Fiber Cement Siding vs. Stucco Siding: A Guide

Choosing a siding is a major decision for a homeowner. It affects not only the look of your house but also how well it’s protected from the elements. If you've heard of stucco and fiber cement siding, you may be wondering which is best for you.

This comparison guide breaks down each material's pros and cons so you can make an informed decision. Then, contact a siding professional near you for a consultation and quote.

Fiber Cement Siding Pros and Cons ​

Before considering fiber cement siding, you should be aware of its pros and cons.

Pros

Fiber cement siding has some very attractive pros, from appearance to durability.

Handles Harsh Weather

Whether you're talking about salty air or hurricane-force winds, fiber cement siding is extremely tough and can handle just about anything Mother Nature throws at it.

Insect-Resistant

Pests that damage homes, such as termites and carpenter ants, are drawn to wood—but not fiber cement. 

Inflammable

Fiber cement is composed almost entirely of flame-resistant materials, so it won’t ignite when exposed to fire.

Lots of Design Options

Fiber cement siding comes in a wide variety of colors, shapes, sizes, and textures, so homeowners can create a custom look.

Cons

There are some significant drawbacks you should be aware of as well.

Needs Repainting

Although fiber cement is a low-maintenance choice overall, it does need to be repainted every 10 to 15 years. 

Challenging Installation

Certain carcinogens can be released when cutting and installing fiber cement, so your contractor will need to take safety precautions. Fiber cement can be heavy and difficult to maneuver, and it can break during installation if not handled carefully. 

Not Very Energy-Efficient

Fiber cement siding isn’t an especially good insulator. Wood and vinyl do a much better job of stopping heat loss, which in turn saves money on your energy bill. 

Stucco Siding Pros and Cons​

What about stucco siding? This type of siding has some key differences from fiber cement. Here are the pros and cons of stucco siding.

Pros

Stucco offers a number of benefits, including that it can last for 100 years.

Durable

Like fiber cement, stucco can withstand strong winds, fire, and insects. How long does stucco last, though? If properly installed and maintained, stucco can last 100 years. 

Attractive Appearance

Stucco has a unique textured look that is popular with homeowners. You can choose from different shades and finishes to further raise your home's curb appeal.

Low Maintenance

Like fiber cement, stucco siding requires little in the way of upkeep other than regular cleaning with a garden hose and brush.

Cons

Stucco isn’t right for all climates and can sometimes develop cracks.

Not Suitable for Wet Climates

Although some types of stucco can repel water, stucco tends to absorb and hold onto water. That means this type of siding is better suited for arid climates, such as the Southwest and Texas—though the material is popular in Florida. Waterlogged stucco can lead to problems like mold growth and cracking.

Cracking Risk

Stucco isn’t very flexible, so if it is rattled by an earthquake or simply expands and contracts as the temperature changes, you may notice cracks start to develop.

Can’t Always Be Painted

Painting stucco isn’t as straightforward as painting other types of siding and may involve special preparation steps like sandblasting. 

Fiber Cement Siding vs. Stucco Siding

So how do these two siding options compare? After all, their pros and cons are similar in many areas. Here’s the breakdown.

Appearance​

Fiber cement siding gets the edge on appearance because it offers homeowners a wider range of design options.

Durability​

Stucco siding has better durability. While both types of siding are known for their strength, in the long run, stucco can last for decades longer than fiber cement.

Price​

Stucco siding also has the advantage in price. The cost of fiber cement siding can be up to $10 per square foot based on the size of your home. The cost of stucco siding averages closer to $8 per square foot.

Ease of Installation/DIY-ability​

Stucco siding takes this category as well. While both siding options are difficult to install, fiber cement is more challenging because of its heaviness and the safety precautions that need to be taken.

Maintenance​

Stucco siding comes out slightly ahead on maintenance. Both types of siding are easy-care, but fiber cement does need to be repainted every 10-15 years.