How much does Hardie Board siding cost?
How much does Hardie Board siding cost?
$16 – $40 average cost per square foot (with installation)
$19,200 – $84,000 average total cost
Average Hardie Board siding cost
The average cost of Hardie Board siding is $16 to $40 per square foot with installation, including old siding removal, surface preparation, and materials. Your final price depends on your location, your home's size, condition, and complexity, the siding style you choose, and whether the project involves any major repairs or additional services.
| Home size (square feet) | Approximate siding square footage | Average cost installed |
|---|---|---|
| 1,000 | 800 | $12,800 – $32,000 |
| 1,500 | 1,200 | $19,200 – $48,000 |
| 2,000 | 1,700 | $27,200 – $68,000 |
| 2,500 | 2,100 | $33,600 – $84,000 |
| 3,000 | 2,500 | $40,000 – $100,000 |
| 3,500 | 2,900 | $46,400 – $116,000 |
What is Hardie Board siding?
Hardie Board, produced by James Hardie, is a top-of-the-line fiber cement siding. It combines cement, sand, and cellulose fibers to create an incredibly durable exterior cladding.
This engineered product resists fire, pests, and moisture while mimicking the look of traditional wood siding. It has become the go-to choice for homeowners who want beauty without constant maintenance.
What affects the cost of Hardie Board siding?
When determining the total cost of fiber cement siding like Hardie Board, there are several contributing factors:
Home size & design: Larger homes naturally require more materials and labor, increasing overall costs. Intricate designs and complex architectural features like dormers, turrets, and decorative trim also add to the price.
Number of stories: Single-story homes are the most affordable to side, while multi-story houses require scaffolding and additional safety equipment. Each additional story adds 10% to 15% to labor costs.
Condition of the home: Costs may increase significantly if contractors uncover major damage or structural issues during installation.
Location: Labor rates and material availability vary based on where you live. Urban areas typically have higher installation costs than rural regions.
Climate: Homes in coastal areas may require special hurricane-rated installation methods, while those in extreme temperature zones may need specific gap allowances for expansion, increasing the labor time.
Season: Spring and summer are peak seasons for siding installation, with higher demand and prices. Scheduling your project for late fall or winter can potentially save 10% to 20% on labor costs.
Weather conditions also affect the timing and quality of Hardie siding installation. Ideal conditions for proper installation are moderate temperatures between 40° F and 85° F.
Siding style
Different Hardie Board styles come with varying price points based on their complexity and installation requirements. The table below shows the cost per square foot for each style.
| Style | Cost per square foot installed* |
|---|---|
| Hardie Panel | $16 – $28 |
| Hardie Plank | $18 – $30 |
| Hardie Shingle | $19 – $32 |
| Hardie Board and Batten | $20 – $35 |
| Artisan collection | $20 – $40 |
*Average total cost for siding tear-off, surface preparation, weather barriers, siding, trim, and labor
Installation labor
In most cases, labor makes up 50% to 65% of your total project cost. Installation involves removing the old siding, prepping the surface, and correctly cutting, fitting, and installing the new siding.
Experienced James Hardie Preferred contractors charge more but deliver superior results and maintain your warranty coverage.
Cutting corners on labor often leads to voided warranties and expensive repairs down the road. Professional installation ensures proper moisture management and structural integrity.
Old siding removal
Removing your home's existing siding costs $1 to $4+ per square foot. Some contractors include this in their quotes, while others charge separately. If your home has more than one story, expect to pay on the high end due to the added labor and safety measures required.
Homes built before 1980 may have asbestos siding, which requires specialized removal. Asbestos siding removal costs $7 to $10+ per square foot.
Additional costs
Besides basic installation, several additional expenses may impact your total budget. Consider these extra costs that may apply to your siding project:
Permits and inspections often add $100 to $500 to the installation cost.
Soffit and fascia replacement costs $9 to $34 per linear foot.
Corner trim pieces add $3 to $8 per linear foot.
Window and door trim cost $5 to $15 per linear foot.
Decorative elements can add $10 to $50 per piece.
House wrap installation costs $0.50 to $1.50 per square foot.
Hardie siding cost vs. other siding options
The table below shows how Hardie Board siding compares to popular alternatives to help you determine which siding material best meets your needs, goals, and budget.
| Siding type | Average cost installed (per square foot) |
Details | Lifespan (years) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hardie Board siding | $18 – $40 |
|
50 – 100 |
| Vinyl siding | $4 – $12+ |
|
30 – 40+ |
| Aluminum siding | $6 – $10 |
|
25 – 40 |
| Brick siding | $8 – $18+ |
|
100+ |
| Cultured stone siding | $10 – $35 |
|
50 – 75 |
| Log siding | $5 – $15+ |
|
20 – 40+ |
| Masonite siding | $4 – $8 |
|
20 – 40 |
| Metal siding | $7 – $16+ |
|
40 – 70+ |
| Stone veneer siding | $10 – $45 |
|
20 – 75 |
| Stucco siding | $7 – $17+ |
|
50 – 80+ |
| Wood siding | $5 – $15+ |
|
20 – 40+ |
Pros and cons of James Hardie siding
While price is an important factor, it's important to weigh all the advantages and disadvantages to determine if Hardie Board is the best choice for your home. The table below lists the pros and cons of Hardie Board siding.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
|
While Hardie Board siding is not the most energy efficient choice, adding foam board insulation during installation increases the R-value by 3 to 5 points and can reduce heating and cooling costs by 15% to 20% per year.
Maintenance and repairs
Hardie Board is easier to maintain than wood or vinyl siding. Annual cleaning and occasional caulking keep it looking great for decades. Keep your gutters clean, trim plants and shrubbery back, and adjust your sprinklers away from the siding to help keep it clean and reduce moisture exposure.
Repair costs are reasonable, with individual plank replacement averaging $150 to $300 per section. Repainting every 10 to 15 years costs $3,000 to $10,000 for an average home.
Hardie Board siding FAQs
How long does it take to install Hardie Board siding?
Hardie Board siding installation on an average 2,000-square-foot home takes 7 to 14 days for a professional crew. Complex designs and weather delays can extend this timeline.
Proper installation can't be rushed. Quality contractors focus on proper moisture control and precise fitting rather than speed.
How long does Hardie Board siding last?
Hardie Board siding lasts 50 years or more when installed properly and well maintained. The manufacturer offers warranties up to 30 years for products and 15 years for finishes. This longevity makes the higher initial cost worthwhile for many homeowners.
Where can I buy Hardie Board siding?
You can purchase Hardie Board siding through authorized dealers, including Home Depot, Lowe's, and specialized building supply stores. Many contractors also source materials directly from James Hardie distributors.
For the best prices and warranty coverage, work with a James Hardie Elite Preferred contractor. They receive volume discounts and pass the savings on to customers.
Can you paint Hardie Board siding?
Yes, you can paint Hardie Board siding. The material accepts paint beautifully and holds it longer than wood surfaces. Use 100% acrylic latex paint for best results and longevity.
Pre-primed ColorPlus Technology options come with a 15-year finish warranty. Siding painted after installation typically needs recoating every 10 to 15 years depending on the climate.
Getting estimates for Hardie Board siding
Choosing the right professional ensures proper installation and protects your investment. Follow these tips to when searching for a Hardie Board siding contractor near you:
Look for James Hardie Elite Preferred contractors who receive specialized training and support.
Read reviews of local siding contractors on trusted sites like HomeGuide and Google.
Compare quotes, experience, warranties, and references from three to five contractors.
Verify they are licensed and insured to install siding in your area.
Avoid the lowest bid, as extremely low prices often indicate poor quality or lack of experience.
Questions to ask a siding contractor
Before hiring a contractor, ask these essential questions to ensure you're making the right choice:
Are you a James Hardie Elite Preferred contractor?
How many Hardie Board installations have you completed?
Can you provide local references from the past year?
What warranty do you offer on labor?
Can you provide a detailed written estimate?
Do you carry liability and workers' compensation insurance?
Will you handle permit applications?
How do you protect the landscaping during installation?
What's your payment schedule?
How do you handle unexpected repairs or complications?
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.