Vinyl Siding vs. Fiber Cement Siding Cost: Side by Side Comparison

While vinyl siding is among the two most popular options of siding in America, fiber cement siding continues to grow in market share. In a side by side comparison between the two, they both have strong and weak points. Let’s explore.

fiber cement lap siding porch

According to JamesHardie.com, fiber cement wins in a landslide over vinyl. But let’s take a more nuanced approach to this ongoing battle.

Top Comparison Factors

There are several factors to consider in what makes for quality siding. Some are weighted stronger than other considerations, but it’s up to you to decide what you value most. Here are the factors that are often considered most important.

Price Factor

The bottom line, or total cost of siding installed, is often the chief consideration for most homeowners. Vinyl is well known as the most economical siding available.

The basic, hollow-back, version costs just $7.50 to $9.50 per sq.ft. to install. Premium vinyl or insulated foam-back vinyl will run $9.50 to $12.50 per sq.ft. installed.

Expect to pay between $11.00 to $14.00 per square foot for the installation of standard fiber cement siding like HardiePlank or Allura.

For a typical American home (2,000 sq.ft of siding), the average total cost can range from $15,000 to $25,000 for standard vinyl siding. — Compare that to fiber cement which on the same house will cost between $22,000 and $28,000 fully installed.

Average Cost To Install New Siding Typical Range: $5,240 - $8,130
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Total Cost Verdict: based strictly on which option is more budget friendly, vinyl would be a clear winner.

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Hardie Siding Cost 2023: HardiePlank Siding Cost, Pros & Cons

The most popular styles of Hardie plank siding typically cost between $11.00 and $14.00 per square foot when professionally installed.

When premium Architectural Collection siding is considered, James Hardie plank siding cost can be as high as $18.00 or more per square foot installed.

Deep Ocean, HardiePlank lap siding, HardieShingle staggered edge panel siding

Standard Hardie plank siding is 5/16” thick (.3125”) and premium Hardie Architectural Collection is 5/8” (twice as thick @ .625”).

Terminology tip: Hardie plank siding is technically known as HardiePlank. The other products in this review are also called HardiePanel and HardieShingle.

Material vs Labor cost Per Square Foot: Expect to pay around $3.00 to $4.50 per square foot for standard Hardie siding and $6.00 to $8.00 for James Hardie Architectural Collection siding. These prices include all siding materials including accessories – Trim, corners, fascia and soffit and fasteners. These are material costs – no labor.

With professional installation costs as high as they’ve been in a generation, you can expect to pay between $7.00 and $10.00 per square foot in installation charges.

Average Cost To Install Hardie Siding Typical Range: $9,350 - $14,210
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LP SmartSide vs Hardie siding price: Standard Hardie plank siding is slightly more expensive than LP SmartSide. The Architectural Collection siding is quite a bit pricier than LP composite siding.

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