We're doing LP Smartside too, but we did a custom paint. It was cheaper and our builder said that we'd notice all the paint touch ups after you cut the boards....don't know if it's true or not but I think I believe him b/c when I've touched up walls, I always notice it even though it's the same paint color.

jessrae, Thank you for asking your question. LP SmartSide siding comes with a 5-year, 100% labor and replacement feature and a 50-year prorated limited warranty -- one of the leading warranties in the industry. Important for Minn., it stands up to hail and the daily freeze-thaw cycle. It incorporates zinc borate to help protect against the rot cycle and termite damage, and comes in many different siding styles and profiles. Easy maintenance too. Best wishes to you with your home. Patrick Here is a link that might be useful: Performance video

Too dark??

We have LP siding prefinished by Sprenger Midwest: http://www.sprengermidwest.com/prefinished-siding/ We have Foothill for our main color and dark slate in the gable. Honestly it isnt contrasting enough if I had know it wouldnt be contrasting enough I would have stuck with the same color. But it can always be painted one day. But we got samples from our lumberyard and put them up on the framing to get an idea of how lighting affects the color. It does change appearance when hung vertically. We didnt do that with the gable color. It was a last minute choice that my husband wanted. I should have told him it was already all decided and purchased lol!!