When it comes to siding, Diamond Kote and LP SmartSide are two popular and comparable options for homeowners. Both offer the look and feel of traditional wood siding with enhanced durability and lower maintenance.
But there are some key differences between these two products that are important to understand when making your siding decision.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll compare Diamond Kote and LP SmartSide siding on critical factors like appearance, durability, maintenance, warranties, and cost. Read on to learn the pros and cons of each option to determine which is the better choice for your home remodeling or new construction project.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Factor | Diamond Kote | LP SmartSide |
| Material | Polymer composite | Wood/fiber composite |
| Appearance | Authentic woodgrain, molded from real cedar | Printed/embossed woodgrain |
| Durability | Extremely durable, resists dents/damage | Prone to scratches, cracking over time |
| Maintenance | No painting/staining needed ever | Requires repainting every 4-6 years |
| Warranty | Lifetime limited, 50 years against fade | 50 years limited, 5 years against fade |
| Cost | $8-11 per sq.ft. installed | $6-9 per sq.ft. installed |
| Fire Resistance | Fire-resistant, but can burn | Similar fire rating to wood |
| Sustainability | Contains recycled materials | Contains recycled wood fiber |
Key Differences Between Diamond Kote And LP SmartSide
Appearance
A home’s exterior siding impacts aesthetic appeal and curb appeal. Here’s how Diamond Kote and LP SmartSide compare on look and style:
Diamond Kote
- Replicates the beauty of real cedar wood grain in different hues and tones.
- Comes in a variety of profiles including beaded, shingle, clapboard, and dutch lap. This allows for design flexibility.
- Features PermaColor technology for superior fade resistance and long-lasting color retention.
- Has a realistic, natural wood look since planks are molded from real cedar boards.
LP SmartSide
- Available in a woodgrain texture that resembles cedar, pine, or redwood.
- Provides a consistent wood-like appearance but lacks the true depth and dimension of real wood.
- Offers different profiles like traditional lap and panel designs.
- Prone to some fading and discoloration over time.
- Uses embossing for the wood grain effect which can look obviously fake up close.
When it comes to aesthetics, Diamond Kote is the clear winner with its authentic looking woodgrain pattern modeled from real cedar boards. It offers greater color consistency over time. LP SmartSide provides a decent wood-like appearance but lacks the depth and realism of Diamond Kote.
Durability
How siding holds up to wear and tear will affect long-term home protection and maintenance needs. Here’s how the two brands compare:
Diamond Kote
- Constructed from RigidKote 3000 premium substrates with polymer resins for strength.
- Shows excellent resistance to impacts, scratches, and dents.
- Stands up to extreme weather from hail to high winds.
- Provides great thermal expansion and contraction properties through temperature changes.
LP SmartSide
- Made from wood composite containing cellulose fibers for structural stability.
- Prone to dents and scratches requiring frequent repairs.
- Can warp or crack over time, losing structural integrity.
- Not as resilient against hail damage and storms.
- More susceptible to expansion and contraction issues causing planks to buckle.
Diamond Kote is the clear winner when it comes to durability. The advanced polymer resins create a much tougher exterior that can withstand almost anything nature throws at it. LP SmartSide is more prone to damage which can lead to costly repairs or replacement.
Maintenance
Lower maintenance siding will save homeowners time and money over its lifetime. Here’s how the brands compare:
Diamond Kote
- Never needs painting or staining, retaining its color and finish for decades.
- Resists dirt buildup and cleans up easily with basic cleaning solutions.
- Mold, mildew and fungal growth rarely occur due to protective finish.
- Chalking or oxidation is not an issue even after many years.
LP SmartSide
- Requires refinishing with paint or stains every 4-6 years to maintain appearance.
- Can develop mold or mildew buildup in humid climates.
- More prone to trapping dirt in grooves of the embossing.
- Will experience chalking and oxidation over time.
Clearly, Diamond Kote is far easier to maintain than LP SmartSide.
Diamond Kote’s durable polymer finish stays beautiful year after year without requiring any painting or staining.
SmartSide needs refinishing every few years to keep it looking pristine.
Warranties
A strong warranty provides peace of mind should any manufacturing defects arise with siding. Here are the warranties offered:
Diamond Kote
- Lifetime limited warranty covering defects in workmanship and materials.
- 50 year warranty against color change and fade.
LP SmartSide
- 50 year limited warranty for defects in manufacturing.
- 10 year warranty against fungal damage.
- 5 year limited fade and stain warranty.
Diamond Kote provides superior warranty coverage both for manufacturing and fade resistance. This highlights the brand’s confidence in creating a higher quality, longer lasting product versus LP SmartSide.
Cost Comparison
Of course, cost often impacts purchasing decisions. Here’s how Diamond Kote and LP SmartSide compare:
- Diamond Kote ranges from $8-11 per square foot installed.
- LP SmartSide ranges from $6-9 per square foot installed.
Diamond Kote does cost a little more upfront. But this investment will pay off over decades of near zero maintenance requirements and no repainting needed to keep your home looking pristine. With LP SmartSide, you’ll need to factor in maintenance and replacement costs much sooner.
Which Is The Better Choice?
Based on this comprehensive comparison, Diamond Kote emerges as the superior siding choice thanks to:
- More natural, authentic wood grain appearance
- Far greater durability and resilience
- Lower maintenance requirements
- Stronger warranties for finish and defects
While LP SmartSide costs a little less upfront, Diamond Kote’s better aesthetics, lifetime warranty, and minimal maintenance make it a worthy investment for homeowners wanting the best in woodgrain siding. Your home’s exterior protection and curb appeal will thank you.
Diamond Kote Siding: The Pros and Cons
Diamond Kote is one of the most popular brands of woodgrain siding thanks to its realistic cedar wood aesthetic and enhanced durability. If you’re considering this brand for your home, knowing the pros and cons will help ensure it’s the right fit.
The Pros of Diamond Kote Siding
Superior Aesthetics
- Features PermaColor technology for long-lasting color retention.
- Cedar woodgrain pattern molded from real boards looks authentically natural.
Extreme Durability
- Fortified planks resist dents, scratches, and all types of weather-related damage.
- Stands up to hail, high winds, heat, and freezing temps better than real wood or fiber cement.
Low Maintenance
- Never requires painting, sealing, or staining to maintain its like-new appearance.
- Resists dirt, mildew, mold, and other buildup.
- Easy soap and water cleaning is all it needs.
Environmentally Friendly
- Contains 40% pre-consumer recycled content.
- Manufacturing process has low emissions and low carbon footprint.
Cost Efficient
- Competitively priced versus other siding options.
- Lifetime warranty and no maintenance offers savings over decades.
The Cons of Diamond Kote Siding
Higher Upfront Cost Than Vinyl
- Diamond Kote sits at the higher end of wood alternative siding options cost-wise.
- Vinyl siding will typically cost 25-50% less for materials and installation.
Heavier Than Some Sidings
- Weighs around 2 pounds per square foot, making it heavier than fiber cement and vinyl.
- May require added structural reinforcement on walls.
Professional Installation Recommended
- Getting the seams and alignments perfect requires skill and experience.
- Mistakes during do-it-yourself installation can void the warranty.
Can’t Be Refinished
- While the color-retention technology is excellent, the planks cannot be refinished or recolored down the road.
- Vinyl and cement fiber siding offer greater potential for makeovers.
Not Entirely Fireproof
- While tested to be fire-resistant, extreme heat sources can damage the planks.
Diamond Kote makes an excellent choice for most homes needing woodgrain siding with superb durability and energy efficiency. But it’s smart to weigh the pros and cons before making a final decision. Be sure to research proper installation and care for your region’s climate. With the right prep work, Diamond Kote siding will provide lasting beauty and protection.
Is Diamond Kote a Good Brand for Siding?
With its natural cedar woodgrain look and enhanced durability, Diamond Kote stands out as one of the highest quality woodgrain siding brands on the market today. Here are reasons why Diamond Kote is an excellent choice for your home’s siding:
- Realistic Appearance – Molded directly from real cedar boards, Diamond Kote perfectly replicates the depth, texture, and detail of wood. The PermaColor technology provides long-lasting fade resistance.
- Impact Strength – RigidKote 3000 substrate makes Diamond Kote siding highly impact resistant. It prevents dents, dings, and damage from hail, debris, or animals.
- Low Maintenance – Unlike real wood, Diamond Kote never requires paint, stain, or sealants. Just occasional soap and water cleaning is needed.
- Weather Resistance – Advanced polymers allow Diamond Kote to expand and contract smoothly through heat, cold, and moisture fluctuations. It easily withstands all weather extremes.
- Green Choice – Contains recycled materials and has low VOC emissions. Meets stringent environmental certifications.
- Warranty – Backed by a limited lifetime warranty and 50-year fade warranty. Shows the brand’s confidence in quality.
- Curb Appeal – Diamond Kote beautifies homes and increases resale value thanks to its genuine wood look and customization options.
Based on superior materials, manufacturing technology, and warranties, Diamond Kote sets the standard for woodgrain siding performance and longevity. It’s a worthwhile investment for any home.
Why is LP SmartSide Siding Being Discontinued?
LP SmartSide siding and trim, made by Louisiana-Pacific Corporation, will be phased out over 2023 and discontinued in 2024. There are several likely reasons LP is exiting the engineered wood siding market:
Product Defects and Lawsuits
- Quality control problems have led to material delamination, cracking, and decay in some SmartSide products over the years. This spurred class action lawsuits from unhappy homeowners.
Moisture Damage Vulnerabilities
- LP SmartSide is prone to moisture damage and rot when installed improperly or in very humid climates. This also sparked lawsuits over repair costs.
Market Competition
- Other siding options like James Hardie fiber cement provide similar wood look benefits with fewer moisture and longevity issues.
Company Priorities Shifting
- LP is likely seeking to streamline operations and focus investment on their most profitable offerings, like oriented strand board.
Environmental Factors
- With more engineered wood products on the market, supplying adequate wood fiber for SmartSide may be challenging long-term.
Renovation Slowdown
- Recent housing market changes mean fewer homeowners tackling big siding replacement projects in the near term.
For homeowners with existing LP SmartSide products, limited warranties will be honored until expiration during the discontinuation period. But no new SmartSide siding or trim will be sold after 2024 ends. Other woodgrain brands like Allura fiber cement or Kodiak fiberboard will be solid replacements moving forward.
How Long Does Diamond Kote Siding Last?
One of the main benefits of Diamond Kote siding is its exceptional longevity compared to natural wood, vinyl, and other wood-alternative sidings. Here are some key facts about Diamond Kote’s durability:
- Lifespan: Diamond Kote will last 50 years or more with proper installation and maintenance. The RigidKote 3000 substrate and fade-resistant polymer finish are built to last decades.
- Colorfast: Diamond Kote’s PermaColor technology resists fading, chalking, and discoloration for 50 years per warranty terms. The color remains vibrant.
- Impact Resistant: Diamond Kote withstands hail, falling branches, debris hits, and animal damage thanks to its resilient substrate. Dents and cracks are rare.
- Low Maintenance: No re-painting, staining, or sealing is ever needed to maintain Diamond Kote. Just occasional light cleaning keeps it looking fresh.
- Weatherproof: Diamond Kote stands up to all weather extremes including high heat, freezing cold, and high winds thanks to thermal expansion properties.
- Warranties: Lifetime limited warranty and 50-year fade coverage demonstrate the confidence in product longevity.
Final Thoughts
While individual environmental factors affect all siding lifespan to some degree, Diamond Kote is engineered to last. Barring any major storms or impacts, homeowners can expect their Diamond Kote siding to keep their home beautifully protected 5 decades or more before needing replacement.
The minimal maintenance required also preserves its like-new appearance and value over its lifetime.
Hello, Ralph – Very much appreciate your articles.
We recently built a new house in a small town in NE with construction beginning in late 2019 and finishing during the summer of the next year. At his recommendation, our contractor installed the Diamond Kote siding system on our home including 8″ height dark blue lap siding on three house sides, with matching corner and accessory pieces, as well as contrasting white flat trim pieces around such things as garage doors, patio posts and the like.
Thanks and regards!
We have been happy with the system, but then we experienced a pair of hail storms (one quickly following the other by just a few minutes) during the summer of 2022. While the hail was fairly small (<1.75") in size, it was driven by high winds over a number of minutes from at least 2 different directions. The result is that we had indentations in flat trim pieces that discolored the finish in a number of areas, as well as chipping of siding that often occurred where 2 horizontal siding pieces overlap (generally at the overlap point), on corner/end trim pieces, but also some in the middle of a given plank. As to dimensions, a significant number of damaged areas are over 3/8" in in either length or diameter, with even more being less.
Although various damage occurred on all 4 sides, our insurance carrier has not declared it a total loss, and I am surmising would be reluctant to go ahead and do so. There is also a Diamond Kote warranty re hail damage, but the terms appear to be vague and limiting.
Are you familiar at all with their coverage, or do you know of any other of your website readers who have any similar or related experience to this product with hail?
Thank you and regards –