Hardie Board vs. LP SmartSide: A Comprehensive Siding Showdown

Choosing the right siding for your home is a big decision. It’s an investment that impacts curb appeal, protection from the elements, and long-term maintenance costs. Two popular contenders in the siding market are Hardie Board and LP SmartSide. Both offer compelling features, but understanding their differences is crucial to making the best choice for your specific needs. This in-depth comparison will explore their pros, cons, costs, installation, and more, helping you navigate the siding selection process with confidence.

What is Hardie Board?

Hardie Board, also known as fiber cement siding, is manufactured by James Hardie Industries. It’s composed of cement, sand, and cellulose fibers, creating a durable and fire-resistant material. Hardie Board is renowned for its longevity and resistance to pests, rot, and extreme weather conditions. It’s available in a variety of styles, including lap siding, shingle siding, and vertical siding, offering homeowners a wide range of design options.

Key Features of Hardie Board

Several features contribute to Hardie Board’s popularity and reputation:

Durability: Fiber cement is exceptionally durable and can withstand harsh weather, including strong winds, hail, and snow. It’s also resistant to pests like termites and woodpeckers, which can wreak havoc on wood siding.

Fire Resistance: Hardie Board is non-combustible, providing excellent fire protection for your home. This can be a significant advantage in areas prone to wildfires.

Low Maintenance: Compared to wood siding, Hardie Board requires minimal maintenance. It doesn’t rot, warp, or crack easily, reducing the need for frequent repairs or replacements.

Variety of Styles: Hardie Board is available in various textures and profiles, allowing you to achieve the desired aesthetic for your home. Whether you prefer a traditional lap siding look or a more modern vertical siding design, Hardie Board offers options to suit your style.

ColorPlus Technology: James Hardie offers ColorPlus Technology, a baked-on finish that provides exceptional color consistency and durability. This finish resists fading, chipping, and cracking, ensuring your siding looks beautiful for years to come.

Pros of Hardie Board

Let’s delve deeper into the advantages of choosing Hardie Board for your siding project:

Exceptional Durability: This is arguably Hardie Board’s biggest selling point. Its resistance to weather, pests, and fire makes it a long-lasting and reliable siding option.

Fire Resistance: The non-combustible nature of fiber cement provides peace of mind and can potentially lower your homeowner’s insurance premiums in some areas.

Low Maintenance: The minimal maintenance requirements save you time and money in the long run. You won’t have to worry about frequent painting, repairs, or replacements.

Attractive Appearance: Hardie Board offers a classic and sophisticated look that can enhance your home’s curb appeal. The variety of styles and textures allows you to customize the appearance to match your architectural preferences.

Increased Home Value: Installing Hardie Board can increase your home’s value due to its durability, aesthetics, and reputation for quality.

Cons of Hardie Board

While Hardie Board offers numerous advantages, it’s essential to consider the potential drawbacks:

Higher Initial Cost: Hardie Board typically has a higher upfront cost compared to some other siding options, such as vinyl or LP SmartSide.

More Difficult Installation: Installing Hardie Board requires specialized tools and expertise. It’s heavier and more brittle than some other siding materials, making it more challenging to work with. Professional installation is highly recommended.

Dust During Cutting: Cutting Hardie Board can produce silica dust, which is harmful to your lungs. Proper safety precautions, such as wearing a respirator and using dust-collecting equipment, are essential during installation.

Can Crack if Improperly Installed: While durable, Hardie Board can crack or develop problems if not installed correctly. This underscores the importance of hiring experienced and qualified installers.

Requires Repainting Eventually: Although the ColorPlus Technology provides a durable finish, Hardie Board will eventually require repainting after several years, depending on the climate and environmental conditions.

What is LP SmartSide?

LP SmartSide is an engineered wood siding product manufactured by Louisiana-Pacific (LP). It’s made from wood strands that are treated with zinc borate and waxes and then bonded together with resins under high pressure. This process creates a durable and moisture-resistant siding material that offers a more affordable alternative to Hardie Board.

Key Features of LP SmartSide

LP SmartSide boasts several features that make it a popular choice for homeowners:

Engineered Wood Durability: The engineered wood construction makes LP SmartSide resistant to impacts, hail, and fungal decay. The zinc borate treatment helps protect against termites and other wood-destroying insects.

Moisture Resistance: The wax-infused wood strands and resin binders provide excellent moisture resistance, preventing warping, cracking, and swelling.

Workability: LP SmartSide is lighter and easier to cut and install compared to Hardie Board, making it a more contractor-friendly material.

Variety of Styles: Like Hardie Board, LP SmartSide is available in a variety of styles, including lap siding, panel siding, and shakes, allowing you to achieve the desired aesthetic for your home.

Pre-Primed Option: LP SmartSide comes pre-primed, which simplifies the painting process and ensures a uniform finish.

Pros of LP SmartSide

Let’s explore the advantages of choosing LP SmartSide for your siding project:

Lower Initial Cost: LP SmartSide is generally more affordable than Hardie Board, making it a budget-friendly option for homeowners.

Easier Installation: The lighter weight and easier workability of LP SmartSide can reduce installation costs and time.

Impact Resistance: LP SmartSide is known for its excellent impact resistance, making it less prone to damage from hail, debris, or accidental impacts.

Attractive Appearance: LP SmartSide offers a natural wood grain appearance that can enhance the aesthetic appeal of your home.

Long-Term Warranty: LP SmartSide typically comes with a generous warranty that covers manufacturing defects and performance issues.

Cons of LP SmartSide

While LP SmartSide offers several benefits, it’s important to consider the potential drawbacks:

Less Durable Than Hardie Board: While durable, LP SmartSide is generally considered less durable than Hardie Board in terms of long-term resistance to weather and pests.

Susceptible to Moisture Damage If Not Properly Maintained: Although moisture-resistant, LP SmartSide can be susceptible to moisture damage if not properly maintained, especially in areas with high humidity or frequent rainfall. Proper sealing and painting are crucial.

Requires More Frequent Painting: Compared to Hardie Board with ColorPlus Technology, LP SmartSide may require more frequent painting to maintain its appearance and protect it from the elements.

Vulnerable to Woodpeckers in Some Areas: In some regions, woodpeckers may be attracted to LP SmartSide and cause damage. This can be mitigated by using woodpecker deterrents or choosing a different siding material.

Potentially Lower Resale Value Than Hardie Board: While LP SmartSide can increase your home’s value, it may not have the same impact as Hardie Board in terms of resale value due to its perceived lower durability.

Hardie Board vs. LP SmartSide: A Detailed Comparison

Now that we’ve explored the individual features, pros, and cons of each siding material, let’s compare them side-by-side in various categories:

Durability and Longevity

Hardie Board: Fiber cement is renowned for its exceptional durability and longevity. It’s resistant to weather, pests, fire, and rot, making it a long-lasting siding option that can last for 50 years or more with proper maintenance.

LP SmartSide: Engineered wood is durable and impact-resistant, but it’s generally considered less durable than Hardie Board. While it offers good protection against moisture and pests, it may require more frequent maintenance and may not last as long as fiber cement. Expect a lifespan of around 30-50 years with proper care.

Verdict: Hardie Board wins in terms of overall durability and longevity. Its resistance to a wider range of threats makes it a more reliable long-term investment.

Fire Resistance

Hardie Board: Fiber cement is non-combustible, providing excellent fire protection for your home. It can help prevent the spread of fire and potentially lower your homeowner’s insurance premiums.

LP SmartSide: Engineered wood is treated with fire retardants, but it’s still combustible. While it offers some degree of fire resistance, it’s not as fireproof as Hardie Board.

Verdict: Hardie Board is the clear winner in terms of fire resistance. Its non-combustible nature provides superior protection against fire damage.

Maintenance

Hardie Board: Hardie Board requires minimal maintenance. It doesn’t rot, warp, or crack easily, and the ColorPlus Technology provides a durable finish that resists fading and chipping. Repainting is typically required every 10-15 years, depending on the climate.

LP SmartSide: LP SmartSide requires more frequent maintenance than Hardie Board. It needs to be properly sealed and painted to protect it from moisture damage. Repainting may be required every 5-10 years, depending on the climate and the quality of the paint.

Verdict: Hardie Board requires less maintenance than LP SmartSide. Its durable finish and resistance to rot and pests reduce the need for frequent repairs and repainting.

Installation

Hardie Board: Hardie Board is heavier and more brittle than LP SmartSide, making it more difficult to install. It requires specialized tools and expertise, and professional installation is highly recommended. Cutting Hardie Board can produce silica dust, requiring proper safety precautions.

LP SmartSide: LP SmartSide is lighter and easier to cut and install compared to Hardie Board. It can be installed by experienced DIYers, but professional installation is still recommended for optimal results.

Verdict: LP SmartSide is easier to install than Hardie Board. Its lighter weight and easier workability can reduce installation costs and time.

Cost

Hardie Board: Hardie Board typically has a higher upfront cost compared to LP SmartSide. The cost of materials and installation can range from $10 to $15 per square foot, depending on the style, texture, and installer.

LP SmartSide: LP SmartSide is generally more affordable than Hardie Board. The cost of materials and installation can range from $6 to $10 per square foot, depending on the style, texture, and installer.

Verdict: LP SmartSide is the more cost-effective option. Its lower material and installation costs make it a budget-friendly choice for homeowners.

Appearance

Hardie Board: Hardie Board offers a classic and sophisticated look that can enhance your home’s curb appeal. It’s available in a variety of styles and textures, including smooth, wood grain, and stucco.

LP SmartSide: LP SmartSide offers a natural wood grain appearance that can be attractive to homeowners who prefer the look of real wood. It’s also available in a variety of styles and textures.

Verdict: The choice depends on personal preference. Hardie Board offers a more classic and refined look, while LP SmartSide provides a more natural wood grain appearance. Both can enhance your home’s curb appeal.

Environmental Impact

Hardie Board: The production of fiber cement can be energy-intensive, and the disposal of Hardie Board can be challenging due to its cement composition. However, Hardie Board’s long lifespan reduces the need for frequent replacements, minimizing its overall environmental impact.

LP SmartSide: LP SmartSide is made from wood, a renewable resource. The engineered wood manufacturing process uses wood strands that might otherwise be discarded. However, the treatment of wood with chemicals and resins can have environmental implications.

Verdict: It’s a close call. LP SmartSide utilizes a renewable resource, but the chemical treatments raise concerns. Hardie Board’s longevity helps offset its energy-intensive production. Consider the specific manufacturing practices of each company and your own environmental priorities.

Which Siding is Right for You?

The best siding choice depends on your individual needs, budget, and priorities. Here’s a summary to help you decide:

Choose Hardie Board if:

You prioritize durability and longevity: If you want a siding material that will last for decades with minimal maintenance, Hardie Board is an excellent choice.

Fire resistance is a top concern: If you live in an area prone to wildfires, the non-combustible nature of Hardie Board provides added peace of mind.

You value a classic and sophisticated look: Hardie Board offers a timeless aesthetic that can enhance your home’s curb appeal.

You’re willing to invest more upfront: Hardie Board has a higher initial cost, but its long-term durability and low maintenance can save you money in the long run.

Choose LP SmartSide if:

You’re on a budget: LP SmartSide is a more affordable option than Hardie Board, making it a good choice for homeowners who are looking to save money.

Easy installation is important: LP SmartSide is lighter and easier to install than Hardie Board, which can reduce installation costs and time.

You prefer a natural wood grain appearance: LP SmartSide offers a more natural wood look that can be appealing to homeowners who prefer the look of real wood.

Impact resistance is a key concern: LP SmartSide is known for its excellent impact resistance, making it a good choice for areas prone to hail or other debris.

Other Factors to Consider

Beyond the material itself, consider these additional factors when making your siding decision:

Climate: The climate in your area can significantly impact the performance of your siding. In areas with high humidity or frequent rainfall, moisture resistance is crucial. In areas with extreme temperatures, durability and resistance to warping and cracking are important.

Home Style: The style of your home can influence the best siding choice. For example, Hardie Board is often a good choice for traditional homes, while LP SmartSide can be a good option for more rustic or contemporary homes.

Local Building Codes: Be sure to check your local building codes to ensure that your chosen siding material meets all requirements.

Contractor Recommendations: Talk to several experienced siding contractors and get their recommendations. They can provide valuable insights based on their experience with different materials and installation techniques.

Warranty: Review the warranty offered by each manufacturer to understand the coverage and limitations. A strong warranty provides added peace of mind.

Conclusion

Choosing the right siding is a significant decision that requires careful consideration. Both Hardie Board and LP SmartSide offer compelling features and benefits, but they also have their drawbacks. By understanding their differences in terms of durability, fire resistance, maintenance, installation, cost, and appearance, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your needs, budget, and priorities. Remember to consider the climate in your area, the style of your home, and your local building codes. Ultimately, the best siding choice is the one that provides the optimal combination of performance, aesthetics, and value for your specific situation.