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'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'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.
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:
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:
Panel siding:
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.
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.
Warranty coverage reveals some important differences:
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.
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):
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:
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:
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.
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.
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.
Choosing between James Hardie and Allura siding is a decision that goes beyond aesthetics or price—it’s about investing in your home’s durability, style, and value for decades to come. Both brands offer impressive benefits, but the right choice depends on your specific needs, climate, and budget.
To help you dive deeper and ensure you’re making the best decision for your home, we’ve put together The Ultimate Guide to James Hardie Siding. Packed with detailed insights, comparisons, and expert advice, this guide is your go-to resource for everything James Hardie.
Click the link below to download your copy today and take the next step toward creating a beautiful, long-lasting exterior for your home!