How much does fiber cement siding cost?

On the low end, the cost of fiber cement siding (including labor and materials) lands at $5 per square foot. On the higher end of the spectrum, it costs $9 per square foot. Your exact price per square foot will rely on a variety of cost factors, which you can find below. 

Shingle fiber cement siding costs about $2 to $8 per square foot and is typically sold in individual pieces or in 3-, 4-, 8- or 12-foot combined strips. For a traditional look, shingle fiber cement sidings can be chosen in either a hand-split or wood-grain mimic texture. Shingle fiber cement siding can also be installed either straight or staggered, depending on the homeowner’s style preferences — but keep in mind, the style of installation will impact labor cost. 

Lap siding fiber cement siding is a commonly chosen style. Also known as clapboards, lap siding fiber cement siding is installed row by row to offer a balanced, overlapped appearance. Lap siding options also offer a variety of finishes, ranging from wood-grain to smooth, which will also impact the final cost. Clapboard costs about $0.70-$5.25 per square foot (not including installation). 

Even with an average base price for fiber cement siding, the total all-in cost for your home will be influenced by a ton of factors. 

Style

The style of fiber cement siding you choose will impact your final price. There are typically three fiber cement siding panel types that mimic the appearance of wood: clapboard (or lap), shingle and vertical.

We already went over lap and shingle siding — now, let’s go over vertical siding. Vertical fiber cement siding is installed vertically on a home. Unlike lap siding, which provides an overlapping horizontal appearance, vertical fiber cement siding is installed flush with the home. Vertical fiber cement siding is offered in a wood-grain, smooth or stucco appearance, all of which can impact its base price.

Of the various fiber cement siding options available, more in-depth style choices — such as staggered wood-grain texture — can further impact the total cost of the project. 

Painting

Although many fiber cement siding manufacturers offer a variety of colors to choose from, many homeowners opt to have their siding painted instead, which will also increase the overall project price. 

Labor costs

Aside from style choices, various labor costs factor into the final project price. For instance, removing existing siding and the difficulty of the project can all add to the all-in price. Depending on the type of existing siding, removal costs may vary as certain siding removals require more extensive techniques than others. Likewise, once the previous siding is removed, contractors must inspect for any underlying damage that may influence job difficulty. 

Permit fees

As a final note, be sure to research if local zoning requires the payment of permit fees. 

On average, fiber cement siding costs between $5 and $9 dollars per square foot or approximately $684 per square. Fiber cement siding is manufactured by blending Portland cement, wood fibers and sand to create a high-quality and durable material. Furthermore, aside from its concrete-sounding name, the appearance of fiber cement siding mimics that of wood and does not give off a solid, industrial look. 

On the other hand, vinyl siding costs between $4 and $7 per square foot, or $393 per square. Vinyl siding is inexpensive to maintain. It doesn’t require painting, caulking or re-pointing. Similarly, the cleaning process for vinyl siding is as simple as using mild soap and water to keep the material looking fresh. 

However, the concern with vinyl siding is its level of durability in comparison to fiber cement siding. Vinyl siding is more prone to being damaged due to impact or extreme weather. Once vinyl siding is damaged, it allows the possibility of rot due to trapped moisture, which can run homeowners more money in the long-run.

Compared to other siding material choices such as wood, aluminum and vinyl, fiber cement siding boasts several benefits that may be worth the extra cost for some homeowners. According to the Portland Cement Association, benefits of fiber cement siding homeowners should consider including:

• Flexibility in design. Although the common appearance of fiber cement siding typically resembles wood, manufacturers produce a variety of profiles to fit any homeowner’s design preference.
• High durability. Fiber cement siding offers a low maintenance finish that’s resistant to fire, pest, rot and buckling to help aid in long-term durability.
• Less fuss. Unlike wood siding, fiber cement siding is fairly straight and requires significantly less bowing and trim for proper alignment. 
• Customizable options. Fiber-cement trim boards and corner trims are also available in varying sizes to add to the appeal of fiber cement siding.
• Possibility for paint. Although fiber cement siding manufacturers already offer an array of colors, fiber cement siding holds paint jobs very well and can last up to 15 years. 

While the upfront square foot cost may be a bit steeper than traditional vinyl siding, the long-term advantages of fiber cement siding can be a good fit for homeowners who are willing to spend more for an option they can rely on long-term.

Does fiber cement siding increase home value?

According to the Cost vs. Value report homeowners can typically recoup 77.6% of their fiber cement siding replacement costs when they decide to sell their home. 

Although the complete cost of the project may not reflect in your home’s value when you decide to sell, the durable long-term advantages of fiber cement siding may contribute to value elsewhere. For example, your home’s foundation may be better protected from the elements versus what traditional wood or vinyl siding could offer. 

To ensure the lifespan of your fiber cement siding (and avoid costly repairs down the line), take a few precautionary maintenance measures to keep your siding in top condition. Read the instructions in your manufacturer’s guidelines.

As an example, fiber cement siding manufacturing leader James Hardie recommends a few tips to help keep your siding in great condition:

• Wash siding every six to 12 months with a garden hose or low-pressure washer to remove dirt and debris.
• Use a soft brush or soft wet cloth to apply mild soap, and clean the siding in a side-to-side motion to remove any caked-on dirt and debris. 
• Install gutters and downspouts on your home to direct heavy rain flow off the fiber cement siding.
• Maintain gutters and remove any debris, twigs and leaf build-up that may impact gutter efficiency.
• Adjust sprinklers properly to avoid excessive soaking of the fiber cement siding.
• Trim trees and maintain any vegetation that is rubbing against the siding.
• Be wary of de-icing salts as they can damage a fiber cement siding’s finish. 

Now that you’ve determined fiber cement siding is right for you, your next step is to figure out how to hire a contractor. To pick the best contractor, follow these tips:

• Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Although the contractor may specialize in home siding, ask of their experience specifically with fiber cement siding and if they recently completed jobs comparable to yours.
• Give them the details. When inquiring about estimates, try your best to provide as many details as possible, including the house size and desired style, to get an accurate project outlook. 
• Request a free estimate. This allows you to gather a few estimates to help make a cost-effective decision. 
• Look for the professional proof. To protect both yourself and your home, be sure the contractor is properly licensed and insured. Failing to do so could quickly land you with someone unqualified and unfit to complete the job, which can lead to complications down the line. 

To learn more about how to hire a contractor, read this guide.

If you decide that a fiber cement siding install is right for you, hop onto Thumbtack and start searching for contractors today. We’ll provide you with a list of contractors as well as supporting reviews to help you pick the top local fiber cement siding contractor near you.