Installing Hardie Board siding on a 2,000 sq. ft. home usually costs between $14,000 and $30,000, depending on the product line you choose, your home’s design, and local labor rates. Most homeowners can expect to pay $7 to $15 per square foot for a full installation, which includes both materials and labor.
Average Cost Breakdown (Materials + Labor)
Materials
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Hardie Board siding itself typically ranges from $4 to $9 per sq. ft.
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Premium options—such as James Hardie Artisan® or specialty profiles—fall on the higher end.
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Trim boards, flashing, and weather barriers also add to material costs.
Labor
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Professional installation usually costs $4.50 to $8.50 per sq. ft.
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Skilled labor is essential for Hardie Board because it requires proper cutting, sealing, flashing, and fastening to maintain durability and warranty compliance.
Total Installed Cost
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Using the common $7–$15 per sq. ft. range, a 2,000 sq. ft. installation comes to:
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Low end: ~$14,000
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High end: ~$30,000
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Homes with multiple stories, complex architecture, or premium Hardie products may exceed this range.
What Affects the Final Price?
✅ Home Complexity
Homes with many architectural details—such as gables, dormers, bump-outs, vaulted walls, or intricate trim—require more cutting and labor time. This increases installation cost.
✅ Number of Stories
A two- or three-story home requires scaffolding, lifts, and additional safety measures, which increases labor hours and total cost.
✅ Local Labor Rates
Labor prices vary by region. Areas with higher demand for siding installers or higher cost of living typically fall on the upper end of the pricing range.
✅ Hardie Product Selection
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Traditional lap siding is generally more affordable.
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Artisan® and premium textures increase material and labor costs due to weight, thickness, and installation difficulty.
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ColorPlus® pre-finished boards also cost more but save on painting later.
✅ Removal of Old Siding
If your existing siding must be removed, expect an additional cost of:
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$1,000 to $3,000+, depending on material and disposal requirements.
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Asbestos or lead paint remediation will significantly increase costs.
✅ Other Potential Add-Ons
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New insulation or house wrap
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Trim and fascia replacement
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Structural repair if rot or moisture damage is uncovered
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Painting if you choose primed Hardie Board instead of ColorPlus
Why Homeowners Choose Hardie Board
Even though the upfront investment can be higher than vinyl or wood, Hardie Board delivers:
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Exceptional durability
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Fire and pest resistance
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Long lifespan with minimal maintenance
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Attractive appearance and strong ROI
For many Connecticut homeowners, Hardie siding is one of the most cost-effective long-term exterior upgrades.
Hardie Board siding costs between $14,000 and $30,000 for a 2,000 sq. ft. home. This works out to $7–$15 per square foot including materials and labor. Materials run $4–$9 per sq. ft., while professional installation typically adds $4.50–$8.50 per sq. ft. to the total. Your final price depends on your home’s layout, the number of stories, the Hardie product you choose, and whether old siding needs to be removed.
✅ 3. Comparison Table (Vinyl vs. Cedar vs. Hardie Board)
| Siding Material | Average Cost per Sq. Ft. Installed | Lifespan | Maintenance Level | Durability | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vinyl Siding | $4 – $10 | 20–30 years | Low | Moderate | Budget-friendly exterior upgrades |
| Cedar/Wood Siding | $10 – $18 | 20–40 years | High (painting/staining) | Moderate | Premium, natural-looking homes |
| Hardie Board (Fiber Cement) | $7 – $15 | 30–50+ years | Low | High (fire, moisture & pest resistant) | Long-term value and curb appeal |
