We have used Hardi in more than one build. Definitely a great product, holds up to Texas sun, doesn't warp. The first house we built with it in early 2000s looks as good as ever. Just chose it again for fifth time, guess that says what we think. We had to repaint cedar trim boards on our last house, but not the Hardi.

Cedar is a beautiful and durable wood, if it is left to weather naturally. Painted, however, is another story, since paint is simply a thin film that adheres to the surface of the wood. Depending on weather conditions, cracking and chalking may occur every 3-5 years. Stain, which penetrates the wood fiber is more long lasting (as long as it isn't the opaque stain that sits on the surface as does paint).

If durability and low maintenance is the goal, it's hard to beat Hardy. Be sure the contractor knows how to install it in order to maintain warranty.

Good luck with your project.

I would vote Hardi without a doubt! Cedar is high maintenance especially in the PNW! I know what you mean about the look of cedar, the smell, etc. Hardi is just a better product for that location all the way around!

Good Luck!

Thanks all, going with Hardie, hard to go against an overwhelmingly positive response!

On to color, but that's another thread/post...

We were scared off by several reports of Hardi taking up water (perhaps from not completely sealed ends or improper nailing) and failing in a matter of years. Our builder didn't like it because it sags and requires extra labor for installation to keep it straight. It seemed that the possibility of installation-related issues were relatively high. OTOH, there are many examples of painted cedar clapboards in our town over 300 years old and still going strong. We went with the wood.

rwiegand,

I believe the siding that had a bad reputation was the "LP" siding. The Hardi product is very good and it is up to the builder to educate him/herself on how to install it. The only problem with the wood is you would have to be diligent on staining or painting it to keep out the PNW "moisture"!

I've also read multiple accounts of Hardi failing (finish peeling, taking up water, etc.) granted these might be location issues - we are in the midwest and have extreme cold & hot temperature swings. Those of you who were satisfied with Hardi - are you all in the south?

Another issue we have with Hardi is all the caulk joints. Dh doesn't like the idea of using so much caulk on an exterior element especially with our weather issues. Cedar is so beautiful, but a maintenance nightmare.

I've researched a product called NuCedar (a cedar look pvc product) and it looks gorgeous but is out of our budget.

I've had Hardi on my last 3 houses and live the in PNW. No issues at all and will use on my next build we are in the process of doing now. Overwhelming majority of all the new development aroudn here use HardiePlank