LP SmartSide vs James Hardie: Which Is Better for Illinois?

Both LP SmartSide and James Hardie are premium siding options, but they're fundamentally different materials with different strengths. Here's how they compare for Illinois homeowners.

What They're Made Of

James Hardie is fiber cement — a mixture of cement, sand, and cellulose fiber. It's essentially a thin concrete panel. LP SmartSide is engineered wood — real wood strands treated with zinc borate and bonded with resin under extreme pressure.

Durability in Illinois Weather

Both handle Illinois weather well, but differently. Hardie's HZ5 formula is specifically engineered for our freeze-thaw climate zone and resists moisture absorption that causes cracking. LP SmartSide's SmartGuard process protects against moisture, rot, termites, and fungal decay. Both carry long warranties — Hardie at 30 years, LP SmartSide at 50 years.

Appearance

LP SmartSide has a more natural wood texture because it IS wood. It can be stained or painted in any color. Hardie offers a smooth or wood-grain texture and their ColorPlus factory-applied finish comes with a 15-year color warranty. Both look excellent — the difference is subtle and comes down to personal preference.

Installation

LP SmartSide is lighter and can be worked with standard carpentry tools, making installation faster. Hardie is heavier and requires specialized cutting tools (it's cement, after all), which can add to installation time and cost.

Cost

Pricing for both materials depends on your home's size, complexity, and the specific product line you choose. Generally they occupy a similar price tier — both are premium products above vinyl but below natural cedar. Call us for a free consultation where we can present both options side by side for your specific home.

Our Recommendation

Both are excellent choices. We install both regularly across Chicagoland. Hardie is our slight preference for homes with heavy sun exposure (cement doesn't fade), while LP SmartSide is ideal for homeowners who want authentic wood character without wood maintenance.