Exterior Cladding
Fiber Cement Siding
A composite of cement, sand, and cellulose fibres formed into planks or panels, combining wood-like looks with strong fire and rot resistance.
Best for
- Wildfire-prone areas needing non-combustible cladding
- Buyers wanting a wood look with far less maintenance than real wood
- Long-term exterior durability, 30-50 years
Avoid when
- DIY installers without specific tools — cutting produces silica dust and needs proper blades and respiratory protection
Cutting it safely matters
Cutting fiber cement generates crystalline silica dust, a serious respiratory hazard. Use a saw with dust collection or shears designed for the material, and wear a proper respirator — this is not a job for a standard circular saw blade indoors.
It needs paint, but rarely
Factory-primed and pre-finished boards can go 15 or more years before repainting is needed, far longer than wood siding, though the material itself must still be caulked and painted at cut edges to stay water-resistant.
Put this into practice
- Project Cost EstimatorWhat will this project cost me?