Artisan is James Hardie’s premium line, and the thing that sets it apart is thickness. At 5/8 inch, it is roughly double standard lap siding, which is what gives it the deep shadow line people notice from the street.
Here is what that buys you, and what it costs.
Benefits Of James Hardie Artisan Siding
Distinctive Shadow Lines
James Hardie Artisan Lap Siding is a full 5/8 inch thick. Because of this exceptional thickness, it casts elegant shadow lines. The shadow lines stand out distinctly, giving your home a warmer look.
The deep channels read as three-dimensional in a way a thinner board does not, particularly in low morning and evening light. Paired with Artisan Accent Trim and a ColorPlus® finish, it gives an elevation and depth that vinyl cannot match at any price, because vinyl panels are too thin to cast a shadow.
Precise Fit
Artisan uses lock joint and tongue-and-groove profiles rather than a simple overlap, so the boards register against each other as they go up.
That matters for two reasons. The joint is self-aligning, so courses stay consistent across a long elevation, and the interlock gives the joint a second line of defense against wind-driven rain.
Flexibility
Six profiles, a wide color range, and the option of mixing profiles on one elevation. Artisan is usually specified on homes where the exterior is part of the design rather than just a weather layer.
Allows for Mitered Corners
Artisan’s thickness allows for mitered corners, where the boards meet at an angle rather than butting into a corner trim board. It is a cleaner detail and it is one of the main reasons architects specify Artisan over standard lap.
Worth knowing it adds labor. Mitred corners take longer to cut and fit than a trim board, and they show any inaccuracy, so they need a crew that has done them before.
Variety of Styles
There are several different styles of Artisan Siding offered by James Hardie. Each style has a different appearance, but all share the feature of having thick siding with deep channels. The two main types are lock joint profile and tongue and groove profile. You also have choices within those main categories.
Lock Joint Profiles
- Artisan V-Groove – has deep v-channels
- Artisan Bevel Channel – has chiseled lines
- Artisan Shiplap – classic shiplap design for both modern and rustic styles
- Artisan Square Channel – distinctive right-angle cuts
Tongue and Groove Profiles
- Artisan Lap – deep shadow lines and luxurious appearance
- Artisan Beaded Lap – a nod to traditional coastal style
Exceptional Performance
Artisan is fiber cement, so it carries the same performance as the rest of the James Hardie range. It will not rot, it is not a food source for insects or woodpeckers, and it stays dimensionally stable through freeze-thaw rather than opening at the joints.
It is classified as non-combustible under ASTM E136, which matters in Colorado’s wildfire-exposed areas. James Hardie backs the substrate with a 30-year non-prorated warranty, and ColorPlus® finishes carry a separate 15-year warranty against peeling, cracking, and chipping.
- Non-combustible under ASTM E136
- Will not rot or absorb water the way wood does
- Not a food source for insects or woodpeckers
- 30-year non-prorated substrate warranty
What It Costs
Artisan is James Hardie’s premium line and it is priced accordingly, above standard HardiePlank and well above vinyl or engineered wood. The thicker board costs more per square foot, and the mitered corners and deeper profiles add labor.
Whether that is worth it depends on how much the exterior matters to you and how long you are staying. On a house where the facade is the point, it usually is. On a rental or a quick flip, it usually is not.
Want to See It on Your Wall?
Artisan is one of those products that photographs poorly and looks considerably better in person, because the shadow line is the whole point, and a photo flattens it. We can show you installed work around the metro, or bring samples out so you can see the profile depth against your own house. Call us at (720) 683-6288 or request an estimate.
