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engineered wood siding vs fiber cement

Engineered Wood Siding vs Fiber Cement: Which One is Right for You?

The siding on a home does more than just add style—it shields your house from the elements, adds value, and even impacts your insurance costs. But with so many choices available, narrowing down the best option can be tough. One of the most common comparisons homeowners face today is engineered wood siding vs fiber cement. These two materials dominate the modern market, each promising durability, aesthetics, and cost-effectiveness. But which one truly fits your needs?

Whether you’re building new, planning a remodel, or replacing aging siding, this decision could impact your home’s look and performance for decades. In this blog, we’ll unpack the pros, cons, costs, and long-term value of engineered wood and fiber cement—using real U.S. statistics, climate insights, and maintenance facts to help guide your choice. If you want to make a smart investment in your home’s exterior, you’re in the right place.

What Is Engineered Wood Siding?

Engineered wood siding is made from wood chips and resin. Makers press the material together under heat. The final board looks like real wood. But it costs less and lasts longer than natural wood. People love the look and feel of this type.

It resists bugs, mold, and harsh weather. You can paint or stain it in many colors. That makes it easy to match the style of any home. Builders like it because it is light and easy to work with.

What Is Fiber Cement?

Fiber cement siding is a mix of cement, sand, and cellulose fibers. It looks like wood but feels heavier. It holds up well in storms and extreme temperatures. Plus, it does not burn, rot, or attract bugs.

Homeowners pick fiber cement because of its strength. Many homes in the U.S. use it. In fact, a report from the U.S. Census Bureau shows that about 20% of new single-family homes built in 2023 used fiber cement siding.

What Are Engineered Wood and Fiber Cement Siding Made Of?

Engineered wood siding is made from real wood fibers. These fibers are bonded using heat, pressure, and strong resins, making it more durable than natural wood. However, because it still contains wood, it remains vulnerable to moisture, UV rays, and fire.

Fiber cement siding, on the other hand, is made from a mixture of Portland cement, sand, water, and cellulose fibers. This combination produces a solid, stable, non-wood product. It’s naturally resistant to pests, fire, and moisture—making it ideal for a wide range of climates across the U.S.

Durability: Fiber Cement Resists Rot, Fire, and Pests

While engineered wood siding is treated to resist decay, it’s not immune to moisture damage. In humid or rainy areas like Florida, Louisiana, or coastal regions, moisture can seep into the material, causing mold, warping, and rot over time.

Fiber cement siding does not absorb water the same way. It stays strong even in wet, salty, or humid climates. It’s also non-combustible and offers peace of mind for homeowners in wildfire-prone states like California, Arizona, and Colorado. Its Class A fire rating makes it a safer bet.

Engineered Wood Siding vs Fiber Cement: Cost Comparison

Engineered Wood Siding vs Fiber Cement: Cost Comparison

Cost plays a big role when picking siding. Let’s break down the price.

  • Engineered wood siding costs around $4 to $8 per square foot.
  • Fiber cement siding costs about $5 to $10 per square foot.

Prices vary by location and labor. But engineered wood is often cheaper. It also costs less to install. It weighs less than fiber cement. So, crews finish the job faster.

Still, fiber cement lasts longer. Over time, it may save more money. It needs less upkeep than wood-based siding.

Which Lasts Longer?

In siding, life span is key. Engineered wood lasts around 20 to 30 years with proper care. You must paint or seal it every 5 to 10 years.

Fiber cement lasts longer. It can go up to 50 years with minimal care. You only need to paint it every 10 to 15 years.

Insurance firms in the U.S. also note fewer claims from homes with fiber cement. That tells us it can take more damage without breaking.

How Do They Handle Weather?

Weather can ruin siding. So let’s see how each type reacts.

Engineered wood does well in cold, dry places. It can swell in heavy rain. Some brands add a water-resistant layer to stop this.

Fiber cement works well in hot, wet, and stormy areas. It does not swell, warp, or melt. In states like Florida or Texas, many homes use fiber cement.

A 2024 study by the National Association of Home Builders shows fiber cement performs 40% better than wood products during storms.

Which One Is Safer?

Engineered Wood Siding vs Fiber Cement: Which One is Right for You?

Safety matters in every home. Siding helps keep fires out. It also stops pests like termites.

Fiber cement wins in safety. It is fire-resistant. Fire codes in many states, like California, prefer this type. Insurance companies also give better rates for homes that use it.

Engineered wood burns faster. But it resists bugs and rot better than real wood. Some versions meet basic fire codes, but not all.

Which One Looks Better?

Looks matter in curb appeal. Engineered wood looks like real wood. It has deep wood grain and rich colors.

Fiber cement can also copy wood. But some people say it looks flat. However, it comes in many colors and styles.

In the end, looks depend on taste. Both types have many options.

What About Maintenance?

Every siding needs some care. Let’s compare how much effort each needs.

Engineered wood siding needs painting every few years. You should wash it once a year to stop mold.

Fiber cement also needs washing. But you paint it less often. That saves time and money over the years.

A study from Home Innovation Research Labs in 2023 found that fiber cement siding reduced yearly maintenance costs by 25%.

Eco-Friendliness: Which Is Greener?

Green choices matter more now. Many homeowners want eco-friendly homes.

Engineered wood uses leftover wood parts. That helps reduce waste. Some brands use low-VOC glue, which is safer for health.

Fiber cement uses cement, which needs more energy to make. But it lasts longer and reduces the need to replace it.

The U.S. Green Building Council ranks both as good options. Still, engineered wood wins in lower carbon footprint during production.

How Popular Are They in the U.S.?

Both siding types have fans across America.

According to a 2024 report by Statista, about 22% of U.S. homes built between 2019 and 2023 used fiber cement siding. Meanwhile, engineered wood siding made up about 7% of those homes.

In the Midwest and Northwest, engineered wood is more common. In the South and East Coast, fiber cement leads.

Which Is Better for DIY?

If you want to do it yourself, weight and ease matter.

Engineered wood is lighter. You can cut it with regular tools. That makes it great for homeowners who want to do the job.

Fiber cement is heavy and dusty when cut. You need special tools and gear. Most people hire pros to install it.

Fire Codes and Building Rules

Some cities have fire safety rules for siding. Fiber cement passes most codes easily. Engineered wood needs testing or extra layers.

In areas with wildfire risk, fiber cement meets stricter codes, especially in California and Colorado.

Summary of the Pros and Cons

Feature Engineered Wood Fiber Cement
Price Lower Slightly Higher
Weight Light Heavy
Looks Rich Wood Look Wood-Like But Flat
Life Span 20–30 Years Up to 50 Years
Fire Safety Medium High
Weather Good Excellent
DIY Friendly Yes No
Maintenance Medium Low
Eco Score Higher Medium

Final Thoughts

Choosing siding is a major step in home design, and the comparison of engineered wood siding vs fiber cement is a smart and necessary debate. Each material brings strong value to the table and works best in different climates and home styles.

If you’re looking for rich, natural wood aesthetics, easier installation, and a more affordable price point, engineered wood siding might be the right fit. But if you prioritize long-term durability, fire resistance, and low maintenance, fiber cement could be the better investment.

At RoofCont, we understand that every home is different—and so are your needs. That’s why we help homeowners weigh climate conditions, local building codes, and budget before making a final choice. With expert advice and professional installation, both siding types can deliver exceptional performance and curb appeal.

Now that you have a full understanding of engineered wood siding vs fiber cement, you’re one step closer to making a smart, lasting decision for your home.

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