URL slug: /cost-guides/fiber-cement-siding-comparison/ Target keywords: fiber cement siding comparison Seattle | Hardie vs LP SmartSide | best siding Pacific Northwest | siding cost Seattle WA
Fiber cement siding has become the dominant exterior cladding material for home remodels and new construction in western Washington. James Hardie and LP SmartSide are the two most-specified products in the region. Here’s a side-by-side breakdown.
James Hardie HardiePlank
James Hardie is the market leader in fiber cement siding. HardiePlank lap siding is the most common product, but Hardie also makes vertical panels (HardiePanel), shingles (HardieShingle), and trim.
Composition: Portland cement, sand, and cellulose fiber. 100% non-combustible.
For the Pacific Northwest: Hardie makes HardieZone products specifically engineered for high-moisture climates like western Washington (HZ10). The HZ10 formulation has enhanced moisture-resistant additives.
Warranty: 30-year non-prorated product warranty, 15-year ColorPlus finish warranty.
LP SmartSide
LP SmartSide is an engineered wood siding — it’s made from treated wood fiber, not cement. It’s significantly lighter than Hardie, easier to cut and install, and has a very natural wood-grain appearance.
Composition: Wood fiber treated with zinc borate and resin overlay.
Warranty: 50-year limited product warranty, 5-year finish warranty (much shorter than Hardie’s 15-year finish warranty — relevant in a climate with significant UV and rain).
Cost Comparison — Installed, King County
| Product | Cost Installed (1,500 SF home) |
|---|---|
| LP SmartSide Lap | $14,000–$20,000 |
| Hardie Plank (primed + painted) | $16,000–$24,000 |
| Hardie ColorPlus (pre-finished) | $19,000–$28,000 |
Pricing includes removal of existing siding, installation, trim work, caulking, and final paint coat where applicable.
Which Is Better for Western Washington?
In the Puget Sound climate, the key concerns are:
Moisture: Both products handle moisture well if properly installed. Hardie’s cement core is inherently moisture-resistant. LP SmartSide’s wood fiber is treated but can absorb moisture if the finish is breached — this matters more in western Washington’s wet climate.
Fire resistance: Hardie is non-combustible. LP SmartSide is not. For homes in the wildland-urban interface east of the Cascades, this matters significantly. For most Puget Sound properties, it’s less of a factor.
Installation: LP SmartSide installs faster (lighter, easier cuts) — some contractors prefer it. Hardie is heavier and requires specialized cutting tools. A licensed, experienced contractor makes either product perform correctly.
As a James Hardie preferred contractor, Prolific’s installations are backed by the Hardie installation warranty — the only fiber cement warranty that covers both product and labor.
Get a siding estimate from Prolific →
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"text": "Both perform well in the Puget Sound climate. James Hardie has a longer finish warranty (15 years vs LP's 5 years) and a non-combustible cement core. LP SmartSide installs faster and has a more natural wood appearance. For most Seattle-area homes, Hardie is the more durable long-term choice."
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"text": "Re-siding a typical 1,500 SF single-story home in King County runs $14,000–$28,000 installed, depending on material choice (LP SmartSide vs Hardie ColorPlus) and whether existing siding must be removed."
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