Fibre cement has become a viable, attractive and highly durable siding material for most homes in recent years. It is affordable and versatile and can perform excellently in any weather.
The average cost to install fibre cement siding is $13,250 for a 1,500 sq ft. home. The real range is between $6,050 and $20,450. Installing fibre cement per square foot ranges between $5 and $15 on average.
The actual fibre cement installation cost will vary depending on the size of the project, job complexity, location and finish options.
Here is an overview of the average cost to install fibre cement siding.
| Type | Cost per Square foot ( materials only) |
|---|---|
| Shingle fibre cement siding | $2 - $6 |
| Sheet form fibre cement siding | $2.50 - $15 |
| Lap siding fibre cement siding | $0.70 - $6 |
| Stucco/Brick fibre cement siding | $2 - $6 |
Fibre cement cost per square foot
Fibre cement siding costs about $10 per square foot, with an average range of $5 to $15 per square foot, including labour and materials. This price varies widely depending on the following cost factors:
- Brand: renowned designer brands such as James Hardie and Equitone tend to be costlier than other fibre cement brands. These high-quality brands outshine standard options in both durability and look. The quality you choose will depend on your budget and needs.
- Height: your home’s height will dictate the overall fibre cement installation cost. Multi-storeyed homes will need more time, materials and labour, so the overall installation cost will increase.
- Accessibility: typically, hard-to-reach houses and areas will be costlier to install than easily accessible walls or houses.
Although fibre cement siding seems expensive, it is an excellent choice for people looking for durability and aesthetics.
Fibre cement cost per 1,500 sq. ft. house
Installing fibre cement siding on a 1,500 square foot home costs around $7,500 to $22,500. The actual cost for the project will depend on your home’s size, location, and job difficulty. Keep in mind that the installation cost will be higher in booming metropolitan (high-income) areas than in remote rural (low-income) areas.
If you are remodelling your home, the overall fibre cement siding installation cost will be higher. This is because the price will include the removal and the disposal of the existing siding.
Average Labour cost
The average labour cost to install fibre cement siding is between $2 and $10 per square foot. Usually, labour costs depend on the style of fibre cement siding you choose. For instance, installing panels takes little time, so labour costs will be lower. On the other hand, singles take the longest time to install, which means the labour prices will be higher.
The hourly rates for the project range from $40 to $90. So, for a 1,500 square foot house that takes about 75-90 hours to complete, you can pay about $3,000 to $15,000 for labour. If you are removing old siding, the cost to remove and dispose of the old material is around $0.50 to $1.00 per square foot.
Fibre cement siding cost of materials only
Fibre cement siding costs about $0.70 to $15 per square foot, but the actual material price will depend on the type, style, color and brand of the material. Top brands like James Hardie (Hardiplank siding)and GAF WeatherSide may cost between $3 and $25 per square foot. Other budget-friendly fibre cement siding brands include Allura Plycem, Nichiha and MaxiTile.
Fibre cement comes in either pre-primed or factory painted boards. Unpainted boards offer you versatility as you can paint them in the colour you want. They are also cheaper than the factory painted ones.
The cost of fibre cement siding by type
Fibre cement is available in four main types, as outlined below.
| Cost per square foot | $5 - $15 |
|---|---|
| Cost per 1,500 sq. ft. house | $7,500 - $22,500 |
| National Average Cost | $13,250 |
| Average Labour cost (per sq. ft.) | $2 - $10 |
| Cost of materials only (per sq. ft.) | $0.70 - $15 |
Shingle fibre cement siding
Shingle fibre cement siding costs about $2 to $6 per square foot for materials and $3 to $15 installed. Shingles are cheaper than other fibre cement types but take longer to install, resulting in high labour costs.
Fibre cement shingles come in 1 x 1-foot, or 1 x 2-foot that imitate wood shakes design.
Shingles come in different shapes, sizes, and colours. You can select from the staggered, straight, pre-primed, factory stained/painted or decorative shingles depending on your preference and budget.
Sheet form fibre cement siding
Sheet form fibre cement siding is also called panel siding, and it costs around $2.50 to $15 per square foot. It comes in large sheets of 5/16 inches or panel sizes of 2 x 8, 4 x 8 and 4 x 10 inches. The panels cost differently depending on their size, so smaller panels will be typically cheaper than larger panels. If you buy this material in bulk, you can save up to 50% on the costs.
There are various textures you can choose from to complement your home’s style. Sheet form fiber cement siding is affordable and offers a seamless and modern finish to your home.
Lap siding fibre cement siding
Lap fibre cement siding is also called clapboard siding, and it costs about $0.70 to $6 per square foot. Lap siding mimics wood siding, and it is much cheaper than sheet form fibre cement siding. It, however, takes a longer time to install, so labour prices will be higher.
Lap fibre cement siding comes in various finishes such as wood-grain, rough-sawn surface or smooth treatments. This siding works perfectly in different climates and complements both classic and contemporary home styles.
Stucco or Brick fibre cement siding
Stucco siding costs about $2 – $6 per square foot for materials only. This siding type comes in all masonry colors and textures, giving homeowners a wide choice range without the need to hire a professional mason.
Stucco or brick fiber cement is durable and will not crack or delaminate over time. It is also attractive and will significantly boost the curb appeal of a home. The overall material cost of this siding will depend on the size of your home and job complexity.
How do I estimate the cost of fibre cement siding?
Before you hire a fiber cement siding contractor, it is essential to know how much money you are likely to spend. Below are the various aspects you should consider to estimate the cost of the project correctly.
- Material cost
The fiber cement siding price varies depending on the type, style, color, and thickness of the panels. More so, top-quality fiber cement such as Hardie boards will come at a higher cost. Determine the type and thickness you want to know how much you will spend on buying the material. Expect to pay between $5 and $25 per square foot on materials.
- Labor cost
The average labor cost for professional and warrantied fiber cement installation ranges between $2 and $10 per square foot. This price does not include materials and other supplies. Labor cost varies widely depending on your location, the complexity of the project and the company you select.
- Location
Typically, low-income areas will have lower installation costs for the same job size than high-income areas due to regional differences. This is to create a balance and offer equal opportunities to all kinds of people.
- Project size
The size of your home will dictate the overall installation cost of fiber cement siding. A bigger house will cost more to install the siding than a smaller house. However, the cost per square foot for the project decreases as the project size increases. So, you will get a better price for a larger project than a smaller one.
- Job difficulty
It is also essential to factor in the job’s complexity to come up with a correct price estimate. Usually, multi-storeyed homes and houses with many corners or intricate roof designs will be costlier to install fiber cement siding than a simple single-storeyed house.
How long does fibre cement siding last?
Fibre cement siding is extremely durable. With proper care and maintenance, it can last for 50 years or more. Although this siding material is resistant to water, rot and mould, it is still susceptible to damage. To get the most out of your siding, ensure you protect it from moisture and repair it immediately you see any signs of damage.
Is fibre cement siding hard to maintain?
Fibre cement siding does not require high maintenance like other siding types, but it still needs regular care and maintenance. This siding material is long-lasting and can last for up to 50 years. It is resistant to insects, moisture, mold, and weather elements, making its maintenance easy and straightforward.
However, yearly inspections are required to keep this siding in shape. Below are a few tips to properly maintain your fiber cement siding.
- Inspect the caulking and redo it where needed.
- Wash the siding once or twice a year, starting from the roofline and work to the bottom.
- Repair the siding immediately and inspect your pipes for leaks.
- Protect the siding from moisture and remove mold immediately you spot it.
- Repaint the siding after every few years.
You can do the maintenance and repairs yourself or hire a handyman or repair contractor at a small fee.
What are the benefits of fibre cement siding?
While fibre cement siding has several eye-catching disadvantages, it also has outstanding benefits that cannot be ignored. Here are the main benefits of this siding.
- It has a long lifespan of 50 years or more.
- It offers versatility due to the different types, styles and colours.
- Fibre cement is very attractive, and it enhances a home’s curb appeal and resale value.
- It is easy to clean and maintain.
- The material is moisture, mold, and fire-resistant, thus offering durability.
- Fibre cement siding is resistant to rotting and warping.
- It is perfect for hurricane and tornado-prone areas because of its exceptional strength.
There are several other benefits of fibre cement siding that makes it one of the best siding options for homeowners.
DIY vs Hiring a Professional
Most homeowners prefer DIYing their projects to lower the costs or keep their hands busy during weekends and holidays. However, fibre cement siding installation is not recommended for DIY because it requires experience and special tools. The tools are quite costly and improper installations may expose your home to mould and damage.
Do it Yourself
Pros
- Homeowners get to save some cash because labour cost is excluded.
- It is a perfect way to improve your DIY skills.
- You can actualise your vision by installing the siding exactly how you want.
- You will get 100% control over the project.
Cons
- DIY projects take a long time to complete, which may be inconvenient.
- The project will be costly in the long run due to repairs and material wastage.
- There is a high risk of property damage and injuries.
- The cost to buy all necessary tools is high.
Hiring a Professional
Pros
- Pros are more experienced and will offer high-quality, professional installations.
- Pros will come with all the required equipment.
- The project will be completed on time.
- There will be lower material waste as pros can handle complex installations.
Cons
- Hiring pros leads to a high
- initial cost that may be discouraging.
- Some pros may not be as experienced as you thought.
- It can be challenging to find the right siding contractor for your project.
FAQ's
Yes! Fibre cement siding is a great option for your home. It is attractive and has a good ROI if you plan to sell your house. Fibre cement provides homeowners with a long-lasting siding that can stand the tests of time. If you are installing new walls or replacing your home’s siding, consider using fibre cement as it will offer aesthetics and durability.
There are many siding options to choose from when building or remodelling your home. Vinyl and wood siding is one of the best siding options for your home, closely followed by brick/stone, aluminium/steel, fibre cement, stucco and faux stone. The siding you choose depends on your specific needs, budget and durability.
Some siding materials such as vinyl, aluminium, wood brick/stone and faux stucco are ideal for DIY, but fibre cement and stucco sidings should be installed by experts.
Absolutely yes! Fibre cement siding instantly increases the value of your home by approximately 84%. Fibre cement enhances your home’s curb appeal and reduces energy costs. So, if you plan to sell your home and would like to replace siding, fibre cement is an excellent option.
