If you're looking for durable, low-maintenance siding that won't break the bank, then Hardie board is one of the best value sidings you'll find. You may have used wooden sidings in the past or even vinyl ones, but the cost compared to the list of features for this siding is amazing. It's why it has become so popular over the last forty years.
Hardie board siding costs between $6 to $13 per square foot. Exactly how much you pay is influenced by the availability of the board in your area, the square footage of your home, labor, and materials costs of the contractor, the siding style, and the cost of labor in your area.
You should always cost a project before you start, and it isn't difficult to determine what it will cost. Below, we outline all the factors that affect the pricing of Hardie board so that you get a handle on the costs and benefits of this siding.
Hardie Board Cost Per Square Foot
The cost per square foot of Hardie board siding depends on whether you're looking for just the materials or what it will cost per square foot with installation. The two are obviously very different costs, but you'll need to know the one to work out the other.
If you only want to know the price of the materials, you can expect to pay between $3.75 to $4.50 per square foot. In that price range, you'll get the boards, stainless steel nails, trim, underlayment or vapor barrier (also known as house wrap), and other miscellaneous materials for the installation.
For just the cost of the board, you will usually pay about $1.60 for unpainted boards and about $1.90 for factory–painted siding per square foot, respectively.
When you add labor into the cost, that jumps to between $6 to $13 per square foot. This will depend on labor costs in your area and availability of materials. Labor will usually double the cost of a siding replacement. If you first have to remove old siding, that will also increase the cost by about $1,500 to $2,500 – depending on the size of the house and the type of existing siding.
Hardie Board vs. Vinyl Siding: Cost Comparison
Homeowners often debate which is better, Hardie board or vinyl siding. Both are popular and, when installed correctly, can look great, but vinyl is much cheaper than Hardie board, making it attractive to anyone with a smaller budget.
But remember that cheaper products are often cheaper because they don't last as long as more expensive alternatives. So, you have to ask yourself, what is vinyl's short–term vs. long–term cost?
For most installations, the vinyl siding cost will range between $4 to $7 per square foot when installed by professionals. Compared to $5 to $13 per square foot for installed Hardie board, the cost is almost half for vinyl siding.
But Hardie board is far more durable:
Siding Type | Cost per Sq. Ft. | Installation Lifespan | Cost per Year on 1,800 sq. ft. House |
|---|---|---|---|
Hardie Board | $6 to $13 | 50 years | $216 to $468 |
Vinyl | $3 to $7 | 25 years | $216 to $504 |
Vinyl siding will usually last for about 25 years. In some cases, it is as much as 40 years in very good conditions, but it can also be as little as 20 years. On average, Hardie board siding is far more cost-effective over the long term.
Cost Estimate For 1,800 Square Foot Home
The cost estimate of Hardie board siding for a 1,800 sq. ft. home will depend on whether you are looking for pricing on materials only, with or without removing existing siding, and some other factors.
Below is a siding cost breakdown on a 1,800 sq. ft. house:
Siding Type | Material Cost Only | Material & Installation Cost | Material & Installation Cost with Old Siding Removal |
|---|---|---|---|
Hardie Board | $6,750 to $8,100 | $10,800 to $23,400 | $12,150 to $24,750 |
*Note that removing old asbestos siding is significantly more expensive.
Factors to Consider When Costing Hardie Board Siding
The reason there is such a big variation in price estimates is that your siding installation can be affected by a few factors:
Hardie Board Pros and Cons
As with any siding, there are pros and cons to consider, especially when you compare them to other types. Hardie Board is no exception, with pros and cons to consider:
Benefits of using Hardie Board
There are three main benefits to using Hardie board over other sidings:
Its durability and long lifespan
Hardie board was designed to withstand very harsh weather. It is less susceptible to conditions of extreme heat, extreme cold, and temperature fluctuations. Because it is made of a mixture of cement, fiber, and wood pulp, it can withstand rain, wind, and hail better than most competitors.
It is low–maintenance
Another benefit of its composition and ability to withstand harsh conditions is that it doesn't require as much attention and maintenance as other materials. This siding will resist rot and doesn't suffer damage from carpenter ants and other pests like other materials.
Variety of style and design
Because it is moldable and the cement can be tinted, this type of siding also comes in different styles and designs. It also comes in different thicknesses and recently with the option of insulated backing and better waterproofing. There is a Hardie board siding for every taste and installation need.
Downsides of using Hardie Board Siding
There are also four downsides to using Hardie board over other sidings:
Higher cost
Hardie board is known to carry a higher cost per square foot than other types of siding, but it is usually offset by a longer lifespan.
Increased complexity of installations
Because the boards are heavier than other types of siding, they require installation by a professional. Also, the labor needed will increase, so the job cost will increase.
Susceptibility to damp and moisture
If this type of siding is incorrectly installed to be in contact with water or ice for prolonged periods, it could absorb moisture and be susceptible to moisture–related issues. However, if it is installed by professionals, the chance of this is low.
Poor insulation properties
Compared to other siding types, traditional Hardie boards are not as effective an insulator. Either a layer of insulation needs to be placed underneath the siding, which drives the cost up, or you will need to install the newer versions of siding, which come with a pre-attached layer of insulation on the underside of the board.
Final Thoughts
Hardie board siding will generally cost between $6 to $13 per square foot when the materials and installation are supplied by a professional installer. The materials alone will cost between $3.75 to $4.50 per square foot. While this rugged siding is more expensive than some alternatives, it makes up for it in durability and lower maintenance costs over the years.
(Related article: Understanding LP Siding: Pros, Cons, and Maintenance Tips)