Types of Siding for Homes
Types of Siding for Homes Siding comes in an array of materials that offer a variety of benefits and come at different price points. The national average cost to install...
Siding
Average Cost: $6 - $18
Here’s an in-depth review of James Hardie siding, covering its product lines, material performance, pricing, customer feedback, and how it compares to other siding options on the market.
Our Verdict: James Hardie siding is a strong choice for homeowners looking for durable, fiber cement siding with long-term performance benefits, but it may not be ideal for those seeking lower upfront costs or DIY-friendly materials.
This review looks at one of the most recognizable names in fiber cement siding. James Hardie Industries has been manufacturing exterior building products for more than 135 years and is widely credited with popularizing fiber cement siding in Australia in the 19th century and North America in the 1990s, which became known as HardieBoard.
James Hardie siding is made from a blend of cement, sand, water, and cellulose fibers. This fiber cement composition is designed to deliver the look of wood or stucco with improved resistance to moisture, fire, pests, and harsh weather. Within the broader siding market, James Hardie is positioned as a premium, performance-focused brand, often compared against engineered wood, vinyl, and other fiber cement manufacturers.
| Best For | Top Product Line | Cost Installed | Standout Feature | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Long-term durability and curb appeal | HardiePlank® Lap Siding | $6 to $18 per sq. ft. | Climate-specific fiber cement | 30-year limited warranty |
At Modernize, we like James Hardie siding for its combination of durability, design flexibility, and long-term value. Fiber cement consistently outperforms many traditional siding materials in demanding climates, and James Hardie has built a reputation around reliable, high-quality manufacturing over three different centuries.
James Hardie also stands out for its focus on performance-driven innovation, including climate-specific products and factory-applied finishes such as ColorPlus® finishes that offer a customized look with reduced maintenance. For homeowners planning to stay in their homes long term, James Hardie siding offers peace of mind that few other siding materials can match.
James Hardie siding is widely respected, but it isn’t the right fit for every homeowner. Here’s a balanced look at the advantages and drawbacks.
James Hardie offers several fiber cement siding options designed to suit different architectural styles and climates. Core offerings include lap siding, vertical panels, and shingle-style siding, all engineered for long-term exterior performance.
Homeowners can choose from smooth or textured finishes, multiple profile widths, and a wide palette of factory-applied colors. James Hardie also manufactures complementary exterior products such as trim boards and soffit panels for a cohesive exterior look.
The company offers a range of proprietary siding products designed to withstand the elements, resist pests, and last the duration of their 30-year warranties.
Customer feedback consistently places James Hardie at the top of the siding market. Most homeowners value its fire resistance, weather durability, and long lifespan. While the price is higher than vinyl options, many feel the investment pays for itself through reduced maintenance and lasting beauty.
“… In my opinion, Hardie is the ideal siding material, if you are willing to forgo real wood. It’s popular because it’s cheaper than cedar and paint and long term maintenance costs are much lower. Rarely do you see a newer product, (especially a composite) that performs better than that the traditional stuff and is actually cheaper.” — Reddit Review
“We’re so grateful we chose HardiePlank. Our community was devastated by Hurricane Sandy…our home was not.” — Site Review
“I would do Hardie, again. I have had Hardie on 2 houses, one where it is rainy and wet, and the other where it is both very cold/very hot. I have self painted Hardie on the rainy/wet house. It’s been on for 25 years and looks great. We have painted it twice, once at install and once about 15 years in. On the brutally hot house, we had the factory painted Hardie installed along with self-painted Hardie shakes. The factory painted siding noticeably bleached out after 10-12 years, while the self painted shakes on the peaks still looked good.” — Reddit Review
James Hardie siding typically costs between $6 and $18 per square foot installed, depending on the product line, home size, and local labor rates. Some quotes have reached in excess of $35 per square foot installed, depending on premium products and finishes and your location. Fiber cement installation is more labor-intensive than vinyl, which contributes to higher overall costs.
Actual siding costs depend on factors like the number of stories, trim pieces, insulation, removal of old siding, and labor rates in your area. Homes with complex architecture may require more material and labor.
| Product Line | Installed Cost Range | Estimated Cost for 2,200 to 2,800 Sq. Ft. of Siding |
|---|---|---|
| HardiePlank Lap Siding | $6 to $15 per square foot | $13,200 to $42,000 |
| HardieShingle™ Accent Siding | $9 to $16 per square foot | $19,800 to $44,800 |
| Artisan Collection (Thick Panels) | $10 to $18 per square foot | $22,000 to $50,400 |
*For a typical 2,000-square-foot home, the exterior siding surface area is often larger than the home’s interior floor space due to wall height, gables, and architectural features. As a result, siding estimates are usually based on roughly 2,200 to 2,800 square feet of coverage.
Because James Hardie projects are more expensive than vinyl, many homeowners explore financing. Financing options include contractor-backed financing, retailer credit programs, or personal home improvement loans. HELOCs may also be a smart choice for large-scale siding renovations.
James Hardie is often compared to vinyl, engineered wood, and other fiber cement siding brands. While vinyl offers lower upfront costs, fiber cement excels in durability and long-term performance.
What Sets James Hardie Apart: James Hardie specializes in fiber cement siding, which is known for its fire resistance, durability, and strong performance in extreme weather. Compared to many CertainTeed vinyl siding products, Hardie siding is designed to offer greater structural strength and a longer lifespan.
Explore our CertainTeed review
What Sets James Hardie Apart: Fiber cement boards are known to last longer and outperform vinyl siding. By focusing on this option, James Hardie is able to stand on its warranties and prides itself on a long-lasting product.
Explore our Alside Review
What Sets James Hardie Apart: Fiber cement siding is known for its fire resistance, structural strength, and ability to perform well in harsh climates, offering longer-term durability than most vinyl options.
Explore our Royal Siding Review
Homeowners considering James Hardie often have questions about cost, performance, and how it compares to vinyl. Here are the most common FAQs with clear, concise answers.
With proper installation and maintenance, James Hardie fiber cement siding can last 40 to 50 years or longer.
Installed costs typically range from $6.00 to $18.00 per sq ft, depending on the product line and location.
For homeowners prioritizing durability and long-term value, James Hardie siding is often worth the higher upfront investment.
While fiber cement does not provide significant insulation, it pairs well with foam-backed sheathing to improve efficiency. Its durability and low maintenance also contribute to long-term savings.
Yes. The ColorPlus® Technology uses a factory-applied, baked-on finish that resists fading, chipping, and peeling.
Factory-finished ColorPlus® products resist fading, but repainting may be needed after many years. The warranty for this product is 15 years.
Vinyl siding is more affordable, with costs typically half those of fiber cement. However, James Hardie is far superior in durability, weather resistance, and fire safety. Homeowners who want low maintenance and premium performance often choose Hardie despite the higher cost.
Fiber cement is naturally non-combustible, making it one of the safest siding choices in fire-prone regions. Many building codes in wildfire zones recognize James Hardie as a preferred material for fire resistance.
Because of its weight and need for precision, James Hardie siding should be installed by professionals. This ensures performance and protects warranty coverage.
In some cases, yes, but professional evaluation is required to ensure proper moisture management.
James Hardie siding is a premium option for homeowners who want long-lasting performance, strong curb appeal, and resistance to the elements. While installation costs are higher than competitors, the durability and warranty coverage make it a worthwhile, long-term investment.
Looking for more exterior remodeling insights? Explore the Modernize review hub to compare siding brands, materials, and cost guides to find the best option for your home.
Read real homeowner reviews, explore qualifications, and view promotions. Modernize makes it easy to browse professionals and find one that will be perfect for your project.
