Summary:
- James Hardie siding is a durable, long-lasting option, but it is more expensive than vinyl.
- The average cost is $6-$12 per square foot installed, including materials and labor.
- Popular types: HardiePlank Lap Siding ($1.60-$1.90 unpainted), HardieShingle Siding ($3-$5), HardiePanel Vertical Siding ($3-$7).
- Consider factors like the complexity of installation and siding type when budgeting.
- Consider getting professional help from GS Exterior Experts.
James Hardie pioneered fiber cement siding in the mid-1980s and is still widely used today. Known for its toughness, adaptability, and longevity, James Hardie fiber cement siding (also known as Hardie board or Hardie plank siding) offers a superior alternative to traditional wood or vinyl materials. In this guide, we’ll explore the benefits of James Hardie siding and answer the key question: How much does James Hardie siding cost?
Whether you’re considering replacing old wood siding or want a long-lasting solution for your home’s exterior, we’ve got all the essential information you need to make the right choice.
James Hardie Siding Cost with Types
James Hardie fiber cement siding is chosen by homeowners around the nation because of its beauty and durability. Whether you’re seeking a refresh for your curb appeal or a sturdier siding option, James Hardie provides the designs you need.
Understanding Hardie board siding cost is important when shopping for this type of siding. The cost of Hardie board siding is usually calculated in cost per square foot and can vary in total based on the size of the home and the unique siding installation.
When choosing a new siding, the last thing you want to do is be forced to choose a design or color that doesn’t go with your house or your sense of style, or get a siding that doesn’t align with your budget.
The figures below were current when this guide was written. Material and labor costs have moved since, so treat them as a guide to how the products compare with each other rather than as a quote. For current Colorado numbers, see our pricing page.
So, how much is James Hardie siding? On average, the James Hardie siding installation cost ranges from $6 to $12 per square foot, including the cost of labor and materials.
What Each Hardie Product Costs
Hardie costs more than vinyl or engineered wood upfront. What you get back is a longer service life and no repaint cycle if you specify a factory finish, which is where the maintenance savings actually sit. It’s also non-combustible, doesn’t attract insects, and remains dimensionally stable through freeze-thaw cycles. Whether that pencils out depends on how long you’re staying, which is worth being honest about.
HardiePlank Lap Siding
The HardiePlank siding is the most popular James Hardie product and gives homes a classic and timeless appearance.
There are four textures available:
- Smooth
- Select Cedarmill
- Beaded Cedarmill
- Beaded Smooth
For a classic look, the Cedarmill siding options offer a silky texture that resembles wood and a natural cedar appearance. In contrast, the smooth siding options have a more modern look.
HardiePlank handles heavy rain and wind well, and the fiber cement is classified as non-combustible under ASTM E136, which matters if you’re in a wildfire-exposed area. It also holds its finish. With ColorPlus®, it carries a 15-year warranty against fading, cracking, and peeling, and there’s no repaint cycle to plan around.
All four choices are offered in various hues from traditional darks and lights, greens and blues, earthy tones, pastels, neutrals, and greys.
Material only: unpainted Hardie board siding costs around $1.60 per square foot, whereas factory-painted siding costs about $1.90 per square foot.
HardieShingle Siding
HardieShingle suits homeowners who want the look of cedar shake without the decay and splitting that comes with real wood. It resists warping, curling, and splitting, and it won’t rot. This siding is quite popular because it offers homes a rustic or retreat-style appearance.
HardieShingle material costs an average of $3-$5 per square foot, before installation.
HardiePanel Vertical Siding
Vertical siding is an option to consider if you want a fresh look. Your home will stand out from the others in the community. HardiePanel Vertical Siding is available in Sierra 8, Smooth, Cedarmill, and Stucco. This siding makes houses appear elongated and more eye-catching.
It draws attention to specific features of your home’s architecture and design. Installing vertical siding behind second-story windows can bring attention to them. And if you want your house to have sharp edges, pick the straight-edge shingle siding.
Another option is staggered edge siding, which has a rustic aspect that blends nicely with the surroundings. Staggered edge siding complements a variety of architectural designs, such as a cottage or ranch.
You may even acquire individual shingle siding if you want the appearance of real shakes. They come in various sizes, and you may install them individually to give your home the desired appearance and authenticity without the high care requirements of wood.
Half-round shingles may be the ideal finishing touch for residences with various levels of external construction, such as Victorian or Georgian mansions. They aid in producing the appearance of height by luring the attention upward.
HardiePanel Vertical material costs around $3-$7 per square foot, before installation.
Artisan Exterior Design
According to Hardie, artisan siding has an exact fit and finish for simplified aesthetics. Each style weighs 4.55 lbs. per square foot, is 0.625 inches thick, and is ready for painting.
Artisan exterior design siding costs an average of $3-$7 per square foot.
Hardie Trim Boards & HardieSoffit Panels
One of the final touches for your new siding is trim. In addition to your trim, HardieTrim may border your windows, fascia, doors, and columns.
The three types of trim boards are 4/4, 5/4, and batten boards, each of which is offered in smooth and rustic finishes.
These collections are part of the James Hardie Statement Collection™, which is offered in a variety of the most often used traditional, neutral hues. However, you have access to a vast palette of colors.
Hardie Trim Boards & HardieSoffit Panels price ranges from $3-$8 per square foot.
HardieWrap Weather Barrier
HardieWrap™ weather barrier goes on behind the cladding. It sheds wind-driven rain while letting the wall dry from the inside, which is what keeps moisture out of your sheathing.
A standard roll of HardieWrap costs an average of $240.
Factors Affecting the Cost of James Hardie Siding
James Hardie fiber-cement siding is usually more expensive than other sidings. Here are some of the factors that impact your James Hardie siding cost per square foot:
- The boards are heavy, so shipping and handling cost more than vinyl.
- Installation takes longer and needs the right cutting and dust control equipment.
- Trim and corner detailing is priced by the linear foot, so a house with a lot of gables costs more than its square footage suggests.
For a fuller breakdown of James Hardie siding cost in Colorado alongside our other exterior services, see our pricing page. What you get for the premium is a 30-year non-prorated warranty and a board that won’t rot or burn.
Your Hardie board siding installation cost will vary based on the size of your home and the complexity of the installation. This is why it’s essential to have a professional handle your installation.
Get Your James Hardie Siding from GS Exterior Experts in Colorado
Since you are now familiar with some of James Hardie’s siding options and their prices, you’re well on your way to selecting the perfect fit for your home. Remember, the ideal choice should align with your aesthetic preferences, along with your budget and climate. While the method of elimination can be helpful, don’t hesitate to use professional guidance.
When you work with GS Exterior Experts, our design consultants will explain the many James Hardie types, designs, and installation procedures that best fit your budget. Our goal is to help you achieve your vision for your home’s exterior. We won’t ever pressure you towards any specific product; instead, we’ll provide the information and expertise to help you make an informed decision.
We’re a James Hardie Elite Preferred Contractor, so we know the product range and what each option actually costs to install. Our design consultants will walk you through the types and finishes that fit your budget, without steering you toward anything in particular. Get a free estimate and we’ll give you a real figure rather than a range.
