LP Expert Finish Vs. Diamond Kote Siding For Your Home

When it comes to selecting siding for your home, two popular options are LP SmartSide Expert Finish and Diamond Kote. Both offer durable, low-maintenance fiber cement siding, but there are some key differences between the two worth considering.

This comprehensive guide will compare LP Expert Finish and Diamond Kote siding to help you determine the best choice for your home improvement project.

A Brief Comparison Table

Feature	LP SmartSide Expert Finish	Diamond Kote
Composition	Fiber cement core with acrylic polymer coating	Fiber cement core with multi-layer polymer coating
Warranty	25 years	50 years
Maintenance	May require caulk/sealant maintenance	Minimal maintenance needed
Impact resistance	Good	Superior
Fire resistance	Poor	Excellent
Texture options	Smooth, cedar grain	Smooth, grain, stucco
Color options	Wide range	Limited range
Installation	Faster, easier	Requires special saws, professional installation recommended
Environmental impact	Good	Excellent
Width options	Many widths available	Fewer width options

Overview of LP SmartSide Expert Finish Siding

LP SmartSide Expert Finish siding is made by Louisiana-Pacific, one of the leading manufacturers of engineered wood siding. It consists of a fiber cement core covered with an acrylic polymer finish coating. Some of the key features and benefits of LP Expert Finish siding include:

• Durable – The fiber cement core is resistant to rot, cracking and impact damage. The acrylic finish provides protection from fading and staining.
• Low Maintenance – The textured acrylic finish never needs painting. Occasional cleaning with a power washer is all that’s required.
• 25-Year Limited Warranty – LP offers a transferable 25-year limited warranty covering defects in materials and manufacturing.
• Range of Styles – Available in a variety of styles including lap siding, vertical siding, trim boards and soffit. Comes in smooth and cedar grain textures.
• Impact resistant – Has passed impact resistance tests equivalent to 15-30 mph winds.

LP SmartSide siding offers the beauty of real cedar or painted wood siding, but with increased longevity and less maintenance. The acrylic polymer finish gives it enhanced protection and resistance compared to raw fiber cement. It comes pre-primed and ready to install.

Overview of Diamond Kote Siding

Diamond Kote is another popular brand of pre-finished fiber cement siding produced by Nichiha. Here are some of its main features:

• Inorganic Composition – Made from sand, Portland cement and cellulose fiber for durability.
• Triple Coat Finish – Comes pre-finished with multi-layer acrylic coating for protection and appearance.
• 50-Year Limited Warranty – Backed by a 50-year limited warranty against manufacturing defects.
• Resists Moisture Damage – Water-resistant and won’t rot, warp or swell when exposed to moisture.
• Range of Textures – Available in smooth, wood grain and stucco textures to complement any architectural style.
• Low VOC – Emits negligible VOC emissions after installation for indoor air quality.
• Impact Resistant – Can withstand hail, heat and hurricane force winds when properly installed.

Overall, Diamond Kote combines the strength of cement with the beauty of real wood. The multi-coat finishing system provides enhanced protection over bare fiber cement boards.

Comparison of Key Features of LP Expert Finish And Diamond Kote Siding

Now that we’ve provided an overview of both brands, let’s directly compare some of the most important features between LP Expert Finish and Diamond Kote:

Durability

• Both siding options are highly durable and resistant to rotting, moisture damage, impacts and other hazards.
• They feature a fiber cement core reinforced with concrete and cellulose fibers.
• Diamond Kote offers a slightly longer 50-year warranty over LP’s 25-year coverage.

Maintenance

• Neither require painting or staining after installation. Occasional cleaning is recommended.
• LP may need caulk/sealants replaced over time. Diamond Kote seams are sealed more permanently.
• Both feature acrylic polymer finishes to prevent fading, chalking or yellowing.

Appearance

• LP offers smooth and cedar grain texture options. Diamond Kote has smooth, grain and stucco textures.
• Diamond Kote finishes may offer greater color accuracy and vibrancy.
• Both allow for clean lines and details like wood siding.

Cost

• Diamond Kote is typically 30-50% more expensive than similar LP products.
• But the longer warranty and more advanced coating may justify the price premium.
• Actual installed costs depend on contractor rates and specific project requirements.

Installation

• Both require similar wall prep and flashing around openings.
• LP generally goes up faster with wider, lighter boards.
• Diamond Kote needs special saws and blades to cut without chipping edges.

Environmental Impact

• Both brands have minimal VOC emissions and contain recycled materials.
• Diamond Kote has slightly lower potential environmental impacts.
• LP may be more suitable for LEED certified projects.

**Range of Styles **

• LP offers lap, vertical, trim and soffit siding along with starter strips.
• Diamond Kote has planks, panels, soffit and trim options.
• LP comes in more width and color choices.

Pros and Cons of LP SmartSide Expert Finish Siding

Pros

• More affordable than many competing brands
• Lightweight for easier installation
• Good color accuracy and UV protection
• Qualifies for green building programs
• Wide choice of widths and colors
• Faster installation than most cement boards

Cons

• Prone to damage if improperly handled and cut
• Lower durability warranty than some brands
• Needs occasional caulk/sealant maintenance
• Not fire retardant
• Some minor color fading over time

Pros and Cons of Diamond Kote Siding

Pros

• Very durable and low maintenance
• Superior impact, fire and termite resistance
• 50-year transferable warranty
• Factory-finished for consistent appearance
• Never needs painting or staining
• Excellent color retention and fade resistance

Cons

• More expensive upfront cost
• Heavier boards require special saws for cutting
• Limited color palette and siding styles
• Not suitable for cold weather installation
• Difficult for DIY – professional installation recommended

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Final Thoughts

• Both LP SmartSide Expert Finish and Diamond Kote provide low maintenance, durable fiber cement siding.
• Diamond Kote is more expensive but offers a longer warranty, better aesthetics and color retention.
• LP is more budget-friendly and offers wider siding options but lower warranty period.
• For critical fire- and impact-resistance, Diamond Kote is the better choice.
• LP goes up faster and is easier to cut and install making it ideal for DIYers.
• When properly installed, both siding brands will last for decades with minimal upkeep required.
• Consider your budget, project requirements, and aesthetic preferences when selecting between the two.

Hopefully this detailed comparison has provided you with a good overview of LP Expert Finish vs. Diamond Kote siding. While Diamond Kote takes the lead in some areas like warranty and aesthetics, LP SmartSide remains an excellent lower cost alternative.

Carefully weigh the pros and cons before making a decision for your exterior project. With either brand you can achieve beautiful, durable results. Reach out to siding suppliers for product samples and pricing estimates tailored to your specific home.