Popular James Hardie and vinyl siding profiles including Board & Batten, plank, and shake styles offer the look of wood without maintenance.
Vinyl siding delivers 118% ROI while fiber cement achieves 121% ROI, making both excellent investments for exterior transformations.
What New England Homeowners Need to Know:
Board & Batten Profiles: Vertical board and batten siding pairs wide planks with narrow battens for a look that works with farmhouse, modern, or rustic homes. It’s one of the best ways to add architectural interest and serious curb appeal.
Plank Siding Options: Horizontal plank profiles give you that classic New England lap siding look, whether you prefer smooth or textured surfaces. You get all the charm of traditional wood without the constant maintenance or weather damage.
Shake Siding Styles: Cedar shake styles nail that authentic wood shingle appearance, complete with deep shadow lines and natural textures. They’re a perfect fit for coastal homes, cottages, and Cape Cod architecture.
Vinyl Siding Colors: Vinyl siding comes in a wide range of colors — Espresso, Regatta, Lighthouse Red, Graphite, Country Beige, Aspen White, Cypress, Pearl, Polaris, Indigo, Smoky Ash, and Metropolitan Gray all make the list.
James Hardie Colors: James Hardie fiber cement offers shades like Arctic White, Deep Ocean, Cobblestone, Monterey Taupe, Heathered Moss, Pearl Gray, Aged Pewter, Boothbay Blue, Light Mist, and Mountain Sage. Iron Gray is their Color of the Year for 2026!
Maintenance-Free Benefits: Quality vinyl siding never needs painting, staining, or sanding — that alone saves homeowners serious time and money. Fiber cement requires minimal upkeep compared to wood, making both smart long-term investments.
Siding Profile & Material Comparison:
| Profile Style | Vinyl Cost | Fiber Cement Cost | ROI | Best For |
| Board & Batten | $18,000 | $21,500 | 118-121% | Modern farmhouse, architectural interest |
| Plank/Lap | $18,000 | $21,500 | 118-121% | Traditional homes, classic appeal |
| Shake/Shingle | $19,000 | $22,500 | 118-121% | Coastal homes, cottage style |
*National averages, professional installation included
Exterior Makeover Recommendations:
Top Choice Overall: James Hardie fiber cement in Iron Gray (2026 Color of Year) delivering 121% ROI with trending aesthetics and superior durability
Best for Budget: Vinyl siding in neutral colors like Aspen White or Metropolitan Gray providing 118% ROI and maintenance-free performance at $18,000
Best for Coastal Homes: Shake profile siding in Pearl Gray or Boothbay Blue creating authentic New England coastal aesthetics with weather-resistant fiber cement construction
Ready to Transform Your Home’s Exterior?
Professional color and profile consultations ensure perfect aesthetic choices. Coastal Windows & Exteriors installs James Hardie and vinyl siding with 7,000+ installations across Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine.
Serving MA/ME: 236 Cabot St, Beverly, MA 01915 | (978) 818-1503
Serving NH: 288 State Rte 101, Bedford, NH 03110 | (603) 691-2362
Request a free estimate by clicking here.
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Sources:
- The average cost of vinyl siding in the US is $18,000 (Verified Facts: Siding)
- The average cost of fiber cement siding in the US is $21,500 (Verified Facts: Siding)
- The ROI of vinyl siding is 118% (Verified Facts: Siding) ⁴ ROI of fiber cement siding is 121% (Verified Facts: Siding)
