LP SmartSide vs Hardie
Choosing the right siding for your home is one of the biggest decisions you can make when planning a remodeling or exterior upgrade. Your siding protects your home from weather, impacts, and time while also defining your home’s curb appeal and long-term value. When comparing the best siding options, two names stand out above the rest: LP SmartSide and James Hardie. These industry leaders represent two different approaches to siding design and performance, one based on engineered wood and the other on fiber cement. This in-depth siding showdown breaks down the key differences, cost considerations, installation process, and durability of each to help you find the right siding for your project.
LP SmartSide vs Hardie – Quick Comparison
Both James Hardie and LP SmartSide siding are high-performance products trusted by homeowners across the country. LP SmartSide offers engineered wood siding with a realistic wood grain and exceptional impact resistance. James Hardie siding is a fiber cement product made with cement, sand, and cellulose fibers. Both are beautiful, durable, and available in a wide range of lap siding, vertical siding, and shingle profiles. Here’s how they compare in key categories.
| Feature | LP SmartSide | James Hardie |
|---|---|---|
| Base Material | Engineered wood with SmartGuard® and zinc borate | Fiber cement using Portland cement, sand, and cellulose fibers |
| Fire Resistance | Not noncombustible | Fully noncombustible and fire resistant |
| Moisture & Rot Protection | SmartGuard® resins and wax help resist moisture and decay | Naturally resists mold and mildew stains due to inorganic composition |
| Warranty | 5/50-year prorated warranty | 30-year non-prorated warranty |
| Installation Process | Lighter weight for easier installation | Requires cutting tools for fiber cement products |
| Look & Texture | Real wood look, cedar texture, authentic wood grain | Smooth or woodgrain fiber cement with straight edges |
| Maintenance | Paintable, easy to touch up | Low maintenance, long repaint cycles |
| Ideal For | Budget conscious homeowners seeking wood like appearance | Homes that prioritize durability and fire resistance |
Understanding the Materials
What Is LP SmartSide Siding?
LP SmartSide siding is an engineered wood product made from wood strands coated in wax and bonded with resins for strength. The SmartGuard® system uses zinc borate to prevent termites, rot, and fungal decay. This manufacturing process creates siding that looks like natural wood but performs far better in harsh conditions. LP SmartSide offers products like lap siding, vertical panels, and shakes that give homes an authentic wood finish without the frequent maintenance required by traditional wood siding. The boards come in 16-foot lengths for fewer seams, which helps create smooth, straight edges and a clean finish along the roof line. LP SmartSide siding is lightweight, flexible, and cuts easily with standard woodworking tools. For homeowners considering alternatives to vinyl siding, LP SmartSide provides a natural wood look with superior durability.
What Is James Hardie Siding?
James Hardie siding, often called Hardie board or Hardie plank, is a fiber cement siding made from a mix of Portland cement, sand, and cellulose fibers. This combination produces a fiber cement product that is extremely durable, fire resistant, and able to resist moisture damage. The manufacturing process is designed for regional climates, so James Hardie offers HZ5 and HZ10 products that are customized for cold, wet, or humid conditions. Fiber cement siding from Hardie provides superior durability and minimal maintenance requirements while retaining a beautiful appearance year after year.
Durability and Performance
Weather Resistance
Both James Hardie and LP SmartSide perform well in challenging climates. James Hardie siding is exceptionally resistant to heavy rain, humidity, and temperature swings. Its fiber cement composition does not swell, crack, or warp when exposed to moisture. LP SmartSide siding resists moisture through its SmartGuard® system, where each strand of wood is treated with zinc borate to prevent rot. Homeowners in hail-prone regions appreciate that LP SmartSide offers high impact resistance and can withstand debris and hail better than many other siding materials, including vinyl siding.
Fire Resistance
Fire resistance is one of the biggest differences in the LP SmartSide vs Hardie comparison. James Hardie siding is noncombustible and meets ASTM E136 standards, making it a strong choice in wildfire-prone areas. LP SmartSide, made of engineered wood, is not noncombustible, but it performs well when installed over proper sheathing and underlayment. For homeowners who prioritize fire protection, fiber cement siding is the best siding choice.
Pest and Rot Resistance
Traditional wood siding can be vulnerable to termites and decay, but both James Hardie and LP SmartSide siding are designed to resist those issues. Hardie’s cement and sand base naturally resists insects and mold and mildew stains. LP SmartSide’s zinc borate treatment protects its engineered wood core from decay and pests. Both materials are engineered to last for decades when properly maintained.
Installation and Maintenance
Installation Process
LP SmartSide siding is known for its easier installation. It is lighter, comes in longer boards, and cuts like wood, making it ideal for smaller crews and budget conscious homeowners. Fiber cement siding like James Hardie requires specialized cutting tools and safety procedures due to the presence of silica dust during cutting. The installation process takes longer but ensures a precise, professional installation that maintains warranty coverage. Both products require accurate flashing, sealing, and spacing to ensure performance and durability.
Maintenance and Cleaning
James Hardie siding is considered a low maintenance material thanks to its baked-on ColorPlus® finish that resists fading. A quick rinse with a garden hose and soft brush removes dirt and stubborn stains. LP SmartSide can be repainted easily with matching paint or touch up paint when needed. While both are low maintenance, Hardie siding offers longer repaint cycles and minimal maintenance requirements compared to natural wood siding. Homeowners should inspect caulking around trim and joints every few years to maintain warranty coverage.
Safety and Handling
When cutting fiber cement siding, contractors must use proper dust control equipment. Elevate Construction follows silica-safe procedures to protect crews and ensure a clean jobsite. LP SmartSide avoids silica concerns because it cuts like natural wood, simplifying jobsite handling. Both require professional installation to perform as designed.
Cost and Long-Term Value
When evaluating cost considerations, LP SmartSide siding generally offers lower material and installation costs. The easier installation and lighter weight reduce labor time per square foot. James Hardie siding typically costs more upfront but provides higher fire resistance and a non-prorated 30-year warranty. Over the life of your home, both products offer excellent value. LP SmartSide is ideal for homeowners seeking the look of real wood and affordability, while Hardie siding appeals to those who prioritize durability and minimal maintenance.
Design, Texture, and Curb Appeal
Appearance and Texture
LP SmartSide siding replicates authentic wood with a deep cedar texture and wood like appearance that enhances traditional lap siding or vertical panels. Its variety of profiles allows homeowners to achieve a craftsman, rustic, or modern farmhouse look. James Hardie siding also offers lap siding, vertical siding, and shingle options like HardieShingle that mimic cedar shingles without the frequent maintenance. Both materials dramatically improve a home’s curb appeal.
Finish Options
LP SmartSide offers factory-finished colors through its ExpertFinish® line, while Hardie siding uses the ColorPlus® technology for long-lasting color retention. Both finishes are durable and fade resistant, but Hardie’s baked-on layers provide exceptional UV protection.
Compatibility With Different Home Styles
LP SmartSide looks natural on homes that feature wood accents, large roof lines, and horizontal lap siding. James Hardie fits perfectly with coastal, traditional, and modern homes where crisp lines and consistent texture matter. Both offer vertical siding and trim boards that pair beautifully with stone or brick details.
Warranties and Lifespan
LP SmartSide siding comes with a 5/50-year prorated limited warranty, offering full coverage for five years and declining coverage after that. James Hardie siding provides a 30-year non-prorated warranty and a 15-year finish warranty. This difference is important for homeowners who value long-term coverage. Hardie siding’s fiber cement products tend to last longer with less frequent maintenance, while LP SmartSide’s engineered wood core allows for easy repairs or repainting.
Environmental and Sustainability Considerations
Both James Hardie and LP SmartSide have made progress toward sustainable manufacturing. LP uses sustainable forestry practices to source wood strands, making its engineered wood siding an environmentally conscious choice. Hardie’s fiber cement siding has a longer life span, which offsets the energy used in its manufacturing process. The result is two siding materials that perform well while supporting environmentally responsible building practices.
Which Siding Is Best for Your Home?
In the LP SmartSide vs Hardie debate, both materials excel in different ways. If you live in a region where fire safety is a top concern, fiber cement siding such as Hardie board is the best siding for long-term security and peace of mind. If you’re in a hail-prone area or prefer a faster installation process, LP SmartSide offers the durability and flexibility you need. Hardie siding provides minimal maintenance and superior durability, while LP SmartSide provides the authentic wood look many homeowners love. The right siding depends on your home’s location, style, and performance priorities.
Why Homeowners Choose Elevate Construction
Homeowners trust Elevate Construction for expert siding installation because we understand both James Hardie and LP SmartSide systems inside and out. Our crews are certified in fiber cement and engineered wood installation techniques. We ensure every siding project is installed precisely, sealed properly, and finished cleanly to maintain warranty coverage. Whether you choose Hardie board or LP SmartSide siding, our focus is on delivering professional installation, superior durability, and exceptional curb appeal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which siding lasts longer, LP SmartSide or Hardie?
James Hardie siding generally lasts longer because fiber cement products are noncombustible and resist moisture naturally. LP SmartSide can last several decades when properly installed and maintained.
Is LP SmartSide cheaper than Hardie?
Yes, LP SmartSide is usually less expensive in both materials and labor. Its easier installation and lightweight design make it more affordable per square foot.
Is LP SmartSide fire resistant?
LP SmartSide is treated for decay and pests but is not classified as noncombustible. Fiber cement siding from James Hardie offers true fire resistance.
Does Hardie siding crack or chip?
When properly installed, Hardie board resists cracking and chipping. Using a quality cement patching compound can repair small imperfections if they occur.
Can both be painted?
Yes. LP SmartSide can be repainted or touched up easily, while Hardie siding’s ColorPlus® finish extends the time between repaints.
What is the maintenance schedule for each?
Both require simple care. Rinse with a garden hose and soft brush once or twice a year to remove dirt and mildew stains. Avoid using a pressure washer. Inspect caulking and paint to maintain warranty coverage.
Which is better for hail and storms?
LP SmartSide offers outstanding impact resistance and even covers hail damage under certain warranty terms.
Which has the better warranty?
Hardie siding’s 30-year non-prorated warranty provides longer full protection compared to LP SmartSide’s prorated 5/50-year coverage.
Conclusion
When comparing LP SmartSide vs Hardie, both options offer strong performance, beauty, and long-term value. LP SmartSide siding provides the warmth of natural wood and faster installation, making it ideal for budget conscious homeowners who want the look of real wood without the frequent maintenance of traditional wood siding. James Hardie siding delivers the strength of fiber cement with low maintenance and outstanding fire resistance. Both James Hardie and LP SmartSide products are built to enhance your home’s protection and design. Choosing the right siding means considering your climate, home style, and how much maintenance you prefer. Whichever you choose, professional installation ensures the best performance and helps you maintain warranty coverage. With LP SmartSide and James Hardie siding, your home gains protection that lasts for decades and timeless curb appeal that never goes out of style.
