LP SmartSide vs James Hardie in Minneapolis?

LP SmartSide is engineered wood at $20K-$45K. James Hardie is fiber cement at $30K-$70K+. LP installs faster (lighter material, easier handling). Hardie lasts longer with better paint adhesion (15+ year ColorPlus warranty). For most homes the price/value sweet spot is LP SmartSide ExpertFinish.

Is Modex an LP SmartSide Certified Installer in Minneapolis?

Yes. We hold the LP SmartSide Certified Installer credential — required for warranty registration on LP product. Most Minneapolis contractors install LP without the cert. We register the warranty for you after final payment.

How long does LP SmartSide siding take to install in Minneapolis?

Most Minneapolis full-house LP SmartSide installs take 5-7 days. Larger or more complex homes (multiple stories, complex trim) extend to 7-10 days. ExpertFinish (factory-painted) eliminates on-site paint days — typically 5-7 days total.

Does LP SmartSide need to be painted in Minneapolis?

Standard LP SmartSide product is primed for on-site paint (15+ year repaint cycle). ExpertFinish is factory-painted in 16 colors — no on-site paint required, 25-year paint warranty. For Minneapolis homeowners who don't want repainting maintenance, ExpertFinish is the better choice.

How much does LP SmartSide siding cost in Minneapolis?

Q: How much does LP SmartSide siding cost in Minneapolis in 2026?

Most Minneapolis LP SmartSide installations run $20,000 to $45,000 for standard product and $25,000 to $50,000 for ExpertFinish factory-painted. Add $3,000-$8,000 for soffit and fascia replacement (typically done at the same time).

Modern Exterior Systems (Modex) is an LP SmartSide Certified Installer in Minneapolis. Most LP SmartSide installations run $20,000 to $45,000 for standard product, $25,000 to $50,000 for ExpertFinish factory-painted. Engineered wood, dimensionally stable in Minnesota's -20°F to 95°F climate. 30+ year service life. Lifetime workmanship warranty for as long as you own the home.

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Product

What is LP SmartSide?

LP SmartSide is engineered wood siding from Louisiana-Pacific. The substrate is oriented strand board treated with zinc borate for moisture and termite resistance, then resin-bonded and pressure-formed into siding profiles. It performs like real wood aesthetically but holds up to Minnesota's freeze-thaw cycles without cracking, swelling, or paint failure.

Engineered wood substrate
Zinc borate moisture protection
Factory-applied paint options

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Climate

Minnesota's siding challenge

Twin Cities winters hit -20°F

Freeze-thaw cycles

Why engineered wood survives Minnesota

Standard vinyl becomes brittle and cracks in deep cold. Conventional wood splits and loses paint adhesion through seasonal expansion. LP SmartSide's engineered substrate maintains dimensional stability through the full 110-degree annual temperature swing, and ExpertFinish factory paint holds UV without field-paint failures.

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Profiles

LP SmartSide product lines

Choose the profile and finish that matches your home's style

Lap siding

LP SmartSide Trim & Siding

Full architectural lineup in lap, panel, shake, and trim. Lap siding in 6, 8, or 12-inch reveals. Cedar-texture and smooth profiles for craftsman, traditional, and modern homes.

LP SmartSide ExpertFinish

Factory-applied paint system on LP SmartSide substrate with 16 standard colors plus custom matching and 15+ year paint warranty.

LP SmartSide with Diamond Kote

Alternative prefinish option on the same LP SmartSide substrate for homeowners seeking specific Diamond Kote color matches.

Warranty

LP SmartSide warranty coverage explained

LP SmartSide carries a 50-year limited substrate warranty covering the engineered OSB core itself. Factory-applied ExpertFinish paint is backed by a 15+ year color and adhesion warranty. Full warranty registration requires installation by an LP SmartSide Certified Installer—Modex is certified.

50-year substrate warranty
15+ year paint warranty
Lifetime workmanship guarantee

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Pricing

LP SmartSide cost

Full-house installation

Per square foot

$7–$12

Lap siding in 6, 8, or 12-inch reveals

Cedar-texture or smooth profiles

ExpertFinish or field-paint options

Includes trim and fascia

50-year substrate warranty

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Visualizer

See LP SmartSide on your own home

LP's Home Visualizer lets you upload a photo of your house and try LP SmartSide lap, panel, and shake profiles — plus the ExpertFinish factory-painted color palette — in real time. Helpful for narrowing color and profile choices before we walk the elevations.

The Home Visualizer is a free tool hosted by LP (opens in a new tab). Modex is an LP SmartSide Certified Installer — the certification LP requires for full substrate warranty registration.

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Why Modex

Why choose Modex for LP SmartSide

Three reasons Modex stands apart on every LP SmartSide project

Certified

LP SmartSide Certified Installer status

Only certified installers can register the full 50-year substrate warranty. Uncertified crews void the warranty. Modex maintains active LP SmartSide Certified Installer credentials.

Owner-led on premium projects

Joe Dvorak personally oversees every residential install above $40,000.

Lifetime workmanship — for as long as you own the home

Every residential LP SmartSide install carries lifetime workmanship coverage (current owner) — industry standard is 5 to 10 years.

Recent projects

LP SmartSide installations across the Twin Cities

What homeowners say

Real feedback from Minneapolis and Eden Prairie

"The ExpertFinish color held up perfectly through last winter. No fading, no paint issues. Modex nailed the installation."

Sarah M.

Minneapolis, Minnesota

"We compared LP SmartSide to vinyl and James Hardie. LP SmartSide looked the best and Modex's warranty gave us peace of mind."

Tom K.

Eden Prairie, Minnesota

"The crew was professional and clean. They explained the warranty registration process and made sure everything was documented."

Jennifer L.

Edina, Minnesota

"Five years in and the siding looks brand new. No warping, no paint failure. Best decision we made on the exterior."

David R.

Minnetonka, Minnesota

"Joe came out personally to inspect the work. That level of attention to detail is rare. Highly recommend Modex."

Patricia H.

Plymouth, Minnesota

"The cedar-texture profile looks authentic. People ask if it's real wood. It's LP SmartSide and it's holding up beautifully."

Michael B.

Bloomington, Minnesota

"Modex explained why LP SmartSide was the right choice for Minnesota winters. The engineered substrate makes sense. No regrets."

Linda G.

Wayzata, Minnesota

LP SmartSide questions

Answers to common LP SmartSide siding questions from Minneapolis homeowners

Ready to upgrade to LP SmartSide?

Get a free estimate from Modex. Call 952-206-6339 or request a consultation online.

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About

Modern Exterior Systems is an LP SmartSide Certified Installer

Modern Exterior Systems (Modex) is a women-owned roofing, siding, and window contractor based in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. We serve the Twin Cities metro and western suburbs. Our crews are trained and certified on LP SmartSide installation, warranty registration, and finish protection.

BBB A+ rating
NRCA member
LP SmartSide Certified Installer

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