Yes, engineered wood siding (such as LP SmartSide) is typically cheaper to install than traditional fiber cement (such as James Hardie). This price difference is driven by several key factors:
- Lower Material Cost: Engineered wood generally has a lower upfront material price per square foot.
- Reduced Labor Expenses: Because engineered wood is lighter and easier to work with, it requires less labor for placement. In contrast, fiber cement is dense and heavy, requiring specialized diamond-tipped blades and more installation time.
- Weight and Complexity: Fiber cement installation costs are often 20-30% higher because the material’s weight and specialized cutting requirements demand trained crews and additional labor hours.
While engineered wood is the more budget-friendly initial choice, there are long-term cost considerations to keep in mind. Fiber cement offers superior fire resistance and a longer service life of 40 to 50 years with painting needed only every 10 to 15 years. Engineered wood offers excellent impact resistance against hail but may require more frequent refinishing (every 5 to 10 years) to maintain its rot and termite resistance.
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