Reviewed by Mario Garcia, General Manager at Windows Hawaii
Fiber cement siding, and James Hardie in particular, is one of the most popular siding upgrades in the country. It looks like painted wood, stands up to weather and doesn’t rot. It also costs more than vinyl. Here’s what James Hardie and other fiber cement siding really costs, and how it compares with the alternatives.
Average James Hardie Siding Cost
According to HomeGuide, James Hardie siding typically costs $6 to $15 per square foot installed, with materials around $2 to $6 per square foot and labor around $4 to $9. Labor is usually about two-thirds of the total. For a typical 2,000 square foot home with about 1,700 square feet of wall area, that works out to roughly $10,200 to $25,500.
| Home size | Approx. siding area | Typical installed cost |
|---|---|---|
| 1,200 sq ft | 1,000 sq ft | $6,000 to $15,000 |
| 1,500 sq ft | 1,200 sq ft | $7,200 to $18,000 |
| 2,000 sq ft | 1,700 sq ft | $10,200 to $25,500 |
| 2,500 sq ft | 2,100 sq ft | $12,600 to $31,500 |
| 3,000 sq ft | 2,500 sq ft | $15,000 to $37,500 |
Source: HomeGuide national ranges. Removal of old siding, trim and painting can add to these totals.
Cost by Fiber Cement Style
HomeGuide breaks installed fiber cement costs down by style:
- Lap planks: about $4.70 to $14.00 per square foot
- Panels (board and batten look): about $5.50 to $13.00 per square foot
- Shingles: about $6.50 to $15.50 per square foot, and they take longer to install
Pre-primed boards cost less but need to be painted soon after installation. Factory-finished boards cost more upfront but save you a paint job.
Extra Costs to Plan For
- Removing old siding. This Old House lists removal at roughly $4 to $18 per square foot, depending on the material and how it’s attached.
- Painting. About $1.50 to $4 per square foot if the boards come primed.
- Trim. Corner boards, window trim and fascia add cost by the linear foot.
- Repairs. Rotted sheathing or termite damage found during tear-off has to be fixed before new siding goes on.
Fiber Cement vs. Other Siding
| Siding | Typical installed cost | Maintenance | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vinyl | About $4 to $12 per sq ft | Low | Least expensive; can look thin and wavy in strong sun |
| Insulated vinyl (CraneBoard) | Above basic vinyl | Low | Foam core adds stiffness, insulation and wind resistance |
| Fiber cement (James Hardie) | About $6 to $15 per sq ft | Repaint over time | Very durable, heavier and more labor to install |
| Cellular composite (Celect) | Premium | Very low, factory finish | No repainting, nearly seamless joints |
HomeGuide notes fiber cement generally costs two to three times more than vinyl, although the price ranges overlap. It also has very little insulating value on its own, so if energy efficiency matters to you, ask about insulated options.
What Siding Costs in Hawaii
Siding projects in Hawaii usually cost more than mainland averages because materials are shipped in, labor rates are higher and general excise tax applies. Fiber cement is heavy, which adds to shipping costs. Material choice also matters more here. Termites, humidity and strong sun destroy wood siding, while fiber cement, cellular composite and insulated vinyl all hold up well. Which one is right depends on the look you want and how much upkeep you’re willing to do.
Many Oahu homeowners replace siding and windows together so everything gets flashed and sealed at the same time. See our Hawaii window replacement cost guide for window pricing.
Siding Cost FAQs
Is James Hardie siding worth the cost?
For many homes, yes. It lasts decades, resists rot, fire and insects and looks like painted wood. The tradeoff is a higher upfront cost and repainting every so often unless you choose a factory-finished product.
How long does fiber cement siding last?
Fiber cement commonly lasts 30 to 50 years with proper installation and maintenance.
Is fiber cement good for humid climates?
It handles humidity much better than wood. Proper installation, flashing and sealed cut edges are what keep moisture out.
What’s the cheapest siding that still looks good?
Quality vinyl is the budget pick. Insulated vinyl like CraneBoard costs more but looks and performs much better than thin vinyl.
On Oahu? Call 808-671-0808 or request a free estimate. See all of our siding options.
