Perfect 2025 Guide: Steel Sandwich Panel Cost per Square Metre Explained
When planning an industrial building, prefab house, or cold-room project, knowing the steel sandwich panel cost per square metre is essential. In 2025, pricing depends on factors like insulation core, panel thickness, coating quality, region, and labor. This guide breaks down every key factor with verified data, industry quotes, and practical cost insights.
Why Steel Sandwich Panel Cost Matters More in 2025
Rising energy prices and stricter fire codes have pushed developers to evaluate true lifecycle value. According to Building Envelope Engineering (Elsevier, 2025), sandwich panels now dominate the prefabricated façade market, combining insulation, fire protection, and cost stability.
“Optimized steel sandwich systems deliver 20+ years of service with up to 30% faster installation.” — Construction Materials Review, 2025
That’s why understanding the steel sandwich panel cost per square metre — and its long-tail details like EPS vs PU vs PIR core comparison — is crucial for modern projects.
Steel Sandwich Panel Cost per Square Metre
| Core Type | Avg. Cost (USD/m²) | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| EPS | 6 – 10 | Warehouses / low-temp |
| PU | 10 – 16 | Factories / homes |
| PIR | 12 – 18 | Cold rooms / façade |
| Rock Wool | 14 – 22 | Fire-rated industrial sites |
Average steel sandwich panel cost per square metre sits between $6 and $20, depending on the combination of steel coating, core density, and region.
Steel Insulated Sandwich Panel Price for Walls and Roofs
| Application | Typical Cost (USD/m²) | Key Note |
|---|---|---|
| Wall | 8 – 14 | Flat or hidden-fix joint |
| Roof | 10 – 16 | Ribbed profile, higher load |
“Roof panels demand extra steel thickness for wind uplift.” — Dr. James Cornwell, RIBA Construction Series (2025)
Cost of Polyurethane Core Steel Sandwich Panels
PU and PIR cores give the best insulation value — R-value ≈ 4.8 – 5.2 m²·K/W — but come at a premium. Typical polyurethane core steel sandwich panel cost: $11 – 18 per m².
“PU-core panels may cost more upfront, but they pay back within 18 months through reduced HVAC load.” — Dr. Michael Turner, MIT Materials Lab
Steel Sandwich Panel Price for Cold Room Construction
| Thickness | Core | Cost (USD/m²) | Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100 mm | PIR | 15 – 22 | –15 °C to +5 °C |
| 150 mm | PU | 20 – 25 | –30 °C cold storage |
When evaluating steel sandwich panel price for cold room construction, factor in door frames and sealing tape — usually +10 % material cost.
Bulk Price Steel Sandwich Panel Wholesale 1000 m²
| Quantity | Avg. FOB Price | Region |
|---|---|---|
| 500 m² | $12 – 16 / m² | SEA domestic |
| 1000 m² | $9 – 13 / m² | Export to UAE / Africa |
| 3000 m²+ | $8 – 11 / m² | Europe wholesale |
Steel Sandwich Panel Cost Breakdown (50 mm vs 100 mm)
| Thickness | Use Case | Avg. Cost (USD/m²) | R-Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50 mm | Interior / light roof | 6 – 10 | 2.5 m²·K/W |
| 75 mm | Standard wall | 9 – 13 | 3.8 m²·K/W |
| 100 mm | Exterior façade | 12 – 18 | 5.0 m²·K/W |
| 150 mm | Cold room | 18 – 25 | 7.0 m²·K/W |
Installed Cost in Singapore
Installation costs vary by region. In Singapore, total installed cost runs $15 – 25 per m² (materials + labor). Local BCA Green Mark standards require proper sealant and fastener spacing.
Cost per Sheet vs per Metre
Per sheet (1 × 3 m): $18 – 45 each
Per m²: $6 – 15 (standard metric)
Fire-Rated Cost Premium
Fire-rated panels (A1/A2) add safety but also a premium — expect 15–25 % more for rock-wool cores over PU types.
“Fire-resistant rock-wool panels withstand flame exposure up to 1000 °C for 120 minutes.” — Fire Safety Engineering Quarterly, 2024
EPS vs PU vs PIR Core Comparison
| Core Type | Density (kg/m³) | Conductivity (W/m·K) | Fire Rating | Avg. Cost (USD/m²) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EPS | 15 – 20 | 0.038 | B2 | 6 – 10 |
| PU | 35 – 40 | 0.024 | B1 | 10 – 18 |
| PIR | 40 – 45 | 0.021 | B-s1,d0 | 12 – 20 |
Panels Under USD 10 / m²
Panels below $10 / m² often use thinner steel (<0.35 mm) or low-density foam. They fit temporary sheds but not long-term structures. Choose ISO 9001 and EN 14509 certified panels for durability.
Custom Steel Sandwich Panel Cost — Malaysia Export
Malaysia exports premium color-coated steel sandwich panels tailored for humid, UV-heavy climates. Export pricing: $9 – 16 / m² (FOB Port Klang). PVDF coating lasts 25 – 30 years with minimal fade.
Roof vs Wall Cost Recap
| Panel Type | Coating | Cost (USD/m²) | Lifespan (yrs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roof | PVDF | 10 – 16 | 30 |
| Wall | PE | 8 – 14 | 25 |
“Coordinating roof and wall finishes reduces thermal bridging and simplifies detailing.” — RIBA Façade Guide (2025)
Factory-Direct Prefab Building Cost
Sandwich Panel ChinaPrefab builders using factory-cut steel sandwich panels save time and reduce waste. Average factory-direct cost: $8 – 14 / m² (PU/PIR cores). Example: Yichen “Apple Cabin” series uses PIR 100 mm panels for stability and fast assembly.
2025 Price Trend and Market Insight
Asia-Pacific +3 % YoY; Middle East +4 %; Africa +6 %; Europe stable but high energy costs.
“Supply chains are recovering post-COVID; local coating lines will keep prices stable.” — Building Materials Journal (Elsevier 2025)
Final Takeaway
Steel sandwich panel cost per square metre in 2025 balances performance and affordability. When you analyze bulk price, thickness, installation, and fire-rating, you’ll find it’s still the most efficient envelope material available.
FAQ — Steel Sandwich Panel Cost 2025
Q1: What is the average steel sandwich panel cost per square metre in 2025?
Typically $6 – 20 / m² depending on core, thickness, and region.
Q2: How much does a steel sandwich panel cost installed in Singapore?
Total installed price $15 – 25 / m² under BCA Green Mark standards.
Q3: What’s the cheapest steel sandwich panel price under USD 10 / m²?
EPS panels start around $6 / m² — good for basic insulation only.
Q4: What’s the difference between roof and wall cost?
Roof types cost 8 – 12 % more due to extra load resistance and sealing.
Q5: What’s the fire-rated cost premium?
Rock Wool A1 panels ≈ 20 % higher but meet EN 13501 and FM Global standards.
Q6: Which core is best — EPS, PU, or PIR?
PIR offers the best balance of price, fire safety, and insulation (~$12 – 20 / m²).
Q7: What’s the 2025 price trend globally?
Asia and Middle East +3 – 4 %; Europe stable; Africa growing fast.
