Hardie Board is simply James Hardie’s brand name for fiber cement siding, while “cement board” is the generic term—same material type, same composition and performance. Coastal Windows & Exteriors is a James Hardie Elite Preferred contractor and a woman-owned exterior remodeling company that has completed 7,000+ installations since 2011, serving 730+ towns across Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Maine with expert fiber cement siding installation.
What Homeowners Need to Know:
- Brand Name Recognition: Hardie Board, manufactured by James Hardie, represents the most recognized fiber cement brand with proven performance in harsh climates, while cement board refers to any fiber cement product from various manufacturers.
- Material Composition: Both Hardie Board and generic cement board contain cement, sand, and cellulose fibers creating durable, weather-resistant siding performing exceptionally well in extreme temperature fluctuations.
- Cost Comparison: Fiber cement siding averages $20,678 for complete installation regardless of brand, though premium Hardie Board products may command slightly higher pricing due to brand reputation and warranty coverage.
- Outstanding ROI: Fiber cement siding delivers 144% ROI at resale, the highest return among siding options, significantly outperforming vinyl siding’s 97% ROI while providing superior durability and longevity.
- Energy Efficiency Benefits: Installing insulated fiber cement siding improves home air tightness by 11% on average with energy savings of 5.5% in re-siding projects reducing heating and cooling costs.
- Durability Advantages: Fiber cement requires 45% oxygen to sustain combustion compared to normal air’s 21%, making it highly fire-resistant while resisting rot, insects, and weather damage better than wood alternatives.
Fiber Cement Siding Comparison:
| Product Type | Average Cost | ROI | Brand Recognition | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hardie Board (James Hardie) | $20,678-$23,000 | 144% | Highest | Premium warranty, brand reputation |
| Generic Fiber Cement | $20,678 | 144% | Variable | Budget-conscious, comparable performance |
| Vinyl Siding | $18,000 | 97% | High | Lower initial investment |
Siding Selection Recommendations:
- Best Overall: Hardie Board fiber cement offering 144% ROI with proven brand reputation and comprehensive warranty coverage backed by industry-leading manufacturer
- Best for Value: Generic fiber cement siding providing identical 144% ROI and comparable performance at potentially lower pricing depending on local availability
- Best for Homeowners: Either Hardie Board or quality fiber cement products delivering superior weather resistance, fire safety, and durability in harsh coastal climates
Ready to Upgrade Your Siding?
Still have questions about what is the difference between cement board and Hardie Board? See the areas we serve and talk to your local siding contractor.
Last Updated: July 2026
Sources:
- The average cost of fiber cement siding in New England is $20,678. JLC Online Cost vs. Value 2025 – New England, JLC Online’s regional pricing data for fiber cement siding installation in the New England market. (2026)
- Fiber cement siding returns 144% ROI in New England. JLC Online Cost vs. Value 2025 – New England, JLC Online’s regional cost-versus-value analysis for fiber cement siding in the New England market. (2026)
- Vinyl siding delivers a 97% return on investment at resale. JLC Online Cost vs. Value 2025, JLC Online’s national cost-versus-value analysis for vinyl siding replacement. (2026)
- Installing insulated siding can improve a home’s air tightness by an average of 11%. Insulated Siding Institute ISHI Guide, the Insulated Siding Institute’s technical guide on the performance benefits of insulated siding for residential applications. (Accessed April 2026)
- A study of five home re-siding projects found an average energy savings of 5.5%. Insulated Siding Institute ISHI Guide, the Insulated Siding Institute’s research data on energy savings achieved through insulated siding re-siding projects. (Accessed April 2026)
- Rigid PVC requires 45% oxygen to sustain combustion, compared to the 21% found in normal air. Insulated Siding Institute ISHI Guide, the Insulated Siding Institute’s technical guide on the fire safety characteristics of vinyl and fiber cement siding materials. (Accessed April 2026)
