through the entire thickness of the material, so it doesn't need painting. If you paint vinyl, the paint may not adhere well long-term, dark paint colors can cause warping (absorbs more heat), and it voids most vinyl siding warranties. If you want the ability to change your home's color, choose aluminum siding (designed to be repainted) or fiber cement. Which siding is best for coastal homes?

Which siding is best for coastal homes?

Aluminum siding is excellent for coastal homes because it naturally resists salt air corrosion. Vinyl is also a good coastal option since PVC doesn't corrode. Both are better than steel siding (which rusts in salt air) or wood (which deteriorates faster in humid coastal conditions). For premium coastal homes, fiber cement (HardiePlank) is the top choice — it resists salt, moisture, wind, and insects. Avoid any siding with steel components in coastal environments.

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Comparisons

Vinyl vs Aluminum Siding: Complete Comparison Guide

Lumberama Editorial Team, Siding & Exterior Cladding Specialists May 20, 2026 8 min read

What They Are

Vinyl siding: PVC (polyvinyl chloride) panels. Most popular siding in America (30%+ market share). Available in clapboard, board and batten, shake, and Dutch lap profiles. Wide color range (color goes through entire thickness). Cannot be painted (but doesn't need to be).

Aluminum siding: Thin aluminum panels (0.019-0.024 inch). Was popular 1940s-1970s (before vinyl took over). Baked-on enamel paint finish. Can be painted any color. Being replaced by vinyl in most applications. Still preferred in some coastal and fire-prone areas.

Cost

Vinyl siding: Material: $2-$7/sq ft installed. Budget (basic vinyl): $2-$4/sq ft. Mid-range (insulated vinyl): $4-$7/sq ft. Premium (shake or board and batten): $5-$10/sq ft. Average home (1,500 sq ft siding area): $3,000-$10,500.

Aluminum siding: Material: $3-$8/sq ft installed. Standard: $3-$6/sq ft. Premium/thick gauge: $5-$8/sq ft. Average home (1,500 sq ft siding area): $4,500-$12,000.

Comparison: Vinyl is 10-20% cheaper than equivalent aluminum. Both are cheaper than wood, fiber cement, or stone. Installation labor is similar for both.

Durability

Vinyl: Lifespan: 20-40 years. Does not rust or corrode. Does not rot or attract insects. Can crack in extreme cold (below -20°F). Can warp or melt in extreme heat. Fades over time (especially dark colors). Can crack from impact (baseballs, hail). Not paintable (color is integral).

Aluminum: Lifespan: 40-50 years. Does not rust (aluminum oxide coating protects). Dent-prone (hail, baseballs, ladders). Dents are permanent (cannot be popped out). Scratches show bare metal (must repaint). Fire resistant (won't melt like vinyl). Performs well in extreme temperatures. Can be repainted when color fades.

Maintenance

Vinyl: Annual cleaning: pressure wash or scrub with mild detergent. Replace damaged panels (individual panels replaceable). No painting ever. May need occasional caulking at trim. Check for loose panels after storms.

Aluminum: Annual cleaning (same as vinyl). Repaint every 10-15 years ($2,000-$5,000 for average home). Touch up scratches (to prevent corrosion at scratch). Dented panels may need replacing (cannot repair dents). Oxidation over time (chalky surface — indicates time to paint).

Winner: Vinyl is significantly lower maintenance. Aluminum's need for repainting is the main disadvantage.

Best For

Choose vinyl siding if: Budget is a priority. Low maintenance is important. Wide color/style selection desired. Cold climate (flexible, won't dent from hail like aluminum). Typical residential home. Want lifetime warranty (many vinyl products offer this).

Choose aluminum siding if: Coastal area (salt air — aluminum won't corrode like steel). Fire-prone area (aluminum is non-combustible). Want ability to change color later (paintable). Extreme heat climate (won't warp like vinyl). Industrial or modern aesthetic preferred. Historic restoration (matches original aluminum).

Consider alternatives: Fiber cement (HardiePlank): premium durability, paintable, fire-resistant. $6-$12/sq ft. Wood siding: traditional, requires painting/staining every 3-7 years. $6-$12/sq ft. Engineered wood (LP SmartSide): combines wood appearance with composite durability. $4-$9/sq ft. Stone veneer: premium accent. $15-$30/sq ft.