Metal Building Soffit Panels
Here’s a guide comparing the main soffit panel material options for your metal building and how they stack up on cost, durability, maintenance, and aesthetics. We’ll also discuss ventilation options.
Steel
Wood
PVC/UPVC
Aluminum
Composite and Fiber Cement
Steel Soffit
Steel soffits are the most common selection for metal buildings. 95%+ of soffits for metal buildings use steel panels.
Common Profiles:
PBR
RPBU
12” Flat (with or without beads)
Common Finishes:
SMP and Kynar colors
Wood-look
Metallic finishes (copper, corten, etc.)
Pricing:
$1-2/sf for PBR and RPBU
$2-$5/sf for flat soffit
$5-10/sf for custom finishes
Pros:
Low maintenance
Extremely durable
Weather-resistant
Long-term finish warranties (no need to paint or stain every few years)
Pre-painted
Cons: Potential rust if paint is compromised
Wood Soffit
Appearance:
Commonly available in cedar, pine, and redwood
Can be painted or stained
Pricing:
Material: $2–$6 per sq ft
Installed: $4–$11 per sq ft
Pros:
Great curb appeal
Easy to cut, shape, fasten, etc.
Cons:
High maintenance
Prone to rot, pests, and warping
Needs regular painting or staining
PVC/UPVC
Appearance:
Wood-look options
Factory color finished, reducing cost vs field painting
Pricing:
$2–$5 per square foot
Pros:
Low maintenance
Rot and insect resistant
No painting needed
Cons:
Relatively new product, limited long-term installations
Limited color options
Fiber Cement Soffit
Appearance:
Smooth and textured options available
Flat sheet and wood-look are most common options
Pricing:
$5–$15 per square foot
Pros:
Low Maintenance
Highly durable
Mold, rot and insect resistant
Cons:
High material cost upfront
Trickier to install vs wood or steel
Cost Summary Table
| Material | Material Cost (SF) | Maintenance |
|---|---|---|
| Steel | $1-$10 | Low |
| Wood | $2–$10 | High |
| PVC | $3–$7 | Low |
| Fiber Cement | $5–$13 | Low |
Solid vs. Vented Soffits
Solid soffits are the most common soffit style for metal buildings.
Metal buildings do not typically have unconditioned attics
Insulation is at the roofline as opposed to the ceiling joists
Vented soffits feature slots or perforations to support attic airflow and prevent moisture build-up, ice dams, and mold
Very uncommon in metal building applications
Perforated panels are more expensive than their solid counterparts
Installation Considerations
Let your erector know that your building will have soffits. They will need to account for the additional time spent on the soffit framing, sheeting, and trim in their pricing.
Choosing the Right Material
Budget‑friendly: Exposed Fastener Steel (~$1–$2/SF)
Low‑maintenance: Steel, PVC, and Fiber Cement — no painting, mold, rot and insect resistant
Longevity & fire safety: Steel — durable, non-combustible
Premium appearance:
Wood —lower upfront cost with regular upkeep requirements
Wood-look steel has a higher upfront cost, but significantly lower maintenance with much higher longevity (2x-3x lifespan)
Cool Articles for Future Learning
