Minnesota Residential Building Contractor License BC636873
Smart Construction crew working across an exterior roofing project with materials staged on the roof.
Engineered wood

LP SmartSide engineered wood siding.

LP® SmartSide® engineered wood siding pairs the natural wood look with treated-substrate durability, costs less per square foot than fiber cement, and installs faster on Twin Cities exterior projects.

Recent work

Real Smart Construction footage.

Actual Smart Construction roof and exterior footage gives you a clear look at how our crews work before you book an inspection.

Siding proof

Siding work tied to storm recovery.

Siding work after a storm — useful if you noticed siding damage alongside roof, gutter, or window impact.

Scope

What we cover.

01

SmartSide Lap, Panel, and Trim install scope

02

ExpertFinish prefinish color selection guidance

03

Engineered wood versus fiber cement, vinyl, and steel material comparison

04

Trim, fascia, and water-control coordination with roof scope

Process

How we work — from first call to finished roof.

01

Inspect current siding, sheathing, and water-entry conditions.

02

Discuss SmartSide Lap horizontal versus Panel vertical install profiles.

03

Discuss ExpertFinish prefinish versus paintable substrate and warranty differences.

04

Prepare a written estimate covering material, install labor, trim, and finish details.

Questions

Common questions.

What is LP SmartSide and how is it different from cedar or vinyl?

LP® SmartSide® is engineered wood siding — OSB substrate bonded with zinc-borate and resin for weather and pest resistance. Visually closer to cedar lap than vinyl, more dimensionally stable than real cedar, and lighter than fiber cement. The SmartSide product line includes Lap, Panel, Trim, and Fascia.

Is LP SmartSide cheaper than James Hardie?

LP® SmartSide® typically installs at a lower per-square-foot price than James Hardie® fiber cement — the trade-off is shorter paint life on paintable SmartSide versus ColorPlus® prefinish on Hardie. The written estimate compares both for the planned scope.

How does LP SmartSide perform in Minnesota winters?

LP SmartSide carries a long-term limited warranty on substrate and finish, with treated wood fibers engineered for thermal cycling, hail impact, and moisture resistance. The product line is rated for northern-climate exposure Smart Construction installs across the Twin Cities.

What is ExpertFinish and why does it matter?

ExpertFinish is LP's factory-applied finish — panels ship pre-colored to eliminate on-site paint and carry a longer color warranty. Paintable SmartSide costs less per square foot but adds field-paint labor. The estimate compares both options for the planned scope.

How does LP SmartSide compare to James Hardie?

Both perform in Minnesota. James Hardie is fiber cement — heavier, longer paint life, premium per-square-foot price. LP SmartSide is engineered wood — lighter, faster install, lower per-square-foot cost. The choice depends on budget, install access, and finish preference. Smart Construction installs both — see the James Hardie page for the fiber-cement deep-dive.

Does Smart Construction hold an LP SmartSide certification tier?

Smart Construction is not currently enrolled in LP's SmartSide contractor partnership program. Smart Construction installs LP® SmartSide® products as a Minnesota-licensed contractor (BC636873) and BBB Accredited Business. Manufacturer enrollment tiers and Smart Construction's competency credentials are tracked separately.

How long does an LP SmartSide installation take?

Most Twin Cities homes complete in 4-8 working days depending on square footage, existing siding removal complexity, and trim coordination — generally faster than fiber cement thanks to lighter material and faster cutting. Schedule is part of the written agreement before crew arrival.

What is the warranty on LP SmartSide siding?

LP® SmartSide® publishes a multi-decade limited substrate warranty on engineered-wood siding products plus a separate limited finish warranty on ExpertFinish® factory-finished panels. Current terms and coverage details are confirmed at the time of estimate. Smart Construction installs per manufacturer specifications, supports warranty registration paperwork, and provides separate workmanship documentation.

Get started

Ready when you are.

Call (612) 260-5267 or send your inspection request and our team will follow up as soon as practical.

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