Siding choice can swing an exterior budget by thousands of dollars, and the wrong profile in the wrong place rarely adds curb appeal to match the spend. The right Hardie profile in the right spot is what separates a production-built home from a fully custom one. The different types of Hardie board siding each carry their own price point, texture, and best-use case. Knowing where to put which profile is what delivers a high-end finish.
Horizontal Plank: The Foundational Hardie Profile
Horizontal plank is the most popular starting point for our clients, and for good reason. It offers a timeless, authentic appearance at the most cost-effective price in the Hardie lineup. It’s the profile we recommend as a baseline for nearly every project, and it carries the rest of the home beautifully when we layer in board and batten or shake on accent areas.
Why The 7-Inch Plank Stands Out
Most vinyl siding products come in 4- or 5-inch widths, which can look narrow on a modern home. Hardie’s horizontal plank comes in a rich 7-inch width that gives the exterior a more substantial, premium feel.
How Plank Compares to Other Types of Hardie Board Siding
Some homeowners use horizontal planks across the entire home as a value-engineered approach. The result reads as polished and unified, and the consistent profile keeps installation efficient. For tight budgets, this all-plank approach delivers the most home for the money without sacrificing the classic Hardie look.
Pro Tip: Wrapping a home in a 7-inch plank captures the signature Hardie aesthetic without the upcharge of multiple profiles.
Board and Batten: A Step Up in Style
Board and batten sits in the middle of the price range and adds real architectural interest. We love this profile because it brings depth and dimension to any home’s exterior.
Authentic Construction You Can See
Vinyl board and batten is typically one molded piece with tight, uniform batten spacing. Hardie’s version uses true separate boards and battens, so the finished result looks far more dimensional up close.
Custom Batten Spacing Options
We can adjust batten spacing to match the home’s overall design. Sixteen inches on center is the most popular layout, since it aligns with wall studs and panel seams for a clean, structurally sound install. Wider or narrower spacing can shift the visual rhythm of the wall, giving the finished elevation a more modern or more traditional feel, depending on the look you want.
Key Takeaway: Board and batten works best on large gables, front elevations, and two-story focal points where you want the eye to land.
Need expert help selecting the right types of Hardie board siding for your home? Contact Hawthorn for a free consultation.
Hardie Shake Siding: The Premium Accent
Hardie Shake is the most expensive option in the lineup, and few clients wrap an entire home in it. Used in targeted areas, shake delivers a serious upgrade in curb appeal for a relatively modest investment.
Best Placement for Maximum Impact
Small, design-focused spots like dormers, peak gables, and covered entries are ideal locations for shake. These accent zones make the home feel intentional and elevated.
Smart Budgeting with Shake
Because shake is concentrated in smaller areas, it doesn’t add much to the total project cost. The visual return is well worth the spend, especially on the front elevation. A well-placed shake accent often delivers the single biggest upgrade in perceived value across the whole exterior.
Pro Tip: Pair a shake on a single front gable with plank across the rest of the home for a balanced, refined look that stays on budget.
Designing with the Different Types of Hardie Board Siding
Smart placement matters just as much as product selection. Mixing two or three profiles, even within a single color palette, can dramatically elevate a home’s overall look. When we plan an exterior with a defined budget, we focus on putting each profile exactly where it earns the most curb appeal.
Reserve Premium Profiles for High-Impact Areas
Reserving board and batten or shake for front-facing gables and key focal points stretches the budget further. The rest of the home stays clean and consistent with horizontal planks. This is the approach that turns a standard production build into a thoughtfully designed exterior, without inflating the overall project cost.
Work with a Hardie-Experienced Team
Our team helps homeowners design exteriors that feel high-end and cohesive. We’ll walk you through every profile option and build a plan that fits your home and your budget.
Ready to Plan Your Hardie Siding Project?
A new Hardie exterior is one of the most visible upgrades you can make to a home, and the right profile mix delivers a far better finished result without doubling the project cost. Our team brings the design experience and installation expertise to make that combination work for your home and your budget. Schedule a consultation with Hawthorn today and let us help you choose the right types of Hardie board siding for your home.
