How Much Does It Cost To Install Fiber Cement Siding?

Fiber cement siding prices

The cost to install Hardie siding can vary quite a bit. Materials tend to fluctuate greatly depending on the supplier. Labor depends on the contractor and varies based on location, project complexity, and site accessibility. For a typical project, you’ll pay between $15,000 to $27,000 for fiber cement siding on your home.

Fiber cement siding cost per square foot

Clapboards are the most common type of siding. For fiber cement clapboards, expect prices between $0.70 to $5.25 per square foot. You also have the option for a shingled aesthetic, which costs between $2 and $8 per shingle. The differences in these prices create some wide variances. Ultimately, you will see an average of $10 per square foot.

The table and chart below help illustrate the cost variances:

For a truly accurate estimate of your costs per square foot, figure out your exterior surface area and divide it by the price per square foot of the specific material you’re interested in using. This will give you an estimate of material cost so you can determine which sidings and finishings are within your budget.

Labor cost to install fiber cement siding

Labor for fiber cement siding tends to cost between $40 to $70 per hour, which breaks down to $1.90 to $3.99 per square foot. If a standard 1,500-square-foot home requires 75 to 90 hours of labor, expect to pay anywhere from $3,000 to $6,300 in labor costs. The labor factoring into Hardie plank siding costs varies, as the work involved is specific and requires special tools. A good contractor will ensure the job is done correctly but may charge more as a result.

If you are updating an existing home, you’ll also want to include the removal and disposal of your original siding. This can add between $0.50 to $1.00 per square foot to your costs. On a 1,500-square-foot home, the removal can cost between $1,000 to $3,000. Old siding may be mixed with asbestos if the home is old, requiring an experienced professional for handling and disposal. Additional costs can include building permits and siding delivery charges. When looking at a contractor’s estimate, find out if it includes both old siding removal and new siding installation.

Why use fiber cement siding?

Fiber cement siding is durable and holds up to wind, rain, snow, hail, ice, and UV rays better than its competition. Some local regions even specify that a home must have fiber cement siding for these reasons. PVC vinyl just doesn’t compare when it comes to extreme weather. Fiber cement siding is also cheaper than wood, which doesn’t do well with fire and pests. Termites and other wood-loving bugs don’t like fiber cement and will stay away. Hardie siding also slows fires from spreading.

Fiber cement also requires relatively little maintenance. It’s an attractive and versatile choice for a home because it comes in wood-grained and smooth finishes. If you need to match new fiber cement to existing siding, you may be surprised how well fiber cement siding can blend in and complete the job.

What is fiber cement made of?

Fiber cement is comprised of only four ingredients: water, wood pulp, fly ash, and Portland cement. This combination of ingredients results in clapboards or shingles that are both flexible and strong. Here's a quick breakdown of what each ingredient does:

• Wood pulp: The wood pulp base gives fiber cement boards their structure and flexibility.
• Fly ash: The fly ash primarily serves as a filler. Some manufacturers may substitute this component with silica sand.
• Cement: The cement acts as the glue holding the entire mixture together.
• Water: Water is added during the manufacturing process to catalyze and mold the cement to the desired shape.

Due to its unique composition which lends itself to minimal upkeep, fiber cement is a cost-effective alternative to other types of siding, such as vinyl, stucco, wood, and brick.

How long does it last?

One of the biggest advantages of a fiber cement siding installation is its longevity. Fiber cement offers up to 50 years of service life for non-back-coated shingles and up to 75 years for back-coated versions. Manufacturers typically stand behind these estimates with warranties of up to 50 years. Fiber cement siding will require periodic paint treatment every 5-15 years to protect against peeling and chipping. However, the original factory coat of paint often guarantees protection for up to 15 years.

Fiber cement vs other siding

When considering Hardie board siding costs, keep in mind how it compares to its competitors. When choosing a siding, you’ll want to consider local building codes, climate, and your budget. Your fiber cement siding cost will be higher than many options, but this type of siding stands out when it comes to durability, customizability, and versatility.

Wood

Wood siding has a huge variance in cost, with most options ranging between $3.25 to $15.75 per square foot. Calculate wood siding installation costs.

Brick and stone

Timeless, beautiful, and long-lasting, stone siding will cost you a pretty penny at $35 to $50 per square foot.

Vinyl

Homewyse siding, a popular vinyl siding manufacturer, comes in as one of the cheapest options, costing $2 per square foot at the low end and only $7 at the high end. However, the cost-savings may not be worthwhile since vinyl siding needs to be replaced every 10 to 20 years. Calculate vinyl siding installation costs.

Aluminum

Aluminum siding is an excellent budget alternative, with costs ranging from $3.50 to $4.75 per square foot. Aluminum carries a longer lifespan of 40 years or more but may require a fresh coat of paint every five to 10 years. Calculate aluminum siding installation costs.

Stucco

Ranging from $6 to $9 per square foot, it's easy to see why stucco is a popular siding choice. Stucco is somewhat higher maintenance than other siding options and can be prone to mold, fungus, and pest infestations. Therefore, it is best used only in certain climates.

Once you have determined the appropriate siding material for your project, get several estimates from professionals in your area. They should be able to offer guidance on materials and give you a ballpark figure of the total project cost. A professional estimate can also account for special site conditions that may affect your project. Remember, the estimate will be based on a combination of labor rates, project materials, building size, and project complexity.

Fiber cement siding shingles

You can choose from different types of fiber cement siding, each with its own aesthetic. Clapboards, or lap siding, are the fastest to install and look great once painted. Fiber cement siding clapboards come in smooth, wood-grain, or rough-sawn surface treatments. This siding is great whether you live in the hot south or the frozen north.

Fiber cement shingles can be used for your siding. These shingles come in strips or individual formats. They can be wood-grain or hand-split in terms of texture, and you can choose whether you want them straight or staggered. Both stained and factory-painted options look as great as wood and require little maintenance. Strip shingles are relatively quick to install if you like the shingle look.

You can also go with stone, brick, or stucco siding made from fiber cement. Mix and match the variety of styles depending on your home’s layout. If you want more decorative options, consider octagonal fiber cement siding to highlight a gable or a board and batten style to showcase a heritage feel. There are so many ways to utilize fiber cement siding.

Whichever material you end up using, shingle siding tends to cost more per square foot than clapboard siding. It can be a good idea to get an estimate for a shingle siding installation when planning your project.

DIY vs Hire a Pro

Installing siding of any kind requires a high amount of technical skill and expertise. It’s a job that can be done without professional help, but mistakes made from siding installations tend to be very expensive to repair and could cause further damage to your home. On top of that, installing siding is a time-consuming job. It could take a few weekends just to finish one side of a home.

When removing the original siding, you should be capable of identifying problems, such as mold, water, and pest damage. If you cover this damage with new siding, it could turn into a costly problem down the road. If the old siding contains asbestos, you need to have specific equipment to remove and properly dispose of it.

Fiber siding tends to crack if installed improperly, which is why labor for this work is so varied. Fiber cement siding requires special tools and knowledge to avoid damaging the boards. While it’s possible to turn this job into a DIY project, choosing a professional is highly recommended.