Fiber Cement vs. Engineered Wood Siding: The Big Differences

Fiber cement siding has been around since the early twentieth century and began gaining in popularity in the U.S. in the mid-1980s. Engineered wood siding is the new arrival to the party, having been introduced to the siding installation market in the latter part of the twentieth century. Both fiber cement and engineered wood have shown themselves to be superior to wood in terms of looks and durability.

However, the two materials also demonstrate distinct differences that have allowed engineered wood to become a top choice for remodelers and homeowners alike.

• Composition. Fiber cement begins as a mixture that includes wood fiber and Portland cement, while engineered wood uses treated wood strands combined with a resin binder for strength. This composition makes engineered wood lighter than fiber cement, allowing for easier handling and quicker installation on the jobsite.

• Installation. Remodelers can’t stop talking about how easy it is to work with engineered wood. It cuts like real wood, accepts nails and screws, and only requires ordinary woodworking tools for siding installation. By contrast, fiber cement requires specialized tools to cut and is more likely to break or crack, resulting in more material waste.

• Panel length. Fiber cement lap boards come in 12-foot lengths, while engineered wood can be manufactured in 16-foot lengths. The extra panel length makes engineered wood faster to install and can result in fewer seams.

• Pricing. Engineered wood may be less expensive than fiber cement siding.

The Upside of Value

LP invites you to learn more about our LP® SmartSide® engineered wood siding and the benefits it offers for you and your home. Visit the LP SmartSide gallery to see siding profiles, color options and more. For more information about LP SmartSide Siding & Trim and to connect with a remodeler near you, visit LP's Find A Siding Contractor.