If you’re “board” with traditional siding, this option may be your best bet
Hardie board siding is fiber cement made from sand, cellulose, and cement, offering your home strong protection against moisture, pests, and severe weather.
Expect to pay $5,000 to $37,500 for Hardie board siding installation, with costs around $5 to $15 per square foot based on customization and style.
Your Hardie board siding needs professional installation because the heavy, dense material requires specialized tools, precision cutting, and expertise for proper weatherproofing and long-term performance.
Hiring a local siding professional provides expert installation and sealing guidance, ensuring your Hardie board siding stays secure and weather-resistant for decades.
Hardie board siding is a home exterior option that can withstand harsh weather, from torrential downpours to hail, sleet, and snow. However, it comes at a higher cost due to its long lifespan and more durable material. Let’s dig into Hardie board siding’s pros and cons to help you decide if it’s the right siding for your home.
Hardie board siding is a durable product made from the brand James Hardie. It consists of a mixture of cement, sand, and cellulose fibers which help it protect your home from pests, moisture, and harsh weather conditions. Hardie Board siding can last anywhere from 30 to 50 years, depending on how well it’s maintained.
| Hardie Board Siding Pros | Hardie Board Siding Cons |
|---|---|
| Durable | High upfront cost |
| Customizable | Requires professional installation |
| Sustainable | May require repainting |
| Low maintenance | Longer installation process |
An alternative to wood or vinyl siding, Hardie board siding is a highly customizable material that can withstand even the strongest of storms. Whether you live in a region that is exposed to harsh conditions or prone to pests, Hardie boards can withstand a multitude of variables thanks to its durability. Although durability is its top benefit, it has several others that make it an excellent siding option for your home.
Wind or snow or rain or hail is not likely to damage Hardie board siding, since it’s resistant to cracking, warping, or rotting. Because it is moisture-resistant, it can sustain harsh conditions for years without being compromised.
This type of siding comes in a variety of colors, styles, textures, and thickness, making it an optimal choice for a wide range of aesthetics. Want a more rustic look? You can choose a wood-grain Hardie board style, or if modern is your preference, you can opt for vertical panels instead of shingles or lap siding.
Made from raw materials like cement, cellulose, and sand, Hardie board siding depletes less resources in its creation as opposed to other materials like vinyl. Plus, it provides better insulation than metal and vinyl, so it’s more energy efficient. This can help you use less heating and air conditioning and lower your carbon footprint.
Because of its high durability, this specific type of siding doesn’t need regular maintenance like other materials. Since it won’t rot or crack, you won’t need to replace boards or repaint as often as other siding like wood requires. The most you’ll need to do is have your Hardie board siding cleaned and painted every 10 to 15 years.
While the pros of Hardie board siding are plentiful, there are some cons to consider when choosing this material for your home. Read on for more cons to help you decide if Hardie board is the right fit for you.
Depending on where you live and how much siding you need, the cost of Hardie board siding ranges from $5,000 to $37,500. Most Hardie boards cost about $5 to $15 per square foot, with more basic colors and styles falling on the lower end and more customized options falling on the higher end. If you’re on a tight budget or looking for a lower-cost siding option, Hardie board may not be the right material for you.
We don’t recommend DIY installation with this type of siding. This material is best installed by a licensed professional, so you’ll need to hire a local siding contractor. They’ll know the specific requirements of the siding and have the tools and equipment necessary to do the job right. Although paying for labor may cut into your bottom line, it’s best to go with the experts for this project.
As durable as Hardie board siding is, it still may need a paint touch-up every decade or so, especially if you live in a region that is tough on outdoor siding. Depending on how customizable the color of your siding is, you may have to have the paint color matched by a professional so you don’t have visible touch-ups.
Since Hardie board is made from fiber cement, its material is heavier and denser than other siding options like vinyl or wood. This makes it more physically demanding to handle, carry, and cut during installation, which can slow down the process. Unlike lightweight vinyl, which can be easily snapped into place, Hardie boards require more precision and often specialized tools.
If you’re considering alternatives to Hardie board siding, you’ll likely run into one of the following siding options:
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All Star Paving and SealingI highly recommend KTM construction! I will look no where else for anything that needs to be done, in or out side of our property. The level of craftsmanship is 5 star service across the board! The level of detail, knowledge and professionalism is 5 star service across the board! Ken is a...
KTM Construction, LLCI purchased the "Big Deal": $199.00 for exterior pressure-washing of one- or two-story home up to 2,000 square feet. They cleaned the siding only. I wasn't aware when I bought the Big Deal that they would not do any other surfaces other than the siding (i.e. sides of the gutters or stucco). I...
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CertaPro Painters of ColumbusThe work went great! Couldn't ask for better. Joel set a work start date. About the time of the storms that may have been associated with Sandy. He was half a day late. They set up on a Thursday. On Friday they had a full crew at work. By Monday they were finishing up. Now, the best...
NJW ConstructionA few months ago, a tree branch fell across my car, leaving a series of dents across the hood and driver's side fender. I took it to Rife's after reading the Angie's List reviews. Rife's did a great job! My car looks like new. And they made the process as easy as possible. When I came in...
Rife's Autobody IncI received an email from Angie's List offering Car Detailing 4 U's services for $99. Coming from Angie's List, I expected this to be a highly dependable and qualified company that was known for doing exceptional work. I set the appointment for them to come to my home. They were arrive at...
We first had Mark fix the back patio and liked his work so much we had him make a brick patio on the side of the house. When we decided to change our concrete walkway to brick, we wanted Mark to do the job because his prices were fair and he did such good work on t he other two projects.
Mark Monnette MasonryI was very pleased with the cost and end result. I truly expected this job to cost me 50% more than it did. When you factor quality and cost, I would highly recommend Mark's services and plan to use him in the future. The best part was, I asked Mark to match the paint color in one section...
Fresh Touch Custom Painting Inc.From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
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