Yes, James Hardie fiber cement siding costs more to install upfront than vinyl, though the james hardie vs vinyl siding cost gap narrows sharply at resale. Coastal Windows & Exteriors has completed 7,000+ installations since 2011 as a woman-owned exterior remodeling company and James Hardie Elite Preferred contractor serving 730+ towns across Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Maine, bringing fiber cement expertise to every side-by-side siding comparison.
Most homeowners weigh siding by sticker price alone. That view misses long-term value like resale return and yearly upkeep. Fiber cement and vinyl both carry verified national figures, so they compare cleanly. Wood is best judged on maintenance cost, since install prices vary widely by grade.
What Homeowners Need to Know
Upfront cost: Fiber cement averages $21,500 to install nationally, while vinyl averages $18,000. A free estimate prices your specific home.
Resale return: Fiber cement returns 144.9% at resale, while vinyl returns 97%. That flips the james hardie vs vinyl siding cost picture toward fiber cement.
Wood upkeep: Wood siding needs frequent painting or staining, plus caulking every few years. Those costs repeat for decades.
Painting expense: Exterior painting runs up to $12,000, an expense factory-finished fiber cement helps homeowners avoid. Our siding guide to James Hardie covers the maintenance difference.
Payment options: Flexible financing offers terms up to 20 years, based on credit approval. Coastal reviews the options with you directly.
| Material | Pros | Cons | Best For | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fiber cement (James Hardie) | 144.9% resale return, fire resistant, low upkeep | Higher upfront cost | Long-term owners | $21,500 |
| Vinyl | Lower upfront cost, 97% resale return, minimal upkeep | Less durable in temperature extremes | Tighter budgets | $18,000 |
| Wood | Classic natural look | Frequent painting and staining, higher upkeep | Historic-look priorities | Varies |
Which Siding Fits Your Budget and Goals
Top Recommendation: James Hardie fiber cement siding for owners planning to stay long term. The resale return repays the upfront gap. Request a free estimate to price your home.
Best for Budget: Vinyl siding for tighter upfront budgets, with a solid 97% resale return.
Smart for Resale: Fiber cement for the strongest recovered value, at 144.9% at resale.
Ready to compare siding options for your home? Schedule a free, no-obligation estimate with side-by-side material samples. Coastal Windows & Exteriors is a James Hardie Elite Preferred Contractor serving MA, NH, and Maine. The team is the #1 woman-owned James Hardie exterior remodeling company in New England, reflecting 7,000+ installations completed since 2011.
Request a free siding estimate from Coastal Windows & Exteriors.
Browse our complete siding FAQ guide from Coastal Windows & Exteriors.
Explore the Coastal Windows & Exteriors Siding Exterior Remodeling Home Improvement Help Center.
Still have questions about Is James Hardie Siding More Expensive to Install Than Vinyl or Wood? See the areas we serve and talk to your local siding contractor.
Last Updated: September 2026
Sources:
- Fiber cement siding averages $21,500 and vinyl averages $18,000 to install. JLC Online 2025 Cost vs. Value, New England, regional siding replacement cost data. (2026)
- Fiber cement siding returns 144.9% at resale while vinyl returns 97%. JLC Online 2025 Cost vs. Value Report, national siding resale return data. (2026)
- Exterior house painting costs up to $12,000. NerdWallet Cost to Paint a House, breakdown of exterior painting expenses. (2026)
