James Hardie or LP SmartSide — which is right for my home?

Both are excellent. Hardie's fiber cement is non-combustible, dimensionally stable, and has the deepest catalog of color and profile options. LP SmartSide is lighter, easier to install around complex trim, has a longer substrate warranty (50 years), and the warm character of real wood. Our installers will walk both options with you on a free estimate.

Why does the HZ5 climate zone matter for James Hardie?

James Hardie manufactures two product families — HZ5 for cold, wet climates (Chicagoland) and HZ10 for hot, humid climates (Sunbelt). The two have different formulations, moisture-barrier systems, and expansion/contraction profiles. We install only HZ5 product, period — because it's what's engineered for our freeze-thaw cycles.

What's the difference between ExpertFinish and Naturals?

ExpertFinish is LP SmartSide's primary factory-painted palette — 16 solid colors with the longest warranty. The Naturals collection (6 colors) gives a more weathered, woodgrain-forward look — closer to a stained cedar finish than a solid paint.

Do you bring samples on-site before we order?

Yes. Color matching outdoors against your trim, brick, and roof is very different from looking at a swatch indoors. We bring physical samples to your home before any material is ordered.

Siding

Siding Materials

Explore James Hardie and LP SmartSide colors and profiles for your Chicagoland home

Choosing siding starts with choosing the right product family for your home, climate, and budget. Dynasty Restoration installs siding from two flagship manufacturers — James Hardie fiber cement (HZ5 climate-engineered for Chicagoland) and LP SmartSide engineered wood — both backed by industry-leading factory finishes and decades-long warranties.

Use the interactive picker below to compare colors, profiles, warranties, and finishes side by side. Every product and color shown is something we actively install across the Chicagoland service area.

James Hardie

ColorPlus® Technology

James Hardie fiber cement siding pairs the look and depth of painted wood with the durability of cement-based composition. ColorPlus® Technology bakes the finish into the panel at the factory for industry-leading color longevity, backed by a 30-year non-prorated product warranty and a 15-year ColorPlus finish warranty. We install only HZ5 climate-engineered product, formulated specifically for Chicagoland's freeze-thaw and humidity profile.

MaterialFiber Cement

Warranty30-Year Limited

FinishColorPlus 15-Year

TexturesSmooth · Cedarmill · Beaded

Profiles Available

HardiePlank® Lap SidingThe flagship horizontal lap profile. Available in Smooth, Select Cedarmill, Beaded Smooth, and Beaded Select Cedarmill textures.
HardiePanel® Vertical SidingLarge-format vertical panels for board-and-batten and contemporary designs. Pairs with HardieTrim batten boards for the classic vertical look.
HardieShingle® SidingCedar-shingle-style panels for gable accents and full-wall historic restorations. Pre-finished and ready to install.
Hardie® Architectural CollectionBold large-format panels in fluted, sculpted, and standard textures for design-driven exteriors.

Select a Color

Arctic White

A clean, bright neutral white — the most-installed color in the ColorPlus palette.

LP SmartSide

ExpertFinish® + Naturals Collection

LP SmartSide engineered wood combines the rich, warm character of real wood with treated-strand technology that resists rot, insects, and Midwest freeze-thaw cycles. ExpertFinish® factory-applied paint is backed by a 5/15-year prefinish warranty over the 50-year substrate warranty, in a palette curated specifically for residential exteriors.

MaterialEngineered Wood

Warranty50-Year Limited

FinishExpertFinish 15-Year

TexturesCedar Texture

Profiles Available

SmartSide® Lap SidingThe most-installed LP profile. Long boards, fewer seams, and a real-wood texture available in 6", 8", 12", and 16" widths.
SmartSide® Panel SidingLarge-format vertical panels for board-and-batten or modern flat-panel exteriors.
SmartSide® Cedar ShakesEngineered cedar-shake panels for gable accents and traditional cottage looks.
SmartSide® Trim & FasciaMatching trim, fascia, and corner boards in the same engineered wood substrate for a unified install.

Select a Color

Sand Dunes

2026 Color of the Year

A soft, warm sandy beige — LP's 2026 Color of the Year.

Home with LP SmartSide siding in Sand Dunes

Frequently Asked Questions About Siding Materials

James Hardie or LP SmartSide — which is right for my home?: Both are excellent. Hardie's fiber cement is non-combustible, dimensionally stable, and has the deepest catalog of color and profile options. LP SmartSide is lighter, easier to install around complex trim, has a longer substrate warranty (50 years), and the warm character of real wood. Our installers will walk both options with you on a free estimate.
Why does the HZ5 climate zone matter for James Hardie?: James Hardie manufactures two product families — HZ5 for cold, wet climates (Chicagoland) and HZ10 for hot, humid climates (Sunbelt). The two have different formulations, moisture-barrier systems, and expansion/contraction profiles. We install only HZ5 product, period — because it's what's engineered for our freeze-thaw cycles.
What's the difference between ExpertFinish and Naturals?: ExpertFinish is LP SmartSide's primary factory-painted palette — 16 solid colors with the longest warranty. The Naturals collection (6 colors) gives a more weathered, woodgrain-forward look — closer to a stained cedar finish than a solid paint.
Do you bring samples on-site before we order?: Yes. Color matching outdoors against your trim, brick, and roof is very different from looking at a swatch indoors. We bring physical samples to your home before any material is ordered.