Fiber Cement Siding vs. Engineered Hardwood Siding: What Homeowners in Bucks & Montgomery County Should Know
Fiber Cement vs. Engineered Wood Siding
When it’s time to replace your siding, two of the most talked-about materials today are fiber cement siding like James Hardie and engineered wood siding like LP SmartSide.
Both are premium upgrades from traditional vinyl. Both are durable. Both improve curb appeal.
But they are very different products — and understanding those differences can help you make the right long-term investment for your home.
At Dale Rimmer Siding, we’ve installed just about every siding material over the past 40+ years — from cedar and natural wood, to aluminum, to early vinyl, to insulated vinyl, to fiber cement… and now today’s most innovative option: engineered hardwood siding, LP SmartSide.
Let’s break it down clearly.
What Is Fiber Cement Siding (James Hardie)?
Pros of Fiber Cement
✔ Extremely durable
✔ Fire resistant
✔ Resists rot and insects
✔ Holds paint well
✔ Long manufacturer warranties
Considerations
Heavier material (requires specialized installation)
More labor-intensive to install
Can be more brittle if impacted
Higher installation cost due to weight and cutting requirements
Fiber cement has been a major upgrade in the siding industry over the past two decades — especially for homeowners wanting a wood-look finish without traditional wood maintenance.
What Is Engineered Wood Siding (LP SmartSide)?
Engineered wood siding like LP SmartSide is made from:
Treated wood strands
Resin binders
Advanced waxes and bonding agents
It’s manufactured using a proprietary treatment process that increases resistance to moisture, fungal decay, and termites.
Pros of LP SmartSide
✔ Lighter weight (easier and cleaner installation)
✔ Greater impact resistance
✔ Strong resistance to moisture & freeze/thaw cycles
✔ More flexible than fiber cement
✔ Beautiful, realistic wood grain texture
✔ Strong warranty protection
Because of its strength-to-weight ratio and modern engineering, LP SmartSide has become one of the fastest-growing siding materials in the country.
Key Differences: Fiber Cement vs. Engineered Wood
Both are premium materials — but engineered hardwood siding is often preferred today for its durability, installation efficiency, and impact strength, especially in climates like Pennsylvania where we experience wide seasonal swings.
A Contractor’s Perspective: 40+ Years of Evolution
At Dale Rimmer Siding, we’ve seen the siding industry evolve firsthand.
We started with:
Cedar and natural wood siding
Aluminum siding
The early days of vinyl
Insulated vinyl upgrades
Fiber cement installations
And now today’s cutting-edge engineered hardwood siding
Every era brought improvements. But engineered hardwood — particularly LP SmartSide — represents the most advanced balance of durability, workability, and long-term performance we’ve seen yet.
Why Dale Rimmer Siding Recommends LP SmartSide
Dale Rimmer Siding is proud to be the Leading LP SmartSide Certified Contractor in Bucks & Montgomery Counties.
That certification means:
We’ve completed manufacturer training
We install to exact product specifications
Your warranty remains fully protected
You get experienced craftsmanship — not guesswork
When installed properly by a certified contractor, LP SmartSide offers exceptional longevity and protection against Pennsylvania’s moisture, humidity, snow, and seasonal temperature changes.
Which Siding Is Right for Your Home?
Both fiber cement and engineered wood are excellent choices — but the best option depends on:
Your home’s design
Your budget
Desired maintenance level
Impact resistance needs
Long-term performance goals
That’s where experience matters.
With over 40 years serving Bucks and Montgomery Counties, Dale Rimmer Siding can walk you through the pros and cons honestly — not just sell you a product.
Ready to Upgrade Your Siding?
If you’re considering fiber cement or LP SmartSide engineered hardwood siding, let’s talk.
We’ll evaluate your home, explain your options clearly, and provide a detailed estimate — no pressure.
📞 Call Dale Rimmer Siding today to schedule your free consultation.
Because siding isn’t just about appearance — it’s about protecting your investment for decades to come.
