The Siding Debate: Fiber Cement vs. Steel

If you hang out in the same Facebook groups I do — barndominium forums, home build threads, DIY dreamers — you’ve seen the question a thousand times:

“What’s cheaper: James Hardie siding or steel board and batten?”

And almost every time, the comments insist steel costs more – sometimes somebody will say it’s the same but literally never is it less.  Honestly? That blows my mind. I decided to stop guessing and start crunching numbers. Here’s what I found when I lined up James Hardie fiber cement siding against Indiana Metal steel board and batten.

Let’s Talk Numbers (Material Costs Only)

(Note: These are Indiana prices straight off  Home Depot’s and Indiana Metal. Costs vary by region, so always check your local market. I’m leaving out accessories like trims, caulk, WRB, and labor since those are job-specific.)

James Hardie HZ5 Panel + Battens (Primed, Paint Not Included)

• Panel (4×8 sheet at $62.44): $1.95 / sq ft

• Battens @ 16″ spacing: $0.65 / sq ft

• Total: $2.60 / sq ft

Indiana Metal 26 Gauge Steel Board & Batten (Any Standard Color)

• Panel width: 16″ = 1.333 ft

• Cost per LF: $3.35

• Coverage per LF: 1.333 sq ft

• Price per sq ft: $2.51 / sq ft

What That Really Means

Yep — you read that right. Steel siding from Indiana Metal actually comes in lower per square foot than Hardie fiber cement panels and battens.

And the kicker?

• Steel siding: 40-year warranty, set it and forget it, no caulking, no painting, no annual touch-ups.

• Fiber cement siding: Higher upfront cost and you’re signing up for regular caulking, painting, and maintenance to keep it looking good.

But Cost Isn’t Everything

Look — this is your home. If fiber cement is what makes your heart happy, then do it! At the end of the day, you’re the one looking at it day in and day out.

My goal here isn’t to bash Hardie, it’s to set the record straight: steel isn’t the “expensive” option people think it is. And when you add in the low-maintenance lifestyle factor? For a lot of homeowners, steel just makes sense.

Who knows — maybe you’ll end up joining me in the steel lover’s club. 😉