How Much Does James Hardie Siding Cost? 6 Factors That Influence Price

April 1st, 2022 | 8 min. read

So, you want to get your home siding replaced and invest in something that will last. Maybe you’ve heard from your neighbors of James Hardie siding. Or maybe you've scrolled through endless Pinterest boards for inspiration pictures.

If you are looking for a siding solution that is durable, long-lasting, and low-maintenance, then James Hardie fiber cement siding is one of the best siding products on the market.

But, like with any product, cost and quality have a direct relationship. Because Hardie siding is one of the most high-quality options, you probably expect it to cost more than other siding types, like vinyl or aluminum.

Before investing more time and effort into researching Hardie siding, you want to learn exactly how much it will cost to know if this siding is right for your project.

At Southwest Exteriors, we only install James Hardie siding because of its numerous benefits. As a trusted San Antonio siding replacement contractor since 1989, we want to offer you the highest quality products available. We want you to be well-prepared for your project before meeting with a contractor.

James Hardie siding is more expensive than other types of siding. Any siding replacement project is a large investment, and we know that sticking within your budget is important.

When presented with a quote for your Hardie siding project, it might make you jump back a little if it’s more expensive than you expect it to be.

We want you to be educated on how much your Hardie siding replacement can cost to have realistic expectations going into a consultation.

This article will outline how much a James Hardie siding replacement costs and what factors go into that cost.

After reading, you’ll have a better idea of how much your Hardie siding project will cost. Then, you can confidently know whether Hardie is the right choice for you.

How much does James Hardie siding cost?

James Hardie siding costs around $3,000-$4,000 per square of siding. One square of siding is a 10 ft. x 10 ft. area, or 100 ft.².

This cost was estimated under the parameters that the Hardie siding is traditional lap siding on a one-story home and includes installation of HardieWrap, oriented-strand board substrate, weather barrier, trim, the removal of old siding, caulking, and painting.

It’s important to understand that many factors go into the cost of a Hardie siding replacement. Each factor can greatly affect how much your specific project will cost.

What factors determine how much your James Hardie siding replacement project will cost?

While we can give you a price range for how much an average James Hardie siding costs, every project is different.

To have realistic expectations, you must know what factors influence the cost of your project. Then when you find the right Hardie contractor, you will better understand what makes up the price and how the cost of your project is determined.

Six major factors affect the cost of a James Hardie siding replacement: expertise of installation, total square footage, style and board profile, degree of difficulty of the project area, condition of the existing siding, and other additions.

1. The expertise of James Hardie Installer

The first and most crucial factor that will affect the cost of your project is the expertise of your Hardie installer.

One major potential issue with Hardie siding replacements today is that anyone can buy James Hardie siding. This means that any person or business can rebrand themselves as a Hardie installer, even with no prior experience.

If you come across a contractor like this, the cost of your Hardie siding replacement will be significantly less expensive than a professionally-trained Hardie contractor. This discrepancy in pricing is because new and inexperienced Hardie installers do not know how to accurately price and install Hardie siding. They will give you a low offer to entice you to choose them for business.

This is a major red flag to look out for when looking for the right James Hardie siding contractor, and it's important to be aware of how it can affect the price.

If you receive a quote for a Hardie siding replacement, and the cost seems too good to be true, chances are it is. A cheap Hardie siding replacement will most likely not be done correctly, and you will not receive the true benefits of Hardie siding.

2. Square footage of your project

The total square footage of your siding project is the second-largest influencing factor to the overall cost. To put it plainly, the more siding you want to be replaced, the more it will add to the price.

The complexity of your square footage can also add to the cost. Most homes are not shaped like cardboard boxes. The more corners you have on your home can increase the complexity of the installation. This can also include how many gables and rakes you have on your home.

It costs more when your home has more gables and rakes because it increases the waste factor of the project. A house built like a box requires very little cutting and trimming the siding to fit the home.

With gables and rake, the edges are starting or ending at an angle. This means that each piece of siding must be cut to the exact angle to fit the side. Trimming all of those pieces of siding creates a higher waste with what is cut off.

To sum all of that information up, the larger the square footage of your desired siding area and the more complex the design of your home are the greatest factors that will influence the cost of your project.

3. Style and board profile

James Hardie offers many different board styles and profiles for your siding replacement project. Hardie has the right board to fit any style, from traditional horizontal lap siding to detailed scalloped shingles.

You can also customize the size of the boards to be larger or skinnier than the standard size. Horizontal siding is the least expensive compared to vertical and shingle siding. Vertical siding is the most expensive. This is because it has the highest waste factor.

Select cedarmill is the least expensive board profile from Hardie, and Colonial smooth is the most expensive per square foot.

So, depending on the board profile and style you choose and any customizations you make to the boards, this will affect the overall cost of your project.

4. Degree of difficulty of the project area

Similar to the complexity of the design of your home, the degree of difficulty of the project area will also add to the cost. This means replacing the siding on a second or third story of a home will cost more than a first story.

This added cost will be reflected in the labor costs. Depending on the degree of difficulty of your area, it can add anywhere from 10-15% to the total cost of your project.

5. Condition of the existing siding

The condition of your existing siding on your home can affect the cost of your Hardie siding project. If your current siding is in good condition, it can be used as a substrate to the new Hardie siding. This would save you costs for materials.

Compare it to your health and well-being. If you take care of yourself continuously throughout your life, you will likely run into fewer major health problems down the road.

The same goes for your siding. If you take care of it and do not neglect it, it will stay in much better shape for longer.

If the siding or wall is extremely deteriorated or damaged, it can cost you $2,000-$8,000 or more, depending on the extent of the damage.

6. Other additions for your project

The last factor that will influence the cost of your project is any recommended additions. This can include the replacement of your soffit or fascia or painting other exterior areas, like a garage door or porch trim, as the contractor offers.

It is recommended in most cases to get your fascia included with your siding project to add extra protection to the exterior against the climate, water, and deterioration to ultimately last you longer. The soffit, if indicated, should also be considered to provide the same benefits.

While none of these additions are required to have your siding replaced, adding extra protection to your siding and your home is recommended.

Is James Hardie siding right for me?

Now that you know how much James Hardie siding costs and what factors go into that cost, you have a better idea of whether this type of siding is right for you or not.

Hardie siding is more expensive than other siding types. It is a long-term solution for long-term homeowners. So, if you know you will be in your home for a while and are looking for a siding solution that you won’t have to worry about again, Hardie siding may be the right option.

Suppose you are not a long-term homeowner, are just looking for the least expensive siding option, and aren’t concerned about the quality, durability, and longevity of the siding. In that case, Hardie is probably not the right siding for you.

This is why it is important to outline your goals and budget for your project to find the right siding for you.

If you’re a little on the fence about spending that much on James Hardie siding for your project, you want to know what you will get out of it and if it’s worth it.

Dive deeper into what makes Hardie siding different and what you need to know before investing. Then, you will know if this type of siding is right for you and can take the next steps in your project.

How to Maintain James Hardie Siding

Maintaining James Hardie siding is relatively easy and straightforward and can help to prolong its lifespan and maintain its appearance. Here are some tips on how to maintain James Hardie siding:

Clean the siding regularly: James Hardie siding should be cleaned at least once a year using a soft-bristle brush or low-pressure washer. Use a mild detergent and water solution to gently remove any dirt, grime, or mildew accumulated on the siding.
Check for damage: Inspect your James Hardie siding regularly for any signs of damage, such as cracks, chips, or holes. Any damage should be repaired promptly to prevent further damage or water intrusion.
Trim vegetation: Trim any trees, shrubs, or vines growing too close to the siding. This will help to prevent damage to the siding and reduce the risk of moisture buildup.
Avoid direct contact with water: James Hardie siding is water-resistant, but prolonged exposure to water can still cause damage over time. Avoid spraying water directly at the siding, and ensure your gutters are properly maintained to prevent water from pooling or overflowing onto the siding.
Avoid harsh chemicals: Harsh chemicals like bleach, ammonia, or acidic cleaners can damage James Hardie siding. Instead, use mild detergents and water solutions to clean the siding.

By following these simple maintenance tips, you can help keep your James Hardie siding looking great and performing well for years.

Looking for the right James Hardie contractor for your project?

With Southwest Exteriors, we offer high-quality siding replacements with James Hardie siding. We know that a professional Hardie installation is more costly than other options, and we know that it is not the right solution for everyone.

However, we want you to understand what goes into the cost of a Hardie siding replacement so you can choose the right siding type and contractor for a successful project.

Are you looking for the right Hardie contractor for your siding replacement project? Schedule your free consultation with Southwest Exteriors today to get the look you love coming home to!