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LP Smartside vs Hardie Board
What Is LP Smartside? LP Smartside is a wood composite siding made from resin and fiber density fiber (thus the composite name). Specifically, the panels consist of aspen wood with a borate/zinc treatment for durability and finish. This popular siding materials is manufactured by the Louisiana-Pacific Corporation (LP), a large building material company located in the United States.
LP Smartside Prices
Installed Cost
$4.50 to $9 psf
What Is Hardie Board? Hardie Board is a fiber cement siding that is made from a combination of cement and sand, as well as cellulose fibers. By far, Hardie Board is the most popular fiber cement siding on the market. The James Hardie corporation is a global company that has been in existence for well over 100 years. They operate a number of manufacturing facilities within the United States.
Hardie Board Prices
Installed Cost
$5 to $10.50 psf
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LP SmartSide vs Hardie vs Real Pine
| Siding Material | Total Quote Installed | Installed Cost Per Square Foot |
|---|---|---|
| Real Pine Clapboard Siding | Approximately $21,250 | $8.50 |
| LP SmartSide | Approximately $23,750 | $9.50 |
| Hardie Board | Approximately $31,250 | $12.50 |
"We’re renovating an older, distinctive farm house in upstate New York and would like to keep the look the traditional same (it’s the whole reason we bought the property). Currently, it has a clapboard pine siding. The project will require 25 squares of siding and this includes the overage.
While we’re considering using real pine for the reno, we have been also looking at LP SmartSide as a possible option. We like the look and durability that it provides. Stylish-wise, the Smartside is a much better fit than Hardie Board.
This is a pretty high end reno so we don’t want to skimp, but do obviously have a budget and concerns about the life of the material. Here are the per square foot prices, which from my research are all at the higher end of the cost ranges.
What is you take on using Hardie vs. LP SmartSide vs. Real Pine?
The real pine quote is $8.50 per square foot
LP Smartside quote is roughly $9.50 per square foot
The Hardie Board quotes is $12.50 per square foot"
Lorilei - Homeowner - from 2026
Editor's Advice:
Bottom Line: LP SmartSide offers the strongest balance of appearance, durability, installation practicality, warranty coverage, and price for this farmhouse renovation. At approximately $23,750 installed, it is only about $2,500 more than real pine while coming in roughly $7,500 below the Hardie Board quote.
Lorilei, while you can certainly use the real pine, I think if you’re planning to be in the home long term, you would be better off to go with either the SmartSide or Hardie.
I personally prefer the LP SmartSide in this scenario to the Hardie Board. The boards aren’t as heavy, they are easier to work with, are more durable, and are available in 16 foot boards. As well, the boards cut easier and come in a great color selection. The LP SmartSide also has the better warranty over the Hardie.
I know there are installers that swear by Hardie and are very experienced with working with this rather persnickety product (they would disagree with this characterization).
I think the key here is to find an installer that ALSO really likes the SmartSide and has LOTS of experience with these installs. Fair pricing from what I’m seeing in 2026. I would go with the LP SmartSide by a company that has a solid track record and uses this product frequently as there are some quirks to the install that they have already ironed out.
Bill - Site Editor - from 2026
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What Is Better: LP Siding Or Hardie Board
| Siding Series | Total Quote Installed | Average Installed Cost |
|---|---|---|
| LP Siding | Not Provided | Not Provided |
| Hardie Board — fiber cement | Not Provided | Not Provided |
"Hi Bill, we’re trying to decide between LP siding and Hardie and would love to get some insight into your thoughts on these two products. I have spoken with numerous people on the subject, but I can’t seem to get any real consensus on the two options. Thanks in advance."
Harold - Homeowner - from 2025
Editor's Advice:
Harold, in my opinion (and this is only my opinion), Hardie Boards are the more durable of the two. Now, the installation of the Hardie can be difficult due to the weight and the mess that they make when they cut the fiber cement. Therefore, choosing a really good installation company is a key component to this process.
Also, the installation is going to cost quite a bit more per square foot, so do be aware of this. However, given professional installation, I feel like the Hardie lasts longer and looks very nice — even after 20 years. Part of the calculus for me is always how long you plan to stay in the home. If this is your forever home, then I say you bit the bullet and go with the Hardie option.
Bill - Site Editor - from 2025
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