AZEK Exteriors, a division of AZEK Building Products, manufactures a wide range of high-quality outdoor building materials, including siding.

Learning more about Azek siding and how it compares to other major players in the game can help home and business owners determine whether this product suits their property.

In terms of pricing, AZEK siding is considered a premium option, and its price ($9 to $15 per square foot) reflects this.

The only downside to purchasing AZEK siding is the potential for warping when faced with abrupt temperature changes.

But the good news is that the advantages of this material far outweigh its disadvantages and include essential aspects like ease of installation, weather resistance, and durability.

Average Total Cost of AZEK Siding

AZEK siding is positioned at the market’s upper echelon due to its top-tier quality and longevity. But premium quality comes with a premium price. So, how much does AZEK siding cost?

Siding Type	Average Material Cost per Square Foot	Average Labor Cost per Square Foot	Average Total Cost for a 2,000-Square-Foot House
Staggered-Edge Shakes	$6-$7	$3-$5	$18,000-$24,000
Straight-Edge Shakes	$8-$9	$3-$5	$22,000-$28,000
Board and Batten	$5-$10	$3-$5	$16,000-$30,000

The average price per square foot is $12, but most owners pay between $9 and $15 per square foot.

Let’s say you want to install siding on an average 2,000-square-foot house. You’ll need between $18,000 and $30,000 to complete this project.

AZEK Siding Cost by Material

AZEK siding comes in two types – shingle and board and batten siding. Let’s learn more about each type and its cost.

AZEK Shingle Siding

AZEK shingle siding was designed to give you the timeless beauty and attractive texture of cedar siding without the numerous time-consuming maintenance tasks.

This ease of maintenance is possible thanks to AZEK’s proprietary engineered polymer formula that delivers all the advantages of PVC building materials.

Opt for AZEK shingle siding, and you’ll be able to choose between two options – staggered-edge and straight-edge shakes.

The former are irregular in appearance, offering a more rustic look. Each piece has its unique character, contributing to the overall aesthetic appeal of your home.

You’ll need about 50 of these pieces to cover 100 square feet of surface. At about $6 to $7 per square foot for the materials, this is the most affordable option in the AZEK’s lineup.

As for the straight-edge shakes, they offer a more uniform look, perfect for modern exterior architecture. But don’t worry; it’s not all straight horizontal lines.

There’s some variety in the width of the tabs to achieve a more natural look. You’ll need around 43 straight-edge shakes to cover 100 square feet of surface, costing between $8 and $9 per square foot (for the materials alone).

AZEK Board and Batten Siding

Homeowners looking for a unique appearance won’t go wrong by choosing AZEK board and batten siding. This siding option allows you to combine different board sizes and batten strips to match the aesthetics of your home to a tee.

You can even adjust the spacing to create eye-catching patterns that add texture to the home’s exterior. Depending on your design choices, this siding product will cost you between $5 and $10 per square foot.

Additional Cost Factors to Install Azek Cladding

Similarly to most home improvement projects, the material and labor costs should be the primary considerations.

However, they shouldn’t be the only ones. Here are a few other factors to keep in mind:

-The removal of the existing siding: $1,000 to $3,000 (including waste disposal)
-Installing house wrap: $250 to $550
-Siding accessories (edge trim, corner caps, etc.): $1,500 to $2,000
-Building materials (fasteners, etc.): $100 to $300
-Building permit (if necessary): $50 to $250

AZEK Siding: Where to Buy

Homeowners wanting to side their homes with AZEK products will be happy to know they are widely available across the U.S.

The best option is to visit the company’s website and go to the “Where to Buy” page. Here, you can find the location closest to you and even filter your choices by product and location type.

Generally, AZEK products are sold both through authorized dealers and large home improvement stores, like Home Depot and Lowe’s.

AZEK Siding Reviews

The customer reviews for AZEK siding are mostly positive. This shouldn’t come as a surprise since the company set out to create a siding product with no shortfalls of traditional siding options.

So, when combing through online reviews, you’ll see the customers point out the following qualities of AZEK siding:

-Lightweight construction
-Straightforward installation
-Impressive strength
-Incredible aesthetic appeal (resembling rough-cut cedar)
-Excellent energy efficiency
-All-weather resistance
-Low maintenance

AZEK Siding vs. Hardie Board

James Hardie is one of North America’s largest siding manufacturers, often deemed the No. 1 choice among homeowners and contractors.

The company offers a wide array of siding products, but the Hardie Board is usually the most talked about. But how does this siding option compare to AZEK siding? Let’s find out.

Construction

AZEK siding is constructed using engineered polymers, which basically consist of plastic with some improvements. These improvements are vital to transforming plastic from a lightweight material to a heavy-duty option ready to withstand all the elements.

Besides resisting moisture and temperature changes, AZEK siding can also withstand a lot of stress, thanks to its main component – polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

“Strong” and “resistant” are also perfect adjectives to describe the Hardie Board. This siding option is constructed using a combination of cellulose fiber and cement molded into sheets of varying thicknesses. This proprietary wood pulp, sand, cement, and water formula has made James Hardie a world-renowned brand.

But what does this formula mean for the product? It means the Hardie Board is incredibly strong, eco-friendly, and fire-resistant, all qualities you should look for in a siding product.

Though both constructions result in a reliable siding option, Hardie Board has a slight upper hand, as fiber cement is tougher than polyvinyl chloride.

Longevity

One look at the construction of both siding options and it becomes clear why these materials are among the most long-lasting siding products in the industry. In fact, their durability is often the reason homeowners and contractors use them for their siding projects.

Both the tempered plastic and fiber cement can withstand quite a lot (high temperatures, adverse weather conditions, etc.), giving property owners peace of mind for years to come.

Still, one material comes on top in this regard as well – the Hardie Board. Its sturdy and heavy construction doesn’t allow it to shrink over time (even after abrupt temperature changes), giving it a slight edge over AZEK siding, which is prone to shrinking.

To put things into perspective, the Hardie Board siding can last up to 50 years, provided you install it and maintain it properly. In contrast, AZEK siding typically lasts around 30 years.

Ease of Installation

The installation process is where AZEK siding takes a landslide victory. Being heavy and sturdy, the Hardie Board is challenging to manipulate and install, raising the labor rates.

AZEK siding, on the other hand, is relatively lightweight and requires no special tools or extra steps for water protection.

Pro Tip: Although AZEK siding is easier to install than the Hardie Board, you shouldn’t do it by yourself. Hire professional installers or get friends to help you, as this siding comes in long pieces that tend to flop around unless a few people hold them.

Performance

While good siding has many desirable qualities, it all boils down to one question – does it perform well? After all, if your siding doesn’t protect your home from the elements or help boost its energy efficiency, its other characteristics lose their value.

In this regard, AZEK siding can take quite a beating. It will resist moisture without peeling, swelling, or warping. The same goes for extreme heat and severe weather conditions.

However, abrupt temperature changes can affect this siding. How? By making the material expand and contrast in response to them.

Pro Tip: Always account for length, width, and thickness changes during the AZEK siding installation process. When joining pieces, overlap them to allow for thermal movement.

Keep the same considerations in mind when using fasteners and ensure they have some “give” to allow for expansion and contraction.

The Hardie Board, on the other hand, will retain its original shape for years to come. But, this option is significantly less moisture-resistant.

In fact, the Hardie Board will absorb water, which might lead to some surface peeling and swelling. As a result, you’ll have to maintain this siding option more frequently.

Maintenance

AZEK siding requires minimal maintenance. You’ll only need to power-wash it occasionally to get rid of any loose dirt or debris.

Just make sure to test the pressure first to avoid damaging the siding’s surface. For unpainted panels, throw a mild cleaning solution into the mix, and bid farewell to stubborn stains.

It might be best to paint your AZEK siding immediately, as unpainted panels tend to pick up dust and dirt more.

While the Hardie Board requires more maintenance than AZEK siding, it’s still not considered high maintenance (like wood).

Total Siding Cost

While many factors influence the final siding project cost, AZEK siding is generally more expensive than the Hardie Board, material-wise.

This siding option owes its somewhat high price tag ($7 to $10 per square foot) to the rather costly manufacturing process. Luckily, the installation process is pretty straightforward, resulting in a $2 to $5 price range.

When it comes to the Hardie Board, it’s quite the opposite – the material is relatively affordable ($3 to $5 per square foot), but the installation process can cost up to $8 per square foot due to the required level of expertise.

Adding up all these figures, you’re looking at a $9 to $15 range (per square foot) to install AZEK siding and $6 to $13 for the Hardie Board.

What Is AZEK Siding Made Of?

AZEK house siding is made of an engineered polymer, the company’s proprietary formula. This engineered polymer is PVC that has been tempered and improved to produce a highly-durable siding product.

Did you know? While plastic isn’t exactly known as an eco-friendly material, AZEK is working hard on improving this aspect of its products.

That’s why the company introduced the Full-Circle PVC Recycling program to collect siding scraps from construction sites and reprocess them.

So, instead of getting thrown away and filling landfills, these scraps are turned into brand-new siding products.

Why Is AZEK So Expensive?

AZEK siding, like any other premium siding option, is more expensive because of the quality of materials and their unique manufacturing process.

AZEK products result from extensive research on ways to create an innovative product resistant to the common adversaries of siding.

So, even though AZEK siding costs more upfront, you can expect an impressive product that will stand the test of time even when faced with the elements, insects, and daily wear and tear.

Can You Paint AZEK Cladding?

Yes, AZEK siding is paintable. However, the only reason you might need to paint this siding is the somewhat limited color options. If you think you’ll need to paint it to preserve its appearance, we’ve got good news.

AZEK siding features the company’s innovative PaintPro technology, allowing superior paint adhesion and a long-lasting painted finish without chipping, peeling, and cracking. Best of all? You don’t need any touch-ups or frequent maintenance to keep it this way.

If you still choose to paint your siding, there are a few things to keep in mind:

Choose paint designed for vinyl with a Light Reflective Value (LRV) of 55 or higher. Only lighter colors are acceptable.

-Make sure your chosen paint is suitable for exterior application.

-Paint the AZEK siding within 180 days of installation.

-Keep the siding covered and away from direct sunlight to maximize paint performance.

-Make sure the surface is clean, dry, and free of any foreign materials (dirt, grease, oil, etc.) before starting the paint job.

-Wait for the siding to be completely cured before handling it.

Luckily, AZEK siding dries quickly, so you’ll probably be able to handle it after only 30 minutes.

Make sure to follow these guidelines and select the right kind of paint, as AZEK’s limited lifetime warranty doesn’t cover the performance of painted finishes applied by the purchaser or a third party.

Did you know? Light Reflective Value measures the total percentage of light a painted surface reflects. You can find this value on the manufacturer’s website or in-store color cards.

Is AZEK Exteriors a Good Siding?

Yes, AZEK is a good siding option. In fact, it can even be considered a fantastic siding option, considering it only has two downsides – the cost and the potential shrinking issue.

Check out the benefits of this siding material to better understand its appeal.

Visually Striking Appearance

AZEK siding excels at mimicking the authentic look of wood, instantly boosting curb appeal. Whether you go for the eye-catching board and batten siding or the classic cedar shake appearance, one thing’s for sure – your home’s aesthetics will be elevated to the next level.

AZEK siding often comes pre-painted, ensuring consistent paint coverage and a beautiful and smooth finish. However, you can repaint and match the siding to the surrounding architecture, creating a cohesive treat for the eyes.

Due to this siding’s striking appearance, you don’t necessarily need to use it on the entire house. You can use it to beautify any portion of your home’s exterior, be it a wall, gable, or dormer.

Impressive Durability

You might be unable to tell authentic cedar and AZEK siding apart solely based on appearance. But you can certainly do so based on their durability and performance over time.

Authentic wood siding is susceptible to numerous issues like rot, warping, and insect damage. Besides decreasing its functionality, these issues will impact the siding’s appearance, turning it into a grayish or brownish mess over time.

With AZEK exteriors, you don’t have to worry about any of these dangers. It will remain virtually impervious to common siding challenges, offering a long-lasting solution for your home’s exterior—no paint fading, bleeding, or running in sight.

Virtually No Maintenance

Since AZEK siding is water-resistant and, in turn, mold, and mildew-resistant, it’s virtually maintenance-free. Power-wash it occasionally to eliminate dirt and debris buildup, and it’s good to go.
Incredible Weather Resistance

The primary goal of siding is to protect your home’s exterior from the elements. And AZEK siding truly excels at this job!

This siding option is resistant to wind, driving rain, hail, and heavy snow. Plus, it will resist UV rays, which helps with your home’s energy efficiency.

Excellent Fire Resistance

AZEK siding has the highest achievable fire rating – Class A. This rating means that the siding can withstand extensive exposure to fire. In other words, AZEK cladding is safe to use even if you live in areas prone to brush fires and wildfires.

Generous Warranty

AZEK strongly believes in the quality and durability of its siding products. That’s why they come with a limited lifetime warranty that covers common siding issues like splitting, warping, splintering, and rotting.

Elevate Your Home With Azek Exteriors

There’s no doubt about it – AZEK delivers a premium siding product constructed with high-quality building materials and covered by an industry-leading warranty.

Sure, the upfront cost might be higher, but look at it as a worthy investment in your home’s beauty, comfort, and durability.