Cost Guide to Installing Fiber Cement Siding

July 20, 2022

Fiber cement siding installation costs explained

It was bound to happen eventually. Your old vinyl siding is warped, cracked, and fading. Or perhaps your cedar siding is sun damaged and outdated.

Your home is losing its curb appeal and you know you need to do something about it. You may be thinking that you want a product more durable than vinyl or wood for your home and realize fiber cement siding might be the best choice.

But how much will it cost?

In this guide, we will explore everything you need to know about the benefits of fiber cement siding and the costs associated with its installation.

What is Fiber Cement Siding?

Fiber cement siding is made up of 4 basic ingredients: 

  • Sand
  • Cement
  • Water
  • Cellulose Fibers

It is a durable, low maintenance material that makes a great exterior product for your home.

What Are the Benefits of Fiber Cement Siding?

Damage Resistant

Due to its composition, fiber cement siding is resistant to insects, rot, heat, and warping, making it one of the most durable siding materials available.

Long Life Span

Fiber cement siding can last up to 50 years or more, meaning you most likely won’t need to replace it again. 

Style Versatility

Fiber cement siding is easily painted and offers a variety of texture and product choices to fit any style.

Is Fiber Cement Siding Expensive?

While the initial cost of fiber cement siding is more expensive than other siding materials, fiber cement is more durable and long lasting, and over the long term offers better resale value for your home.

How Much Does It Cost to Install Fiber Cement Siding? 

As is the case with most home remodeling projects, the cost to install siding varies depending on several factors:

  • Property location
  • Size of the home
  • Who is performing the installation
  • Type of product being used (planks, panels, or shingles)

The cost to install fiber cement siding, including materials labor and paint, ranges between $8-$15 per wall surface square foot, with the average being about $11 per square foot. 

*This is an important difference from your homes’ interior square footage, the cost is based on the measurements of the exterior walls that need siding. 

Other factors that will impact your overall project cost include soffits, fascia, gutters, etc. The average cost used in our illustrations is for a basic siding installation and painting.

Installation Costs of Fiber Cement Siding vs Vinyl Siding

While vinyl products are generally cheaper than fiber cement, with costs between $5 to $12 per square foot, the installation (labor) is about the same as fiber cement.

Vinyl siding is less resilient, can blow off in high winds and will melt in a fire. It is easily nicked and dented, and less likely to hold up in the long term.

If you are looking for a quality product that lasts, fiber cement siding is the way to go.

Should I Do the Fiber Cement Siding Installation Myself?

It’s true, a significant portion of the siding installation cost for fiber cement siding is in the labor and, if you were to choose to do it yourself, you would only need to pay for the materials.

However, there are also many additional supplies and equipment that are necessary to complete a full siding replacement job and these material costs will start to add up.

Siding installation is no easy task and a DIY project may leave you with little savings and a big headache.

Get Your Free Fiber Cement Siding Quote Today!

Here at Keystone Siding & Windows, we are experts at fiber cement siding installation, it is the only siding product we use.

We are a trusted, veteran-owned company that will strive at every point to make your experience as smooth as possible.

Let us transform your old vinyl or cedar siding home with new fiber cement siding!

When Should I Discuss Financing?

Most remodeling companies will offer financing options when discussing the estimate with you. Keep in mind that the contractor in most cases will have a relationship with a finance company to offer you various options.

Those financing companies will charge a fee (3%-8%) to the contractor which will then be passed along to you in the estimate pricing. If you do want to explore financing but want to see the true estimate first, mention financing with the contractor after you have received their estimate.

Keystone has a relationship with Hearth Financing, where you can explore your financing options without our involvement, no impact to your credit score and no additional fees*** on our estimate.

We pay an annual subscription fee to Hearth that is not based on what financing option you select/amount of financing, it WILL NOT impact the estimate price.

***The only exception to additional fees is if you qualify and accept the 0% option. A credit card will be issued to you to pay for the project and a credit card processing fee of 3.5% will apply.