For most homeowners, Hardie board fiber cement outperforms wood siding on durability, maintenance, and long-term value.
For most homeowners, Hardie board fiber cement outperforms wood siding on durability, maintenance, and long-term value.
Fiber cement delivers a 144% ROI nationally — outpacing wood on resale value and long-term cost. With an average installation cost of $20,678, it’s a planned investment that pays back more than it costs. Wood siding demands ongoing painting, caulking, and repair that fiber cement simply doesn’t.
What Homeowners Need to Know: Hardie Board vs. Wood Siding
- Durability edge: James Hardie fiber cement resists rot, moisture, and insects — common vulnerabilities that wood siding cannot match. That resistance translates directly to lower long-term maintenance costs.
- Fire protection: Hardie board carries a Class A fire rating — the highest available. Wood siding does not offer the same level of fire resistance.
- Maintenance advantage: Wood siding requires frequent painting, staining, and caulking to stay protected. Hardie board needs far less ongoing upkeep by comparison.
- ColorPlus® finish: Hardie’s factory-applied ColorPlus® Technology resists cracking, peeling, and fading better than field-painted wood. Color with ColorPlus never needs repainting.
- Warranty coverage: James Hardie backs their siding with a 30-year non-prorated warranty. Wood siding carries no comparable manufacturer coverage.
- Award-winning installer: Coastal won the 2025 James Hardie Service Excellence Award — one of only 30 companies recognized nationally. That distinction reflects installation quality, not just product selection.
- Financing available: Fiber cement replacement is a significant investment — but it doesn’t have to be all upfront. Financing up to 20 years is available, based on credit approval.
Hardie Board vs. Wood Siding: Side-by-Side
| Feature | Hardie Board | Wood Siding |
| ROI | 144% | Lower resale return |
| Average cost | ~$20,678 nationally | Varies; higher long-term with maintenance |
| Fire rating | Class A | No Class A rating |
| Rot/insect resistance | Yes | No |
| Painting required | No (ColorPlus®) | Yes — every few years |
| Warranty | 30-year non-prorated | No manufacturer warranty |
| Maintenance | Low | High |
The Bottom Line on Hardie Board vs. Wood
Best overall choice: Hardie board — 144% ROI, Class A fire rating, 30-year warranty, no repainting.
Consider wood only if: Authenticity for a historic home is a strict design requirement.
Strongest value play: Hardie board with ColorPlus® finish — factory color that never needs repainting, backed by a 30-year warranty.
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Last Updated: May 2026
Sources:
- The return on investment for fiber cement siding in New England reaches 144%, outpacing many other exterior upgrades. JLC Online Cost vs. Value 2025 — New England JLC Online’s regional cost vs. value data on fiber cement siding ROI for the New England market. (2026)
- The average cost to install fiber cement siding in New England is approximately $20,678. JLC Online Cost vs. Value 2025 — New England JLC Online’s regional pricing data on fiber cement siding installation costs across New England. (2026)
