Popular James Hardie and vinyl siding profiles including Board & Batten, plank, and shake styles offer the look of wood without maintenance.
Popular James Hardie and vinyl siding profiles including Board & Batten, plank, and shake styles offer the look of wood without maintenance.
Vinyl siding delivers 97% ROI while fiber cement achieves 144% 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 | $17,590 | $20,678 | 97-144% | Modern farmhouse, architectural interest |
| Plank/Lap | $17,590 | $20,678 | 97-144% | Traditional homes, classic appeal |
| Shake/Shingle | $19,000 | $22,500 | 97-144% | Coastal homes, cottage style |
Exterior Makeover Recommendations:
Top Choice Overall: James Hardie fiber cement in Iron Gray (2026 Color of Year) delivering 144% ROI with trending aesthetics and superior durability
Best for Budget: Vinyl siding in neutral colors like Aspen White or Metropolitan Gray providing 97% ROI and maintenance-free performance at $17,590
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?
Request a free siding estimate from Coastal Windows & Exteriors.
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Last Updated: April 2026
Sources:
- The average cost of vinyl siding in New England is $17,590. JLC Online Cost vs. Value 2025 – New England, JLC Online’s regional pricing data for vinyl siding installation in the New England market. (2026)
- 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)
- 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)
- 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)
