James Hardie vs. Allura Fiber Cement Siding Cost

James Hardie brought HardiePlank fiber cement siding to the world in the 1980s and was unchallenged as the market leader for nearly a decade.

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

Once homeowners realized that fiber cement siding is a legitimate alternative to wood siding, without some of the wood’s hassles, the demand for fiber cement has increased and spurred competition among brands.

Allura fiber cement siding is a top challenger to HardiePlank. Our comparison guide is a one-stop pricing and pros and cons reference for homeowners:

  • Prices for materials including soffit, trim, and accessories for both brands
  • Installation costs — Total Cost Installed (Materials, Labor, Warranty) Per Sq. ft.
  • Examples of Total Job Costs to Expect to Install Fiber Cement on A Typical House
  • Expected Return on Investment (ROI) or Cost to Value Return
  • Allura vs. HardiePlank Pros and Cons — Product Styles and Options Compared Side by Side
  • Alternative Fiber Cement and Engineered Wood Siding Brands

Allura Fiber Cement vs. HardiePlank Lap Siding

Allura was originally made by CertainTeed under another name. That explains the marketing strategy behind it.

Rather than come in at a lower cost to compete with HardiePlank, Allura is marketed as premium building material that is worth paying more for.

Allura’s 50-year warranty vs. HardiePlank’s 30-year warranty gives that claim credibility.

Allura vs. James Hardie Pricing

Here is a breakdown of costs for plank siding and shingle/shake siding plus accessories and installation for both brands.

The range of costs for each line is due to differences in product pricing and the variety of sellers. Examples of complete materials and installation pricing for typical homes are found below:

Allura prices per square foot:

HardiePlank fiber cement siding prices per square foot:

  • HardiePlank siding planks and panels: $2.00-$2.50
  • HardieShingle shingle/shake siding: $3.00-$5.00
  • HardieSoffit and trim: $2.50-$3.75
  • Average total cost for James Hardie siding materials and installation supplies: $4.00

Did you know?

HardiePlank makes a premium fiber cement product called Artisan Luxury fiber cement lap siding.

Hardie artisan lap siding

It is available in limited areas and in a limited range of colors and styles. It is 5/8” thick, twice as thick as 5/16” standard HardiePlank and Allura siding. The cost is $3.00-$8.00 per square foot for the siding and trim. Installed costs range from $11.00 to $18.00 per square foot.

Did you know? James Hardie uses a slightly different formulation for products sold in climates where freezing is possible. Additives protect the material from freeze/thaw expansion and contraction cycles that can cause cement to crack.

Products for northern climates are labeled HZ5. Southern-climate and West Coast materials are labeled HZ10. Not surprisingly, this is called the HardieZone System.

The look, feel, and performance of the boards are the same. If you’re buying locally, the seller should only have products appropriate for your climate, but it doesn’t hurt to ask.

Total Cost to Install (Materials, Labor, Permitting, and Warranty):

Allura siding can sometimes cost slightly more to install because it is heavier and thicker. Fiber cement installation cost has become more competitive in recent years as more siding contractors become familiar with fiber cement and start offering installation.

Expect to pay $11.50 – $18.50 per square foot for the installation based on the level of expertise of the installing crew and the complexity of the job.

All fiber cement manufacturers recommend installation by a licensed siding contractor using a crew that is experienced in installing their products.

You can always find cheaper installation in the $10.50 – $14.50 per square foot installed range, but your results may vary.

  • Average fiber cement total installation cost: $11.00 to $17.50 per square foot
Average Cost To Install Hardie Siding Typical Range: $9,350 - $14,210
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Did you know? If installing house wrap is part of your home siding project, the installed cost of house wrap will be $0.50 per square foot based on the installation factors discussed above. — This cost is normally included as part of total cost in all professional and warrantied high-end installations

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Steel Log Siding Cost and Pros & Cons – ROI and More

Updated on May 17th, 2023

Steel log siding is a unique type of siding made from steel that looks like real wood logs. It was invented and is manufactured in Colorado, where strong siding is a must to stand up to extreme weather.

TrueLog Steel Siding Canyon Red

On average, steel log siding cost is $8.50 to $16.50 per square foot for the material and professional installation. The cost range reflects differences in material options, installation complexity, and your home’s location (robustness of the local home remodeling and real estate market).

By comparison, natural wood log siding ranges from $10.50 to $17.50 per square foot installed.

This guide focuses on steel log siding cost, pros and cons, durability, the return on your investment in terms of your home’s value. Along the way, we’ll make comparisons to authentic log siding, so you can see steel’s relative advantages and disadvantages.

Average Cost To Install New Siding Typical Range: $5,240 - $8,130
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That Appeal of Log Siding

Log siding makes a home look solid, warm, and inviting. It is classic siding with unsurpassed charm.

Steel log siding remarkably mimics the look and texture of wood while eliminating the worst aspects of real log siding – high maintenance costs and susceptibility to insects, rot and fire.

What is Steel Log Siding?

Here are the basics of this material often called fake log siding.

Lightweight G-90 galvanized steel 26 gauge (thicker) and 28-gauge steel is used. The material is stamped with authentic wood texture: cedar, pine, weathered wood and more. Some designs include faux chinking.

Durable coatings are designed to resist fading, cracking, and blistering. Foam backer inserts are added for stability and an R-value of 3 to 4.

Steel log siding is installed using the same techniques and accessories as standard steel or vinyl siding, so the process goes quickly. The siding is backed with very good warranties discussed below.

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