2018 Fiber Cement Siding Info Guide

2018 Average Fiber Cement Siding Cost Info and Buying Guide

Cost of Fiber Cement Siding
Cost is determined by a number of factors, including the brand, style, finishing options (pre-painted or not), the size of the house and local labor rates.

Generally, fiber cement is considered a mid-priced siding, ranging from about $2-$6 per square foot, uninstalled, for basic materials and $3-$8 per square foot including trim, uninstalled. Factor in installation and you’re looking at $8-$10 per square foot. Primed-only siding falls on the low end of that range; pre-painted falls on the high end.

Sometimes, fiber cement siding is priced by the piece, ranging from $8-$15 each, depending on the manufacture. Custom colours are also available.

Total Project Cost:
Calculating the number of square feet you need to cover the house is a complicated process, but you can use this guide to get a rough idea. Keep in mind that the square footage of your home has nothing to do with the square footage of siding you need - the figures are entirely different.
If you need to cover 1,500 square feet, fiber cement will run you anywhere from $12,000 to $15,000 installed. If you need to cover 2,500 square feet, budget $20,000 to $25,000 installed.

Keep in mind that the prices above are just guidelines. For the most accurate pricing, seek quotes from local contractors.

Types of Fiber Cement Siding:
Fiber cement siding is made by mixing Portland cement, sand, wood (cellulose) fibers, water and other additives. It is bonded together using hot steam. The siding is available pre-painted or primed and ready for paint. It comes in smooth or wood-grain textures.

Most fiber cement siding is designed to look like wood planks, but several manufactures also make a version that mimics cedar shakes. Less often, you’ll see fiber cement siding designed to mimic high-end materials like stone or brick.

Pros and ConsFiber cement siding has a long list of pros:

• Looks nice and lasts a long time
• Affordable
• Takes to paint well but only requires painting every 15-25 years
• Often comes with a robust warranty of up to 50 years
• Easy to clean
• Highly fire and moisture resistant
• Not vulnerable to rot or pests

Like any material, however, fiber cement is not perfect. The siding is difficult to install, leading to higher labor costs, and the material is more expensive synthetics such as vinyl or wood composite.

Choosing a Contractor:
Siding is a significant investment - you want to find a contractor who will do the installation properly in order to get the most out of that investment. Look for a contractor who is experienced because expertise has a lot to do with the quality of the job. Find out how long the contractor has been in business.