LP SmartSide siding typically costs $8 to $12 per square foot installed in most U.S. markets, putting it in the mid-range between budget vinyl siding and premium fiber cement options.
For a 2,000 square foot siding project, that works out to roughly $16,000 to $24,000 in total LP SmartSide costs, including both materials and labor costs.
The actual price for your home depends on the specific product line, the square footage involved, the complexity of your home’s exterior, and your geographic location. Here’s the breakdown.
What LP SmartSide Actually Is
LP SmartSide is engineered wood siding manufactured by LP Building Solutions. The product is made from wood strands treated with zinc borate during the manufacturing process to resist fungal decay, termite damage, and insect damage. The treated engineered wood is then pressed and bonded into siding boards with a wood-like appearance that closely mimics traditional wood siding.
The key difference between LP SmartSide and natural wood is durability. Real cedar or pine siding can warp, rot, and require constant maintenance under harsh weather conditions. LP SmartSide is engineered specifically to withstand harsh weather conditions while delivering the cedar texture and warm wood-like appearance many homeowners want for curb appeal.
The product comes with a 50-year limited warranty when properly installed, which speaks to LP’s confidence in its long-term durability.
The Full Cost Breakdown
Here’s where the LP SmartSide cost numbers actually land for most homeowners:
| Cost Category | Typical Range |
| Material cost (siding boards) | $2.50 – $4.00 per square foot |
| Trim and accessories | $0.75 – $1.50 per square foot |
| Professional installation | $4.00 – $7.00 per square foot |
| Tear-off of old siding | $1.00 – $2.50 per square foot |
| Total installed cost | $8.00 – $12.00 per square foot |
| 2,000 sq ft project total | $16,000 – $24,000 |
These figures reflect typical lap siding installations. Vertical siding and specialty profiles (panel, board-and-batten, shake) can run slightly higher. Adding insulation upgrades during the install pushes the total upward by another $1-$3 per square foot but pays back through energy efficiency over time.
What Drives LP SmartSide Cost Up or Down
Several factors push your project toward the upper or lower end of the price range:
- Home size and square footage, where larger projects scale up the materials and labor costs but often produce per-square-foot savings on labor due to crew efficiency
- Home complexity, where multi-story homes, dormers, and complex rooflines add labor time compared to simple rectangular homes
- Existing siding removal, where a tear-off adds cost but reveals and allows repair of any hidden issues with sheathing or insulation
- Insulation upgrades added during installation, which raise the total cost but pay back through reduced energy bills
- Trim, accessories, and accent details, where custom trim, contrasting accent panels, and decorative elements run higher than standard installations
- Geographic location, where labor rates and material availability vary across U.S. markets
- Color and finish options, where pre-finished products cost more upfront than primed siding requiring field painting
LP SmartSide Compared to Other Siding Options
How does LP SmartSide pricing stack up against the alternatives most homeowners consider?
| Siding Type | Installed Cost Per Sq Ft |
| Vinyl siding | $4 – $8 |
| LP SmartSide engineered wood | $8 – $12 |
| Fiber cement (James Hardie) | $9 – $15 |
| Cedar or natural wood siding | $10 – $18 |
| Stone veneer | $15 – $30 |
LP SmartSide sits in the mid-range, offering the look of natural wood at a notably lower cost than real cedar while providing better long-term durability and weather resistance. For budget-conscious homeowners who still want the warmth of wood-look siding without the maintenance headaches, LP SmartSide is often a cost-effective choice.
Long-Term Value vs Upfront Costs
The upfront costs are only part of the equation. LP SmartSide’s value really shows over the long haul.
Maintenance is minimal. A periodic wash with a garden hose, mild detergent, and soft brush keeps the siding looking new. There’s no annual staining or sealing like real wood demands.
Durability is real. The treated engineered wood resists fungal decay, termite damage, insect damage, and impact damage. Homes properly sided with LP SmartSide typically don’t need siding replacement for 30-40 years.
Energy efficiency improves when LP SmartSide is paired with insulated wall systems during installation. The extra layer of weather protection reduces heat loss and lowers utility bills.
The 50-year limited warranty is a real backstop. Few siding products offer warranty terms this generous.
For more on what shapes the lifespan of different siding materials, our siding installation overview covers what to know before any major exterior project.
Common LP SmartSide Cost Questions
Is LP SmartSide cheaper than James Hardie fiber cement?
Usually yes, by a small margin. LP SmartSide typically runs $8-$12 per square foot installed, while fiber cement runs $9-$15. The actual gap depends on the specific product lines and your local market.
Does LP SmartSide cost more than vinyl siding?
Yes, significantly. Vinyl siding runs $4-$8 per square foot installed, while LP SmartSide runs $8-$12. The trade-off is durability: vinyl typically needs replacement after 20 years, while LP SmartSide lasts 30-40+ years with proper installation.
Does professional installation really matter for LP SmartSide?
Yes. Improper installation voids the 50-year warranty and creates the conditions for moisture intrusion behind the siding, which causes premature failure. The labor costs you’d save with a less experienced installer typically come back as repair costs within 10 years.
How much does removing old siding add to the cost?
Tear-off typically adds $1.00 to $2.50 per square foot to the project. This includes labor for removal and disposal of the existing siding. Tear-off projects also reveal any hidden issues with sheathing or insulation that can be addressed before new siding goes up.
Can I install LP SmartSide directly over existing siding?
Sometimes, depending on the existing siding condition and what’s underneath. Installing over existing siding saves money but may hide issues that affect long-term performance. The pre-project inspection determines whether installation over existing material is appropriate for your home.
What’s the lifespan of LP SmartSide?
The expected lifespan is 30-40+ years with proper installation and periodic inspection. The 50-year limited warranty backs the product’s long-term performance.
Does LP SmartSide affect home resale value?
Yes. Quality LP SmartSide installations contribute to curb appeal and reduce buyer concerns about exterior maintenance, both of which support resale value.
Get the Right Number for Your Specific Home
Generic cost ranges only get you so far. The real LP SmartSide cost for your home depends on the specific square footage, complexity, and condition of your existing exterior, which is what an in-home walk-through actually produces.
Call us at (402) 651-1493 or message us here to talk through your siding project. Our siding installation service page has more on what we install.
