As a James Hardie Elite Preferred contractor and the only woman-owned James Hardie President’s Club winner in New England, Coastal Windows & Exteriors has completed 7,000+ installations across 730+ towns in Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Maine since 2011. Cement board and Hardie Board are related but not identical—Hardie Board is James Hardie’s branded fiber cement, a proprietary blend engineered for superior durability.
As a James Hardie Elite Preferred contractor and the only woman-owned James Hardie President’s Club winner in New England, Coastal Windows & Exteriors has completed 7,000+ installations across 730+ towns in Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Maine since 2011. Cement board and Hardie Board are related but not identical—Hardie Board is James Hardie’s branded fiber cement, a proprietary blend engineered for superior durability.
Key Differences to Know
- Composition — Hardie Board Goes Further: Standard cement board is a mix of cement and reinforcing fibers. James Hardie fiber cement adds cellulose fibers plus cellulose pulp — a patented recipe that improves flexibility and weather resistance.
- Purpose Matters: Generic cement board is primarily designed as a tile backer in wet areas like showers and kitchens. Hardie Board is an exterior siding product built to take on the elements.
- Weather Engineering: James Hardie products are engineered for specific climate zones — ideal for freeze-thaw cycles and coastal humidity.
- ColorPlus Technology: Hardie Board comes factory-finished with color baked in through multiple layers, offering 15-year fade resistance. Generic cement board has no factory finish.
- Warranty: James Hardie backs Hardie Board with a 30-year nonprorated limited warranty on materials. Generic cement board warranties vary and are typically more limited.
- Installation Expertise: James Hardie siding contractors must be Elite Preferred Certified to install Hardie Board and honor the full manufacturer warranty. Generic cement board has no such requirement.
- Track Record: James Hardie has been manufacturing fiber cement since 1888. That legacy produces a product with over 130 years of refinement behind it.
Our Recommendations
- Top Recommendation: Hardie Board for all exterior siding needs — it’s purpose-built, climate-engineered, and backed by a comprehensive warranty standard cement board cannot match.
- Best for Interior Wet Areas: Generic cement board works well as a tile substrate in bathrooms and kitchens, but it’s not a siding solution.
- Best for Exteriors: Hardie Board every time — the climate engineering and ColorPlus finish protect homes through every season.
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Last Updated: July 2026
