How Much Does It Cost to Install Fiber Cement Siding in 2025?

This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.

Fiber cement siding costs an average of $14,886, with most homeowners spending between $6,607 and $23,166 for materials and labor. In some cases, costs can be as high as $40,000 or as low as $1,500, depending on your home's size, the siding type, and other factors. Fiber cement siding is a popular choice due to its durability and affordability, but prices can vary widely. Here's what you need to know to budget for your fiber cement siding project.

Fiber Cement Siding Cost Per Square Foot 

Expect to pay between $5 and $10 per square foot for fiber cement siding materials, depending on the type you choose. Labor adds another $2 to $8 per square foot, bringing the total to $7 to $18 per square foot for materials and installation.

Fiber Cement Siding Installation Cost Factors

Several factors influence the cost of your fiber cement siding project. Understanding these factors can help you budget more effectively.

Brand Quality

You’ll pay more for well-known and designer brands like Hardie and Equitone, but they often outperform economy options in looks and durability. Heavier, high-quality products cost more to transport and install, which is one of the biggest reasons for the price increase.

Home Height

Second-story installations require more tools, equipment and time, usually increasing your overall price. Single-story homes average a height of 10 to 15 feet, while two-story homes are around 20 feet tall on average, adding double the feet in height to the siding of your home.

Accessibility

Easily accessed homes and walls cost less than remote or hard-to-reach areas or houses. If your home is in a rural or mountainous area, the cost to transport heavy machinery and materials to your home can push prices towards the higher end of the price range. If you live in a suburban or urban area that is close to the installation company, expect to pay less.

Labor Costs

Labor costs for installing fiber cement siding range from $2 to $8 per square foot, depending on the siding style. Panels are quicker to install, while shingles take the most time. Typically, a two-person crew can install about 100 square feet in six hours.

Fiber Cement Siding Cost by Type

You can buy some types of fiber cement siding from your local home improvement store or a building discount warehouse. They carry brands such as James Hardie and GAF WeatherSide. Other fiber cement siding brands to look for are MaxiTile, Nichiha USA, and Allura Plycem (formerly known as CertainTeed). The actual cost depends on the weight, color, and style.

Panels

Fiber cement panels cost $2.50 to $15 per square foot, not including labor. You’ll pay more for larger panels than you will for smaller or narrower panels. Generally, you’ll save up to 50% by buying in bulk. They come in many sizes, including:

Shingles

Shingles cost $2 to $6 per square foot or $2 to $10 each. They come in 1 by 1-foot or 1 by 2-foot shingles to mimic wood shake designs. They cost far less per square foot than any other type but take far longer to install, which can increase installation costs.

Planks

Fiber cement planks cost $4 to $6 per square foot or approximately $30 each. They mimic the look of wood siding. Although cheaper than panels, they take far longer to install correctly, increasing labor prices.

DIY vs. Hiring a Professional

Installing fiber cement siding is a specialized task that requires experience and the right tools. It's not like installing wood, vinyl, or aluminum siding; fiber cement has unique installation requirements. Improper installation can cause cracks and gaps, leading to mold growth that is both hazardous and costly to remediate. Hiring a professional ensures the job is done correctly, protecting your home from potential damage.

The best way to install fiber cement siding on your home is by hiring a fiber cement siding installer near you to do the job correctly the first time around. Installing fiber cement should be left for the professionals because:

• It’s heavy, at about two and a half pounds per square foot.

• You can crack it if you mishandle it.

• You’ll need special tools to cut and nail it to avoid breaking.

• Cutting fiber cement siding generates significant dust, so proper eye and respiratory protection are essential.

• When installed on new construction, it may crack as the building settles.

• James Hardie has two types of boards for different climate zones HZ5 and HZ10.

• The tools to cut fiber cement cost almost as much as hiring a professional.

"If you plan on tackling a fiber cement siding project, be sure to order more than you'll need, as cuts and breakage can lead to more waste than you'd think,” says Andy Kilborn, owner of Andy's Handyman Service in Des Moines, IA.

The tools required to install fiber cement siding can be expensive. You may spend between $1,200 and $2,100 in total. Here are some individual tool costs to consider:

How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data

No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. We surveyed thousands of real customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.