It was painted after it was installed. It came primed and they did not paint the cut edges. The pieces were butted together at installation and they caulked the joins, then painted. I don't think the installers had any problems while doing our house. Hardie products are very popular in my area - so most of them are familiar working with the concrete siding products. Nichi is a newer product in our area and I chose it after a designer I work with used it on a new build and felt it was a great alternative to Hardie. We are hoping to get 15 yrs on our paint job. I have a feeling we're being way too optimistic with that goal!

Thanks so much! Are you using the pre-stained or the primed? I just got our quote back from our local lumber company and pre-stained is $18.00 per board and primed is $11 per board. So... primed it is - I really like the weathered gray stain (actually thought it was a paint but when I called Nichiha they said it was a stain). I'm wondering how I'll like the look of the painted since I've only seen the stained. DH prefers paint over stain in general. Also, do you have any pictures you would be willing to share? Every time I see a picture of this product I think 'yep, that's what I want!' Sorry for any typos - am holding sleeping baby and typing w/ one hand! Thanks again!

This guy makes beautiful doors. Even if you don't order from him you have to look at the gallery. We considered ordering from him but we have to heat our garage, so I wanted the highest R value possible (we ended up going with insulated steel that has an R value of about 18). Here is a link that might be useful: Maine Doors

Is that a piece of the siding with the roof samples? While I like the gray roof better (black is so severe), I don't know how that would look to have the roof the same color as the house. So I suppose I vote for the black.