LP SmartSide vs. Traditional Wood and Vinyl Siding: What You Need

When it comes to siding your home, you’ve got a lot of choices—and not all are created equal. Whether you’re dealing with fading, rot, warping, or just tired of repainting every few years, it pays to understand the differences between the top materials on the market.

Here’s a straightforward look at how LP® SmartSide® compares to traditional wood and vinyl siding, and why it’s our go-to choice for homes across Western Montana.

Traditional Wood
✅ Beautiful, natural grain
❌ Vulnerable to rot, termites, and moisture
❌ High maintenance in Montana’s freeze-thaw cycles

Vinyl Siding
✅ Resists moisture and rot
❌ Cracks in extreme cold or high impact
❌ Can warp in direct sun or melt near heat sources

LP SmartSide
✅ Engineered wood that resists hail, freeze-thaw damage, and pests
✅ Treated with zinc borate for moisture, mold, and termite resistance
✅ Performs beautifully in Montana’s unpredictable weather

👉 Winner: LP SmartSide

Traditional Wood
❌ Needs repainting every 3–5 years
❌ Prone to swelling, warping, and cracking

Vinyl Siding
✅ Low maintenance, just rinse occasionally
❌ Color fades over time
❌ Difficult to repair without patchy results

LP SmartSide + Diamond Kote
✅ Up to 30 years of no-paint performance with Diamond Kote finish
✅ Simple rinse cleaning—no scraping or repainting
✅ Less fading, better color retention

👉 Winner: LP SmartSide with Diamond Kote

Traditional Wood
✅ Authentic wood grain and texture
✅ Can be customized with paint or stain
❌ Inconsistent over time

Vinyl Siding
✅ Available in many colors
❌ Often looks “plastic” or dated
❌ Doesn’t mimic real wood well

LP SmartSide
✅ Deep cedar grain texture looks like real wood
✅ Custom options: lap, board & batten, shakes, nickel gap
✅ Pairs perfectly with Diamond Kote’s premium color palette

👉 Winner: LP SmartSide

Traditional Wood
❌ Harvested lumber = deforestation
❌ High paint and chemical maintenance needs

Vinyl Siding
❌ Petroleum-based
❌ Difficult to recycle
❌ Emits toxins when burned

LP SmartSide
✅ Made from renewable wood strands
✅ Low-emissions manufacturing
✅ Sustainable and long-lasting

👉 Winner: LP SmartSide

Traditional Wood
💲 High initial cost + long-term upkeep
❌ ROI drops due to frequent repairs

Vinyl Siding
💲 Lower cost up front
❌ Can reduce home value due to appearance and durability

LP SmartSide
💲 Mid-range price
✅ High return on investment
✅ Increased curb appeal and lower lifetime cost

👉 Winner: LP SmartSide

At MCLC Contracting, we install LP SmartSide ExpertFinish® and Diamond Kote® siding because it outperforms the competition in every category that matters—especially in Montana’s extreme weather.

✅ Durable
✅ Beautiful
✅ Backed by a 50-year limited warranty
✅ Installed by our trained, in-house crew—never subcontracted

We’ll help you design the perfect look for your home using LP SmartSide’s full range of styles and colors. Whether you want a rustic feel, clean modern lines, or a classic finish—we’ll get it done right.

📞 Call MCLC Contracting at (406) 412-2036
🌐 Visit www.mclccontracting.com
📍 Proudly serving Deer Lodge, Butte, Missoula & beyond