Fiber cement siding costs between $5 and $14 per square foot, with a national project average of $14,674. The material has many benefits over traditional vinyl and wood siding. It resists fire, moisture, and pests—plus it’s five times thicker than vinyl. Fiber cement’s thick appearance creates deep surface grooves, making it more affordable and resembling real wood. Read more about the cost factors, pros, and cons of fiber cement siding, and gain expert insights from This Old House experts in our guide.
Key Takeaways
- Fiber cement siding costs between $5 and $14 per square foot, with the average project totaling $14,674 for a typical home installation including materials and labor.
- Type significantly impacts pricing, with planks costing $0.70–$6 per square foot, while panels range from $2.50–$15 per square foot depending on quality and brand.
- This Old House experts strongly recommend professional installation due to the material’s weight, specialized tool requirements, and risk of cracking during improper handling.
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What Affects Fiber Cement Siding Costs?
Homeowners can expect to spend $7,500–$21,000 on fiber cement siding for a 1,500-square-foot home. Cost factors include product quality, installation cost, and square footage.
- Fiber cement siding type: Fiber cement typically comes in planks, shingles, or panels. Prices vary depending on style and brand. Pricier brands may be a higher up-front investment, but they should withstand water and weather more effectively than lighter, less costly materials.
- Labor: Expect to pay $2–$8 per square foot of siding for labor. Prices vary depending on your property’s accessibility and the installation’s difficulty.
- Square footage: Higher square footage means more siding materials. Your home’s height also makes a difference. Two-story homes typically cost more for fiber cement siding installation because installation is more labor-intensive.
Types of Fiber Cement Siding
How do the different fiber cement types affect material costs? It depends on whether you choose clapboards, shingles, or planks.
| Fiber Cement Siding Options | Cost per Square Foot | Materials + Labor per Square Foot |
|---|---|---|
|
Panels |
$2.50–$15 |
$6.50–$24 |
|
Planks |
$0.70–$6 |
$4.70–$14.25 |
|
Shingles |
$2–$6 |
$9–$22 |
Note: The cost data featured in this guide is based on estimates from HomeAdvisor, HomeGuide, and Remodeling Calculator, unless otherwise noted.
Panels
Fiber cement panels come in various sizes, such as 2 by 8 feet, 4 by 8 feet, or 4 by 10 feet. Larger panels cost more, between $2.50 and $15 per square foot. Prices depend on quality, brand, and style.
Planks
Fiber cement is available in horizontal planks called clapboards, which is a type of lap siding. Planks cost between 70 cents and $6 per square foot. The planks overlap and must be installed with special tools that secure the clapboard without cracking the fiber cement or damaging construction.
Shingles
Fiber cement shingles typically cost more to install because of their labor intensity. They come as individual 1-by-1 or 1-by-2-foot shingles or as 4-, 8-, or 12-foot strips. Expect to pay $2–$6 per square foot for shingles.
Expert Insights
- Fiber cement shingles are quick to install since they come in sheets that simulate multiple shingles at once, says This Old House general contractor Tom Silva. This design can reduce the labor time needed for your contractor to install, which lowers your total project costs.
Labor
Installing fiber cement siding is best left to professionals because it requires specialized tools and technical know-how. Expect to pay between $2 and $8 per square foot in labor costs. The high end of this range applies to homes with more than one story or properties that are difficult to access. Shingles are more labor-intensive to install, while panels and planks are more straightforward, so expect to pay accordingly.
Additional Fiber Cement Siding Cost Factors
A few other costs go into fiber cement siding installation, which we cover below.
Existing Siding Removal
The average cost to remove old siding is $0.70–$2 per square foot. You may also see additional costs for disposing of construction materials according to local regulations.
Dry Rot or Mold Remediation
For mold remediation, homeowners can expect to pay between $9 and $23 per square foot. Dry rot repair prices vary depending on job scale and complexity. Prices can vary from as little as $100 for a minimal repair to as much as $25,000 for large-scale siding replacement.
Paint and Other Customizations
Homeowners can achieve their ideal aesthetic by opting for a specialized finish. For example, in multi-story homes, homeowners sometimes combine fiber cement and shingles for a more artful finish. Adding color during installation usually won’t add cost extra, but if you repaint your siding in the future, you can expect to pay around $2.50 per square foot.
Pros and Cons of Fiber Cement Siding
Fiber cement is durable and long-lasting but not necessarily the most eco-friendly material. Check out all the pros and cons below.
Pros
- Fire-resistant
- Moisture-, warp-, and pest-resistant
- Rot-resistant
- Can last 50 years with proper installation
- Some companies offer a 30-year warranty
Cons
- Pricier vinyl or wood siding options
- Requires professional installation
- Hazardous chemicals released during the cutting process
- Requires additional insulation
Expert Insights
- Fiber siding requires less routine maintenance than wood siding, according to a siding expert featured in This Old House’s magazine. Simply spray down the fiber cement’s surface twice a year with water and check the caulking seams every few years.
DIY vs. Professional Fiber Cement Siding
Installing fiber cement siding on your own can become tricky. It requires specialized tools due to its weight and risk of cracking. At a minimum, you’ll need:
- Caulk gun
- Circular saw with dust collector
- Hammer
- Layout square
- Pneumatic nailer
- Power shears
- Utility knife
Buying these tools can be just as costly as hiring a professional. If you’re committed to do-it-yourself (DIY) home improvement, see our guide to cutting and installing fiber cement siding.
DIY Fiber Cement Siding
Due to the skill and specialty tools you need to properly install fiber cement siding, we recommend you leave this project to the professionals. However, if you’re set on installing the siding yourself, you should consider the following:
- Is it worth the time, effort, and cost to buy the proper tools?
- Is installing my own fiber cement siding worth the risk of injury or potential property damage?
- Is it within my budget to spend more on materials if I break some during installation?
- Do I have the equipment and vehicles necessary to transport materials?
- Can I complete the project within a reasonable timeframe?
Professional Fiber Cement Siding
The benefits of professional installation for fiber cement siding are numerous. Fiber cement siding can be challenging to work with, as it is heavy, liable to crack if mishandled, and contains hazardous materials that can be released if it is improperly installed.
Benefits of professional installation:
- Peace of mind: Your siding is being installed properly by knowledgeable experts who will minimize the risk of leaks, mold, and mildew.
- Efficiency: You won’t spend money on tools or time on labor. Plus, professionals are less likely to break materials, which minimizes expenses.
- Product warranties: Many companies offer 30-year warranties in case of improper installation or poor product performance, which you won’t get if you DIY.
- Curb appeal: Properly installed fiber cement siding can increase property value and aesthetic appeal.
To hire a professional, request quotes from at least three companies detailing the materials you prefer, your home’s style and location, and your budget. Companies such as James Hardie offer easy quote request forms on their website.
How To Hire a Professional Contractor
You should consider the following when hiring a professional:
- Does this company have the proper licensing and permits to work in my area?
- Are they within my budget?
- Does their product offer a balance of quality and cost-efficiency?
- Is this company local?
- Can I get an in-person quote and paperwork in advance?
Popular brands for fiber cement siding include Allura, James Hardie, GAF Weatherside, Woodtone, and Nichiha. Read online customer reviews and testimonials to ensure your chosen company is reputable and offers product warranties.
Our Conclusion
Fiber cement siding is durable enough to elevate your property value and curb appeal for decades. But a DIY installation is not recommended due to the material’s weight and technical skill requirements. Reputable vendors include Allura, James Hardie, and others listed in this article.
FAQs About Fiber Cement Siding
What are the disadvantages of fiber cement siding?
Fiber cement siding is pricier than other siding options and requires professional installation due to its weight and liability to crack when mishandled. It also requires additional insulation.
What maintenance is required for fiber cement siding?
Required maintenance for fiber cement siding includes spraying the exterior with a garden house every six to 12 months, keeping plants trimmed back to keep siding dry, and inspecting joints for air or water leaks.
What are the alternatives to fiber cement siding?
- Wood siding: Wood has a timeless look and comes in horizontal boards or shingles. It’s lightweight, costing around $4.70–$7.50 per square foot.
- Brick and stone: Brick and stone are rot-, mold-, and pest-resistant and have an artful look. They are also costly materials and must be installed by skilled masons. Expect to pay $5.25–$9.50 per square foot for building materials, plus labor costs.
- Vinyl: Vinyl siding is affordable at 75 cents per square foot but is also flammable, easily damaged by wind, and vulnerable to mold and pests. Vinyl does a good job mimicking materials such as wood and stone, but not to the same extent as fiber cement.
How can I save money on fiber cement siding?
Fiber cement siding can be pricier than other siding materials, but there are ways to save. Consider combining home renovation projects with a professional contractor to negotiate a package deal. We also recommend getting an in-person estimate from a qualified siding contractor who can help you find the right combination of style, function, and cost efficiency.
Is fiber cement siding eco-friendly?
Fiber cement siding is less eco-friendly than other types of siding, such as wood or vinyl. According to a report from Dovetail Partners, Inc., a non-profit dedicated to sustainable building, the only siding material with a greater negative environmental impact than fiber cement is stucco.
How We Determined Fiber Cement Siding Costs
To provide the most accurate and current pricing for fiber cement board siding, we collected material costs and contractor estimates from HomeAdvisor, HomeGuide, and Remodeling Calculator for overall project costs. This helps ensure our estimates reflect material and installation pricing, including rates for both DIY and professional installation.
Prices shared in this guide represent estimates based on our research at the time of publication. Actual costs may vary depending on factors such as your location, siding specifics, material choices, and local labor rates.
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