LP® SmartSide® vs. Hardie® Siding: What is your best option?

LP® SmartSide® vs. Hardie® siding: What is your best option?

Quality siding is an essential home exterior part for protecting your property against winter storms, heavy rains, and hail impacts. It is also about a cosmetic upgrade that is intertwined with how your house looks from the outside. So, homeowners have to take it seriously when selecting siding for their property. This is when the battle of LP® Smart siding vs. Hardie® board begins.

Today, the Smart siding vs. Hardie® board rivalry creates a real stir among contractors and those looking for marked home improvements. It has already transformed into the attention-arresting competition and is expected to be on a par with some of the most influential business struggles ever. Considering the range of benefits that these brands offer with their siding solutions, it comes as no surprise.

That said, the challenge of choosing between LP® SmartSide® and James Hardie® siding can tie homeowners up in knots. Let’s dig a little deeper in all the advantages of these siding solutions and find out which one will be the best fit for your home.

Overview of LP® SmartSide® and Hardie® siding

There is one thing in common between LP® SmartSide® and James Hardie®. The companies have brilliantly succeeded in their industry because both of them have introduced game-changing siding solutions at a certain point. That is an underlying reason why Hardie® fiber cement products alongside with LP® SmartSide® ones made of engineered wood have snatched the immense amount of market share.

Even so, it is still puzzling. Here are some other factors that you may want to consider when choosing between LP® SmartSide® and James Hardie® siding.

Company experience

While Hardie® has been producing its siding solutions for commercial and residential buildings for over 100 years, LP® SmartSide® has managed to enter the market a little more than 40 years ago. Therefore, the experience is in favor of the Australian company. Do not take that for granted though.

Durability

The ability of siding to withstand region-specific weather conditions, remain resistant to extreme temperatures and adequately protect the outer walls of a building against pests should be given priority when making your choice. Both Hardie® and LP® SmartSide® are known for providing highly durable planks. However, there are some differences in their structural integrity. Unlike its counterpart, engineered wood siding is treated with water-resistant waxes and adhesive resins, which create an extra protective layer against all impacts associated with weather. Yet, fiber cement products are far more effective in resisting fire damages.

Appearance and finish

Both manufacturers come up with a variety of colors for their siding products, making it easier for homeowners to improve their exterior design. You can choose any color and repaint those planks as you please. Besides, Hardie® siding comes pre-finished with a 15-year warranty so that you don’t need to deal with painting for a long time.

Installation and maintenance

The ease of installation and maintenance are one of the most serious Hardie® siding problems. Due to their heavy composition, these products are inferior to LP® ones in this regard. The thing is, engineered wood siding solutions require far fewer tools for cutting than those made of fiber cement. Besides, they don’t need to be carefully maintained, unlike Hardie® planks.

Warranty

If you are about to start a home improvement project, it’s important to make sure you invest in reliable materials. It is a warranty that plays a crucial role in that matter. Both LP® SmartSide® and James Hardie® provide limited warranties but with different coverage periods. It is 50 years for the former and 30 years for the latter.

Comparison of LP® SmartSide® vs. Hardie® board by cost

On average, a homeowner will have to pay $10 for one square foot of fiber cement siding. That will make up a total of $15,000 for a house with 1,500 sq. ft. in the exterior. Quite a pretty penny, isn’t it?

LP® SmartSide® siding products will cost you something like $2-$4 per square foot, meaning that you can save a large sum of money. Most importantly, you won’t have to pay contractors for engineered wood cutting as this siding is designed to be easily installed.

If you are a fan of classic vinyl products, let’s analyze HardiPlank® vs. vinyl siding by cost. In most cases, you will have to pay less for that kind of siding as compared to Hardie®. The average cost of vinyl products goes up to $5-$7 per square foot.

On the whole, LP® SmartSide® and James Hardie® offer a myriad of benefits for your home exterior. And your best option depends on what exactly you are looking for your household. At Home Run Improvement, we can provide you with siding from both manufacturers and meet your needs no matter what.

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Case Study: Youngblood Deck

January 14, 2026

The Challenge The homeowners wanted to remove an aging deck and replace it with a larger, upgraded outdoor living space. Their vision included a custom deck design with a dedicated wall for mounting a TV, as well as a brand-new patio installed in front of the deck to create a functional entertaining area. They needed a contractor who could manage both elements clearly, communicate well, and deliver high-end results without surprises. The Solution Home Run Improvement began with an on-site consultation led by Michael, who worked closely with the homeowners to understand their goals and explore design options. To ensure the patio was executed at the highest level, Henry, a trusted patio partner, joined the planning process to walk through materials, layout, and construction details. The team proposed creative enhancements, provided a transparent and detailed estimate, and outlined a clear project timeline from the start. As additional features were added during construction, all cost changes were communicated immediately, keeping expectations aligned at every step. Premium materials were selected to ensure long-term performance and visual impact, including TimberTech decking and Unilock stone for the patio. The Process Daily on-time arrival and consistent progress Ongoing check-ins to confirm design details and homeowner satisfaction Clear communication on timeline and budget adjustments Skilled craftsmanship across decking, structural work, and hardscaping The project stayed on schedule, and the final cost matched the agreed-upon estimate exactly. The Results The completed deck and patio exceeded expectations. The expanded deck created a perfect space for entertaining, complete with a TV-ready wall, while the new patio added flow to the outdoor area. The homeowners were left with a high-quality outdoor living space built to last. Client Outcome The homeowners praised Home Run Improvement for exceptional professionalism, reliability, and attention to detail, noting the quality of materials, the consistency of communication, and the craftsmanship throughout the project. They highly recommend Home Run Improvement and were thrilled with the final result.