Don't Get Board with Your Budget

What Does It Really Cost to Install Cement Siding?

The cost to install cement siding typically falls between $7 and $18 per square foot — all in, including materials and labor. For most homes, that works out to a total project cost somewhere between $6,600 and $23,200.

Here's a quick snapshot to help you budget fast:

Home Size	Low Estimate	High Estimate
1,000 sq ft	$7,000	$13,000
1,500 sq ft	$7,500	$20,000
2,000 sq ft	$10,000	$26,000
2,500 sq ft	$12,500	$33,000

• Materials run $2–$15 per square foot depending on style and brand

• Labor adds another $2–$9 per square foot

• National average for a full project: around $14,900

Planning a siding project after storm damage — or just tired of looking at worn, outdated siding? You're not alone. Fiber cement (also called cement board or Hardie board) has become one of the most popular siding choices for homeowners who want something that lasts, looks sharp, and doesn't demand constant upkeep.

But the price range is wide. A lot of factors push costs up or pull them down — your home's size, shape, the siding style you choose, and even the time of year you schedule the work.

This guide breaks it all down so you know exactly what to expect before a contractor ever shows up at your door.

Breaking Down the cost to install cement siding

When we look at the total cost to install cement siding in areas like Lafayette or Porter County, we have to look past just the boards themselves. A "national average" project often lands around $14,912, but we’ve seen high-end custom installations on large multi-story homes reach upwards of $23,000 to $40,000. Conversely, a simple repair or a small single-story cottage might only run $6,600.

The quality of the material is a primary driver. Fiber cement is a "composite" material made from Portland cement, silica sand, and cellulose fibers. It’s heavy, durable, and requires specialized tools to cut and install. Because it isn't a "one-size-fits-all" product, the style you choose—whether it’s classic lap siding or rustic shingles—will significantly shift your bottom line.

Siding Style	Material Cost (per sq. ft.)	Total Installed Cost (per sq. ft.)
Lap Siding	$0.70 – $5.25	$7.00 – $12.00
Shingle/Shake	$2.00 – $8.00	$10.00 – $18.00
Panels/Sheet	$3.00 – $6.00	$8.00 – $14.00

If you are looking for more details on how we handle these projects locally, check out our more info about siding services.

Average cost to install cement siding per Square Foot

On average, homeowners should budget roughly $12.50 per square foot for a mid-range installation. This price is split between the physical materials and the skilled labor required to hang them.

Materials generally account for 30% to 80% of the total cost ($2 to $15 per sq. ft.), while labor accounts for the remaining 20% to 70% ($2 to $8 per sq. ft.). In the Midwest, and specifically Indiana, labor rates are often more competitive than in coastal regions like New York or California, but they are still influenced by the Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, which tracks the going rate for carpenters and construction trade workers in our region.

Hidden Expenses in the cost to install cement siding

One mistake we often see homeowners make is forgetting the "pre-work." Your estimate might look great on paper, but if your old siding is rotting or contains hazardous materials, that price will climb.

• Old Siding Removal: Expect to pay between $1,000 and $3,000 ($0.50 to $2.00 per sq. ft.) just to get the old stuff off the house and into a dumpster.

• Structural Repairs: Once the old siding is off, we sometimes find "surprises" like water-damaged sheathing or rotted studs. Repairing these is essential for a long-lasting job.

• Permit Fees: Local building codes in places like Tippecanoe or Lake County require permits for major exterior work.

• Disposal Costs: Fiber cement is heavy. Disposing of it requires heavy-duty waste management, which can add several hundred dollars to the project.

Key Factors Influencing Your Siding Estimate

Not all 2,000-square-foot homes are created equal. If your home is a simple "box" shape, the installation is straightforward. However, if you have a Victorian-style home with gables, dormers, and wrap-around porches, the labor hours will skyrocket.

According to the Product and Supplies Data: The HUD PATH Rehab Guide Volume 2: Exterior Walls, the complexity of the "building envelope" is a major cost driver. Here are the primary factors we look at when we walk your property:

• Home Height: A two-story home typically costs significantly more than a single-story home because we need scaffolding, specialized ladders, and more time for the crew to move safely.

• Accessibility: If your home is tucked away with little room for our trucks or if we have to work around intricate landscaping, the labor cost reflects that extra effort.

• Shipping Weight: Fiber cement is incredibly heavy. Unlike vinyl, which is light and easy to transport, fiber cement requires high shipping fees due to its weight and the need for specialized delivery equipment.

Siding Style and Texture Impacts

The "look" you want changes the "work" we do.

• Lap Siding: This is the most common and cost-effective style. It installs relatively quickly.

• Shingle Shakes: These are beautiful for a "Cape Cod" or rustic look, but they are time-consuming to install because each piece (or small panel) must be aligned perfectly.

• Architectural Panels: Often used for modern homes, these large sheets require at least two people to handle and precise fastening systems.

• Vertical Boards: Also known as Board and Batten, this style requires specific trim work and flashing to ensure it remains weather-tight.

Finish and Customization Options

Do you want to paint it yourself, or do you want it ready to go?

• Primed Boards: These come from the factory ready for a custom paint job. This is cheaper upfront for materials but requires you to hire a painter (or spend your weekends on a ladder).

• Pre-finished Colors: Brands like James Hardie offer "ColorPlus" technology where the paint is baked on at the factory. This costs more initially but often comes with a 15-year warranty on the finish, saving you money on maintenance down the road.

• Trim Packages: Don't forget the corners, window casings, and soffits. High-quality fiber cement trim can add $2,000 to $5,000 to a total project.

Comparing Fiber Cement to Other Materials

When deciding on the cost to install cement siding, it helps to see how it stacks up against the competition.

• Vinyl: The budget king. It costs $2–$7 per square foot. However, it can crack in Indiana winters and fade in the summer sun.

• Wood: Beautiful but high-maintenance. Wood siding can cost anywhere from $3 to $15 per square foot and requires painting or staining every few years to prevent rot.

• Stone/Brick: The most expensive at $35–$50 per square foot.

While fiber cement is more expensive than vinyl, The 2019 Cost vs. Value report shows that siding replacement—specifically with fiber cement—recoups about 75.6% to 80% of its cost in added home value. That is one of the highest ROIs for any home improvement project.

Lifespan and Durability Benefits

Why pay the higher cost to install cement siding? Because it’s built like a tank.

1. Fire Resistance: It is non-combustible and carries a Class 1(A) fire rating.

2. Pest Protection: Termites and woodpeckers hate it. It offers no nutritional value to bugs and is too hard for birds to peck through.

3. Weatherproofing: It doesn't warp in the heat or become brittle in the cold.

4. Warranty: Most manufacturers offer a 30- to 50-year limited warranty on the boards.

Energy Efficiency and Insulation

On its own, fiber cement has a low R-value (about 0.15). However, because we are stripping the house down to the sheathing, it is the perfect time to upgrade your home's "thermal envelope."

We often recommend installing rigid foam insulation or a high-quality house wrap behind the new siding. This breaks the "thermal bridge" between your studs and the outside world, potentially saving you hundreds on heating and cooling bills in our unpredictable Northwest Indiana climate.

Frequently Asked Questions about Fiber Cement Siding

How much does it cost to side a 1,500 or 2,000 sq ft house?

For a 1,500 sq. ft. home, expect to pay between $11,000 and $20,000 for a full professional installation. For a 2,000 sq. ft. home, the range typically sits between $14,000 and $26,000. These prices include the removal of old siding, materials, labor, and trim.

Is DIY installation feasible for cement siding?

We generally advise against it. Fiber cement is extremely heavy and brittle before it’s nailed to the wall. It requires specialized diamond-tipped saw blades and high-pressure pneumatic nailers. Furthermore, if it isn't installed exactly to manufacturer specifications (including specific gaps for caulking), you could void that 30-year warranty.

How long does the installation process take?

A professional crew can usually finish a standard-sized home in 7 to 14 days. This includes the time needed for demolition, wrapping the house, installing the boards, and the final caulking and trim work.

Conclusion

At Quad-County Roofing, we know that your home is your biggest investment. Whether you're in Lafayette, Lake County, or anywhere in Northwest Indiana, we are here to ensure your siding project is handled with the care it deserves. We use in-house crews—not random subcontractors—so we can guarantee the quality of every nail driven into your home.

As insurance specialists, we can also help you navigate the paperwork if your siding was damaged by wind or hail. Plus, we make it easy on your wallet with affordable financing starting as low as $89/month.

Ready to see what we’ve done for your neighbors? Take a look at our Project Gallery to see our recent work in your area.

Don't let your budget get "board." Contact our team for expert siding services today for a free, honest estimate and let's give your home the protection and beauty it deserves.