James Hardie Siding vs. Allura: Which Is Better? 

When it comes to home siding, fiber cement has become the darling of architects, builders, and homeowners alike - and for good reason. It combines the beauty of wood and stucco with the longevity of cement - a perfect blend of beauty and brawn that's hard to beat.

Two manufacturers have risen in this space: James Hardie, the industry pioneer, and Allura, a newer but growing competitor.  

While James Hardie has long been considered the gold standard (commanding roughly 90% of the market), Allura has been gaining ground with competitive pricing. Together, these two brands represent the vast majority of fiber cement siding installations in North America. 

Before diving into brand-specific comparisons, you should understand that choosing between James Hardie and Allura isn't just about price tags or color options. It's about evaluating several crucial factors: the specific climate where you live, local contractor expertise with each brand, warranty coverage, and long-term maintenance requirements.  

Let's explore these differences in detail to help you make an informed choice for your home's exterior. 

James Hardie Siding vs Allura: Company Backgrounds 

Hardie: The Gold Standard 

James Hardie's story begins back in 1888, when James Hardie left his native Scotland and established an import business in Melbourne, Australia.  

But the company we know today really took shape in the 1980s when they pioneered modern fiber cement technology. By investing heavily in R&D and perfecting their formula, James Hardie transformed the building materials industry.  

They entered the American market in 1990 and have since become a household name, operating multiple manufacturing plants across the country.  

Today, they control about 90% of the fiber cement market and have installed their products on millions homes. 

Allura: Upstart Competitor 

Allura's journey is more recent but equally interesting. Originally operating as CertainTeed's fiber cement division, the company was acquired by Plycem USA in 2013 and rebranded as Allura.  

While they may be the newer kid on the block, Allura brings serious manufacturing expertise to the table. Their parent company, Elementia, has been producing fiber cement products internationally for over 80 years. Since the rebrand, Allura has been aggressively expanding their presence in North America, operating plants in Oregon, Indiana, and North Carolina. 

Both companies take pride in their manufacturing processes, though they use slightly different approaches. James Hardie's proprietary ColorPlus Technology, where they pre-finish their siding in controlled factory conditions, has set an industry standard.

James Hardie has also developed climate-specific product lines, acknowledging that siding in Minnesota faces different challenges than siding in Florida.  

Allura, meanwhile, has focused on developing manufacturing techniques that they claim produce a denser, more durable board. They've also invested in state-of-the-art facilities that allow them to create realistic wood grain textures. 

The geography of manufacturing locations matters too - both for availability and shipping costs. James Hardie operates eight plants strategically located across the United States, while Allura's three plants primarily serve specific regions. This difference in manufacturing footprint can affect both product availability and final costs, depending on where you live. 

James Hardie vs. Allura Siding: Materials and Styles 

Let's look at what these sidings are actually made of. Both brands start with the same basic ingredients: cement, sand, cellulose fibers, and water.

Of course, each company has their own proprietary additions to the mix. James Hardie includes special additives they say make their siding tougher and better at handling moisture, while Allura uses premium virgin fibers for what they claim is a denser, more impact-resistant board. 

Both manufacturers offer a full range of styles: 

James Hardie's Options: 

• HardiePlank (their standard lap siding) 
• Hardie Shingle/Shake 
• HardiePanel (vertical siding) 
• Board and Batten  
• Artisan line (premium thick-cut boards) 
• Architectural panels 

Allura's Lineup: 

• Traditional lap siding 
• Shingle/Shake 
• Vertical panels 
• Board and batten 
• Architectural panels 

When it comes to colors, there's quite a difference. James Hardie offers around 700 colors through their ColorPlus Technology, which comes with a 15-year warranty against fading. Allura has about 30 pre-finished colors but will work with you to match virtually any custom color. Both companies also sell primed boards ready for painting. 

Size-wise, here's how they compare: 

Regular lap siding: 

• James Hardie: 5/16" thick, widths from 5.25" to 8.25" 
• Allura: 1/4" or 5/16" thick, widths from 5.25" to 12" 

Panel siding: 

• James Hardie: 5/16" thick, 4' x 8', 4' x 9', and 4' x 10' sheets 
• Allura: 5/16" thick, 4' x 8' and 4' x 10' sheets 

Worth noting: Allura's wider board options can be particularly attractive for modern home designs. Both manufacturers typically offer 12' lengths in their lap siding, though availability may vary by region and profile. 

James Hardie vs Allura: Performance Comparison 

When it comes to weather resistance, both brands stand up admirably to Mother Nature.  

James Hardie's HardieZone system offers products specifically engineered for different climate regions - their HZ5 products for harsh freezing conditions and HZ10 for hot, humid areas.  

Allura takes a one-size-fits-all approach but claims their denser board composition provides excellent weather resistance across all climates. 

Impact resistance is crucial for areas prone to hail or flying debris. Independent testing shows both products perform well, though Allura's denser composition gives it a slight edge in some impact tests.

Both can handle hail storms without damage, unlike vinyl siding which can crack or dent easily. 

Fire resistance is a major selling point for both brands. Each product carries a Class A fire rating - the highest available. Both are non-combustible and won't ignite when exposed to direct flame. This can be particularly important in wildfire-prone areas where some insurance companies offer discounts for fiber cement siding. 

For moisture handling, James Hardie's climate-specific approach gives them an advantage. Their HZ5 products include additional water-resistant barriers and specialized coatings. Allura counters with their proprietary sealing system, but they don't offer region-specific variations. 

James Hardie vs Allura: Warranties 

Warranty coverage reveals some important differences: 

• James Hardie offers a 30-year non-prorated, transferable warranty on the siding itself and a 15-year warranty on their ColorPlus finish 
• Allura provides a 50-year limited warranty, but it's prorated after the first few years and has more exclusions 

The fine print matters here - James Hardie's warranty is more straightforward and easier to make claims against, while Allura's longer warranty includes more exclusions and limitations.

Both warranties require proper installation by qualified contractors to remain valid. 

James Hardie vs Allura: Pricing 

Materials pricing consistently shows Allura as the more budget-friendly option. Current pricing (as of 2025) generally falls into these ranges: 

Lap Siding (per square foot): 

• James Hardie: $5.50 to $12.00 
• Allura: $4.50 to $10.00 

However, material costs are only part of the story. Installation costs often make up 60-70% of your total project expense, and several factors affect these costs: 

• Labor rates vary significantly by region and contractor experience 
• Some contractors charge more for James Hardie installation due to additional certification requirements 
• Special tools and equipment needed for either brand add to installation costs 
• Complex home designs with many corners and trim details increase labor time 
• Regional availability can affect shipping costs 

Long-term maintenance costs are relatively low for both brands. Both require periodic cleaning and will need repainting if you didn't opt for pre-finished boards. Basic maintenance costs run about: 

• Power washing (every 2-3 years): $200-400 
• Repainting (every 20-25 years): $4,000-10,000 for pre-primed boards 
• Minor repairs: $200-500 per section 

Looking at overall value, James Hardie's higher initial cost is often balanced by slightly lower long-term maintenance needs and stronger warranty coverage.  

However, Allura's lower upfront cost makes it an attractive option, especially if you're working with a tight budget. Both products can last 50+ years with proper maintenance. 

James Hardie vs Allura: Pros and Cons  

James Hardie Advantages 

• Industry-leading brand with proven track record 
• Widest color selection with ColorPlus Technology 
• Better warranty coverage 
• Climate-specific product formulations 
• Extensive installer network 

James Hardie Disadvantages 

• Higher material costs 

Allura Advantages 

• Lower material costs 
• Longer overall warranty period 
• Stronger impact resistance in some tests 

Allura Disadvantages 

• Shorter history and smaller market share 
• Fewer pre-finished color options 
• Prorated warranty with more exclusions 
• No regional product variations 
• Less installer support and training 

James Hardie vs Allura: Making the Choice 

Which Scenarios Favor James Hardie 

If budget allows, James Hardie offers a time-tested product with excellent warranty coverage. Their climate-specific formulations can be a major advantage in harsh weather regions. Larger urban markets will have more contractor options trained to install Hardie products. 

When Allura Might Be the Better Option 

If cost is a primary concern, Allura delivers quality siding at a lower price point. Their wider profile options open up interesting design possibilities. Allura can also be the right call if your contractor has more experience with their products. 

Get the Ultimate Guide to James Hardie