What is the Best Siding for a House in New England? How Hardie®, Vinyl and Wood Stack Up

What are the Disadvantages of Fiber Cement Siding?

While James Hardie® and other fiber cement siding options offer plenty of perks, there are a few drawbacks worth considering before making your final decision.

Fiber cement siding tends to come with a higher price tag compared to vinyl or traditional wood siding. Not only can the material itself be more costly, but installation often ends up pricier as well. This is because fiber cement is quite heavy—usually requiring a team of at least two people just to handle and install each piece safely. As a result, you might notice increased labor costs and occasionally longer timelines for the project.

Since fiber cement is dense and rigid, cutting and fitting it requires special tools and safety precautions. You’ll want to work with experienced professionals to ensure the installation goes smoothly and according to manufacturer recommendations.

Despite these considerations, many homeowners find that the beauty, durability, and fire resistance of fiber cement siding outweigh the initial challenges. As with any home improvement product, it’s all about weighing the pros and cons to find the best fit for your needs and budget.

Choosing new home siding for your New England home often takes a lot of thought and care. The truth is that your cladding affects not just the aesthetic appeal of your property, but also its long-term performance. With New England’s unpredictable weather, three siding options stand out: James Hardie®, vinyl, and traditional wood. But which is the best choice for your home?

While each material has its unique benefits, this blog will take a look at the key comparisons among them, focusing on why James Hardie® and energy-efficient vinyl siding often outperform wood in areas such as maintenance, cost-effectiveness, and resilience. Expect to talk about topics including energy-efficient siding, fire resistance, pest resistance, and maintenance.

From there, you can make your own decision on the best home siding for a house in New England–although we certainly have our favorites!

How Does Engineered Wood Siding Stack Up Against Vinyl and Wood?

Cost and durability are at the heart of every siding decision—and that’s where engineered wood carves out a unique niche for itself. Priced between traditional wood and vinyl siding, engineered wood gives you a real wood appearance at a budget that’s generally friendlier than natural wood (though not quite as easy on the wallet as vinyl).

When it comes to durability, engineered wood is a clear upgrade from its old-school cousin. Thanks to its construction, it stands up to moisture, rot, and pests—so no more worrying about swelling or bugs making a home in your siding. You’ll also find that engineered wood siding is pre-primed and generally resists peeling, chipping, and the other telltale signs of weathered wood.

Here’s a quick rundown:

• Cost: More affordable than solid wood, but usually more expensive than vinyl.
• Durability: Lasts 20–30 years or more if properly maintained, easily outpacing traditional wood in longevity.
• Maintenance: Requires far less upkeep than natural wood, freeing you from constant scraping, painting, or battling with pests.
• Appearance: Offers the authentic look of wood, minus the labor and higher ongoing costs.

For New England homes, this means you can capture the timeless charm of wood siding, but with performance and price points that better suit modern living and ever-changing weather conditions.

What Are the Disadvantages of Cedar Siding?

Cedar siding certainly brings a lot of natural beauty to a home, but it’s important to know the trade-offs before you commit. While cedar stands out for its classic charm and eco-friendly appeal, it’s a bit more high-maintenance than some of the modern siding options available in New England.

First, cedar requires regular upkeep. Plan on an initial deep clean after installation and annual cleaning after that, especially if your home sits near the coast or under a thick canopy of trees. Sun exposure is another factor: the southern and southwestern sides of your home will likely need refinishing more frequently, as those spots tend to take the brunt of UV rays.

As for durability, cedar is more vulnerable to rot, mold, and mildew compared to fiber cement or energy-efficient vinyl siding. New England’s humidity can accelerate these concerns, meaning you may face more repairs over the years. Cedar siding is also a target for woodpeckers and other pests—a problem you don’t often encounter with James Hardie® or vinyl products.

Lastly, fire resistance is not cedar’s strong suit. Unlike James Hardie® fiber cement siding, which is engineered to offer enhanced protection, cedar may require additional fire-retardant treatments—especially if you live in a region where fire risk is on the radar.

In short: while cedar siding can absolutely elevate your home’s curb appeal and architectural character, it comes with more upkeep and may fall short in durability and fire safety compared to other leading materials like vinyl and fiber cement.

Benefits of Cedar Siding

Cedar siding is a popular choice for homeowners craving timeless curb appeal and the authentic texture of natural wood. Its classic look fits seamlessly with a range of New England architectural styles, from cozy Capes to stately Colonials. Cedar can be left to weather naturally for a rustic finish or easily customized with stain or paint, making it a versatile pick for anyone who likes to refresh their home’s exterior palette.

When it comes to performance, cedar stands up surprisingly well to New England’s unpredictable climate. It’s naturally resistant to moisture, making it a solid option for homes exposed to rain and snow. A proper protective sealant can further boost its longevity and help preserve its beauty through years of coastal storms and winter blizzards.

Energy efficiency isn’t just about modern materials—cedar’s natural insulating properties help maintain comfortable indoor temperatures, offering cool summers and cozy winters. And despite its durability, cedar is lightweight, which makes installation more straightforward and often less labor-intensive compared to heavier alternatives like fiber cement.

For the eco-conscious homeowner, cedar siding offers sustainability benefits, too. It’s renewable and biodegradable, so it leaves a lighter footprint than many synthetic building materials. If minimizing your environmental impact matters to you, cedar is a smart, green choice that doesn’t compromise on style or performance.

What Are the Disadvantages of Engineered Wood Siding?

While engineered wood siding can seem like a modern upgrade over traditional wood, it’s not without its drawbacks—especially for New England homeowners weighing all their options. For starters, although it’s generally more budget-friendly than authentic wood siding, it often ends up pricier than vinyl once you factor in installation and upkeep.

There are practical concerns as well. Engineered wood siding, despite its durable reputation, can be vulnerable to a handful of persistent foes:

• Moisture Issues: If not properly installed and maintained, engineered wood can absorb moisture, leading to swelling, warping, or even rot over time—especially in New England’s wet and snowy seasons.
• Woodpecker and Pest Damage: Unlike fiber cement or vinyl, engineered wood is still attractive to woodpeckers and certain pests, who may see your home’s exterior as a convenient lunch stop.
• Color Fading: Prolonged exposure to the region’s strong summer sun may cause finishes to fade, requiring occasional repainting or touch-ups to keep things looking fresh.

While engineered wood brings some appealing benefits, these potential drawbacks—plus higher maintenance needs compared to James Hardie® or energy-efficient vinyl—make it less competitive for homeowners prioritizing longevity and low maintenance.

Sustainability

How Sustainable Is Engineered Wood Siding?

If you’re weighing eco-friendly options, engineered wood siding is worth considering. Unlike traditional wood siding, engineered varieties often utilize recycled wood fibers and sustainable manufacturing methods to help reduce environmental impact. By making use of wood byproducts and efficient production processes, engineered wood siding offers a greener alternative—especially when compared to the challenges of harvesting and maintaining natural wood.

What’s more, many engineered wood products are certified by organizations committed to responsible forestry. This means you can enjoy the authentic look of wood siding, but with a smaller ecological footprint. For environmentally conscious homeowners in New England, engineered wood is a strong contender alongside other high-performance options.

Benefits of Engineered Wood Siding

If you’re drawn to the classic charm of wood but not so fond of the headaches that come with it, engineered wood siding may be the happy medium you’ve been searching for. Engineered wood combines the attractive appearance of traditional wood with the durability that modern homeowners need—offering impressive longevity, often spanning two to three decades with proper care.

There are several standout reasons to consider engineered wood for your home:

• Durability and Resistance: Engineered wood is specially designed to hold up against many of the troubles that plague natural wood, such as moisture, rot, and pest damage. You get siding that’s much less likely to swell, warp, or fall victim to termites—a particularly welcome benefit in New England‘s ever-damp climate.
• Reduced Maintenance: While regular wood siding tends to demand lots of upkeep, engineered wood usually comes pre-primed and ready to stand up to the elements. You won’t have to worry about constant repainting, chipping, or peeling—meaning less hassle over the years.
• Ease of Installation: If you prefer a quicker and simpler installation process, engineered wood’s lightweight construction wins out compared to fiber cement. It can be installed using standard woodworking tools, so everything from custom cuts to detailed trim is within easier reach.
• Eco-Friendliness: Many engineered wood products incorporate recycled content, making it a more environmentally friendly choice if sustainability ranks high on your list.

Ultimately, engineered wood siding offers the beauty of authentic wood grain with fewer of its pain points. It’s a solid option for homeowners looking for visual warmth, resilience, and a touch of sustainability—all wrapped into one stylish package.

Sustainability and Environmental Friendliness of Cedar Siding

If sustainability is at the top of your priority list, cedar siding stands out for its natural eco-friendly attributes. As a renewable resource, cedar offers a lighter environmental footprint compared to many synthetic materials. Because cedar is biodegradable and sourced from responsibly managed forests, it won’t linger in landfills for centuries—rather, it naturally decomposes over time.

Unlike vinyl, cedar siding requires minimal processing, which keeps both greenhouse gas emissions and pollution lower during its lifecycle. With proper care, it can last for decades, reducing the frequency of replacement and, by extension, overall waste. Plus, cedar’s natural insulating properties help keep your home comfortable year-round, which translates to energy savings in both hot and cold seasons.

For homeowners who value environmentally friendly choices without sacrificing style or performance, cedar provides a sustainable option that blends seamlessly with New England’s picturesque landscapes.

What is Engineered Wood Siding and How Is It Made?

Engineered wood siding is crafted from a blend of wood fibers and strong resins, designed to mimic the look of traditional wood while offering enhanced durability. During manufacturing, these materials are combined and subjected to high pressure and heat, which bonds the fibers tightly together. This process not only increases strength but also makes the siding more resistant to the elements and potential damage. The end result is a siding option that delivers the natural beauty of wood, with improved resilience against moisture, pests, and warping—making it a practical choice for New England homeowners.