IL License Number: 104.017181
IL License Number: 104.017181
When homeowners love the warmth and character of wood siding but want something more durable and easier to maintain, LP SmartSide® is often one of the best options to consider.
LP SmartSide is an engineered wood siding product designed to deliver the natural appearance many homeowners want, with improved resistance to impact, moisture, fungal decay, termites, and everyday exterior wear. For homes throughout the Chicago suburbs, where siding has to handle wind, rain, snow, humidity, and freeze-thaw cycles, that combination of beauty and performance makes LP SmartSide a strong middle-ground choice.
At Holda Construction, we often recommend LP SmartSide for homeowners who want more durability than standard vinyl, a warmer wood-like appearance than fiber cement, and a siding system that performs well when installed correctly.
Like any exterior product, however, the material is only part of the story.
The installation still matters.
LP SmartSide is popular because it offers the look of traditional wood without many of the maintenance challenges that come with cedar or other natural wood siding. It is lighter than fiber cement, easier to handle during installation, and available in a wide range of profiles and finishes.
For many homeowners, the appeal is simple: LP SmartSide gives the home a clean, updated look while offering strong durability and long-term value. It is especially attractive for homes where the existing cedar siding has been damaged by pests, moisture, age, or repeated repairs.
LP SmartSide siding is backed by a 5/50 Limited Warranty, which includes 100% labor and material replacement for the first five years on covered defects, followed by 50 years of prorated material coverage. Prefinished products also include up to a 15-year finish warranty.
LP SmartSide is engineered to resist termites and fungal decay, and the warranty includes limited hail coverage for hailstones up to 1.75 inches in diameter when the siding is properly installed and maintained.
Like any siding product, the warranty depends on following the manufacturer’s installation requirements. At Holda Construction, we install LP SmartSide according to those specifications to help ensure the product performs as intended.
LP SmartSide is designed to perform well, but it still needs to be installed as part of a complete exterior system. Proper fastening, flashing, clearances, trim details, and moisture management all play a role in how well the siding protects the home over time.
At Holda Construction, we look beyond the siding panels themselves. We evaluate the wall system, existing sheathing, water-control details, gutters, trim, soffit, fascia, and any areas where moisture or pests may have caused hidden damage. A siding replacement should not simply cover old problems. It should correct the conditions that allowed those problems to happen in the first place.
Common reasons homeowners consider LP SmartSide include:
If your current siding is showing signs of damage, the first step is understanding whether the issue is cosmetic, isolated, or part of a larger wall-system problem.
One of the most common questions homeowners ask is how LP SmartSide compares to vinyl and James Hardie.
LP SmartSide typically falls between premium vinyl and fiber cement depending on the home, design details, trim package, and installation complexity. It is not always the cheapest option upfront, but it can provide strong long-term value for homeowners who want durability, curb appeal, and a wood-like finish without the ongoing maintenance of traditional cedar.
The following ranges provide a general pricing comparison of professionally installed siding systems:
(1,200 – 1,500 sq. ft.)
$4,000 - $18,000
$4-12 / sq. ft.
$7,000 -$18,000
$7-12 / sq. ft.
$6,000- $22,500
$6-15 / sq. ft.
(2,000 – 2,500 sq. ft.)
$8,000 - $30,000
$4-12 / sq. ft.
$14,000 - $30,000
$7-12 / sq. ft.
$12,000 - $37,500
$6-15 / sq. ft.
(3,000 – 4,000 sq. ft.)
$12,000 - $60,000
$4-12 / sq. ft.
$21,000 - $60,000
$7-12 / sq. ft.
$18,000 - $75,000
$6-15 / sq. ft.
These figures are planning ranges, not exact estimates. Every siding project depends on the size of the home, number of stories, architectural complexity, trim details, access, existing siding removal, and any repairs discovered underneath.
A simple one-story home with long straight walls will usually cost less to side than a home with multiple gables, dormers, bump-outs, bay windows, or complex rooflines. Hidden damage behind old siding can also affect cost, especially if sheathing, flashing, or moisture protection needs to be corrected before the new siding is installed.
In Hoffman Estates, homeowners Gary and Betty Grochowski were ready to replace aging vinyl siding, dented fascia, and an outdated gutter system after years of wear and hidden water damage.
Together, we transformed the home with LP SmartSide lap siding in Cavern Steel, new soffit, fascia, gutters, and trim, while also repairing rotted fascia discovered during construction. Through clear communication and transparent change orders, the project stayed on track, resulting in a home with a fresh, modern appearance and improved protection against Midwest weather.
For the Grochowskis, the project wasn’t just about new siding. It restored pride in their home and built a lasting relationship with our team—one that ended with the homeowners inviting the entire crew to a homemade Polish lunch in celebration.
Along a different vein, Hawthorn Woods homeowner contacted Holda Construction after dealing with repeated woodpecker damage on the home’s original cedar siding. The damage had become more than a cosmetic concern. Once cedar siding is punctured, split, or weakened, it becomes more vulnerable to water intrusion, weather exposure, and continued pest activity.
After inspecting the home, we recommended replacing the damaged cedar siding with LP SmartSide. The goal was to preserve the warm, natural look the homeowner liked while upgrading to a more durable and lower-maintenance siding system.
The project was completed in two days for an estimated investment of $12,000. The new LP SmartSide blended well with the home’s existing architecture, improved protection against future weather exposure, and gave the homeowner a stronger solution than repeated cedar repairs.
The biggest takeaway from this project is that the right siding choice depends on the problem you’re trying to solve. In this case, another patch repair would not have addressed the long-term vulnerability of the cedar siding. LP SmartSide gave the homeowner a smarter path forward.
Not every LP SmartSide project starts with pest damage. A suburban Chicago homeowner contacted Holda Construction after deteriorated cedar siding and window trim allowed water to penetrate around an upstairs window, eventually leaking into the kitchen ceiling below.
After inspecting the damage, it became clear that replacing the rotted cedar with new cedar would only repeat the same maintenance cycle. Instead, we replaced the compromised siding and window trim with white LP SmartSide, creating a more durable, lower-maintenance solution while preserving the home’s appearance. The project was completed in less than a day, and after the next rainfall, the homeowner reported that the leak had been completely eliminated.
This project highlights another advantage of LP SmartSide. While its resistance to pests often gets the attention, it is also an excellent choice for homeowners replacing aging cedar siding that has begun to deteriorate from years of moisture exposure and weathering.
No siding product is the perfect choice for every home.
Vinyl siding is often the most affordable option and requires very little maintenance, but it may not provide the same appearance, impact resistance, or premium feel some homeowners want.
James Hardie fiber cement is known for exceptional durability, long lifespan, and strong weather resistance, but it is heavier and often requires a more involved installation process.
LP SmartSide sits in a strong middle position. It offers a wood-like appearance, good durability, impact resistance, and a lighter installation profile than fiber cement. For many homeowners replacing cedar siding, it feels like a natural upgrade because it keeps the warmth of wood while reducing many of the maintenance concerns that come with natural cedar.
LP SmartSide may be a strong fit if you want the look of wood siding without the constant upkeep of cedar. It can also be a practical choice if your existing siding has been damaged by woodpeckers, pests, moisture, age, or repeated repairs.
The best way to decide is to start with the condition of your home. Is the siding itself failing? Is there hidden water damage? Are pests getting behind the exterior? Are you looking for a repair, or is it time for a full replacement?
At Holda Construction, we help homeowners understand what is happening behind the siding—not just what is visible from the street. We’ll inspect the existing conditions, explain what we find, compare your options, and help you decide whether LP SmartSide, James Hardie, vinyl, repair, or replacement makes the most sense.
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