When we first bought our home, the exterior didn’t match the vision we had in our heads. It was dated, faded, and flat. No texture, no character — and absolutely none of the curb appeal we’d hoped for.
That changed the moment we discovered cement board siding.
It wasn’t the first option we considered. Like most homeowners, we started with the usual suspects: vinyl, wood, stucco. But something about each of them felt… temporary. We wanted something more enduring — both in style and structure. Something that would elevate the home from forgettable to unforgettable.
And we found that in cement board.
🌿 First Impressions Matter — And Ours Weren’t Great
We loved the bones of the house — the oversized windows, the natural light, the cozy layout. But the exterior told a different story. The original siding had weathered poorly, warped in places, and lacked the clean lines we envisioned for a modern, elevated look.
Neighbors would walk by and smile politely. Friends would say, “Oh, it has potential.” Even we started using the word “someday” more than we liked.
It was time for a change that matched our style — and cement board siding offered both substance and sophistication.
🪵 What Is Cement Board Siding, Really?
For those unfamiliar, cement board siding (often referred to as fiber cement siding) is made from a blend of cement, sand, and cellulose fibers. The result is a material that mimics the texture of natural wood but offers far more durability.
Why we chose it:
Timeless aesthetics with clean, defined lines
Superior durability against weather, fire, pests, and time
Low maintenance with a long lifespan
Luxury feel without the luxury upkeep
From the beginning, it was clear: this wasn’t just an upgrade. It was a redefinition of the home’s presence on the block.
🖼️ Design Meets Performance
We opted for a smooth, matte finish in a custom charcoal tone. Paired with natural stone accents, warm wood beams, and matte black fixtures, the cement board siding became the star of the show.
Neighbors who once smiled politely? Now they stop and ask for paint swatches and product names. Delivery drivers compliment the house. Friends linger longer outside.
But beyond its visual appeal, it’s the feel of the siding that sets it apart. It has weight. Substance. Intentionality. It doesn’t bend in the wind or fade in the sun. It just stands — strong and quietly confident.
📊 The Numbers Don’t Lie
Curb appeal isn’t just about looking good. It’s about adding real value.
According to recent remodeling reports:
Homes with fiber cement siding recoup up to 86% of the project cost at resale.
It’s rated among the top 5 exterior remodeling investments nationally.
In climate zones like Sacramento and surrounding areas, it provides greater durability than wood or vinyl.
But even if we weren’t thinking resale (and we weren’t), this upgrade gave us a sense of pride every time we pulled into the driveway.
🛠️ The Installation Experience
Working with a contractor experienced in fiber cement siding made all the difference. It’s a precision material — heavier and more rigid than alternatives, which means every cut, seam, and line needs to be exact.
But with the right team, installation was clean and efficient. We were able to keep our existing window and roof lines while building a fresh façade from the ground up. No major delays. No construction chaos. Just steady progress and a stunning end result.
🧠 Why We’d Do It Again
There are few things in a remodel you look back on and say, “That was perfect.” Cement board siding is one of them.
It gave us a polished, high-end look without being flashy.
It solved the maintenance headache that had been building for years.
It made the house feel more like us — modern, strong, and built to last.
It didn’t just upgrade our exterior. It changed the entire way we feel about our home.
✨ Final Thought: Invest Where It Shows
When people talk about luxury, they often think of what’s inside — quartz counters, designer lighting, spa bathrooms. But true luxury starts at the curb. It starts with a first impression that lasts.
Cement board siding may not be the first upgrade you think of — but once it’s installed, it’s the one you’ll be most grateful for. It’s not a trend. It’s not a compromise. It’s timeless, durable design with staying power.
And in our case? It changed everything.
