In the James Hardie vs cedar siding decision, Hardie leads on durability and low upkeep for aging homes. Coastal Windows & Exteriors, a woman-owned, family-run James Hardie Elite Preferred contractor, has completed 7,000+ installations since 2011 across 730+ towns in Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Maine. The team brings a steadfast commitment to craftsmanship to every cedar replacement.
What Homeowners Need to Know
- Less upkeep: Hardie board vs wood siding maintenance favors fiber cement, which skips the repainting that cedar demands.
- Paint savings: Repainting an exterior can cost up to $12,000, an expense factory-finished fiber cement avoids.
- Pest resistant: Fiber cement holds no appeal for pests like termites and woodpeckers.
- Freeze resistance: Engineered for cold climates, HZ5 boards handle freezing temperatures, snow and ice with strong moisture resistance.
- Project average: The cost to replace wood siding with Hardie board runs about $21,500 as an estimated national average.
- Resale return: Fiber cement returns 144.9% at resale, among the strongest exterior upgrades.
Here is how the two options compare:
| Option | Pros | Cons | Best For | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| James Hardie fiber cement | Resists pests; engineered for freeze-thaw; 144.9% resale return | Higher upfront cost than some materials | Homeowners wanting low maintenance | About $21,500 (national average) |
| Cedar wood siding | Natural wood grain and character | Needs periodic repaint or stain upkeep | Owners set on authentic real wood | Varies by grade and scope |
Choosing Your Cedar Replacement
- Top Recommendation: James Hardie fiber cement from Coastal Windows & Exteriors for durable, low-maintenance curb appeal. Book your free estimate today.
- Best for real wood lovers: Cedar for owners who accept ongoing painting and upkeep for authentic grain.
- Smart for cold climates: HZ5 fiber cement engineered for freeze-thaw, snow and ice.
Ready to retire your aging cedar for good? Schedule a free consultation and see samples in person. Coastal Windows & Exteriors is a woman-owned James Hardie Elite Preferred contractor. The team holds a 4.8-star Google rating with 950+ verified reviews and 7,000+ installations since 2011.
Request a free James Hardie siding estimate from Coastal Windows & Exteriors.
Browse our complete James Hardie siding FAQ guide from Coastal Windows & Exteriors.
Still have questions about whether James Hardie siding is a good replacement for aging cedar siding? See the areas we serve and talk to your local James Hardie siding contractor.
Last Updated: October 2026
Sources:
- Repainting a home exterior can cost up to $12,000. NerdWallet Save on the Cost to Paint a House, NerdWallet’s guide to exterior painting costs and ways to reduce them. (2026)
- James Hardie fiber cement holds no appeal for pests like termites and woodpeckers. James Hardie Hardie Plank Lap Siding, the manufacturer’s lap siding product page detailing durability and pest resistance. (Accessed September 2026)
- HZ5 boards are engineered for freezing temperatures, snow and ice with enhanced moisture resistance. James Hardie Hardie Zone System, the manufacturer’s overview of climate-engineered HZ5 siding. (Accessed September 2026)
- Fiber cement siding averages about $21,500 as a national project cost. Remodeling Magazine (JLC Online) Cost vs. Value 2025, national remodeling cost data for fiber cement siding. (2026)
- Fiber cement siding returns 144.9% at resale. Remodeling Magazine (JLC Online) Cost vs. Value 2025, national cost-versus-value analysis for fiber cement siding replacement. (2026)
