Allura vs. Hardie Siding: Everything You Need To Know

Allura vs. Hardie Siding: Everything You Need To Know

When it comes to fiber cement siding, there is more than one player in the game. If you are starting a new building project and you want to know whether Allura siding is better or Hardie siding is better, we are here to help.

The concept of fiber cement siding is not recent. The first cement-based siding were discovered as early as the 1970s.

The cellulose fiber siding was introduced first by James Hardie in the 80s, and later on, it became the cement plank we use today. 

No doubt James Hardie started the concept of cement plank, but there were many other entrants into the industry. Different companies in Bay Area, California, began to come up with their formula, color, and shapes of sidings. If you are confused about making a choice between choosing Allura siding or Hardie siding, this article will help you in making the right choice.

The closest competitor to Hardie Siding is the siding manufactured by Allura. Both these companies are renowned for offering the best quality fiber cement products within different ranges, styles, and colors. 
To make a wise choice, let’s discuss the major difference between both these sidings:

The difference in manufacturing and warranty

The Hardie planks are manufactured with the same process as it was started back in the 80s. The process uses a mixture of wood pulp slurry and portland cement to make planks. Sometimes, it also uses a mixture of sand and silica to keep the mixture stable. The product comes up with a 30-year limited warranty. Allura, on the other hand, can be called a premium product that makes use of cellulose fibers, sand, silica, and portland cement to create planks.

The major difference in both these products depends on the density of the product as Allura planks are denser than the Hardie Plank. In terms of the warranty, Hardie planks offers a 30-year warranty, and the Allura plank offers a 50-year warranty. Both of these planks are impervious to all types of impact like heat, cold, moisture, and pest infestation.

Cost

Like all other siding manufacturing companies in the Bay Area, California, Allura and Hardie siding come up in different ranges of processes. Allura siding can work well in all temperatures and weather conditions. But, Hardie produces a special kind of expensive siding that are sold, especially in the colder regions. Thus, the cost of material can vary depending upon your location if you are purchasing Hardie siding.

Options and Styles

When it comes to the product styles, both these companies offer you the options for customization as per the style of your home. 

In terms of sizes, Allura offers traditional as well as smooth lap siding in sizes of:

• 5 ¼” X 12’
• 6 ¼” X12’
• 7 ¼” X 12’
• 8 ¼” X 12’
• 9 ¼” X 12’
• 12”X 12’

All these sizes of planks are available in ready-to-paint style as well as in the full range of colors and stains. The smooth lap is available in ready-to-paint style as well as in 25 different colors.

James Hardie Siding also offers wood grain as well as smooth lap siding. When it comes to size and color options, Hardie planks have slightly fewer choices.

The smooth lap, as well as the CedarMill, are available in a single size of 8 ¼” X 12’ but in a variety of colors. The other sizes of CedarMill and Smooth lap are available in ready-to-paint style only.

Both companies also offer full lines of shingles. 

Allura has a different shingle line to choose from, and they are available in 25 different colors and wood stains. Some of the best shingles lines offered by Allura include

• 5” straight edge shingles
• 7” straight edge shingles
• 7” staggered edge shingles
• Half-round
• Octagons

In addition to this, the best part about Allura is that you can also choose individual shakes that can have staggered or straight edges. They are available in painted to ready-to-paint format. 

In terms of shingles, James Hardie offers a smaller range of size as well as shape. But in terms of color, they are available in the full range of color as well as ready to paint form. 

Some of the best shingles offered by Hardie includes:

• 7” straight edge shingles
• 7” staggered edge shingles
• 7” individual shingles
• Half-round

The difference in cost and value offered

The choice for fiber siding has always been a good return on investment. As per a report, residing in a home with fiber siding can give you a return on investment of 84.3%. The best part about using fiber siding is that you get durable, attractive, and low-maintenance siding for your home. In terms of value and return on investment offered, siding offered by Allura as well as Hardie are almost equivalent. 

Bottom Line

Like all materials, fiber cement comes up with different positive as well as negative attributes. Thus, James Hardie, as well as Allura, have positive as well as negative qualities. In terms of the warranty, both companies offer a 15-year warranty on the finish. 

Both Allura and James Hardie are renowned companies that manufacture the best quality siding. Purchasing siding from any of these companies can add years of durability as well as beauty to your home. Both companies offer products in different sizes and color options. Allura offers a 50-year warranty on their siding, whereas James Hardie offers a 30-year warranty. So, if you want a product with more warranty duration, Allura can be the better option. Allura also offers more options for shingles as well as the pre-finished plank siding. 

James Hardie, on the other hand, offers thicker siding plank in the standard size of 5 ⅙ inches. The cost can vary, depending upon the material you choose. But, if you are located in a colder region, you may have to pay more for planks manufactured by Hardie. If you are looking for quality material that can enhance your home’s look, choose siding manufactured by any of these siding companies.