Fiber Cement Siding Installation

Fiber cement is made from cement, sand and cellulose fibers. It holds paint well, looks like real wood lap siding, shingles or panels, and does not rot, burn or attract insects. It costs more than vinyl, but many homeowners choose it for its look and long life.

Fiber cement siding cost

Style	Installed cost per sq ft*
Lap siding (planks)	$4 – $14
Shingles / shakes	$5 – $14
Panels / board and batten	$6 – $18
Average whole-house project	$6,600 – $23,200
Future repainting (if not factory-finished)	about $2.50 per sq ft

*General US ranges from published 2026 cost guides (Angi, This Old House), for orientation only. Local contractors set their own prices after measuring your home.

Why homeowners choose fiber cement

• Looks like painted wood, with crisp shadow lines
• Non-combustible and resistant to rot, insects and woodpeckers
• Lifespan of 50 years or more with proper installation and paint
• Recouped about 114% of its cost at resale on national average (2025 Cost vs. Value Report)
• Available pre-painted with factory finishes in many colors

Installation matters

Fiber cement is heavy and must be cut with dust control, so it takes an experienced crew. Gaps, flashing and clearances above roofs and the ground have to follow the manufacturer’s instructions, or the warranty may not apply. In freeze-thaw climates like the Great Lakes and the Mid-Atlantic, keeping the paint intact is what protects the boards from moisture over the long run.