LP SmartSide typically costs $7-$12 per sq. ft. installed, while HardiePlank fiber-cement siding often runs $8-$14 per sq. ft. The final quote depends on house size, local labor, removal of old siding, trim details, and wall condition.
For a typical 2,000-sq.-ft. siding project, budget about $18,000 for LP SmartSide or $22,000 for HardiePlank before major repairs or premium trim.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LP SmartSide installed | $7/sq. ft. | $9/sq. ft. | $12/sq. ft. | Standard lap siding and straightforward installation |
| HardiePlank installed | $8/sq. ft. | $11/sq. ft. | $14/sq. ft. | Fiber cement; painting may be included or quoted separately |
| LP SmartSide project | $14,000 | $18,000 | $24,000 | Based on 2,000 sq. ft. of siding area |
| HardiePlank project | $16,000 | $22,000 | $28,000 | Based on 2,000 sq. ft. of siding area |
Assumptions: U.S. mid-market labor, standard lap profiles, normal access, and no extensive sheathing repairs. Siding area is not the same as house floor area.
Installed prices for typical lap siding projects
LP SmartSide is an engineered wood siding, while HardiePlank is a fiber-cement product. At comparable quality and scope, LP SmartSide commonly comes in 5%-20% below HardiePlank, though regional labor and product selection can erase that gap. Factory-finished colors, decorative profiles, and extensive trim raise either quote.
For basic lap siding, compare installed bids by matching the same wall area, trim scope, finish, and removal terms. A 1,500-sq.-ft. wall area may cost roughly $10,500-$18,000 with LP SmartSide or $12,000-$21,000 with HardiePlank. A 2,500-sq.-ft. area can reach $17,500-$30,000 and $20,000-$35,000, respectively.
What siding, labor, and removal add to the quote
Contractors may quote materials and installation together, so the table gives planning ranges rather than a universal invoice breakdown. The exact split changes with product grade, crew rates, and whether old siding must be removed.
Removal, trim, and wall repairs are common reasons a quote exceeds the basic per-square-foot rate.
| Quote component | LP SmartSide | HardiePlank | Typical scope | Cost effect |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Siding material | $3-$6/sq. ft. | $4-$8/sq. ft. | Standard lap boards | Profile and finish change rate |
| Installation labor | $3-$5/sq. ft. | $4-$7/sq. ft. | Cutting, fastening, and fitting | Hardie can require more handling |
| Trim and accessories | $1-$4/sq. ft. | $1-$5/sq. ft. | Corner boards, flashing, and starter strips | Complex elevations increase labor |
| Old siding removal | $1-$3/sq. ft. | $1-$3/sq. ft. | Removal and disposal | Layer count and disposal fees matter |
| Sheathing repairs | $2-$6/sq. ft. of repair | $2-$6/sq. ft. of repair | Localized rot or damaged panels | Charged only where needed |
Board length, wall height, and exposure affect pricing
Wall area is the main price driver, but layout affects waste and labor. A simple one-story rectangle usually costs less per square foot than a two-story house with dormers, many corners, or steep rooflines. Tall walls may require staging or lifts, adding about $500-$2,000 on a typical job.
Expect a noticeable labor premium when walls exceed 10 feet or the building has more than 12 outside corners. HardiePlank is heavier than LP SmartSide, so upper-story handling and cutting can add time. Long, unobstructed runs are generally faster for either material than short sections around numerous windows.
Material specification also matters. Wider boards, nonstandard reveals, and smooth or specialty textures can raise material cost by roughly 10%-30%. Factory-finished boards may cost more upfront but can reduce on-site painting labor; confirm whether the estimate includes cut-edge treatment and touch-up.
Which material costs less over time
LP SmartSide can offer a lower initial installed price and is lighter to handle. HardiePlank often costs more because of material and installation labor, but many owners compare its fiber-cement construction when evaluating fire, moisture, and pest concerns. Actual performance depends on correct installation, flashing, clearance, and ongoing maintenance.
Neither product is maintenance-free, and the cheapest quote is not a fair comparison if one excludes finish work or trim. Ask for the finish warranty, maintenance requirements, and responsibility for caulking and paint touch-ups. A repainting cycle can vary widely with exposure and finish, so do not treat a single lifespan estimate as guaranteed.
Regional labor rates change the SmartSide-Hardie gap
Urban markets and high-cost coastal areas may price 15%-30% above a typical national estimate, while some rural markets may run 5%-15% lower if crews and materials are readily available. Fiber-cement installation can be especially labor-sensitive where experienced crews are scarce. Freight, local disposal charges, and contractor workload also affect the bid.
Compare local installed quotes rather than applying a national material price to a regional project. Request separate line items for labor, materials, removal, and trim, and verify that both contractors measured the same siding area. A low bid that omits flashing or disposal is not directly comparable.
Three project examples show realistic quote differences
A one-story, 1,500-sq.-ft. siding area with simple walls might take a three-person crew about 5-7 working days. At roughly $8-$10 per sq. ft., LP SmartSide would total $12,000-$15,000; HardiePlank at $9-$12 per sq. ft. would be $13,500-$18,000.
A two-story, 2,000-sq.-ft. project with removal could require 8-12 workdays. LP SmartSide at $10-$13 per sq. ft. would total $20,000-$26,000, while HardiePlank at $11-$15 per sq. ft. would total $22,000-$30,000.
A detailed 2,500-sq.-ft. exterior with many corners, new trim, and localized sheathing work may run $30,000-$40,000 for LP SmartSide or $32,500-$45,000 for HardiePlank. These examples assume ordinary access; extensive rot, unusual architecture, or premium finishes can push costs higher.
Removal, painting, and repairs can raise the total
Old siding removal commonly adds $1-$3 per sq. ft., with extra charges for multiple layers, difficult access, or lead-safe work on older homes. Replacing damaged sheathing is typically priced by the affected area rather than the entire wall. Window flashing, housewrap, and water-damage corrections should be specified clearly in the contract.
Confirm whether painting is included, especially for primed boards. On-site painting may add about $1-$3 per sq. ft. depending on prep, number of coats, and access. Pre-finished product pricing should state whether cut edges, trim, and touch-ups are covered.
How to lower the siding bill without cutting corners
Keep the project to one siding profile and standard board dimensions where possible; intricate patterns and numerous color transitions increase waste and labor. Complete necessary sheathing repairs before installation, but ask the contractor to document hidden damage and obtain approval before expanding the work.
Get at least three itemized bids using identical specifications. Compare removal, disposal, housewrap, flashing, trim, finish, and warranty coverage—not just the per-square-foot headline. If existing siding is sound and the wall assembly allows it, ask whether overlay installation is code-compliant and appropriate; it is not a safe shortcut over rot, trapped moisture, or damaged sheathing.