Introduction: The Battle of Premium Siding Brands
Choosing between James Hardie, CertainTeed, and LP SmartSide isn’t just a brand preference—it’s a performance, maintenance, and lifetime-cost decision. These names dominate homeowner research because they cover the key categories most buyers compare: fiber cement (Hardie), engineered wood (LP SmartSide), and vinyl/polymer (CertainTeed). The right choice depends on climate, labor availability, and how much you value fire resistance, impact resistance, and repaint cycles.
Installer’s take (15+ years): Hardie still sets the bar on non-combustibility and long-term stability, but it’s heavier and typically adds 15–20% labor. LP SmartSide installs faster, comes in longer 16′ lengths (fewer seams), and—when edges are sealed—handles moisture better than people assume. CertainTeed is the quiet value play for vinyl/polymer projects when budget is tight.
Material Composition & Manufacturing
James Hardie Fiber Cement Technology
Portland cement + sand + cellulose fibers pressed and autoclaved. Inert, dimensionally stable, and non-combustible; weight and silica dust are the trade-offs during install.
CertainTeed WeatherBoards Composition
Context for 2025: WeatherBoards was CertainTeed’s fiber-cement line. Today, the brand’s mainstream portfolio centers on vinyl and polymer offerings. If you’re specifically seeking fiber cement under the “CertainTeed” name, availability varies by market and may be legacy/remaining stock. Comparable current fiber-cement alternatives include Allura and Nichiha.
LP SmartSide Engineered Wood Process (SmartGuard®)
Oriented wood strands bonded with resins and zinc borate throughout the substrate, then overlaid and factory-primed. Cuts like wood, lighter to carry, and less tool-sensitive than fiber cement.
Durability & Weather Resistance
Hail Impact Comparison
LP SmartSide’s engineered wood shows strong lab performance in impact testing; fiber cement resists denting but can show spalling in extreme hail. For regions with frequent 1–2″ hail, impact resilience can tilt the scales toward LP SmartSide.
Moisture & Rot Resistance
Fiber cement is inert (no rot, no termites) but relies on correct flashing and clearances to avoid wicking. SmartSide’s zinc-borate treatment plus sealed cut edges performs well; sloppy sealing or ground contact shortens life.
Fire Resistance Ratings
Fiber cement (Hardie) is non-combustible and a top pick in wildfire-prone zones. Engineered wood products (LP SmartSide) can be part of WUI-approved assemblies when paired with the right sheathing and details. Vinyl will soften/melt under sustained heat, though walls can still meet code assemblies.
Installation Requirements & Cost
Weight & Labor Intensity
- Hardie (fiber cement): Heavier boards; typically 2-person carries; ladders/staging move slower; labor adds up.
- LP SmartSide: ~45% lighter per sq ft than comparable fiber cement; faster staging and nailing; fewer crew-fatigue slowdowns.
- CertainTeed (vinyl/polymer): Light, snap-lock systems; fastest installs of the three.
Special Tools Needed
- Hardie: Shears/score-and-snap or saw with fiber-cement blade; silica dust controls (PPE, vacs) required.
- LP SmartSide: Standard wood blades and carpentry tools; edge-sealing on cuts.
- CertainTeed (vinyl/polymer): Standard vinyl tools (unlock tool, snips); careful temperature handling.
Installation Cost per Square Foot (typical ranges, 2025)
- Hardie (fiber cement): $9–$16 installed (material + labor), region and elevation complexity drive variance.
- LP SmartSide (engineered wood): $8–$14 installed, faster install offsets material price.
- CertainTeed (vinyl/polymer): $4–$9 installed, highest speed, widest color lines; insulated panels cost more.
Note: Complex elevations, premium finishes, story count, and tear-off/disposal move these ranges.
Maintenance & Longevity
Painting & Sealing Requirements
- Hardie: Factory ColorPlus® reduces early repaint cycles; field-painted fiber cement typically repaints every 10–15 years, prep matters.
- LP SmartSide: Factory-finish options available; always seal cut edges; repaint cadence similar to quality wood siding.
- CertainTeed (vinyl/polymer): No repainting; color stability varies by series; darker colors heat more.
Expected Lifespan (30–50 years)
- Hardie: 30-year substrate limited warranty is standard; real-world life easily 30+ with proper install.
- LP SmartSide: Long life with disciplined details (clearances, edge sealing, drainage plane).
- CertainTeed (vinyl/polymer): Long life when properly hung and vented; impact and heat are the usual risks.
Warranty Coverage Comparison (high level)
- Hardie: 30-year substrate; 15-year finish on ColorPlus.
- LP SmartSide: Limited substrate warranty; separate hail coverage on many SKUs.
- CertainTeed: Vinyl/polymer product warranties vary by line; check wind/impact ratings.
Aesthetic Options
Texture & Grain Patterns
- Hardie: Consistent fiber-cement woodgrain; also smooth profiles; shingles, panels, and trim families align.
- LP SmartSide: Pronounced woodgrain reads “warmer”; trim system coordinates well.
- CertainTeed: Extensive clapboard/shake profiles in vinyl/polymer; wide accessory ecosystem.
ColorPlus vs Pre-Finished Options
- Hardie ColorPlus®: Factory baked-on finish lowers early repaint risk.
- LP/Third-Party Prefinishers: Robust prefinished catalogs; touch-ups align with standard paints.
- CertainTeed: Integral-color panels; insulated versions offer thicker profiles.
Style Versatility
- Hardie & LP: Traditional lap, board-and-batten, modern panel looks, and mixed-material facades.
- CertainTeed: Deep vinyl catalog for historical to contemporary looks; excellent trim kits.
Cost Comparison (2025 Pricing)
Material-Only Reference (common SKUs, per sq ft):
- Hardie fiber cement: ~$2.5–$5.0
- LP SmartSide engineered wood: ~$2.2–$4.5
- CertainTeed vinyl/polymer: ~$1.5–$3.5
Installed (turnkey) Reference: see ranges in Installation Cost above.
Lifetime Value: Hardie reduces fire risk and repaint frequency (ColorPlus). LP trims labor and seams (16′ vs 12′), improving facade uniformity. CertainTeed minimizes upfront and maintenance costs where vinyl is appropriate.
Climate-Specific Recommendations
- Humid & rainy climates:
Pick: Hardie for “set-and-forget” moisture stability or LP SmartSide if you can guarantee meticulous edge sealing and rainscreen details.
Avoid mistakes: Ground contact, unsealed cuts, missing kick-out flashing. - Cold climates & freeze-thaw:
Pick: Hardie or LP SmartSide with ventilated rainscreen; watch clearances at roofs/decks.
Long-tail target: “James Hardie siding vs LP SmartSide in cold climates”—both work if details are correct. - Wildfire-prone areas:
Pick: Hardie (non-combustible); LP SmartSide acceptable only in WUI-approved assemblies with the right sheathing and details.
Strategy: Pair with ember-resistant vents and Class A roofing.
Contractor & Builder Preferences
- Installation ease rankings: LP SmartSide (fastest) → CertainTeed vinyl → Hardie (most demanding).
- Seam management: LP’s 16′ lengths reduce joints vs fiber cement’s typical 12′ boards.
- Warranty claims experience: Fewer finish-related claims with factory finishes (Hardie ColorPlus; reputable LP prefinishers). Process quality > brand name.
Final Verdict & Recommendations
Before you lock in a brand, scan the climate and install realities in our Siding & Exterior Cladding Guide (2025), then sanity-check fine print like color-fade limits and proration with the siding warranty coverage (non-prorated vs prorated) guide.
- Best overall durability & fire: James Hardie fiber cement.
- Best install speed & fewer seams: LP SmartSide engineered wood.
- Best budget with no-paint upkeep: CertainTeed vinyl/polymer lines.
There’s no universal winner. Match the product to climate, crew expertise, and assembly details. If you specifically want fiber cement and were considering “CertainTeed WeatherBoards,” evaluate Hardie, Allura, or Nichiha instead in 2025.
Quick Side-by-Side
| Category | James Hardie (Fiber Cement) | LP SmartSide (Engineered Wood) | CertainTeed (Vinyl/Polymer) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fire | Non-combustible; Class A | Combustible but WUI-compliant in approved assemblies | Softens/melts under heat; assembly dependent |
| Hail/Impact | Good; can chip under severe impact | Excellent lab impact performance | Moderate; check specific series |
| Weight | Heaviest | ~45% lighter than fiber cement | Lightest |
| Board Lengths | Commonly 12′ | 16′ (fewer seams) | N/A (panel systems) |
| Tools | Shears/FC blades; dust controls | Standard carpentry tools | Standard vinyl tools |
| Install Speed | Slowest | Fastest | Fast |
| Maintenance | Repaint cycles; ColorPlus helps | Seal cut edges; repaint cycles | No paint |
| Typical Installed Cost | $9–$16/sq ft | $8–$14/sq ft | $4–$9/sq ft |
FAQs
Which siding lasts longer, Hardie or SmartSide?
Properly installed and maintained, both reach 30+ years; Hardie’s non-combustible substrate gives it an edge in harsh environments.
Does CertainTeed fiber cement need special cutting tools?
CertainTeed’s current mainstream is vinyl/polymer. For fiber cement (any brand), plan on specialized blades or shears with dust control.
LP SmartSide 16-foot lengths vs Hardie 12-foot—does it matter?
Yes. 16′ boards mean fewer seams, faster staging, and cleaner sightlines on long walls.
Which resists hail better—Hardie or SmartSide?
Lab testing favors LP SmartSide on impact; fiber cement performs well but can show surface chipping under severe hail.
James Hardie ColorPlus warranty vs SmartSide prefinish?
ColorPlus is a well-known factory finish with a defined finish warranty; reputable LP prefinishers offer strong coverage—compare the fine print and touch-up systems.