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Choosing the perfect siding for your New Jersey home is one of the biggest remodeling decisions you’ll ever make. The right siding improves curb appeal, protects against weather damage, boosts resale value, and keeps your home looking fresh for years. Among all the options available today, Hardie Plank siding has become the top choice for NJ homeowners – thanks to its durability, storm resistance, and beautiful design flexibility.
If you’re planning a home upgrade, understanding the different Hardie plank siding styles will help you pick the perfect match for your home’s architecture, neighborhood look, and long-term needs. This guide breaks down every important detail in a simple, friendly way so you can make a confident decision.
Why New Jersey Homeowners Love Hardie Plank Siding
New Jersey has a unique mix of weather conditions that demand stronger, more durable home exteriors. From coastal humidity and salt air to icy winters, strong winds, and hot summers, not every siding material can survive NJ’s climate.
Hardie Plank siding stands out because it is engineered specifically for these challenges.
Many NJ homeowners choose Hardie Plank because it is:
- Resistant to moisture, humidity, and coastal air
- Fire-resistant and non-combustible
- Designed to handle freezing winters without cracking
- Low-maintenance and long-lasting
- Available in dozens of styles, textures, and colors
- Mold and pest resistant
- Backed by a long manufacturer’s warranty
Most importantly, Hardie Plank gives homeowners the look of authentic wood without the constant upkeep.
Understanding Hardie Plank Siding Styles
When choosing Hardie plank siding styles, think about your home’s design, age, neighborhood aesthetic, and the type of visual statement you want to create. Some styles offer a classic and traditional look, while others deliver modern, sleek curb appeal.
Below is a complete breakdown of the most popular styles available for New Jersey homes.
1. Hardie Plank Lap Siding
Lap siding is the most common Hardie style and the one you’ve probably seen around NJ neighborhoods. It offers a timeless, clean look that works beautifully with both modern and colonial homes.
Hardie Plank lap siding is available in multiple finishes, including:
- Select Cedarmill – looks like real wood grain
- Smooth – clean and modern
- Beaded Cedarmill – adds decorative detail
- Beaded Smooth – perfect for upscale and beach-style homes
This style is ideal for New Jersey homeowners who want a durable, low-maintenance upgrade that blends naturally with neighborhood architecture.
2. Hardie Shingle Siding
If you love the look of cedar shake but don’t want the maintenance headaches that come with real wood, Hardie shingle siding is the best alternative. It provides warmth, coastal charm, and a handcrafted appearance.
Shingle siding works especially well in:
- Shore towns
- Cape Cod-style homes
- Cottage and craftsman exteriors
- Homes with a mix of multiple siding styles
Hardie shingle siding comes in Straight Edge and Staggered Edge panels, giving you the flexibility to choose between a refined or rustic look.
3. Hardie Vertical Siding (Board & Batten)
Board and batten siding is trending across New Jersey because it upgrades a home’s appearance instantly. It creates a tall, elongated visual that makes the home look bigger, cleaner, and more modern.
Vertical siding works well on:
- Farmhouse-style homes
- Modern home designs
- Porch walls
- Accent areas combined with lap siding
If you want a fresh, stylish makeover, this is one of the most eye-catching Hardie plank siding styles you can choose.
4. Hardie Artisan Collection
For homeowners looking for high-end curb appeal, the Artisan Collection is the premium choice. These boards are thicker, more detailed, and create deeper shadow lines on the home’s exterior.
This collection is perfect for:
- Luxury homes
- High-end remodels
- Unique architectural designs
- Homeowners who want maximum dimension and character
Artisan siding gives your home a custom-built, architectural look that stands out in any neighborhood.
5. Mixing Hardie Plank Styles for a Custom NJ Home
One of the best features of Hardie Plank siding is that it looks amazing when styles are mixed. Many New Jersey homeowners combine different types of Hardie siding to create a designer-quality exterior without the premium cost.
Popular combinations include:
- Lap siding + Shingle siding (for Cape Cod and coastal homes)
- Vertical siding + Lap siding (for modern farmhouses)
- Artisan boards + Smooth lap siding (for luxury homes)
- Shingles in gables + Lap siding on main walls
Mixing styles adds depth, visual balance, and character that truly stand out in the competitive New Jersey real estate market.
Hardie Plank Color Options Perfect for NJ Homes
Hardie Plank offers an impressive range of factory-applied colors using the ColorPlus Technology system. These finishes are baked on, weather-resistant, and fade much slower than traditional paint.
Popular NJ-friendly colors include:
- Deep Ocean
- Gray Slate
- Arctic White
- Iron Gray
- Cobblestone
- Boothbay Blue
- Monterey Taupe
These colors work beautifully with New Jersey’s blend of modern, traditional, coastal, and suburban neighborhoods.
How Hardie Plank Handles New Jersey Weather
Unlike wood or vinyl, Hardie Plank siding is engineered specifically for extreme climates. This is especially important for New Jersey homeowners who battle:
- Nor’easters
- Coastal humidity
- Salt air
- Snow and ice
- Strong winds
- Heat waves
Hardie’s fiber cement formula doesn’t warp, crack, rot, or melt. It also prevents pest damage from ants, termites, and woodpeckers – common issues in some parts of NJ.
This weather resistance is one of the main reasons Hardie Plank siding lasts decades longer than many traditional siding materials.
Maintenance Requirements for Hardie Plank Siding
One of the best things about Hardie Plank is its minimal maintenance. Most NJ homeowners only need to:
- Wash the siding once or twice a year
- Inspect caulking occasionally
- Repaint only after 10-15 years when using ColorPlus finishes
Compared to wood, which requires frequent painting, or vinyl, which may warp in heat, Hardie Plank dramatically reduces long-term upkeep.
Hardie Plank Siding Cost in New Jersey
Costs vary depending on style, color, and home size, but Hardie Plank siding is considered a long-term investment. While not the cheapest option upfront, it delivers unmatched durability and higher resale value.
Typical cost factors include:
- Home size and layout
- Siding style chosen
- ColorPlus vs. primed boards
- Removal of old siding
- Custom trim or accents
- Installation complexity
New Jersey homeowners often recover a significant portion of their siding investment due to improved curb appeal and energy efficiency.
How to Choose the Best Hardie Plank Siding Style for Your NJ Home
Choosing the perfect siding style doesn’t have to be stressful. Think about these factors:
- Your home’s architectural style
- Neighborhood aesthetic
- Whether you want a modern or traditional character
- Your long-term maintenance preferences
- How much visual dimension you want
- Your budget and design priorities
Hardie Plank’s wide variety ensures you can find a style that improves both appearance and performance.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re renovating your forever home or preparing your property for resale, choosing the right Hardie plank siding styles can completely transform your home’s exterior. With its durability, weather resistance, design flexibility, and long-lasting beauty, Hardie Plank is one of the smartest upgrades for New Jersey homeowners. And if you’re ready for a professional, high-quality siding replacement, your home is in safe hands with Home Makeover for James Hardie siding replacement.
About the Author: Jeffrey W. Nero
Jeffrey W. Nero is a home improvement expert with over 20 years of experience serving homeowners in New Jersey. As the owner of Home Makeover™, Jeff combines quality craftsmanship with a deep understanding of local needs. From roofing and siding to deck remodels, Jeff has helped thousands of homeowners bring their visions to life. His commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction makes him a trusted partner in transforming homes across Central NJ.