We know how challenging choosing a siding option for your home can be. Not only is it a struggle to choose the right color, but also to choose between popular materials. Two materials, vinyl and fiber cement, are great options for protecting your home and providing a facelift, but they’re very different in terms of cost and even durability. In this guide, we’ll provide a fiber cement siding vs vinyl siding cost comparison that focuses more on value than dollars and cents. Here’s what you need to know.

Understanding Siding Materials

Before we jump headlong into a cost comparison, it’s a good idea to start with a breakdown of these two different materials. We’ll cover what they’re made of, their durability, and maintenance needs.

What is Fiber Cement Siding?

Fiber cement siding is a composite material made of wood pulp, Portland cement, silica sand, and other natural materials. It’s extremely durable against hazards like impacts, fire, and moisture and rot- and insect-resistant.

Fiber cement siding typically mimics the appearance of traditional wood siding like clapboard, but there are also fiber cement shingles. It’s available in a wide range of colors, and since the colors are generally mixed into the material itself, fiber cement is highly resistant to fading. The best-known fiber cement is Hardie Board Siding, a brand created by James Hardie Siding.

Key features of fiber cement include:

  • Durability: This material is highly resistant to fire, extreme weather, and pests.
  • Aesthetic Appeal: Fiber cement looks like real wood, shingles, or even stucco siding.
  • Low Maintenance: Unlike wood siding, fiber cement has very few maintenance requirements—a light washing is usually all it takes.

Exploring Vinyl Siding

Vinyl siding is a lightweight, plastic exterior siding material made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC). It’s a cost-effective option that’s widely popular due to its affordability and ease of installation. It can easily be cut and fit with hand tools, allowing installers to work quickly and create a dramatic change.

Homeowners looking for low-maintenance and budget-friendly solutions often gravitate toward vinyl siding, which comes in a variety of styles, including lap siding and vertical siding. It’s easy to clean and insect-resistant, but it’s not very impact-resistant.

Key features of vinyl siding include:

  • Affordability: Vinyl is generally less expensive than fiber cement, especially for installation costs.
  • Easy Maintenance: A simple spray with a garden hose is often enough to keep vinyl siding looking fresh.
  • Variety of Styles: Options like insulated vinyl siding and standard vinyl siding provide choices for every budget and preference.

Industrial building corner with siding, metal roof, and gutter at sunset.

Fiber Cement Siding vs Vinyl Siding: Cost Comparison

With that bit of background on the two materials, we can start to compare which offers the most value. At two different price points, homeowners have a lot to consider when choosing between the two.

Material Costs

Vinyl siding and fiber cement siding come in at two very different price points. Vinyl is the more affordable option, while fiber cement tends to be a more mid- to higher-grade material. In general, homeowners can expect to pay about twice as much for fiber cement siding over vinyl siding. Fiber cement siding can even be more expensive than wood siding, depending on the product and species.

Installation Costs

More of the same applies to the cost of having these siding materials installed. Typically, homeowners can expect to pay twice as much per square foot to have fiber cement siding installed. Fiber cement costs so much more to install because it’s heavier, requires proper installation techniques, and requires power tools for installation, while vinyl siding installation costs are low thanks to the materials’ lightweight design and easy attachment techniques.

Maintenance Costs

Maintenance is another factor that needs to be taken into consideration. Fiber cement siding is very low maintenance, requiring a cleaning each year to keep it looking fresh. Painting every 15 or so years should be all it takes to retain the color and appeal.

Vinyl siding is also low maintenance, as it doesn’t require painting or sealing.

Durability and Longevity

The life span of siding is another critical factor when evaluating value:

  • Fiber Cement: While the material itself is still relatively new, fiber cement siding is known for its durability. Most experts say that, with proper maintenance, fiber cement siding can last at least 50 years. Its fire-resistant and mold-resistant properties make it ideal for homes in regions prone to extreme weather.
  • Vinyl Siding: While newer insulated vinyl siding offers improved durability, standard vinyl generally lasts 20–30 years and may warp or crack in extreme heat.

Closeup of installer snapping a course of green vinyl siding into place during installation.

Curb Appeal and Aesthetics

When it comes to curb appeal and aesthetics, the two materials are relatively difficult to compare. Even an untrained eye can usually tell the difference between the two materials.

Fiber Cement Siding

Provides a high-end look that mimics wood siding or stone veneer siding, enhancing curb appeal significantly. Hardie plank and cement board siding are particularly favored for their sleek finish. These boards or panels butt against trim boards, providing a clean, finished look that vinyl can’t offer. And, the flatter, thicker profile of fiber cement clapboards is easy to identify.

Vinyl Siding

While available in various colors and styles, vinyl can sometimes lack the premium look of fiber cement. The lengths of siding slide into grooves and channels of special trim boards, which feature rarely-convincing wood textures. Also, vinyl tends to move in hot and cold weather, and the material’s hollow nature is usually fairly evident. However, there is no cheaper way to provide your home with a facelift and a siding replacement can offer a lot of curb appeal.

Environmental Considerations

In some cases, sustainability might be a decision-making factor that homeowners need to consider. Both materials are relatively eco-friendly, with one slightly outperforming the other.

  • Fiber Cement: Made from natural materials like wood fibers and Portland cement, it’s considered a more sustainable material. Wood fibers are generally supplied as the byproduct of milling, as well.
  • Vinyl Siding: Made from PVC, it is less environmentally friendly but can be recycled in some cases.

Which Material Offers Better Value?

When comparing fiber cement siding vs vinyl siding, the answer depends on your priorities.

If you value durability, aesthetic appeal, and long-term investment, fiber cement siding is the better choice. Yes, the initial purchase and installation costs are higher, but its longevity and resistance to wear make it a great option. It can last more than twice as long as vinyl, after all.

But if you’re looking for affordability, low maintenance, and ease of installation, vinyl siding is hard to beat. It’s an excellent choice for budget-conscious homeowners who want a quick and cost-effective solution. It doesn’t last as long as fiber cement siding (about half as long), but it can be easier for homeowners to pay for this project twice at half the cost.

Let Pro Home Improvement Help Guide Your Siding Project

Fiber cement and vinyl siding are popular siding options for your home’s exterior, each with distinct benefits. At Pro Home Improvement, we can help guide you through the decision-making process, helping you choose the best material for your needs based on maintenance requirements, installation costs, and other price comparison factors. If you’re ready to learn more about making a decision on vinyl siding vs fiber cement siding for your home, contact Pro Home Improvement today.