Built Strong.
Built to Last.

LP SmartSide is engineered wood siding — wood strands bonded with adhesive resins, compressed under heat and pressure, then treated with a proprietary process that makes it resistant to rot, termites, fungal decay, and moisture. The result: siding that looks and feels like real wood, installs like real wood, and costs less than fiber cement — but with none of the maintenance headaches of natural cedar. LP SmartSide key properties: • Engineered for Pacific Northwest high-moisture climates • Treated throughout (not just surface) for rot and pest resistance • 50-year limited warranty on the substrate • Lighter and easier to cut than James Hardie (faster installation) • Pre-primed and ready to paint in any color • Available in lap, panel, trim, and shake profiles

LP SmartSide and James Hardie are the two most popular siding choices for Seattle homes. Here's an honest comparison: LP SmartSide wins on: • Upfront cost — typically 15–25% less than James Hardie installed • Installation speed — lighter, easier to work with, faster project completion • Natural wood look and feel — closer to real wood aesthetics • Nailability — fastens more easily without pre-drilling James Hardie wins on: • Fire resistance — fiber cement is Class A rated; LP SmartSide is combustible • Long-term moisture performance — fiber cement is completely inorganic • ColorPlus factory finish option — not available for LP SmartSide • Brand recognition — James Hardie is the expected standard in premium Seattle real estate For most mid-range Seattle remodel projects where fire resistance isn't a priority, LP SmartSide delivers excellent performance at a better price point.

We install LP SmartSide in every profile they manufacture: Lap Siding: The classic horizontal profile — available in smooth, cedar texture, and brushed surfaces. 5/16" standard and thick series options. Panel Siding: Vertical large-format panels for board-and-batten looks. Popular on contemporary, farmhouse, and ADU projects. Trim & Fascia: LP SmartSide trim integrates with siding for a complete, cohesive exterior. Pre-primed and moisture-resistant. Siding with Grooves: For craftsman and traditional looks — vertical grooves in lap profiles. We can mix profiles for custom design effects — a common approach is lap siding on the main walls with panel siding at gable ends.

LP SmartSide installation in Seattle typically runs $9–$15 per square foot installed, depending on profile choice, home complexity, and existing sheathing condition. For a typical 2,400 sq ft siding surface: • LP SmartSide lap siding: $21,600–$36,000 installed • Compared to James Hardie: $28,800–$48,000 installed The cost savings are meaningful — and LP SmartSide delivers excellent performance in Seattle's climate. Call [PHONE] for a free estimate and side-by-side comparison of LP SmartSide vs. James Hardie for your specific project.

We install LP SmartSide per manufacturer's installation guide — the only way to maintain the 50-year warranty. Key installation requirements we follow: • Minimum 6" clearance from soil, 2" from roofing • House wrap or moisture barrier behind all siding • Corrosion-resistant fasteners (required for warranty) • Caulk all butt joints with LP SmartSide-approved flexible caulk • Prime all cut ends in the field — critical in Seattle's rain Improper installation (skipping end priming, insufficient clearances) is the #1 cause of LP SmartSide failures. When you hire Vikings Exterior, you get a manufacturer-compliant install with the full 50-year warranty intact.