Contemporary home with lap siding
Siding field guide

James Hardie siding, style by style.

Fiber cement is the durable, fire-resistant favorite for Northern California homes. Compare the profiles, textures, cost and warranty before you pick a board.

MaterialFiber cement
Installed range$13–$24 / sq. ft.
Product coverage30-year limited
Best forFire & low upkeep
Style library

One material. Five very different looks.

James Hardie’s catalog can read traditional, modern or rustic. Profile, exposure, texture, color and trim determine the finished character.

Gray James Hardie horizontal lap siding with white trim

Hardie Plank lap

The most familiar profile: long horizontal courses with adjustable exposure. Cedarmill adds grain; Smooth creates a cleaner, contemporary elevation.

Most versatileEasy to mixCedarmill or smooth
White home with James Hardie board and batten siding

Board and batten

Hardie Panel paired with vertical battens creates the tall rhythm associated with farmhouse and modern mountain homes. It also makes low walls feel higher.

Vertical emphasisFarmhouse favoriteStrong accent
James Hardie Architectural Collection siding installation

Hardie Architectural Collection

Large-format panels and contemporary textures create disciplined lines for modern homes. Reveal systems and trim planning make installer precision especially important.

Modern profilesClean geometryCustom detailing
Blue James Hardie shingle siding with white trim

Hardie Shingle

Straight-edge and staggered-edge shingles bring cedar-shake character to gables, bays or full elevations without cedar’s routine staining.

Craftsman characterGreat for gablesLow upkeep
Home combining James Hardie shingle and horizontal lap siding

Mixed-profile design

Lap on the main walls, board and batten on gables, and shingles around entries give a custom look while controlling the premium-material budget.

Custom curb appealBudget controlArchitectural depth
What you get

Benefits that matter after installation

Hardie is noncombustible, dimensionally stable and unaffected by termites. It earns its value when it is detailed correctly around clearances, flashing and joints.

  • Noncombustible fiber cement is well suited to wildfire-conscious design; confirm assembly and local code requirements.
  • Resists rot, swelling and insect damage better than untreated natural wood.
  • ColorPlus factory finishes offer consistent color and reduced early repainting needs.
  • Profiles can be combined across architectural styles, from Craftsman to contemporary.
  • Widely recognized material with strong resale appeal and long service life.
Before you choose

Know the tradeoffs

A useful comparison includes upkeep and design flexibility—not just the initial bid.

Weight & labor

Heavier boards need specialized cutting, dust control, fasteners and a crew trained in manufacturer details.

Finish upkeep

Field-painted material eventually needs repainting; even factory finish benefits from washing and caulk inspection.

Installation matters

Incorrect clearances, flashing or fastening can shorten service life and jeopardize warranty coverage.

See it on your home, not just a screen.

Pacifex can bring profile and color samples, review exposure and trim details, and price the styles that fit your home. Mixing profiles—such as lap with shingle accents—can add character without using a premium style everywhere.

Schedule a siding consultation