Diamond Kote Siding VS LP SmartSide Siding

Both Diamond Kote Siding and LP SmartSide Siding are engineered wood siding products, but they differ in coatings, durability, warranties, and maintenance needs. Here’s a comparison to help you decide which is best for your project.

Both sidings are made from LP SmartSide’s engineered wood, which consists of wood strands treated with SmartGuard, a mix of waxes, resins, and zinc borate to resist moisture, insects, and decay.

• LP SmartSide: Comes as a primed board that must be painted or finished after installation.
• Diamond Kote: Uses LP SmartSide as its base but adds a pre-finished Diamond Kote coating for enhanced durability and color retention.

• LP SmartSide: Requires on-site or post-installation painting. This allows custom color choices but adds extra labor and cost.
• Diamond Kote: Comes pre-finished with a baked-on Acrylic Finish, designed to resist fading, chalking, and peeling for 30+ years.

• LP SmartSide: Durable but requires periodic repainting every 5-10 years.
• Diamond Kote: Low maintenance since the pre-finish resists wear better than standard paint.

• LP SmartSide: More affordable upfront but includes the additional cost of painting and long-term maintenance.
• Diamond Kote: Higher initial cost but saves money over time due to low maintenance and long-lasting color.

• LP SmartSide: 50-year limited warranty on substrate; paint warranty depends on the paint used.
• Diamond Kote: 30-year no-fade finish warranty + LP’s 50-year substrate warranty.

• Choose Diamond Kote if you want a low-maintenance, pre-finished option with superior color retention.
• Choose LP SmartSide if you want lower upfront costs and don’t mind painting or maintaining it over time.

Would you like help estimating costs or comparing specific color/finish options?