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Fiber cement siding, sometimes referred to as Hardie Board, is a type of exterior siding made from compressed cement and cellulose fibers. Durable and versatile, fiber cement siding is a popular option among homeowners who want siding that not only boosts their home’s curb appeal, but also lasts a long time.

Installing fiber cement siding takes several days and requires plenty of attention to detail. The average national cost to purchase and install fiber cement siding is about $13,000, with costs ranging from $1,500 to $38,000.

Fiber cement siding costs between $5 and $14 per square foot with an average cost of $10 per square foot. Exact prices will depend on the siding’s brand and quality as well as the size and shape of your home. If your home has hard-to-reach areas, customized siding will cost more.

The cost to professionally install your fiber cement siding can vary based on who you hire and where you live.

For an average 1,500-square-foot home, installing fiber cement siding will cost an average of $13,000, including materials and labor. Most of that cost actually comes from labor. Installing fiber cement siding has a number of quirks to take into consideration, so professionals typically charge more to install fiber cement compared to other exterior siding types.

Fiber cement siding is heavier than other siding types and can easily crack when mishandled. Its installation requires special tools and must be installed carefully to avoid gaps. Even the smallest of gaps can allow water in and lead to water damage. While labor costs to install fiber cement siding are relatively high, most homeowners say it’s worth it to avoid extra maintenance costs down the line.

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Fiber cement siding materials cost between $0.70 and $15 per square foot. Purchasing only the materials and DIYing your siding installation will save you money, but it isn’t recommended. This project requires carpentry experience—prior experience working with fiber cement siding is a major plus—and special tools to get the job done.

Errors could result in gaps and water damage, which is expensive to fix.

If you feel confident enough to take on this specialized project, you will need tools to cut the fiber cement. Tools needed include a strong nail gun, a cutting tool and blades, a cordless drill and an air compressor. The combined cost of these tools can easily cost as much as professional installation.

You can purchase fiber cement siding in the form of planks, shingles or panels. Popular fiber cement siding brands include James Hardie, GAF WeatherSide, MaxiTile and Nichiha USA. To determine how much of the material you’ll need to purchase for your house, calculate its size and divide it by the size of the plank, shingle or panel.

Fiber cement planks are an inexpensive option at $0.70 to $8 per square foot. On average, that’s equal to $7 to $50 each. You can find these at most home improvement stores. You’ll spend less to purchase planks, but more to install them as they take much longer to install than panels.

Shingles cost between $2 and $6 per square foot, or about $2 to $10 each. They come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes with a variety of colors and stains that often mimic wood siding.

Panels are the most expensive form of fiber cement siding. They cost $2.50 to $15 per square foot, though it’s possible to cut costs by up to 50% if you purchase planks in bulk from your local home improvement store. Bulk fiber cement siding panels cost between $30 and $500 each, depending on their size.

Although fiber cement siding can stand up to a variety of inclement weather conditions, including extreme temperatures, it does require occasional maintenance. At least once a year, inspect your siding for cracks or damage yourself or hire a professional inspector for about $100. Redo caulking in cracks as needed. A crack repair kit will cost $15.

Wash the siding with a pressure washer. Renting one will cost $40 per day. Alternatively, you can purchase your own for about $300.

Fiber cement siding is more expensive than vinyl and wood siding. That said, it’s more durable than both of those options and can withstand harsh weather, which is a major bonus for homeowners who live in areas with a variable climate. Discuss siding options with your contractor to decide whether or not fiber cement is right for you and your home and to learn more about pricing specific for your area. Advertisement THIS IS AN ADVERTISEMENT AND NOT EDITORIAL CONTENT. Please note that we do receive compensation for any products you buy or sign up to via this advertisement, and that compensation impacts the ranking and placement of any offers listed herein. We do not present information about every offer available. The information and savings numbers depicted above are for demonstration purposes only, and your results may vary. Compare Quotes From Top-rated Local Siding Contractors Free, No-commitment Estimates Find a Siding Contractor

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Fiber cement siding is more difficult and tedious to install than other siding types. You should only install fiber cement siding yourself if you are an experienced DIYer with craftsmanship skills. Doing it yourself can save you thousands of dollars, but it is risky as poorly-installed siding could leave your home vulnerable to water damage. When in doubt, call in a professional.

Fiber cement siding requires regular maintenance, like painting, to maintain its appearance. It’s also known to absorb moisture, which could damage panels and lead to rot or mold problems.

The best siding for a house depends on a number of factors, including your budget and local climate. Vinyl, wood, metal, fiber cement, stone and brick are all good exterior siding options and each type has pros and cons.

Lauren is an accomplished freelance writer who covers a variety of topics, including home improvement, sustainability and more. Her background in news reporting allows her to look at topics from all angles and break things down into digestible content that’s useful to every reader. When she isn’t writing, you’ll find Lauren thinking up her next DIY project or exploring the beautiful Pacific Northwest with her pup.

Lexie is an assistant editor who is responsible for writing and editing articles over a wide variety of home-related topics. She has almost four years’ experience in the home improvement space and harnessed her expertise while working for companies like HomeAdvisor and Angi (formerly Angie’s List).