Metal Roof Installation cost: Brentwood vs Knoxville (2026)
Budget-wise, metal roof installation in Brentwood ($21,050) runs 2% more than in Knoxville ($20,600), a roughly $450 spread.
Brentwood TN
Typically around $21,050
Knoxville TN
Lower costTypically around $20,600
Brentwood vs Knoxville: full breakdown
| Factor | Brentwood | Knoxville |
|---|---|---|
| Typical 2026 cost | $21,050 | $20,600 |
| Estimated range | $12,850–$29,250 | $12,550–$28,650 |
| Labor index (vs US) | ×0.97 | ×0.95 |
| Climate zone | Mixed | Mixed |
| Climate factor | ×1 | ×1 |
| Local permit | $275 | $250 |
| Labor share | $12,650 | $12,350 |
| Materials/equipment | $8,400 | $8,250 |
Treat these as 2026 localized estimates for metal roof installation, not quotes from a contractor.
Is the price difference a dealbreaker?
2% is within noise for metal roof installation — contractor selection and timing move the price more than which of these two metros you're in.
Metal roof installation by type: Brentwood vs Knoxville
Every metal roof installation type gets its own localized price for each metro, using the same labor, climate and permit adjustments — a true apples-to-apples comparison.
| Type | Brentwood | Knoxville |
|---|---|---|
| Corrugated steel (exposed fastener) | $8,950–$17,650 | $8,750–$17,300 |
| Standing-seam steel | $17,650–$34,100 | $17,300–$33,350 |
| Aluminum | $13,800–$27,350 | $13,500–$26,750 |
| Copper | $29,250–$58,250 | $28,650–$57,000 |
| Zinc | $27,350–$53,450 | $26,750–$52,300 |
These are 2026 planning figures for metal roof installation, localized to each city — not formal quotes.
Metal roof installation by roof size: Brentwood vs Knoxville
Metal roofing is priced per square (100 sq ft) and costs roughly $6–$14 per sq ft installed — two to three times asphalt, but it lasts decades longer. Standing-seam costs more than exposed-fastener panels.
| Size | Brentwood | Knoxville |
|---|---|---|
| 1,000 sq ft (10 squares) | $8,000–$15,750 | $7,800–$15,400 |
| 1,500 sq ft (15 squares) | $10,900–$22,500 | $10,650–$22,000 |
| 2,000 sq ft (20 squares) | $12,850–$29,250 | $12,550–$28,650 |
| 2,500 sq ft (25 squares) | $15,750–$35,050 | $15,400–$34,300 |
| 3,000+ sq ft (30 squares) | $18,650–$40,850 | $18,200–$40,000 |
Localized 2026 planning estimates — not quotes. Each city adjusts the national metal roof installation range for local labor, climate and permits.
What roofing pros earn in each metro
Roughly 60% of what you pay for metal roof installation is labor, which is why local wages explain most of the price gap. The numbers below are actual metro wages for skilled installers, sourced from BLS OEWS — not guesses.
Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin metro · about 6% below the US average installer wage.
No BLS metro wage series for Knoxville; we use Tennessee regional price parity instead.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS metro wages for HVAC installers (used as a trade-labor index).
Cheapest time for metal roof installation in either city
Storm season pushes demand — and prices — up through summer, since shingles need warm, dry weather to bond correctly. Roofers with open winter calendars will often deal to fill a spring slot.
Where does a smart roofing budget go in 2026?
Tear-off vs. overlay, shingle tier and what's hidden under the deck decide the real number. Our editors on the trade-offs.
The do-it-right case
Skipping the tear-off means burying whatever's failing underneath, and a second layer bakes the shingles from below until they curl early. Doing it properly means stripping to the deck, then paying for real underlayment, flashing and airflow — the work that sets how long the roof lasts, not just how it looks the first week.
The value case
Architectural shingles sit between bargain 3-tab and premium metal or tile, and for most houses that middle ground is exactly right. They carry longer wind and wear ratings than 3-tab for a small step up in price, without the four-figure jump metal or tile demands.
The risk case
Budget for the unknown: rotten decking found at tear-off is the most common surprise. Get the per-sheet repair rate in writing up front so a "cheap" bid doesn't balloon mid-job.
Full tear-off, architectural shingles and a written deck-repair rate protect you from the two big risks — hidden rot and warranty gaps. The lowest storm-season bid is rarely the cheapest over the roof's life.
Brentwood vs Knoxville
Is metal roof installation cheaper in Brentwood or Knoxville?
In 2026, metal roof installation is cheaper in Knoxville at about $20,600, versus $21,050 in Brentwood — a difference of about $450 (2%).
Why does metal roof installation cost more in Brentwood than Knoxville?
The main driver is local labor rates: Brentwood's labor index is 0.97 versus 0.95 in Knoxville. Climate zone (mixed vs mixed) and permit fees also shift the total.
How much is metal roof installation in Brentwood, TN?
metal roof installation in Brentwood runs $12,850–$29,250 as of 2026 — most jobs land near $21,050.
When is the cheapest time to buy metal roof installation — and does it differ by city?
It doesn't vary by location — Late spring to early fall (dry, 45–85°F) is the discount window in both Brentwood and Knoxville (roughly 5–10% off), while mid-winter and the post-storm rush tends to be the most expensive in either city.
Should I choose where to live based on metal roof installation cost?
That would be a stretch. $450 is a one-time difference, not an ongoing one, and off-season buying plus apples-to-apples bids in Brentwood can close a good chunk of it. What matters more long-term is energy costs, climate and the condition of the home.
Compare metal roof installation in other cities
Updated June 2026 · By Serhat Özçelik