Enter your ZIP to
find local pros.
Please enter a valid 5 digit zip code

Siding

James Hardie Siding Review 2025: Ultimate Durability Meets Designer Style

Modernize Rating: 4.5/5

Average Cost: $7 - $17

This is our comprehensive review of James Hardie siding, covering product lines, costs, features, and how it compares to other leading siding brands. James Hardie has earned its reputation as the premier choice for fiber cement siding, with a proven track record of performance and innovation.

Our Verdict: James Hardie is best for homeowners who want a premium, long-lasting siding solution that provides outstanding durability, fire resistance, and aesthetic appeal. While the cost is higher than vinyl, the investment pays off in lower maintenance and better protection over time.

The Modernize Mission

Modernize maintains homeowner-first editorial integrity, meaning we accept no commissions and no partner links for this review. Our reviews are thoroughly fact-checked by our home improvement experts. Ratings are determined by a sophisticated algorithm to rate brands, including analyses of products, materials, quality, costs, sizes, durability, energy efficiency, and warranties.

Overview of James Hardie

To understand why James Hardie leads the industry, it helps to look at the company’s history and scope. Founded in 1888, James Hardie pioneered the use of fiber cement siding — often referred to as HardieBoard — and remains the global leader in this category. Headquartered in Ireland but operating throughout North America, the company manufactures siding that resists fire, pests, rot, and severe weather. Its core product lines include HardiePlank lap siding, HardiePanel vertical siding, HardieShingle shakes, and the upscale Artisan collection. Many of these products are available with ColorPlus® Technology, a baked-on finish that maintains vibrant color for decades.

Hardie Fast Facts
Best ForTop ModelCost Installed (per sq ft)Standout FeatureWarranty
Durability and fire safetyHardiePlank$6.50 to $17.50Fire-resistant fiber cement, long-lasting finishUp to 30 years on panels

Why We Love James Hardie

At Modernize, we love James Hardie because it sets the gold standard for siding durability and performance. We know homeowners want siding that stands up to harsh weather, insects, and even fire, and James Hardie delivers on all fronts.

We also appreciate the brand’s ColorPlus® finishes, which are factory applied and baked on for fade resistance and low maintenance. Combined with a wide range of styles — from timeless lap siding to contemporary panels and cedar-look shingles — James Hardie makes it easy for homeowners to balance beauty with resilience.

Pros and Cons of James Hardie Siding

Before you decide, it’s important to weigh the benefits and potential drawbacks.

Pros

  • Industry-leading durability and fire resistance
  • Wide range of siding styles and finishes
  • ColorPlus® Technology ensures long-lasting color with less maintenance
  • Boosts resale value thanks to premium curb appeal

Cons

  • Higher upfront cost than vinyl or basic siding options
  • Heavier material increases installation complexity
  • Professional installation required for warranties

What James Hardie Offers

James Hardie provides a full suite of fiber cement siding products to fit different architectural styles and homeowner preferences.

  • Hardie® Plank Lap Siding: The flagship horizontal siding, known for classic curb appeal.
  • Hardie® Panel Vertical Siding: Sleek vertical panels that add a modern or farmhouse look.
  • Hardie® Shingle Siding: Cedar-like shingles for accents or full coverage.
  • Hardie® Artisan Collection: Premium, thicker panels with refined details and bold shadow lines.
  • ColorPlus® Technology: Pre-finished colors baked onto the boards for maximum fade resistance.

siding james hardie home with a balcony

Top Products From James Hardie

James Hardie offers standout siding products that combine design flexibility with long-term performance.

Hardie® Plank Lap Siding

HardiePlank is James Hardie’s most popular product and is often the baseline used in real estate appraisals to increase home value.

  • Features: Classic horizontal planks, weather- and pest-resistant, broad color options
  • Cost: $6.50 to $10.00 per sq ft installed
  • Why It Stands Out: A versatile and durable solution that works on nearly every home style
  • Best For: Homeowners who want a timeless, low-maintenance look that fits traditional, suburban, or ranch-style homes
  • Pros: Affordable within fiber cement options, widely available, works across many climates
  • Cons: Less distinctive than premium Hardie lines, may not provide the upscale detail some homeowners seek

Hardie® Shingle Siding

HardieShingle is a favorite for homeowners in coastal New England and the Pacific Northwest, where wood shingles traditionally dominate but require frequent maintenance.

  • Features: Realistic cedar appearance, strong fiber cement durability, low maintenance
  • Cost: $10.00 to $17.50 per sq ft installed
  • Why It Stands Out: Perfect for coastal homes or adding rustic, textured charm
  • Best For: Homeowners in coastal regions, Cape Cod–style houses, or anyone wanting cedar shake charm without the upkeep
  • Pros: Mimics the warm look of wood shingles, resists rot and insects, highly durable in humid or coastal conditions
  • Cons: More expensive than lap siding, installation takes longer due to shingle design

Hardie® Artisan Collection

The Artisan Collection is popular with custom builders in upscale neighborhoods where design detail and premium finishes are a must.

  • Features: Thicker boards with deeper shadow lines for premium design impact
  • Cost: $15.00 to $22.00 per sq ft installed
  • Why It Stands Out: A luxury option that delivers architectural elegance and unmatched durability
  • Best For: Luxury homeowners, architect-designed houses, and buyers who prioritize high-end curb appeal
  • Pros: Unmatched premium aesthetic, thicker boards offer shadow lines that elevate modern and traditional designs alike, extremely durable
  • Cons: The most expensive Hardie product, requires skilled installers familiar with Artisan boards

Customer Reviews and Ratings

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

How Much Does James Hardie Siding Cost?

James Hardie is a premium product, so costs are higher than vinyl siding. On average, homeowners pay $6.50 to $17.50 per square foot installed for HardieBoard, or between $13,000 and $35,000 for a 2,000-square-foot home.

HardieBoard Cost by Product Line

HardieBoard Cost by Product Line
Product LineAvg Cost Installed (per sq ft)Est. Total (2,000 sq ft home)
HardiePlank Lap Siding$6.50 to $10.00$13,000 to $20,000
HardieShingle™ Accent Siding$10.00 to $17.50$20,000 to $35,000
Artisan Collection (Thick Panels)$15.00 to $22.00$30,000 to $44,000

Average HardieBoard Cost by U.S. Region

HardieBoard Cost by U.S. Region
RegionLow-End Installed (per sq ft)High-End Installed (per sq ft)Typical Total (2,000 sq ft)
Northeast$7.00 $14.00 $14,000 to $28,000
Midwest$6.50 $13.00 $13,000 to $26,000
South$6.00 $12.00 $12,000 to $24,000
West$7.50 $15.00 $15,000 to $30,000

Estimated HardieBoard Cost by State

HardieBoard Cost by State
StateInstalled Cost (per sq ft)Est. Total (2,000 sq ft)
Texas$6.00 to $12.00$12,000 to $24,000
California$8.00 to $15.00$16,000 to $30,000
New York$7.50 to $14.00$15,000 to $28,000
Florida$6.50 to $13.00$13,000 to $26,000
Illinois$6.75 to $13.50$13,500 to $27,000

HardieBoard Cost by Home Size

HardieBoard Cost by Home Size
Home SizeInstalled Cost (per sq ft)Est. Total Cost
1,500 sq ft$6.50 to $17.50$9,750 to $26,250
2,000 sq ft$6.50 to $17.50$13,000 to $35,000
2,500 sq ft$6.50 to $17.50$16,250 to $43,750
3,000 sq ft$6.50 to $17.50$19,500 to $52,500

Factors Influencing Cost

  • Material Line: Artisan Collection costs significantly more than HardiePlank.
  • Home Size and Design: Complex gables, trim, and multi-story layouts increase labor.
  • Regional Pricing: Coastal and urban areas typically have higher installation rates.
  • Preparation Work: Removing old siding and repairing sheathing adds to project totals.
  • Finish Choices: Custom ColorPlus finishes can raise costs further.

Financing Options

Because James Hardie projects are more expensive than vinyl, many homeowners explore 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.

Siding Cost Calculator

Take Me There

How James Hardie Compares to Other Providers

When homeowners evaluate siding options, James Hardie almost always comes up as the premium benchmark. Its fiber cement products compete not only with other high-end siding materials but also with popular vinyl brands that appeal to budget-conscious buyers. Understanding how James Hardie stacks up against major siding competitors helps homeowners decide whether the higher upfront investment is worth it for long-term durability, fire resistance, and aesthetic appeal.

James Hardie vs. CertainTeed

  • Cost Range:
    • Hardie: $6.50 to $17.50 per sq ft
    • CertainTeed: $4.50 to $9.00 per sq ft
  • Pros:
    • Hardie: Unmatched durability and fire safety
    • CertainTeed: Broader material selection, more affordable vinyl options
  • Cons:
    • Hardie: Higher cost
    • CertainTeed: Vinyl not as fire resistant or long-lasting
  • What Sets HardieBoard Apart: Best choice for longevity and fire protection.

James Hardie vs. Alside

  • Cost Range:
    • Hardie: $6.50 to $17.50 per sq ft
    • Alside: $3.50 to $7.00 per sq ft
  • Pros:
    • Hardie: Premium aesthetics and durability
    • Alside: Affordable and widely available vinyl siding
  • Cons:
    • Hardie: Significant upfront cost
    • Alside: Limited premium lines compared to Hardie
  • What Sets HardieBoard Apart: Premium fiber cement that outlasts and outperforms traditional vinyl.

James Hardie vs. Royal

  • Cost Range:
    • Hardie: $6.50 to $17.50 per sq ft
    • Royal: $3.50 to $6.50 per sq ft
  • Pros:
    • Hardie: Fire-resistant and weatherproof
    • Royal: Affordable insulated siding options
  • Cons:
    • Hardie: More expensive, requires professional installation
    • Royal: Fewer high-end design features
  • What Sets HardieBoard Apart: Fire resistance and structural integrity make it ideal for high-risk or harsh climate zones.

Frequently Asked Questions About James Hardie

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.

How long does HardieBoard siding last?

With proper installation and maintenance, James Hardie fiber cement siding can last 40 to 50 years or longer.

How much does James Hardie siding cost?

Installed costs typically range from $6.50 to $17.50 per sq ft, depending on the product line and location.

Is James Hardie siding energy efficient?

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.

Is HardieBoard siding fade resistant?

Yes. The ColorPlus® Technology uses a factory-applied, baked-on finish that resists fading, chipping, and peeling.

James Hardie vs. vinyl siding — which is better?

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.

Why is James Hardie good fire-resistant siding?

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.

Can I install HardieBoard siding myself?

Because of its weight and need for precision, James Hardie siding should be installed by professionals. This ensures performance and protects warranty coverage.

Final Verdict: Should You Choose James Hardie?

James Hardie siding is the premier choice for homeowners who want lasting durability, fire resistance, and high-end curb appeal. While the cost is higher than vinyl or budget brands, the investment brings unmatched protection and long-term value. For those prioritizing safety and beauty, James Hardie is one of the best siding options available today.

Compare top-rated siding pros in your area.

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.

Share this article