Engineered Wood Siding vs. Fiber Cement Siding: A Complete Comparison

When it comes to comparing engineered wood siding to fiber cement, the differences are significant. Though some engineered siding materials and fiber cement products may resemble each other at a distance, the performance, maintenance needs and aesthetics of these two materials are very different.

It’s important to not get fooled by similar color finishes, styles and surface appearances. The truth of the matter is that — though engineered wood siding is generally stronger than untreated wood — fiber cement provides additional advantages that make it superior.

This guide breaks down the details of engineered wood vs. fiber cement and focuses on the compositional differences in longevity and overall performance.

Compositional Differences of Engineered Wood siding vs Fiber Cement

The compositional makeup of any building material is central to its longevity, capabilities and unique vulnerabilities.  What a product is made of and how it is fabricated contributes greatly to its long-term performance. Understanding the makeup of engineered wood and fiber cement can help homeowners get a grasp on what to expect out of siding made from these two modern materials.

Engineered wood is stronger than untreated wood because of its composition. Essentially, engineered wood is made up of tiny threads of wood fibers that are pressed and bonded together using heat, pressure and a heavy-duty resin. 

This fabrication process makes it more durable than raw, untreated wood. However, because its core material is wood, it is still susceptible to many of the same risks like water damage, chipping, flammability and sun damage.

Fiber cement, on the other hand, relies on a much stronger source material. A precise mix of Portland cement, sand, water and cellulose fibers creates the enhanced durability for which fiber cement siding is known. Fiber cement siding is the stronger, longer-lasting choice for exterior siding.

Fiber Cement Is Rot-Resistant and Non-Combustible

Unlike wood-based materials, like engineered wood siding, fiber cement siding is moisture-resistant. Because of this quality, it can be used in wet, coastal environments and not be susceptible to moisture build-up.

In addition, fiber cement siding is non-combustible, giving homeowners an added safety advantage over engineered wood. The more homeowners can reduce or eliminate flammable building materials, the safer their home can be. Fiber cement siding is fire-resistant, making it a much smarter choice than engineered wood.

Check out this case study about one homeowner whose Nichiha-clad art studio was the only structure left standing after a California fire destroyed the rest of the neighborhood. 

Fiber Cement Provides Total Design Versatility

Another advantage of fiber cement is the fact that a wide range of architectural styles can be achieved with fiber cement. Classic lap with wood-grain patterning is one option, and using smooth, modern panels is another popular aesthetic as well. Fiber cement is a versatile material to work with, and it has the potential to yield plenty of creative exterior designs.

Create a Layered Look With Fiber Cement

Fiber cement siding can even be layered to provide a dynamic exterior design. Integrating different styles of fiber cement siding like lap, shake, and board and batten on a single structure can enrich character and bring a building to life. A layered look creates a welcoming and cozy ambiance that many homeowners are looking for.

Since fiber cement is sold in all sorts of styles, it’s easy to get several different siding styles in the same exact color, meaning there are no guessing games trying to match up different materials.

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Fiber Cement Has Better Aesthetic Longevity

If the paint is prefinished on engineered wood siding by a third party, it becomes a prime candidate for color fading due to sun exposure. Not only is color fading frustrating, but it can be difficult to correct. Fiber cement is manufactured with an intensive color finishing process in which the selected tone is consistent throughout the structure. This means that the color of fiber cement siding is built to last and will stay consistent across the home.

A Low-Maintenance Material

When comparing engineered wood and fiber cement, there’s no question that fiber cement siding is the more durable, longer-lasting product. It’s also a superior material in terms of maintenance.  Engineered wood exterior siding may need more touch-ups, caulking and repairs. However, fiber cement siding is built to maintain its aesthetic quality and structural integrity with very little maintenance, freeing up both time and money for homeowners.

Engineered Wood Siding vs Fiber Cement: The Best Option

Comparing the risks and rewards of engineered wood and fiber cement illustrates  that fiber cement siding is a smarter choice overall. Download our custom homes lookbook today to explore dynamic fiber cement siding options that are built to last.