LP SmartSide vs HardiePlank: Cost & Durability Compared
LP SmartSide and HardiePlank are two of the most popular siding products in the country, and homeowners compare them constantly. They could hardly be more different in what they are made of.
LP SmartSide is engineered wood: oriented wood strands bonded with moisture-resistant resins and treated with zinc borate. HardiePlank is fiber cement: cement, sand, and cellulose fibers. They differ in price, installation, moisture behavior, and the climates where each is the better pick.
Engineered wood is often sold as composite siding; see our composite siding guide for how the types compare.
For every siding material and how to choose an installer, start at our siding project hub.
LP SmartSide vs. HardiePlank at a Glance
| LP SmartSide (Engineered Wood) | HardiePlank (Fiber Cement) |
|---|
Installed cost per sq ft | $5 – $10 | $6 – $13 |
Typical home (≈1,800 sq ft of wall) | $9,000 – $18,000 | $10,800 – $23,400 |
Typical lifespan | 25 – 40 years | 30 – 50 years |
Warranty | 50-year limited, prorated | 30-year non-prorated; 15-year ColorPlus finish |
Moisture | Resistant, not waterproof; edges must be sealed | Does not absorb water |
Fire | Combustible; not Class A | Non-combustible |
Installation | Lighter; cuts with standard tools | Heavy and brittle; carbide blades and silica dust control |
Repainting | About every 10 – 15 years | About every 10 – 15 years |
Cost Comparison
LP SmartSide costs about $5 to $10 per square foot installed, and HardiePlank about $6 to $13. The gap is typically $1 to $3 per square foot, or roughly $1,800 to $5,400 on a typical home with about 1,800 square feet of wall.
Most of the difference is the product, though engineered wood’s lighter weight and standard cutting tools let some crews charge a bit less labor. Regional labor rates move both up or down. For every material by home size, see our siding replacement cost guide.
A Contractor’s View on Engineered Wood
Stephen Chismarich of Bellwether Windows, Siding & Doors in Colorado, who installs engineered wood across the Front Range, points to three tradeoffs worth knowing before choosing it over fiber cement:
Moisture at the edges: board edges and seams can check and swell with moisture sooner than most homeowners expect.
A prorated warranty: the 50-year warranty drops off sharply after about 15 years.
No fire rating: engineered wood is not Class A rated, which matters in wildfire-prone areas.
He also sees real improvements in profiles and pre-finished options. His full breakdown is in our engineered wood siding guide.
Durability and Lifespan
LP SmartSide is treated with zinc borate to resist rot, fungal decay, and termites, and carries a 50-year prorated warranty. HardiePlank does not rot, warp, or support termites, and because it contains no organic material, it is non-combustible.
Over decades, fiber cement is chemically inert and weathers any climate without degrading, while engineered wood depends on its treatment and finish holding up. In practice, installation quality and maintenance matter as much as the product.
For a full overview of fiber cement, see our fiber cement siding guide.
Moisture Resistance
Moisture is where the two differ most. HardiePlank is cement-based and does not absorb water, so it gives a wide margin in humid, coastal, rainy, and snowy conditions. It still needs proper flashing and clearance above grade, since water trapped behind any siding damages the framing.
LP SmartSide is treated against moisture damage, but it must not sit in standing water, touch the ground, or stay wet. In consistently wet climates, fiber cement is more forgiving. In normal and dry climates, both perform well for decades.
Installation Differences
LP SmartSide is easier to install. It is noticeably lighter, cuts cleanly with standard saws and routers, and fastens with standard galvanized nails, so crews often finish faster.
HardiePlank is heavy and brittle and needs carbide blades. It must be cut outdoors or with dust collection, because fiber cement silica dust is hazardous to breathe. The difference shows most on two-story homes, where crews carry and cut siding on ladders and scaffolding.
Paint and Appearance
LP SmartSide comes factory-primed or prefinished and takes a 100 percent acrylic paint system well. HardiePlank offers ColorPlus, a factory-baked finish with a 15-year finish warranty. Both typically need repainting every 10 to 15 years, sooner with dark colors.
Both come in lap and board-and-batten profiles; see our board and batten cost guide. Many homes also combine them, using fiber cement on the walls with engineered wood trim around windows and doors.
Best Climates for Each
Climate | Better Fit | Why |
|---|
Hot, humid, or coastal | HardiePlank | Does not absorb moisture or warp |
Heavy rain | HardiePlank | More forgiving of wet conditions |
Wildfire-prone | HardiePlank | Non-combustible |
Moderate or dry | Either; LP SmartSide often costs less | Both perform well with limited moisture exposure |
Cold winters | Either | Both handle freeze-thaw well when properly installed |
Whichever you choose, the installer matters as much as the product: flashing, fastening, and clearance decide how long either siding lasts. For the broader vinyl-versus-fiber-cement decision, see vinyl vs. fiber cement siding.
Final Thoughts
Both products are proven on millions of homes, and neither is a bad choice. In a wet or wildfire-prone region, HardiePlank gives you more margin. If you want a lower installed cost and easier repairs, LP SmartSide delivers.
Ask for quotes on both from the same contractor so you compare like for like, and ask which one the crew prefers and why. Home Upgrade Pros can connect you with licensed siding contractors for free, no-obligation quotes, or call (725) 745-8553.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is LP SmartSide cheaper than HardiePlank?
Yes. LP SmartSide typically costs $5 to $10 per square foot installed, and HardiePlank $6 to $13. The gap is usually $1 to $3 per square foot, or about $1,800 to $5,400 on a typical home.
Which lasts longer, LP SmartSide or HardiePlank?
Fiber cement typically lasts 30 to 50 years and engineered wood 25 to 40. LP SmartSide carries a 50-year prorated warranty, while James Hardie backs HardiePlank with a 30-year non-prorated warranty and up to 15 years on its ColorPlus finish.
Is LP SmartSide waterproof?
No. It is moisture-resistant, not waterproof. It is treated against rot and termites, but it must not sit in standing water or touch the ground, and cut edges must be sealed.
Which siding is easier to install?
LP SmartSide, because it is lighter and cuts with standard woodworking tools. HardiePlank is heavier, needs carbide blades, and produces silica dust that requires outdoor cutting and dust protection.
Which is better for humid or coastal climates?
HardiePlank is generally safer in hot, humid, and coastal climates because fiber cement does not absorb moisture and is non-combustible. LP SmartSide performs well in moderate and dry climates.
