Home : Products & Materials : Vinyl Siding vs Fiber Cement
Vinyl or fiber cement siding — which is the best siding material for your home? Vinyl is the less expensive of the two, making it ideal for budget-conscious homeowners and those who do not plan to stay in the home long term. On the other hand, fiber cement siding offers superior durability, longevity, and curb appeal, making it a better fit for homeowners planning to stay in their homes for 20 years or longer. Bottom Line: Vinyl siding wins on affordability and maintenance, while fiber cement siding offers better durability, longevity, and premium curb appeal for long-term homeowners. 👉 DID YOU KNOW - fiber cement and vinyl siding bids can vary by THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS, so always compare multiple quotes! 👉 DID YOU KNOW - bids can vary by THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS, so always compare multiple quotes! Vinyl siding is the more affordable and low maintenance option, while fiber cement siding offers superior durability, longevity, and a more premium appearance. The best choice depends largely on your budget, long-term plans, and desired curb appeal.Vinyl Or Fiber Cement Siding 2026
Vinyl Siding Snapshot
Fiber Cement Snapshot
Vinyl Siding vs Fiber Cement Overview
Category
Vinyl Siding
Fiber Cement Siding
Cost (Installed)
$5 to $11 per square foot
$10 to $18 per square foot
Pros
Affordable, very low maintenance, easier installation
Excellent durability, premium appearance, fire resistant, long lifespan
Maintenance
Very low maintenance
Requires repainting and periodic maintenance
Cons
Can crack or warp over time, lower perceived value, shorter lifespan
Higher upfront cost, heavier material, difficult installation
Ideal For
Budget-conscious homeowners and short-term ownership
Long-term ownership and homeowners interested in premium curb appeal
Longevity
20 to 35 years
35 to 50 years
Table Of Content
Vinyl Siding Basics
Certainly the biggest difference between vinyl siding and fiber cement siding is the actual material(s) used to formulate these popular cladding options. So let’s start out by simply explaining what each of these exterior claddings is made from.
Vinyl siding is made from PVC, which stands for polyvinyl chloride. Essentially, this is a form of hard plastic, although over the decades, manufacturers have modified the chemical makeup to incorporate the ideal mix of rigidity and overall strength for an effective exterior cladding.
Fiber Cement Basics
Conversely, fiber cement is made from a combination of sand, cement and cellulose fibers, which is then mixed with water. The mixture or slurry is then poured into sheets, which are subsequently rolled into specific shapes (shingles or planks), and/or different thicknesses. From here, the sheets are cured using a high pressure technique that hardens and strengthens the fiber cement. Finally, the boards are cut to size and shape, packaged, and shipped off to the stores.
Advantages Of Vinyl Siding Cost vs Fiber Cement
Certainly, the cost of vinyl siding is its biggest advantage over fiber cement. The reasons for the cost difference is simple - VS is cheaper to make and distribute. Another advantage is the weight - VS is much lighter than FC. This makes it easier to work with, cut, and install. Cutting fiber cement boards can be a messy business that certain installers are very hesitant to deal with. The overall advantage here is a significantly lower cost. Generally, consumers can expect the labor costs to be $2 to $5 less per square foot with vinyl siding vs fiber cement.
Related Topics: Vinyl Siding Calculator
Disadvantages Of Vinyl Siding Cost vs Fiber Cement
Overall, I would say, vinyl siding will not last as long as fiber cement. This is less true of foam-backed vinyl siding, although fiber cement still beats these more expensive vinyl siding options. Also, vinyl siding does not have (as much) long term surface durability as fiber cement. This is a factor for homes that are prone to storms, hail, flooding, etc. Specifically, vinyl siding is more susceptible to dings, dents, and rips.
Advantages Of Fiber Cement
Generally, fiber cement boards are heavier and heartier than vinyl siding. Therefore, they are less prone to dinging, denting, and ripping over time. Additionally, they will typically last longer than vinyl siding and therefore offer better long term value. However, their potential maintenance cost could mitigate some or all of this (see below).
Related Topics: Hardie Siding Calculator
Fiber Cement Disadvantages
Cost, which I mentioned before is an important consideration here. Fiber cement is more expensive to buy and more expensive to install. When improperly installed, fiber cement boards can absorb moisture, which can be a real nightmare. This is where hiring a seasoned installer with plenty of installation experience with fiber cement boards is really important. Finally, fiber cement requires periodic painting to maintain its appearance. This can be an expensive process and one that homeowners should consider prior to purchase when they are considering long term costs.
Related Topics: Fiber Cement Siding Colors
Cost Comparisons
Admittedly, cost comparisons are tricky when it comes vinyl siding vs fiber cement. This is due to the fact that local companies give out price quotes, and these can vary significantly. However, as an average, fiber cement projects will run 30% more than vinyl siding. This is due to the increased material cost, as well as the labor cost increases for the actual work. Here is our best guesstimate as to what consumers can expect when it comes to vinyl siding vs fiber cement project costs.
Related Topics: Fiber Cement Siding Cost Calculator
-- Vinyl Siding Cost Range: $5 to $10 psf fully installed --
-- Fiber Cement Cost Range: $8 to $15 psf fully installed --
A Question Of Aesthetics
On the question of aesthetics, the winner has to be fiber cement boards. FCB are very versatile and can take on the look of cedar wood siding to lap siding or industrial concrete and more. While vinyl siding shakes and shingles do give them a run for their money, I think the clear winner is fiber cement. However, remember that these boards are also more difficult to work with than vinyl so you really need an installer who is a well adept at installing the material.
Top Vinyl Siding Manufacturers
There are many quality vinyl siding manufacturers on the market today. Below are four of our favorite vinyl siding brands based on durability, appearance, product selection, and long-term value.
- ABTco Vinyl Siding (TimberCrest Premium)
- Royal Siding (Duraplank)
- CertainTeed Vinyl Siding (Cedar Impressions)
- Heartland Siding (CedarMAX)
Top Fiber Cement Manufacturers
There are fewer major fiber cement siding manufacturers compared to vinyl siding brands. Below are two of the most recognizable and widely respected names in the fiber cement siding industry.
- James Hardie Fiber Cement Siding (HardiePlank)
- Allura Fiber Cement Siding
Vinyl Siding Cost vs Fiber Cement FAQ
Is vinyl siding cheaper than fiber cement siding?
Yes, vinyl siding is considerably less expensive than fiber cement siding. Most homeowners will pay between $5 and $11 per square foot installed for vinyl siding, compared to $10 to $18 per square foot installed for fiber cement.
Does fiber cement siding last longer than vinyl siding?
Generally speaking, fiber cement siding lasts longer than vinyl siding. Fiber cement often lasts 35 to 50 years with proper maintenance, while vinyl siding typically lasts 20 to 35 years.
Which siding offers the better return on investment?
Fiber cement siding usually provides the better long-term return on investment because of its premium appearance, durability, and curb appeal. However, vinyl siding often delivers the better short-term value because of its lower upfront cost.
Is fiber cement siding more maintenance than vinyl siding?
Yes, fiber cement siding generally requires more maintenance than vinyl siding. Fiber cement typically needs repainting over time, while vinyl siding is considered one of the lowest maintenance cladding products available.
Which siding is better for harsh weather conditions?
Fiber cement siding is generally better for harsh weather conditions because it is more resistant to fire, moisture, insects, and impact damage. However, quality insulated vinyl siding can still perform quite well in many climates.
Is vinyl siding or fiber cement better for long-term homeowners?
Fiber cement siding is usually the better option for long-term homeowners because of its longevity, durability, and premium appearance. Vinyl siding is often the better choice for budget-conscious projects and shorter-term ownership.
Final Verdict
Our Verdict: Vinyl siding remains the better choice for budget-conscious homeowners looking for an affordable, low maintenance cladding option. Vinyl is easier and less expensive to install than fiber cement siding, making it particularly attractive for shorter-term ownership and value-focused remodeling projects. However, homeowners planning to stay in their homes long term or those seeking a more premium appearance and superior durability may find fiber cement siding to be the better long-term investment.
Related Topics: Vinyl Shake Siding Prices