Fiber Cement vs. Engineered Wood Siding

Are you getting ready to do a siding project? Maybe you are thinking about which siding material/board is right for the job. Today, you have a few options on the market that you can choose from to complete your project. Fiber cement and engineered wood siding are two popular options. They are made from different materials, beneficial in different ways, and have particular cons as well. Here you’ll learn the difference between fiber cement and engineered wood siding and how both options are great for homes.

Fiber Cement Siding

Before engineered wood siding, there was the older fiber cement siding. Fiber cement siding is commonly made from a combination of cement, flay ash, wood pulp, or sand and water. The durability of fiber cement siding is greater than vinyl or wood siding. Cement siding can have a smooth finish but is available in other textures. With multiple design options on the market, you can choose a cement siding based on your preference or specific need. It also has fire-resistant properties that makes them ideal for homes that are in wildfire-prone regions, and it is also rot and insect-resistant as well. This siding is versatile enough to be stained or painted in any color of your choosing.

Fiber cement siding is a cost-effective solution, but pricing is dependent on a number of factors, including size, finish, and even the location where it’s sold. The fiber-cement siding, known as clapboards, can cost between 70 cents and $5.25 per square foot minus installation, while shingles cost roughly between $2 and $8 per square foot. Fiber cement siding requires specialized tools to perform installation, and installers need to wear protective gear when cutting fiber cement because of the potential exposure to hazardous dust. They are available in as much as 12-foot long planks.

• Disadvantages of Fiber Cement Siding: If the siding isn’t installed correctly, issues with moisture can develop. It’s best to do your research when hiring a contractor to install your siding.

Engineered Wood Siding

Engineered wood siding has the appearance of real wood. This siding is made of wood chips or strands that are held together with a resin binder, then compressed to form a board. It’s more durable than wood siding and is rot-resistant and typically termite-resistant. Engineered wood siding is lighter than actual wood and costs roughly $6 to $10 per square foot.

• Disadvantages of Engineered Wood Siding: If the siding is defective or poorly installed, moisture problems can develop.

Both fiber cement and engineered wood siding are great for homes because they are durable, environmentally friendly and relatively easy to install. They are also cost-effective solutions that require little maintenance that will allow them to last for years. Whether you choose fiber cement siding or engineered wood siding, you’ll make a worthwhile investment.

If you’re interested in having your home’s siding replaced, call our team at (862) 305-0462 or use our contact form to reach out today!