LP SmartSide Siding vs. HardiePlank Fiber Cement Siding Cost

If you are considering updating the siding on your house, it is important to know which type of siding will be best for your needs.

LP SmartSide Siding Cost vs. HardiePlank Fiber Cement Siding is a helpful guide that discusses two common types of siding and how they compare to one another.

There are two types of engineered siding that are popular – HardiePlank fiber cement and LP SmartSide.

LP SmartSide Siding & HardiePlank Fiber Cement Siding

Both types of siding are strong and durable, but they also have many other benefits. Both options require little maintenance to keep them looking great, which is especially helpful if you do not want the hassle of having to paint your house every few years.

Another benefit that both offer is energy efficiency – this can help reduce your utility bills as well as reduce your home’s environmental footprint.

Beyond the benefits of both types, there are many other factors to consider when choosing between LP SmartSide Siding Cost vs. HardiePlank Fiber Cement Siding.

For instance, one type may be better suited for a particular area or climate than another – you will have to decide which is best for your specific situation. You will also have to consider the price, which can vary widely depending on factors like size and type of siding.

Fortunately, you do not need to pick one or the other – both are available in many areas that offer a wide selection of color options as well as styles to suit different tastes. Once you determine what factors are most important to you, it will be much easier for you to make a decision.

ROI Considered from Cost Investment

LP SmartSide and HardiePlank are both comparably priced, but unless you’re watching pennies closely this likely won’t be the deciding factor. The return on investment is the percentage of the total cost that is recouped at resale.

New siding would result in a 60% ROI on an initial investment of $10,000

LP SmartSide

• LP SmartSide is a type of synthetic siding that costs between $2 and $4 per square foot.

• LP SmartSide installation costs between $5 and $10 per square foot.

• LP SmartSide comes in a variety of colors and costs $7-$14 per square foot.

• LP SmartSide has a ROI of 82% to 87%.

HardiePlank

• The cost of HardiePlank siding ranges $2.50 to $4.50 per square foot

• HardiePlank installation can range from $5.50 to $10.50 per square foot

• HardiePlank is a type of siding that costs about $8 to $15 per square foot.

• The ROI on HardiePlank is between 83% and 86%.

Comparison in Appearance

These are attractive siding products that gives you good options.

HardiePlank siding falls into one of four series, Cedarmill plain and beaded, Smooth plain and beaded. Hardie’s cedar-style siding has an open-grain finish and is available in more than 15 colors.

HardieTrim boards are an optional step in installing a hardi board.

LP SmartSide is manufactured in six different styles. LP siding is sold unfinished and prefinishers can put a finish coat on it for retail sale. LP SmartSide lap siding is available in dozens of colors.

Diamond Kote, Coastal Coatings, PSPI and Northwest Factory Finishes are some of the LP Preferred prefinishers. Primed LP SmartSide is more affordable and ready to be painted.

The textures of the wood are Cedar Texture lap, shakes, 12” double-lap and triple-lap profiles, 16” double/triple/quad profiles.

Comparison of Material Composition

The materials are engineered by humans.

The name comes from the fact that, after installation, it’s smooth and seamless. It’s also made of wood strands coated with wax to resist moisture. This product is made by coating fibers with zinc-borate solution, compressing them for hardness and durability.

HardiePlank construction involves mixing cement, sand, wood fibers and water to form Hardie planks. Concrete is a strong material that resists insects, rot, and cracking.

The Pros and Cons

Both hardieplank and lp smartside are siding products that have more similarities than differences.

Pros of LP SmartSide

LP SmartSide is a durable material that has a warranty for 50 years and can withstand hail damage. LP SmartSide is a less expensive and more lightweight alternative to HardiePlank. LP SmartSide is easier to cut with a standard saw blade and reduces dust which makes it more preferable when cutting.

Cons of LP SmartSide

The warranty covers defects 100% for the first 5 years, and then starts decreasing by 2.2% each year. LP SmartSide warranty does not cover Alaska and the Pacific Northwest because of high humidity.

LP SmartSide must be repainted every 3-10 years and should have any edges cut during installation primed and painted to prevent moisture penetration. Although SmartSide siding is more susceptible to fire, it also has a 1-hour fire rating.

Pros of HardiePlank Fiber Cement

HardiePlank is a type of fiber cement that has a 30-year warranty, which does not decrease every year like the LP SmartSide. HardiePlank fiber cement is very resistant to fire and insects, moisture-resistant when the paint finish is in good condition.

Cons of HardiePlank Fiber Cement

HardiePlank is a heavy material that requires 2 people to install, costs more than LP SmartSide, needs repainting every 3-10 years. HardiePlank fiber cement is less impact-resistant than traditional materials, and should be cut with a blade rather than nicked by a tool.

LP SmartSide Siding & HardiePlank Fiber Cement Siding Installation

The installation considerations depend on the materials chosen.

Installation for HardiePlank

James Hardie uses the hardiezone system, which is made for climates that are prone to freezing. This product is made for a climate zone with mild winter temperatures.

This product should be used at elevations above 2,000 feet in Oregon, California and Washington. The user should make sure to use the right product for their zone.

Installation for LP SmartSide

SmartSide siding is not warrantied in Alaska, Hawaii, Northern California north of 1-80 or west of the Cascades in WA, OR and CA. Building supply retailers in humid regions don’t usually have the material, but homeowners need to make sure they are using a product suitable for their area.

Final Thoughts on LP SmartSide Siding & HardiePlank Fiber Cement

Building supply retailers in humid regions don’t usually have the material, but homeowners need to make sure they are using a product suitable for their area.

LP SmartSide is lightweight and easy to cut, making it a clear winner if you are installing the material yourself.

If you are considering SmartSide, it is slightly more affordable. The total cost of SmartSide is slightly more affordable than the total cost of pine. The Hardie’s warranty is a 30-year non-prorated plan with peace of mind.

The warranty on LP SmartSide siding only lasts about as long as the warranty for Hardie, but it doesn’t have a good value.

The SIP wall system’s standardized components, combined with its enhanced durability and ease of installation, make it less labor-intensive than HardiePlank fiber cement siding.

SmartSide has a clear advantage over traditional wood siding if the installer needs to come back and remove and replace any damaged or drooping materials..

Thoughts on LP SmartSide vs. HardiePlank Fiber Cement Siding Cost

The total cost of LP SmartSide is slightly more affordable than the total cost of pine, but if you are considering stainless steel siding prices may be similar to those for wood lap siding.

The overall difference in price is negligible compared to labor costs and warranty coverage.

Hardie’s warranty is a 30-year non-prorated plan with peace of mind. The Hardies cost more than the SmartSide, but it includes labor and installation costs in its overall price.

That makes this product better for DIYers who are looking to save money by doing the work themselves. It’s also a good option for those who want their materials to last as long as possible.

If you are considering LP SmartSide, it is slightly more affordable with the total cost of SmartSide siding being only about $15/sqft higher than pine lap or shiplap siding.