If you’ve ever driven through a neighborhood built in the ’70s, ’80s, or even the early ’90s, you’ve probably seen homes clad in a material that looked like wood but didn’t quite hold up the same way. That’s hardboard siding.
Homeowners often ask me, “what is hardboard siding, and why do so many houses have problems with it?” The short answer: it was an affordable, wood-like alternative to traditional siding, but it came with some major flaws. Let’s walk through what it is, why it became so popular, and the reasons it often fails.
So, What Exactly Is Hardboard Siding?
Hardboard siding (sometimes called pressboard or Masonite siding) is an engineered wood product. It’s made by taking wood fibers, mixing them with resins and wax, and compressing them under high heat and pressure into panels.
The result? A product that looks a lot like real wood, can be textured with wood grain patterns, and costs a fraction of natural wood siding. Manufacturers marketed it as a durable, low-cost, and easy-to-install alternative — and for a while, it seemed like a great idea.
Why It Became So Popular
Back in the 1970s and ’80s, hardboard siding was everywhere. Here’s why:
Affordability: It was significantly cheaper than cedar or redwood.
Appearance: With a good coat of paint, it could pass for real wood.
Ease of installation: Lightweight panels made siding jobs faster and less expensive.
For builders trying to put up houses quickly, it was a go-to choice in siding remodeling projects.
The Big Problem: Moisture
Here’s the catch. Hardboard siding doesn’t handle water well. Unlike natural wood, which has some ability to expand and contract, hardboard acts more like a sponge. When exposed to moisture:
It swells and warps.
Edges start to delaminate (separate).
Surfaces can blister or buckle.
Paint peels faster, leaving it exposed to even more water.
Over time, that means rotting panels, gaps, and a home exterior that looks much older than it really is.
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Why It Often Fails
The main reasons hardboard siding fails are:
Poor Moisture Resistance – Even with paint and sealant, once water sneaks in, the panels deteriorate quickly.
Improper Installation – In many cases, siding was installed too close to the ground or without enough clearance at rooflines and windows — giving water easy entry points.
Maintenance Demands – To keep hardboard siding in decent shape, you’d need to repaint every 3–5 years and caulk joints religiously. Many homeowners simply didn’t keep up, leading to widespread failures.
Climate Challenges – In humid or rainy regions, hardboard siding broke down even faster.
The Lawsuits and Settlements
By the 1990s, homeowners across the country were facing serious issues with failing siding. This led to multiple class-action lawsuits against manufacturers like Masonite and Louisiana-Pacific. Many homeowners received settlement money to repair or replace their siding.
That history is one reason why hardboard siding isn’t widely used today. Manufacturers shifted toward more durable engineered products, like fiber cement siding or advanced composites.
What to Do If You Have Hardboard Siding
If your home still has hardboard siding, here’s my advice:
Inspect regularly: Look for swelling at edges, soft spots, peeling paint, or visible seams opening up.
Keep it sealed: Stay on top of painting and caulking to keep water out.
Plan for replacement: Even with good maintenance, most hardboard siding doesn’t last beyond 20–30 years.
When replacement time comes, modern alternatives like fiber cement, engineered wood, or vinyl offer better durability and lower maintenance. For inspiration, see our James Hardie Siding Project in Oakland, CA.
Modern Alternatives
Today, homeowners have much better siding choices:
Fiber cement (like James Hardie): Extremely durable, moisture-resistant, and comes in many styles.
Engineered wood siding (like LP SmartSide): Designed to mimic wood with stronger moisture resistance.
Vinyl siding: Low-cost and low-maintenance, though not as upscale in appearance.
Composite siding: Blends wood fibers with resins for added strength.
All of these outperform hardboard siding in longevity and maintenance needs. Pairing siding upgrades with windows & doors replacement or even flooring remodels inside creates a whole-home refresh.
Final Thoughts
So, what is hardboard siding? It’s an engineered wood product that promised a wood-like look at a lower cost — but in practice, it often fell short, especially when exposed to water. That’s why many homes built with it have needed major repairs or full replacements.
If your house still has hardboard siding, don’t panic — but do stay proactive. With regular upkeep, you can stretch its lifespan, and when the time comes, you’ve got plenty of modern, durable siding options to choose from.
At America’s Dream HomeWorks, we’ve replaced hardboard siding on countless homes with materials that stand the test of time. From exteriors remodeling to full siding replacement, our team ensures your home is protected and beautiful for decades.
✨ Thinking about replacing your siding? Let’s talk about options that protect your home and keep it looking great for decades.
