skip to main content

Building a Home

smart trim or hardi plank?

15 years ago

We are in the process of choosing between smart trim and hardiplank for our new home. We have had hardi before and loved it, but it was on the gables over brick so moisture was not an issue (seems to be a problem for some). Has anyone used the "smart trim" and what are your thoughts. We have talked to two builders who each prefer one over the other - we just don't know how to get through the hype. Being newbies at this, any advice would be greatly appreciated. By the way, this is a ranch style house so there will be ALOT of whatever we choose.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (4)

athomewithchuck
15 years ago
barkingdonkey - (I like the name!)

I assume you're talking about the LP Smartside Product when you say smart trim; I have never personally used that particular product, but we have used and really like the MiraTec trim boards for trimming out around windows, corner boards, frieze and rakes, etc. The MiraTec is much cheaper than the HardieTrim boards and to me is easier to work with.

You can get it pre-painted which I highly suggest if you are going to go with white trim. Our painters griped and complained the whole time they cut those trim boards in against each lap of the HardiePlank siding. We used the 5/4 (1") thick boards in 6" for the skirt/belly board and 4" for everything else.

Just be sure you have your installers flash really well behind all joints in your siding and between your Hardie & trim boards no matter what product you choose. I would make them go overboard on flashing if it were me, especially on top of the windows so that no water has even the slightest chance of getting trapped behind your trim &/or siding. I think this is the most under valued part of the whole installation process.

Here are a few pictures of the most recent house we've trimmed out with MiraTec 5/4 trim boards as I mentioned before, HardiePlank siding and stone: {{gwi:1402238}}From Hunters Glen - Lot 38a Signature Plan
{{gwi:1402239}}From Hunters Glen - Lot 38a Signature Plan
{{gwi:1402240}}From Hunters Glen - Lot 38a Signature Plan

Good luck with your siding. I'm sure you're getting excited!
0
mightyanvil
15 years ago
"SmartSide" Lap and Panel Siding is zinc-borate treated aspen wood oriented-strand-board with a resin saturated MDO paper face and three coats of edge sealer made by Louisiana Pacific.

It would be difficult to compare SmartSide with fiber-cement siding because these products are in entirely different leagues in terms of durability and maintenance.

A lot depends on how long you intend to live in the house.
0
Related Discussions
lp smart siding vs. hardi-plank
Q
Comments (1)
Smart siding is still a composite siding...it is made of glued sawdust. I "wood" not use it.
...See More
Houses with HardiPlank in Evening Blue?
Q
Comments (3)
kandkwi - I feel for you because we also had a hard time finding houses with hardiplank in our area. I resorted to taking my hardiplank samples and holding them up against red houses (vinyl houses, generally) to see how closely they matched. Then I was able to envision what our house would look like in the countrylane red. It's not perfect but what else can you do? The Hardiplank webpage shows all white trim with their various body colors... Kinda run-of-the-mill but still looks nice. I think a house in Evening Blue would look very nice. If you are unsure about the color choice (body or trim), I would go with either a white trim (safe) or a very complimentary trim - nothing that competes with the blue. We used countrylane red with sailcloth. I thought I wanted contrast. As it turns out, I would have rather gone with a tan trim for less contrast. The red is bold and different (as is the blue) and I now find that I'd like my trim to blend (less pop) The good thing about hardiplank is that you can paint it if you need to. I'm posting another link below.... unfortunately, they haven't posted any project in Evening Blue but they have other hardi colors... Here is a link that might be useful: Projects by color
...See More
Painting exterior Hardi plank, is a brush as good as Sprayer?
Q
Comments (5)
I think you get both higher quality and a better looking job painting with a brush. A little texture from the brush strokes is a good thing, and when you paint with a brush you are looking at every detail, filling gaps and such as you go. The guys who did my house were very good, they sprayed to move the paint onto the wall and then brushed it out, giving both efficiency and quality. (they also painted a first coat all sides of the pre-primed clapboards before they went up without me even having to ask)
...See More
Pre-primed Hardi-plank gone chalky... HOW to prep?
Q
Comments (1)
Unfortunately, the warranty on the product has expired. Hopefully you will not have any issues in the future. Prep it as you would any other exterior. Power wash it, remove any mold or mildew, inspect all caulked joints and replace as needed. After prep, you can either apply a primer and two finish coats of high quality paint formulated for fiber-cement boards, or apply two full coats of Duration Exterior. Best of luck! Michael
...See More
barkingdonkey
Original Author
15 years ago
this is the first and last house we plan to build. we are trying to put all the "big rocks" in place (ex. insulation, framing, roof) and then once we are in we'll start on the "make pretty" stuff. Can I surmise by your answer that perhaps Hardi is the best choice? We plan to be there for the next 50 years (if we live that long!)
0
sierraeast
15 years ago
If you are building in a wet, humid climate, i would stay away from smart siding. It's longevity in those type of areas is entirely dependent on maintenance by painting/caulkings far more frequent than average to insure moisture doesn't get to the product. Even then there's no guarantees. Fiber cement is far more "less maintenace" oriented, holds top coats better, remains tight all when installed properly.
0

Related Stories

KITCHEN DESIGN Smart Investments in Kitchen Cabinetry — a Realtor's Advice

By Tiffany Carboni

Get expert info on what cabinet features are worth the money, for both you and potential buyers of your home

COLOR 11 Terrific Paint Color Matches for Wood Details

By Charmean Neithart Interiors

Pair your wood trim and cabinets with the right shade of wall paint to bring out the beauty in both

COLOR Wake Up Your Woodwork With Black

Strike a dramatic note with black window frames, shelves, stairs and more, making features stand out or blend in

HOUZZ TOURS Houzz Tour: Visit a Forward Thinking Family Complex

By Becky Harris

Four planned structures on a double lot smartly make room for the whole family or future renters

COTTAGE STYLE Houzz Tour: Lowcountry Charm for a South Carolina Cottage

By Becky Harris

Smart design and beautiful views help a family of 5 live comfortably in 1,200 square feet

KITCHEN OF THE WEEK Kitchen of the Week: Storage and Style Galore

By Jeannie Matteucci

White granite counters add modern style, while things like hidden drawers for pan lids create smart storage

STUDIOS AND WORKSHOPS From Backyard Shed to Motorcycle Haven

By Angela Flournoy

Smart repurposing and upgrades turn a deteriorating shed into a place for prized bikes

HOUZZ TOURS Houzz Tour: Artful and Efficient in Austin

Visit a home that glows with local materials, thoughtful design, heritage trees and Moontowers

REMODELING GUIDES Fiber Cement Siding Takes a Front Seat

Not just a wood or vinyl substitute, fiber cement is a stellar siding choice in its own right for modern home exteriors

REMODELING GUIDES Seal the Deal With Fiber Cement Siding

By Bud Dietrich, AIA

Chameleon-like, durable and low maintenance, fiber cement gives home exteriors of all shapes and styles a winning edge

Sponsored

More Discussions

Critique Our Architecture Plans!

44

Need opinion on the new plan

15

Does shade number in porcelain tile mean the same as dye lot?

2

Anyone built 4 story detached home Toronto

2

Gap between shoe rail and floor on second floor

5