Vinyl vs. Hard Siding (Fiber Cement / Engineered Wood)

November 19, 2025

Vinyl vs. Hard Siding: What's Best for your Missouri Home?

When it’s time to update your home’s exterior, one of the biggest decisions is which type of siding to choose. In the St. Louis area, most homeowners end up comparing vinyl siding to “hard” siding options like fiber cement (e.g., James Hardie) or engineered wood (e.g., LP SmartSide).

As a local, veteran-owned contractor based in Eureka, Perfect Pitch Roofing & Exteriors, Inc. installs all of these options across St. Louis, Jefferson, St. Charles, and Franklin Counties.

Here’s a clear breakdown to help you decide what’s right for your home.

What Is Vinyl Siding?

Vinyl siding is made from PVC (polyvinyl chloride) and is one of the most common siding materials in the U.S.

Pros of Vinyl Siding:

Budget-friendly – Typically the most affordable siding option upfront.
Low maintenance – No painting required; just occasional cleaning with a hose or soft wash.
Wide color and style options – Many profiles and colors to match your home.
Moisture-resistant – Won’t rot or rust.

Considerations:

Can be more prone to cracking or warping from impact or extreme temperature swings.
May fade over time, especially darker colors in full sun.
Doesn’t feel as “solid” or high-end as some hard siding options.

What Is “Hard” Siding?

When homeowners say “hard siding,” they usually mean fiber cement or engineered wood.

Fiber Cement Siding (e.g., James Hardie):

Made from cement, sand, and cellulose fibers.
Designed to mimic wood grain with better durability.

Engineered Wood Siding (e.g., LP SmartSide):

Wood strands or fibers combined with resins and treated to resist moisture, insects, and decay.
Also designed to look like traditional wood siding.

Pros of Hard Siding (Fiber Cement / Engineered Wood)

More solid, upscale appearance – Heavier, more substantial look and feel.
Excellent durability – Designed to handle tough weather, including wind, hail, and temperature swings.
Better impact resistance than standard vinyl.
Paintable – You can refresh the color over time without replacing the siding.
Strong warranties from major brands when installed correctly.

Considerations for Hard Siding

Higher upfront cost than vinyl.
Typically requires professional installation (more labor-intensive).
Painted finishes will eventually need repainting (though modern finishes last much longer than older products).

Which Siding Is Right for Your Home?

Vinyl siding may be a good fit if:

You’re working with a tighter budget.
You want a low-maintenance option with no painting.
You’re updating a rental or investment property.

Hard siding (fiber cement or engineered wood) may be the better choice if:

You plan to stay in your home long-term.
You want a more solid, high-end look.
You want stronger impact resistance and long-term durability.

At Perfect Pitch Roofing & Exteriors, we install CertainTeed, Norandex, ProVia, James Hardie, LP SmartSide, and more. We’ll walk you through samples, explain pros and cons in plain language, and help you choose the best fit for your home and budget.

Thinking about new siding in Eureka or the greater St. Louis area? Call Perfect Pitch Roofing & Exteriors at (314) 596-1391 or contact us online to schedule a free siding consultation and estimate.

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