Your home’s siding does more than create curb appeal—it protects your home from harsh weather, improves energy efficiency, and impacts long-term maintenance costs. Whether you’re building a new home or upgrading your exterior, choosing the right siding material is one of the most important decisions you’ll make.
At Gilcrest Jewett, we help homeowners, builders, and contractors compare the best siding options for durability, appearance, maintenance, and budget. In this guide, we’ll break down the differences between fiber cement siding, hardboard siding, and vinyl siding, plus explain the benefits of prefinished vs. primed siding.
Fiber Cement Siding (Concrete Siding)
Fiber cement siding—sometimes referred to as concrete siding—is one of the most durable and popular siding materials available today. Made from cement, sand, and cellulose fibers, it delivers the appearance of real wood with superior performance.
Benefits of Fiber Cement Siding
- Exceptional durability against harsh weather
- Resistant to fire, rot, insects, and moisture
- Holds paint color longer than traditional wood siding
- Available in wood grain, smooth, and textured finishes
- Adds long-term value and premium curb appeal
Things to Consider
- Higher upfront siding installation cost
- Heavier material requires professional installation
- Cutting and handling can be more labor-intensive
Best For:
Homeowners looking for a long-lasting, low-maintenance siding option with a high-end appearance.
Hardboard Siding (Engineered Wood Siding)
Hardboard siding, also known as engineered wood siding, is made from compressed wood fibers and resins. It offers the warm, authentic appearance of natural wood at a more affordable price.
Benefits of Hardboard Siding
- Beautiful natural wood appearance
- More budget-friendly than fiber cement
- Lightweight and easier to install
- Great option for traditional or rustic home styles
Things to Consider
- Requires regular painting and sealing
- More vulnerable to moisture if not maintained properly
- Lifespan depends heavily on upkeep
Best For:
Homeowners who love the appearance of wood siding and are comfortable with regular maintenance.
Vinyl Siding
Vinyl siding remains one of the most common siding choices because it’s affordable, versatile, and easy to maintain.
Benefits of Vinyl Siding
- Cost-effective siding option
- Minimal maintenance required
- No painting necessary
- Wide variety of colors, profiles, and styles available
- Quick installation process
Things to Consider
- Can crack during extreme cold temperatures
- May warp in excessive heat
- Less impact-resistant than fiber cement siding
- Color fading may occur over time
Best For:
Homeowners seeking affordable siding with low maintenance and a clean, finished look.
Prefinished vs. Primed Siding: What’s the Difference?
When selecting fiber cement or engineered wood siding, you’ll often choose between prefinished siding and primed siding.
Prefinished Siding
Prefinished siding comes factory-painted and ready for installation.
Advantages of Prefinished Siding
- Consistent factory-applied finish
- Faster installation process
- Longer manufacturer warranties on color
- Less labor required on-site
- Better color durability over time
Considerations
- Higher initial material cost
- Less flexibility for custom color changes
Primed Siding
Primed siding comes with a protective base coat and requires painting after installation.
Advantages of Primed Siding
- Lower upfront material cost
- More flexibility with custom paint colors
- Easier to repaint or update later
Considerations
- Requires additional labor and painting costs
- Longer project timeline
- Paint quality depends on field application
Which Is Better?
- Choose prefinished siding for convenience, speed, and long-term color performance.
- Choose primed siding if custom color flexibility and lower upfront cost are priorities.
Siding Maintenance Comparison
Fiber Cement Siding Maintenance
- Low maintenance overall
- Occasional cleaning recommended
- Typically requires repainting every 10–15 years
Hardboard Siding Maintenance
- Higher maintenance requirements
- Needs routine painting and sealing
- Moisture protection is critical
Vinyl Siding Maintenance
- Very low maintenance
- Usually only requires occasional washing
- No painting necessary
How to Choose the Right Siding for Your Home
The best siding for your home depends on your priorities:
Choose Fiber Cement Siding If You Want:
- Maximum durability
- Long lifespan
- Premium appearance
- Fire and weather resistance
Choose Hardboard Siding If You Want:
- Natural wood aesthetics
- Lower upfront costs
- Traditional home styling
Choose Vinyl Siding If You Want:
- Budget-friendly exterior upgrades
- Low maintenance
- Fast installation
- Wide color selection
Find the Right Siding for Your Next Project
Whether you’re building new, remodeling, or replacing old siding, the team at Gilcrest Jewett can help you compare siding products, colors, styles, and installation solutions to find the best fit for your home and budget.
Contact your local Gilcrest Jewett location today to learn more about:
- Fiber cement siding
- Engineered wood siding
- Vinyl siding
- Siding installation products
- Exterior building materials
- Prefinished and primed siding options