Cedral vs Hardie Plank: A Detailed Comparison

When it comes to exterior cladding for homes and buildings, fibre cement cladding is a popular choice due to its durability, versatility, and low maintenance. Two leading products in this category are Cedral and Hardie Plank. Both offer exceptional quality, but they differ in several aspects, including features, price, and availability.

In this blog post, we’ll explore these differences of Cedral vs Hardie Plank to help you make an informed decision for your next cladding project.

Overview of Cedral and Hardie Plank

Cedral and Hardie Plank are both fibre cement cladding products designed to provide durable protection and a visually appealing finish for homes. They are often used as alternatives to traditional wood or plastic cladding because they are more resistant to fire, moisture, and pests. Both options offer a wide range of colours, including woodgrain and smooth styles, making them suitable for various architectural designs.

Now, let's dive into the differences between these two leading fibre cement cladding options.

1. Product Differences

Cedral Cladding

Cedral, manufactured by Etex, offers two main product lines: Cedral Lap and Cedral Click. Both products are made from fibre cement but differ in their installation systems:

• Cedral Lap: Installed in a traditional overlap style, similar to timber weatherboarding.

• Cedral Click: Uses a tongue-and-groove system for a more modern, seamless finish.

Cedral cladding is available in a variety of 21 colors and can come with a woodgrain or smooth finish. The product’s composition, which includes Portland cement, fibres, fillers, and water, ensures excellent fire resistance (Class A2, s1-d0), durability, and weather protection. Cedral’s UV-resistant coating helps to maintain the integrity of the color over time.

Hardie Plank

James Hardie, a global leader in fibre cement products, produces Hardie Plank—a well-known, highly regarded option. Similar to Cedral, Hardie Plank comes in two styles:

• Hardieplank: Similar to Cedral Lap this is a traditional overlap style board.

• Hardieplank VL: Is a tongue-and-grove product that provides a clean, contemporary look.

Hardie Plank offers a wide range of 21 colors with the ColorPlus® Technology, which is a pre-finished coating process designed to resist fading from UV exposure. The material is also fire-resistant (Class A2, s1-d0) and capable of withstanding extreme weather conditions, making it a popular choice in both residential and commercial applications.

2. Price Comparison

While both Cedral and Hardie Plank are premium cladding options, their pricing varies based on factors like product type and installation.

Cedral

Cedral is generally more expensive than Hardie Plank. The price per square meter of Cedral cladding typically ranges from £45 to £55 (GBP), depending on the supplier and product type, Cedral Click is more expensive than Cedral Lap. Installation costs can vary, with Cedral Click being slightly more expensive to install due to its interlocking clip system.

Hardie Plank

Hardie Plank is a slightly cheaper price point in the market compared to Cedral. The average cost of Hardie Plank per square meter can range from £40 to £50 (GBP). Installation costs for Hardie Plank are similar to that of Cedral, although James Hardie promote nail gun installation (We always recommend screw fixings) which reduces the install time.

3. Availability

Cedral

Cedral products are readily available across Europe, particularly in the UK, where they are imported. Cedral's broad availability means that lead times are generally ok, and finding local suppliers and installers is relatively easy. The product’s growing popularity is making it more common in other regions as well, though availability outside Europe may be somewhat limited compared to Hardie Plank.

Hardie Plank

As a global brand, James Hardie products like Hardie Plank are widely available worldwide, including the US, Australia, UK and Europe. Hardie Plank’s global reach makes it easier to find in many regions, especially the UK and North America, where it is a leading brand. The supply chain for Hardie Plank is well-established, ensuring consistent availability even in remote locations.

If you're located outside Europe, Hardie Plank might be easier to source than Cedral. There are many national builders merchants in the UK now stocking James Hardie.

4. Durability and Maintenance

Cedral

Cedral cladding is designed to be highly durable and weather-resistant, offering excellent protection against harsh climates. It is resistant to rot, pests, and fire, making it a long-lasting option. Maintenance is relatively low, with occasional cleaning recommended to remove dirt and debris. Cedral’s colors are UV-stable, meaning they will resist fading over time, though you might need to repaint after several years, depending on the climate and exposure.

Hardie Plank

Hardie Plank is known for its extreme durability, particularly in climates with heavy rain, snow, or intense sun. Its ColorPlus® Technology reduces the need for repainting, as the color is baked into the board during manufacturing, ensuring long-lasting vibrancy. Like Cedral, Hardie Plank is fire-resistant and resists damage from moisture, pests, and decay. Maintenance is minimal, and with proper care, Hardie Plank can last 50 years or more.

5. Aesthetic Options

Cedral

Cedral offers a more extensive range of 21 colors, giving homeowners and builders a broad palette to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a modern, sleek finish or a more traditional woodgrain look, Cedral has options to suit various design aesthetics. The Cedral Click range also provides a seamless, contemporary look with hidden fixings, which is appealing for modern architectural designs.

Hardie Plank

Hardie Plank offers 21 colors and two texture finishes (woodgrain and smooth), with a focus on providing natural wood alternatives and contemporary smooth finishes. The ColorPlus® Technology ensures vibrant, long-lasting color, and the product's realistic woodgrain texture is particularly popular with those looking for a natural timber appearance.

Conclusion: Cedral vs Hardie Plank, Which One Should You Choose?

When comparing Cedral and Hardie Plank, both are high-quality fibre cement cladding products that offer excellent durability, weather resistance, and fire protection. The choice between them comes down to personal preference, budget, and availability in your region.

• Cedral is generally more expensive that it's market alternatives . Its availability in Europe makes it an excellent option for those in the UK and surrounding regions.

• Hardie Plank is a premium product with superior color retention technology, slightly cheaper price point, and global availability, making it ideal for those with a tighter budget.

Whether you prioritise cost, design options, or longevity, both Cedral and Hardie Plank are excellent choices for your cladding needs. The decision ultimately comes down to your specific project requirements and aesthetic preferences.