James Hardie vs LP SmartSide: Which Siding Is Right for Your California Home?

Choosing the right siding is one of the most important decisions a homeowner can make. Your siding protects your home from the elements, influences energy efficiency, and significantly boosts your home’s curb appeal. In Northern California, where we experience everything from wildfires and extreme heat to rainy winters, choosing the best siding is about much more than just appearance. That’s why many homeowners ask us the big question: James Hardie vs LP SmartSide, which is better?

At Pro Superior Construction, we specialize in both James Hardie siding and LP SmartSide siding, and we know how they perform in real California conditions. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through a detailed comparison of these two industry leaders, highlighting their differences in materials, durability, maintenance, cost, and design.

Why Your Siding Choice Matters in California

Homes in the Sacramento Valley, Bay Area, and Sierra foothills face unique environmental challenges. Wildfires are a growing concern. So is moisture from coastal fog, heavy rains, and rising humidity. Your choice of siding materials can determine how well your home withstands these risks and helps your home’s exterior maintain its beauty and integrity.

Not all siding options are created equal. Traditional materials like wood siding and vinyl siding may look good at first but often fall short when it comes to fire protection, pest resistance, and long-term durability. This is where fiber cement siding and engineered wood siding step in to offer homeowners smarter alternatives.

What Is James Hardie Siding?

James Hardie siding, also known as Hardie board or Hardie fiber cement siding, is a high-performance fiber cement product that has earned a reputation for long-lasting durability and exceptional fire resistance. The company has been a leader in fiber cement technology for decades.

The Manufacturing Process Behind James Hardie

James Hardie fiber cement is made from a blend of Portland cement, sand, water, and cellulose fibers. These ingredients form a tough, non-combustible material that can mimic the look of natural wood, cedar shingles, or even smooth modern panels. This fiber cement material is engineered to resist moisture, insects, warping, and cracking. When cracks or chips occur, a quality cement patching compound is recommended for repairs to maintain the siding’s integrity.

James Hardie Offers Stylish, Durable Siding Products

• HardiePlank lap siding: Classic horizontal lines with a smooth or wood like texture
• HardiePanel vertical siding: Great for board-and-batten or modern homes
• HardieShingle siding: Resembles cedar siding or cedar texture shakes
• Aspyre Collection: Premium, architectural panels with refined styling

Each product is available with ColorPlus® Technology, a baked-on finish that resists fading and minimizes frequent maintenance like repainting.

The Benefits of Fiber Cement Siding

• Superior fire resistance for wildfire-prone zones
• Resistant to pests and rot
• Low expansion and contraction
• Long-lasting color retention
• Minimal maintenance over decades

With these advantages, Hardie siding is ideal for homes that face extreme weather conditions or those that require less frequent maintenance. It is designed to withstand harsh weather conditions, making it a smart choice for California’s diverse climate.

What Is LP SmartSide Siding?

LP SmartSide siding, also known as LP siding, LP smart siding, or SmartSide siding, is a leading engineered wood product. It’s made from wood strands coated with zinc borate, then bonded with resins and waxes. This combination is pressed into durable planks and panels with a natural wood look.

The LP SmartSide Manufacturing Process

The wood strands are treated throughout using LP’s proprietary SmartGuard® process. This protects the siding from termites, fungal decay, and moisture. Then, a resin-saturated overlay adds a clean, wood like appearance that’s highly customizable.

LP SmartSide Siding Products Include:

• Lap siding: Smooth or textured surfaces in long, lightweight boards
• Panel and vertical siding: Perfect for board-and-batten styles or vertical panels
• Trim and fascia: Completes the aesthetic for windows and eaves
• Shingle siding: For homes seeking traditional, hand-cut wood charm

The Advantages of Engineered Wood Siding

• Lightweight and easy to install
• Impact-resistant, great for hail or storm-prone areas
• Delivers an authentic wood look
• Less expensive than fiber cement options, helping reduce overall material costs
• Suitable for projects with tighter timelines or budgets

While LP SmartSide is not non-combustible like fiber cement, it is treated for fire resistant performance and has passed several fire tests. However, James Hardie siding remains the stronger choice for superior fire resistance.

James Hardie vs LP SmartSide: A Side-by-Side Breakdown

Let’s dive deeper into how Hardie and LP SmartSide compare in performance, maintenance, design, and value.

Material Composition

• James Hardie: Made of fiber cement using Portland cement, sand, and cellulose fibers
• LP SmartSide: Made from wood strands coated with wax, resins, and zinc borate

Fiber cement siding is more durable against fire and moisture, while engineered wood siding offers easier handling and installation.

Durability and Weather Resistance

• James Hardie siding resists warping, rot, termites, and fire. It holds up well under harsh weather conditions and offers superior durability.
• LP SmartSide siding is known for excellent impact resistance and moisture protection. It’s great for climates with freeze-thaw cycles or high winds but does not offer the same level of fire protection as fiber cement.

Installation Process

• LP siding is lightweight, easy to cut with standard tools, and comes in longer boards for faster installation.
• James Hardie siding is heavier, requires special saws to avoid silica dust, and needs professional installation by trained contractors.

At Pro Superior Construction, our certified team ensures every siding project is installed correctly, avoiding issues related to improper installation.

Aesthetic Appeal and Style Variety

Both Hardie and LP SmartSide offer exceptional aesthetic appeal.

• James Hardie offers finishes that mimic authentic wood, including hardie plank, shingle, and vertical siding options. Its ColorPlus® finish keeps colors vibrant for longer, requiring minimal maintenance.
• LP SmartSide siding has a deeper wood like appearance and allows for more flexible, on-site matching paint customization, which can help address mildew stains effectively.

Maintenance and Longevity

• James Hardie fiber cement typically lasts 40–50 years with less frequent maintenance
• LP SmartSide siding lasts 20–30 years and may need repainting every 5–10 years

Both products can be cleaned with a garden hose, but care should be taken not to force water under joints.

Warranty and Long-Term Value

• James Hardie siding: 30-year, non-prorated warranty and 15-year finish warranty
• LP SmartSide: 50-year limited warranty, prorated after the first 5 years

While LP SmartSide offers a longer stated warranty, the James Hardie non-prorated coverage gives homeowners more consistent value over time.

Cost Comparison: LP SmartSide vs James Hardie

Material and labor costs vary by region, home size, and complexity. Here’s a general idea:

• LP SmartSide: $6–$10 per square foot installed
• James Hardie: $10–$13 per square foot installed

LP siding is more affordable upfront, while Hardie board offers greater long-term value through lower maintenance and higher resale value.

James Hardie vs LP SmartSide: Which Is Best for You?

Choose James Hardie If You Want:

• Unmatched fire resistance
• A long-lasting fiber cement product
• Bold, durable finishes with ColorPlus® Technology
• Peace of mind in wildfire-prone or moisture-rich areas
• A low maintenance siding solution

Choose LP SmartSide If You Need:

• A budget-friendly option with fast installation
• A deeply textured wood like appearance
• Flexible design with custom paint
• Strong impact resistance for hail or debris

Both James Hardie and LP SmartSide can work beautifully on California homes when installed by the right team.

What Pro Superior Recommends for Homes in Rocklin and the Sacramento Valley

We’ve installed both Hardie siding and LP SmartSide siding across Rocklin, Roseville, Folsom, and the surrounding region. Based on our experience:

• James Hardie is ideal for permanent residences, fire zones, and homeowners who want maximum protection with minimal maintenance
• LP SmartSide is perfect for mobile homes, quick renovations, or those seeking the look of traditional wood siding without the high price

If you’re looking for a contractor who truly understands the difference between James Hardie vs LP SmartSide, Pro Superior Construction is here for you. We’ll walk you through every option, explain siding materials in plain terms, and help you choose the product that best suits your home’s needs and budget.

Frequently Asked James Hardie vs LP SmartSide Questions

Is James Hardie more durable than LP SmartSide?

Yes. James Hardie siding offers better resistance to fire, rot, and moisture. It’s the preferred choice for long-term durability and protection.

Which siding holds paint longer?

James Hardie fiber cement with ColorPlus® Technology offers excellent fade resistance. LP SmartSide can be repainted more often but requires frequent maintenance.

Can LP SmartSide be used in wildfire areas?

While it performs well, LP SmartSide siding is not non-combustible. For fire resistant homes, fiber cement is the safer option.

What’s better for a traditional wood look?

Both products offer a natural wood look, but LP SmartSide features deeper grains that closely mimic traditional wood.

Does James Hardie cost more?

Yes, Hardie board has a higher upfront cost, but its durability and lower maintenance make it cost-effective over time.

Ready to Start Your Siding Project?

Whether you’re building new siding, renovating, or upgrading for safety, the team at Pro Superior Construction is ready to help. We’re certified experts in both James Hardie siding and LP SmartSide siding, and we proudly serve Rocklin, Sacramento, and the Bay Area.

Contact us today for a free estimate and personalized siding consultation.