Let’s help you pick a side
Hardie board offers superior durability, fire resistance, and a longer lifespan compared to vinyl siding, making it ideal for harsh climates and long-term investment.
Vinyl siding is more affordable, easy to install, and low maintenance, but it is vulnerable to extreme temperatures and UV damage.
Hardie board is made from natural materials, while vinyl siding is derived from plastic and is harder to recycle.
Vinyl siding generally has a shorter lifespan (20 to 40 years), whereas Hardie boards can last up to 50 years with minimal maintenance.
Siding can make or break your home’s curb appeal, and Hardie board and vinyl siding are two excellent options to consider. Both siding options are durable with aesthetic appeal to boot, but each comes with its own set of pros and cons. Let’s take a closer look at what differentiates these two siding options.
The main difference between these two types of siding is that Hardie board is made from natural materials, while vinyl siding is made from plastic. This makes Hardie board more sustainable, durable, and resistant to direct sunlight, fire, and harsh weather. On the other hand, vinyl siding’s strengths lie in its affordability and ease of installation, as Hardie boards are heavy, expensive, and difficult to install.
Hardie board, sometimes called HardiePlank, is a high-end brand of fiber cement siding that’s made of cement, sand, and cellulose fibers. While there aren’t many differences between cement board versus Hardie board, the brand stands out for being lighter in weight (albeit still heavier than vinyl). Designed to mimic the appearance of wood, it offers superior durability and fire resistance, as well as resistance to pests and rot.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Durable | Expensive |
| Environmentally friendly | Difficult to install |
| Resists fire, water, rot, and pests | Higher maintenance |
Best for:
Homes in regions with harsh weather or high fire risk
Homeowners seeking a high-end, traditional look
Those looking to invest more for better durability and longevity
Hardie Board siding is highly resistant to pests and moisture, helping it keep its shape and last for decades. It also resists sunlight, effectively blocking UV rays to prevent the warping and fading that can occur with vinyl siding. Another one of Hardie board’s standout features is fire resistance, which significantly reduces the risk of house fires, especially in fire-prone areas.
The cost of Hardie board is one of the main drawbacks, as it’s one of priciest siding options (aside from hardwood varieties like ipe or teak). You can expect to pay an average of $17,500 for whole-home installation. Despite being lighter than traditional cement boards, Hardie boards are still heavy and difficult to cut. With that in mind, it’s not a DIY-friendly material, so it’s necessary to invest in professional services rather than attempting to install it on your own.
Vinyl siding is a synthetic siding material made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) resin. Lightweight and easy to install, it’s a popular choice for budget-conscious homeowners looking for a variety of styles and colors. Here are the main pros and cons of vinyl siding.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Affordable | Not eco-friendly |
| Easy to install | Can warp or fade in extreme heat or direct sunlight |
| Low-maintenance | Limited weather and fire resistance |
| Resistant to pests and rot | Shorter lifespan |
Best for:
Homeowners on a tighter budget
Those located in mild to moderate climate zones
Homeowners looking to do a DIY installation
One of the key advantages of vinyl siding is its lower price tag, making it an excellent option for homeowners on a budget. Vinyl siding costs $12,205 on average for whole-home installation. It’s also incredibly low-maintenance, requiring no painting or sealing, and only needs the occasional light soapy wash to stay clean. Additionally, vinyl siding’s lightweight nature and ease of handling make it simple to install, whether by professionals or as a DIY project, offering even further savings on labor costs.
Since vinyl is a type of plastic, it’s vulnerable to UV damage and can be affected by extreme temperatures. In hot conditions, it may warp, and in very cold weather, it can become brittle and prone to cracking. As a result, vinyl siding is not the best option for homes located in regions with significant temperature fluctuations. Additionally, vinyl siding is made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a man-made material that is difficult to recycle, so it’s not an eco-friendly siding option.
Let’s explore the key differences between Hardie board and vinyl siding.
Hardie board offers a more high-end look, closely mimicking natural wood grain. While there are many types of vinyl siding in a variety of colors and styles, it still falls short of the texture and visual appeal that comes with Hardie boards.
There are many vinyl siding sizes, styles, and colors to choose from, so it wins in terms of variety right off the market. However, since Hardie boards can be painted in nearly any color imaginable, it also offers a vast range of looks to suit any preference.
Both vinyl and Hardie board are durable siding options, but Hardie board comes out on top when comparing the two. It has a longer lifespan, plus it’s also resistant to warping and does not become faded or damaged due to UV exposure or harsh weather conditions.
Fire resistance is a major advantage of Hardie board. Fiber cement siding is rated with a Class 1(A) fire spread classification, which is the highest level of fire resistance possible. As a result, experts recommend it for homes in regions susceptible to wildfires. Vinyl siding does not offer fire resistance, as it can melt when exposed to high temperatures. Because of its flammable nature, vinyl siding is not advisable for use in areas that frequently experience fires.
The cost of vinyl siding makes it the clear winner when it comes to affordability, as it’s significantly less pricey than fiber-cement options like Hardie Board. This is mainly due to the lower material costs and quicker installation process, which help keep overall expenses down.
Hardie board is both heavy and difficult to cut, so it’s not suitable for a DIY installation. In contrast, vinyl is lightweight and easy to work with, which makes it a good fit for homeowners looking to do a DIY installation. Still, for the best results and to avoid potential missteps, it’s best to leave installation up to a local vinyl siding installer.
When comparing Hardie board versus vinyl siding, vinyl siding is the more low-maintenance option. While durable, Hardie boards may need repainting or resealing every 10 to 15 years.
Hardie boards can last as long as 50 years, which greatly exceeds the lifespan of vinyl. In comparison, vinyl siding typically lasts between 20 to 40 years, making it comparable to other siding materials but not as long-lasting as fiber cement options like Hardie board.
Hardie board is made from natural materials and is more environmentally friendly than vinyl, which is derived from plastic. This also means that Hardie boards can be reused, while vinyl is difficult to recycle and often ends up in landfills. Plus, when incinerated, vinyl can release harmful chemicals into the atmosphere, making it the far less eco-friendly option.
