Fiber Cement Siding Cost - You Get What You Pay For

The costs of installing siding for new home construction or a home improvement project are always a prime consideration when choosing what siding option best meets the project's needs. Among the many benefits of fiber cement siding is that its costs are not only competitive with other siding options at installation, but can offer considerable savings over the life of the home.

While "average" costs are difficult to calculate due to fluctuations in supply and demand, regional variations, and other factors, in general the initial installation fiber cement siding costs are comparable to other popular siding options.

The cost advantages of fiber cement siding are most evident when compared to wood siding costs. Fiber cement siding is less expensive per unit than wood siding, with average savings in the range of 20 to 40 percent. That's not the extent of the savings though: Over time, the lower maintenance requirements for fiber cement siding results in lower life-cycle costs compared to wood siding. Because fiber cement siding just lasts longer with less care, this lifetime savings can become substantial.

Fiber cement siding costs are higher at installation than vinyl siding costs. For the same square footage of coverage, fiber cement siding costs may run as high as 20 to 40 percent more. Mainly, this is because fiber cement siding is heavier than vinyl siding and more installers are required on site. The extra labor makes up the bulk of the initial cost. However, the life cycle savings and lower maintenance requirements help offset much of this initial cost.