Updating Our Victorian Home’s Siding with Hardie Board

When we purchased our fixer-upper in our ideal Baltimore neighborhood, we knew several projects would need to be addressed sooner rather than later. One of them was replacing our siding. Here’s the story about how we ended up choosing Hardie Board siding for our Victorian home.

Siding seems like an easy enough project to hire out, but there is a lot of responsibility that comes with owning a historic home. We wanted to invest in a product that would give our home the facelift it needed without affecting its historical charm. Here’s a before picture where you can see how sad and faded our original siding looked.

For owners of Victorian homes like ours, finding the right siding material can be challenging. Many modern siding options lack the historical charm needed to maintain the traditional look of a Victorian house. We love Hardie Board for our house because it mimics the appearance of wood but with more durability. If you’re thinking about updating your home’s exterior (historic or not), here’s why Hardie Board should be at the top of your list.

What is Hardie Board Siding?

Hardie Board is a fiber cement siding product manufactured by James Hardie. It is made from a blend of cement, sand, and cellulose fibers, which gives it an impressive combination of strength and flexibility. Hardie Board is resistant to moisture, rot, and pests unlike traditional wood siding, making it a low-maintenance option for homeowners.

Why Hardie Board is a Great Choice for Victorian Homes

1. Timeless Aesthetic Appeal

Victorian homes are known for their intricate details and architectural charm. When looking to update our siding, our first priority was making sure the new siding kept with our house’s character. Some modern siding materials can make an older home look too contemporary. Hardie Board is designed to mimic the look of traditional wood siding.

They offer several styles and textures with various styles and textures available, such as traditional siding, shingles, and vertical panels; you can choose a design that best matches the original aesthetic of your home. Ultimately, we chose the 7” reveal for most of the home, and straight edge shingle siding for the dormers and the bay window bump outs.

2. Super Durability

One of the biggest concerns for homeowners is the longevity of their siding. Wood siding, while beautiful, can be prone to rot, warping, and insect damage. Hardie Board, on the other hand, is specifically engineered to withstand the elements. It is:

• Resistant to moisture and rot: Ideal for homes in areas with heavy rainfall or humidity.
• Fire-resistant: Unlike wood or vinyl siding, Hardie Board will not ignite or contribute to the spread of fire.
• Pest-resistant: Termites and other pests won’t damage fiber cement like they would traditional wood siding.

Can you believe that? I can’t think of anything else I’d want from a siding product! Hardie Board siding allows us to enjoy our home without constant upkeep.

3. Low Maintenance Requirements

Traditional wood siding requires regular painting, sealing, and repairs to keep it looking fresh. Hardie Board is designed to be a low-maintenance Product. Our siding came in the specific color we requested (Deep Ocean). The color is actually baked into the board, so it lasts longer than paint.

If you live in an area where extreme weather is common, like my home state of Florida, Hardie Board’s durability ensures that your home remains protected and visually appealing for decades.

4. Customizable to Fit Any Victorian Home Design

Victorian homes often feature a mix of different siding styles, from ornate gables to decorative shingles. I love that this product offers a variety of textures and finishes that can be tailored to match your home’s design. Here are some of the options you can choose from:

• HardiePlank® Lap Siding – Similar to traditional wood lap siding, it is perfect for maintaining a traditional look.
• HardieShingle® Siding – Mimics cedar shingles, ideal for gable ends or as an accent siding.
• HardiePanel® Vertical Siding – Works well for creating a board-and-batten style, commonly found on older homes.

These customization options make Hardie Board the best choice for homeowners who want to maintain the unique details of their Victorian home while benefiting from modern siding materials.

The Installation Process: What to Expect

Updating your home’s siding is a significant investment, and understanding the installation process can help you make an informed decision. We were so lucky to hire an incredible local company to install our siding. If you’re in the Baltimore area, I highly recommend JK Exteriors. Here’s what you can expect when replacing your home’s old siding with Hardie Board:

1. Assessment & Planning – A professional contractor will assess your current siding and determine the best approach for the new installation.
2. Removing Old Siding – Your existing siding will be removed, and the surface will be prepped for the new Hardie Board installation.
3. Weatherproofing – A water-resistant barrier is applied to protect your home from moisture before the new siding is installed.
4. Installing the Hardie Board – The new siding is installed using high-quality materials and techniques to ensure longevity and durability.
5. Finishing Touches – Trim, caulking, and paint (if needed) are applied to complete the look and protect your investment.

The entire process can take a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the size of your home and the complexity of the installation. Here are a couple of process photos:

Cost Considerations: Is Hardie Board Worth the Investment?

If you’re a DIY girlie like me, you may be nervous about investing the cost of Hardie Board siding for your home. However, the long-term savings you get from such a durable and long-lasting product will more than make up for the upfront cost. And honestly, replacing the entire house with Hardie Board was only a few thousand dollars more than it would have been to repaint our original siding, and that would have to be done every 8-10 years. For us, it was a no-brainer! Here are some of the things you’ll need to account for when you budget for new siding for your home:

• Material costs – Hardie Board typically costs between $10 and $15 per square foot installed.
• Labor costs – Installation requires experienced professionals, which can add to the overall expense.
• Long-term savings – With minimal maintenance and an average lifespan of 30-50 years, Hardie Board provides excellent value.

This was a huge project for us. In the picture below you can see the scale of our home and imagine the amount of people and equipment it took to finish this job. But, after a few years living with our Hardie Board siding I can assure you it’s a worthwhile investment.

Final Thoughts: Why Hardie Board is the Best Choice for Your Victorian Home

You know I live for a DIY project, but there are just some things that you have to outsource. For us, DIY siding was out of the question, given the sheer size of our 3-story Victorian. That said, if you’re pretty handy and have a smaller home, you may be able to take this project on very easily.

Updating your home’s siding is a big decision, and choosing the right material is essential for preserving the integrity of a Victorian home. As you can tell, we have loved our Hardie Board siding. The color is stunning, and it really enhances our home’s beauty.

If you have questions about our siding project, feel free to reach out to me at this link. And I’d love to see photos of your home if you choose to use Hardie Board siding!