Siding thickness plays a big role in performance and design, which is why it helps to understand how thick each Hardie board is. That detail affects curb appeal, strength, and how the trim fits around doors and windows.
To make the choice simple, James Hardie offers standard sizes across its product lines. These set dimensions let you compare options side by side, balance cost with durability, and select the profile that gives your home the right look.
How Thick is Hardie Board: Standard Sizes
5/16 Inch: The Everyday Choice
HardiePlank® lap, HardiePanel® vertical, and HardieShingle® are made at 5/16 inch. This size balances weight, strength, and cost. It works on most homes and pairs well with common trim widths. It is easy to handle, fast to install, and comes in many profiles and colors.
5/8 Inch Artisan®: The Bold Profile
Artisan® lap is 5/8 inch thick. The extra mass creates deep shadow lines and a crisp profile. It reads upscale from the street and suits custom or high-detail designs. This line needs careful layout, strong fastening, and skilled crews. It costs more and adds labor time, but the look is hard to beat.
Climate Engineering Without Changing Size
HardieZone® Basics
James Hardie builds boards for specific climates through its HardieZone® system. In Chicagoland, HZ5® is the match. It is made to handle freeze and thaw, wind, snow, and ice. In hot, wet regions, HZ10® is used. The formula inside the board changes for the climate. The thickness stays the same for each product line.
What This Means for Your Home
You select the profile and size for the look you want. We select the right climate grade so the siding holds up. You get the style you love with the performance you need.
Picking a Size That Fits Your House
Start with the Look
Ask what you want the wall to say from the curb. If you want a clean, classic face, 5/16 inch fits most plans. If you want strong shadow lines and a richer profile, the 5/8 inch Artisan® line delivers.
Check the Budget
Material and labor rise with thicker boards. We show side-by-side pricing so you can weigh the value of the thicker profile against other upgrades like larger trim, soffit detail, or accent shingles.
Coordinate Trim and Openings
Thicker boards sit proud of the wall. That can call for wider trim or different build-outs at windows and doors. We mock up corners, window returns, and belt lines so you can see the final stack. If you are still weighing how thick Hardie board should be for your plan, these mock-ups make the choice clear.
Match Style and Neighborhood
Colonial and brick-front homes often use a lap of 5/16 inch with clean trim. Farmhouse plans look great with board-and-batten panels and lap mixed in. High-detail homes with large eaves and deep overhangs often shine with the 5/8 inch Artisan® profile.
Install Quality Matters as Much as Size
Handling and Fastening
Fiber cement is strong, but it needs the right tools and touch. Proper cuts, correct nails, and tight layout protect edges and keep joints straight. Thinner planks can crack if mishandled. Thicker Artisan® boards need precise fastening and careful staging.
Weather Protection and Joints
A smart wall starts behind the siding. We install a weather barrier, flash openings, and set joint spacing the way the specs call for it. We seal penetrations, set clearances at grade and roofs, and keep courses level. These small steps make a big difference in how long the wall lasts.
Site Care and Cleanup
We protect landscaping, cover paths, and clean up each day. Good staging means fewer cuts near your home and less dust and debris.
What You Get With All Star Window & Siding
We serve Chicagoland and the North Shore with crews trained on James Hardie’s best practices. We bring samples, show profiles, and build renderings so you can see the wall before work begins. We walk you through costs, timelines, and the choices that affect the final look.
During planning, we show how trim sizes change with board thickness. During installation, we follow the manufacturer’s specs. After the job, we walk the site with you and review care tips. If you want to see how thick Hardie Board reads on your home, we can set a mock-up on the wall so you can compare it in real light.
Quick Guide: When Each Size Makes Sense
- Choose 5/16 inch if you want a classic profile, a wide set of styles and colors, and a strong value.
- Choose 5/8 inch Artisan® if you want deep shadow lines, a high-end look, and have room in the budget for added labor and trim work.
Conclusion: The Right Thickness Paired With the Right Team
Board thickness shapes the look and the life of your siding. The right install locks in that value. We help you pick the size, profile, and trim that fit your home, your climate, and your budget. Ready to plan your project? Reach out to All Star Window & Siding for a clear, no-pressure consult and a detailed plan for a wall that looks great and lasts.
