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Columbus, OH 43215

Fiber cement siding installation costs$2,046 - $9,443

National average fixed price

Most common low price:$2,046
Most common high price:$9,443

How much does it cost to install fiber cement siding?

By Thumbtack Staff

Last updated Mon, Aug 11

The national average cost of fiber cement siding installation ranges from around $2,046-$9,443, and most people pay around $4,218, according to Thumbtack data. Multiple factors, including the size of your home, your current siding and the type of fiber cement siding you choose, can all impact the final price of your project.

Fiber cement siding cost

National average cost	$4,218
Low-end average cost	$2,046
High-end average cost	$9,443

Fiber cement siding is crafted with a durable mix of Portland cement and wood fibers, and is an excellent choice for homeowners on the hunt for a rot-proof siding option that requires minimal upkeep. To better understand what your home’s fiber cement siding project will cost you, reach out to local fiber cement siding professionals for cost estimates. But first, check out this guide to educate yourself on fiber cement siding and the costs that come with it.

Fiber cement siding cost per square foot

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.

Clapboard siding prices range from about $0.70-$5.25 per square foot. Shingle fiber cement siding pricing ranges from $2-$8 per square foot.

Shingle fiber cement siding prices

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 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).

Fiber cement siding cost factors

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.

Fiber cement siding cost vs. vinyl siding prices

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.

Fiber cement siding benefits

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.

How to maintain your fiber cement siding

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.

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How to hire a siding contractor

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.

Find siding installers near you

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.

FAQs

Still have a few burning questions? The following are frequently asked questions about fiber cement siding:

How much does it cost to side a 1,500-square-foot house?

Based on the typical $5 to $9 per square foot average, fiber cement siding for a 1,500-square-foot home would cost between $7,500 and $13,500.

How much does it cost to side a 2,000-square-foot house?

Based on the typical $5 to $9 per square foot average, fiber cement siding for a 2000 square foot home would cost between $10,000 and $18,000.

How often should you paint fiber cement siding?

According to the Portland Cement Association, fiber cement siding can hold paint quite well and can last seven to 15 years, depending on long-term care and outdoor influences.

What color siding has the best resale value?

According to home improvement leader Bob Vila, neutral colors like gray and taupe can aid in achieving the best resale value.

What is the cheapest siding for a house?

Siding pricing will vary from house to house and will also depend on other factors, including the project location and difficulty. Contact a local siding expert today to learn what the cheapest siding option is for your home.

How long does fiber cement siding last?

According to home improvement leader Bob Vila, the typical fiber cement manufacturer warranty claims a 30- to 50-year lifespan. However, it may be necessary to refinish the siding after 15 years, especially if local weather and environment have taken a toll.

Is Hardie board siding worth it?

Choosing the best siding option for a home will vary depending on the location and current factors of your home. To better understand if Hardie board siding is the best fit for you, speak with a local siding contractor to get an expert opinion.

Additional source: Portland Cement Association, This Old House, Vinyl Siding Institute

How do we know these prices?

Millions of people ask Thumbtack for help with their projects every year. We track the estimates they get from local professionals, conduct our own research and then we share those prices with you. The prices reflected in the article above are for informational purposes only and are subject to change at any time. Contact a professional near you to receive a personalized cost estimate for your project.

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