As a contractor, I’ve torn off more old siding than I can count — cracked vinyl, swollen hardboard, warped planks, you name it. And when homeowners ask me whether they should go with vinyl siding or LP SmartSide, they’re almost always looking for the same thing: a clear, practical answer that tells them what’s truly better for their home.
The conversation usually starts during a Siding Remodeling consultation when homeowners want to compare performance, cost, and curb appeal based on real-world experience.
Let’s break it down, step by step.
Step 1: Understand What Each Material Really Is
Before choosing siding, you need to know what you’re dealing with.
Vinyl Siding
Made from PVC (polyvinyl chloride)
Lightweight
Doesn’t absorb moisture
Available in many colors and profiles
Very low maintenance
It’s been a go-to exterior material for decades because it’s affordable and easy to install — a common choice in Exteriors Remodeling projects.
LP SmartSide
An engineered wood product
Made from wood fibers, waxes, resins, and zinc borate
Designed for strength and moisture resistance
Looks more like real wood
👉 Difference in one sentence:
Vinyl is plastic siding; LP SmartSide is engineered wood designed for higher-end performance.
Step 2: Compare Durability and Weather Resistance
Vinyl Durability
Doesn’t rot
Doesn’t absorb moisture
Can warp in extreme heat
Can crack in extreme cold
Dents easily from impacts
LP SmartSide Durability
Extremely impact-resistant
Handles freeze–thaw cycles well
Doesn’t warp like vinyl
Moisture-resistant
More rigid and stable
👉 Winner: LP SmartSide — especially in harsh climates.
Step 3: Look at Appearance and Curb Appeal
Vinyl Appearance
Clean, simple look
Limited texture realism
Can look “builder basic”
Color fade over time
LP SmartSide Appearance
Deep, realistic wood-grain texture
Architectural, premium look
Strong shadow lines
Perfect for farmhouse, craftsman, or modern styles
👉 Winner: LP SmartSide — for homeowners wanting a custom, upscale look.
For more wood-look exterior ideas, many homeowners compare finishes like those featured in the James Hardie Siding Project in Oakland, CA.
Step 4: Evaluate Maintenance Requirements
Vinyl Maintenance
Wash once a year
No painting
Replace cracked panels
LP SmartSide Maintenance
Repaint every 10–15 years
Must be properly sealed
Fewer repairs due to strength
👉 Winner: Vinyl — for near-zero upkeep.
Step 5: Compare Installation Costs
Vinyl Cost
💲 $4–$7 per sq. ft. installed
Low labor cost
Lightweight
Easiest siding to install
LP SmartSide Cost
💲 $6–$10 per sq. ft. installed
Heavier
Requires more craftsmanship
Premium finish
👉 Upfront cost winner: Vinyl
👉 Long-term value winner: LP SmartSide
Check Our Recent Projects
Step 6: Compare Long-Term Value and Resale Impact
Vinyl
Keeps initial costs low
Great for rentals or short-term ownership
Doesn’t significantly increase resale value
LP SmartSide
Considered a premium upgrade
Strong curb appeal boost
Often increases home value
Outlasts vinyl in most climates
👉 Winner: LP SmartSide
Step 7: Match the Material to Your Climate
Best Climates for Vinyl
Mild temperatures
Moderate regions
Areas with uniform seasonal patterns
Best Climates for LP SmartSide
Hot climates
Cold climates
Hail-prone regions
High winds
Areas with dramatic temperature swings
👉 General rule:
If you face harsh weather, LP SmartSide is the better performer.
Step 8: Decide Based on How Long You’ll Stay in the Home
Choose Vinyl If You:
✔ Want the lowest upfront cost
✔ Plan to rent, flip, or move soon
✔ Need a functional, simple exterior
Choose LP SmartSide If You:
✔ Want better durability
✔ Prefer a high-end look
✔ Plan to stay long-term
✔ Live where vinyl struggles
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Choose?
Choose Vinyl Siding if you want:
Lowest cost
Low maintenance
Simple, clean look
Practical exterior for short-term ownership
Choose LP SmartSide if you want:
A gorgeous wood-grain appearance
Premium curb appeal
Superior strength
Long-term performance
A “forever home” exterior
For deeper cost comparisons, you can explore The Ultimate Guide to James Hardie Siding to understand how engineered materials compare across the industry.
At America’s Dream HomeWorks, we help homeowners choose siding that performs as beautifully as it looks. Whether you want the no-fuss simplicity of vinyl or the premium strength of LP SmartSide, our installation team ensures the job is done right from day one.
