How much does fiber cement siding cost?
How much does fiber cement siding cost?
$6 – $15 average installed cost per square foot
$10,200 – $31,500 average total cost (2,000 – 2,500 SF home)
Fiber cement siding cost by size
Fiber cement siding costs $6 to $15 per square foot installed, or $10,200 to $31,500 for an average home. The labor cost to install fiber cement siding is $4 to $9 per square foot. James Hardie and Allura fiber cement siding are popular brands with good warranties.
| Home size (square feet) | Approximate siding square footage | Average cost installed |
|---|---|---|
| 900 | 720 | $4,300 – $10,800 |
| 1,000 | 800 | $4,800 – $12,000 |
| 1,200 | 1,000 | $6,000 – $15,000 |
| 1,500 | 1,200 | $7,200 – $18,000 |
| 1,800 | 1,500 | $9,000 – $22,500 |
| 2,000 | 1,700 | $10,200 – $25,500 |
| 2,500 | 2,100 | $12,600 – $31,500 |
| 3,000 | 2,500 | $15,000 – $37,500 |
| 3,500 | 2,900 | $17,400 – $43,500 |
| 4,000 | 3,350 | $20,100 – $50,300 |
| 4,500 | 3,800 | $22,800 – $57,000 |
Cost of fiber cement siding by type
Fiber cement siding costs $0.70 to $6.50+ per square foot for the material alone and comes in several styles, the most popular being planks, shingles, and panels. Some manufacturers also offer log and board-and-batten styles.
| Siding type | Average material cost per square foot | Average installed cost per square foot |
|---|---|---|
| Panels | $1.50 – $4.00 | $5.50 – $13.00 |
| Planks | $0.70 – $5.00 | $4.70 – $14.00 |
| Shingles | $2.50 – $6.50 | $6.50 – $15.50 |
You can typically save 20% to 50% by purchasing siding in bulk quantities of 35+ pieces.
Fiber cement planks
Fiber cement siding planks cost $0.70 to $5.00 per square foot on average for the material alone. Fiber cement planks—also called clapboards or lap siding—come in 144-inch-long planks that are installed horizontally and look like wood or aluminum siding.
Fiber cement shingles
Fiber cement shingles cost $2.50 to $6.50 per square foot for materials. Some manufacturers, like James Hardie, offer fiber cement shingles in 48-inch-wide panels for easier installation. Most fiber cement shingles are textured to resemble traditional wood shake shingles.
Fiber cement panels
Fiber cement panels cost $1.50 to $4.00+ per square foot and can be made to mimic the look of wood, stone, brick, or metal. Most fiber cement panels are 4'x8', 4'x9', or 4'x10' and available in smooth or textured styles.
Fiber cement siding cost calculator
The table below shows a breakdown of the average labor and material costs for fiber cement siding installation:
| Factor | Average cost per square foot |
|---|---|
| Materials | $2 – $6 |
| Labor | $4 – $9 |
| Total installed cost | $6 – $15 |
Factors that affect the total installation cost include:
Size & number of stories – The bigger the house, the more materials and labor needed. Installing siding on multiple stories adds to the installation time due to the extra safety measures and equipment needed. The number of doors, windows, and other openings to work around also impacts the installation time.
Time of year – Most siding companies have a larger staff during the summer, but they may offer a better deal if you schedule the installation during the off-season. Fiber cement does not expand and contract with fluctuating temperatures as much as other siding materials, so the installation season is longer.
Current siding condition – Old siding in good condition can sometimes be used as a substrate for the new siding, which lowers the cost and installation time. Old, damaged siding can add hundreds or thousands to the cost for removal and repairs.
Style & thickness
Fiber cement shingles typically take longer to install than planks or panels, increasing labor costs.
Fiber cement siding comes in varying thicknesses, with the thicker options costing more.
Color & finish –Pre-finished siding costs more than pre-primed siding but the pre-primed siding requires painting shortly after installation.
Insulation – Fiber cement siding alone is a poor insulator with an R-value of less than 1, providing very little insulation. Additional insulation can be added during installation but will also add to the total cost.
Matching soffit, fascia, & trim – Soffit and fascia replacement costs $9 to $34 per linear foot to ensure the home's exterior has a uniform look.
Customizations – Some add-on options include decorative shingles and customized board size, profile, shape, texture, and color.
Labor cost to install fiber cement siding
The average labor cost to install fiber cement siding is $4 to $9 per square foot, accounting for about two-thirds of the total cost. The job size and complexity impact the total labor needed. Fiber cement siding typically requires two workers when handling due to its weight and specialized tools to install.
Additional labor costs may include:
Old siding removal costs $0.70 to $2.00 per square foot.
Permits cost $500 to $2,000 for siding replacement projects, depending on the size and location.
Exterior house painting costs $1 to $4 per square foot, or $1,900 to $6,900 for an average home. Pre-primed fiber cement siding should be painted as soon as possible after installation.
Fiber cement siding maintenance
Most fiber cement siding maintenance can be done yourself or by hiring a local handyman. Follow the below maintenance routine to maximize the siding's lifespan:
Keep it clean.
Clean the siding with a garden hose or low-pressure power washer every 6 to 12 months.
Clean the gutters and downspouts every 6 months.
Power washing costs $170 to $360 for an average-sized house.
Reduce moisture.
Keep plants and shrubbery trimmed back away from the siding.
Adjust sprinklers to avoid spraying the siding.
Inspect & repair.
Inspectall the seams where two or more siding pieces come together at least every 2 to 3 years.
Fiber cement siding repair costs $4 to $12 per square foot if you have more extensive damage that requires a professional.
Repaint. – Repaint every 10 to 15 years, or sooner if needed.
Fiber cement siding brands
While James Hardie is the most well-known brand of fiber cement siding, most areas have several other brands to choose from as well.
| Siding brand | Details / warranty info |
|---|---|
| Allura |
|
| GAF Weatherside |
|
| James Hardie |
|
| Nichiha |
|
| Woodtone |
|
| American Fiber Cement Corporation |
|
Fiber cement siding pros and cons
Fiber cement siding is a high-quality, moderately priced siding option that requires minimal maintenance. However, it does have some drawbacks, including heavier weight and a tendency to crack if mishandled.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
|
Fiber cement siding vs. vinyl and other materials
Siding costs $4 to $13 per square foot installed on average, depending on the material, job size, and complexity. Fiber cement siding is in the mid-range of prices for siding compared to other material alternatives.
| Siding type | Average installed cost per SF |
|---|---|
| Fiber cement | $6 – $15 |
| Hardie Board siding cost | $6 – $15 |
| Aluminum siding cost | $6 – $10 |
| Stone veneer siding cost | $10 – $45 |
| Vinyl siding cost | $4 – $12 |
| Wood siding cost | $5 – $15 |
| Cultured stone siding cost | $10 – $35 |
| Brick siding cost | $8 – $18 |
| Stucco siding cost | $3 – $9 |
| Metal siding cost | $6 – $16 |
| Cedar siding cost | $6 – $16 |
| Log siding prices | $5 – $15 |
| Masonite siding cost | $4 – $8 |
Installing fiber cement siding may qualify you for a homeowners insurance discount due to its superior fire-resistance rating.
Fiber cement siding FAQs
What is fiber cement siding?
Fiber cement siding is made of cellulose fiber, cement, sand, and water, creating a durable, long-lasting, and low-maintenance product. This semi-rigid material can be made to mimic the look of wood, metal, stone, or stucco and, when properly installed, resists fire, insects, rodents, UV rays, moisture, and rot.
Does fiber cement siding increase home value?
Replacing your existing siding with fiber cement siding can increase home value, provided it is professionally installed and well-maintained. Fiber cement siding has a 70% to 85%+ average return on investment (ROI), meaning an $18,000 siding installation could add $12,600 to $15,300+ to your home's resale value.
Does fiber cement siding need to be painted?
Fiber cement siding may need to be painted, depending on the type installed. Most fiber cement siding comes pre-finished or pre-primed. The pre-finished option comes with color already baked into the material, while the pre-primed siding comes primed and ready for painting after installation.
Paint pre-primed siding within 6 months of installation for best longevity and performance.
Repaint existing fiber cement siding every10 to 15 years.
How long does it take to install fiber cement siding?
Fiber cement siding installation takes 7 to 14 days on average. Your home's size, design, and accessibility, the existing siding condition, and the siding style you choose affect the project timeline. Pre-primed fiber cement siding also requires painting after installation, which can add 4 to 5+ days.
How long does fiber cement siding last?
Fiber cement siding lasts 50 to 100 years when professionally installed and well maintained. Most fiber cement siding manufacturers warranty their siding for at least 30 years when installed to their specifications.
Getting estimates from fiber cement siding installers
Fiber cement siding is heavy and difficult to install. Hire a trained professional to ensure a safe and correct installation that adheres to the manufacturer's warranty requirements. Follow these guidelines to find the best fiber cement siding contractors near you:
Get 3 to 5 in-person estimates to compare.
Look for excellent reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Select only companies that are licensed, insured, bonded, and have been in business for 5+ years.
Avoid going with the lowest quote as it may indicate lower quality work.
Ask for a written contract and labor warranty before the work begins.
Get a full breakdown of all costs in writing.
Avoid making large payments before work begins. Follow a payment schedule for the work completed instead.
Questions to ask
Ask these questions to help you select the best fiber cement siding installer near you:
Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?
How long have you been installing fiber cement siding?
Can you provide references with contact information from past work?
Does your company do the work, or will you use subcontractors?
How long will the installation take?
What additional costs might come up during a job like this?
What permits do I need, and will you obtain them?
What is your payment schedule?
Do you provide a labor warranty, and what does it cover?
Do you submit the manufacturer's warranty registration?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.