FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

Working with Hardie trim planks

lunabean1 | Posted in Construction Techniques on July 5, 2005 04:07am

Has anyone worked with Hardie trim boards?  We have 45 degree angles on our house, and any corner trim would have to be ripped.  Any info we can get before going ahead would be helpful.  Maybe I’ll try to contact Hardie – but anything to make a sale, you know.

Thanks,  Shauna

Reply
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

Replies

  1. Nails | Jul 05, 2005 05:46pm | #1

    I have ony worked with hardi board in sheet applictaions, So I can't answer your question directly.

    I take it that you are siding your house with hardi board, and now you are wondering about the trim. I have seen houses sided in hardi planks, trimmed out in wood trim. This may be something that you want to do. I'm not sure how well that stuff rips with a bevel on it. But ya never know, I'm sure someone will have an answer for you.

  2. Faulted1 | Jul 05, 2005 05:50pm | #2

    Hardie trim --  5/4 or the thin stuff?

    1. Nails | Jul 05, 2005 06:29pm | #3

      do you have an answer for either? I'm guessing she's using 5/4

    2. lunabean1 | Jul 05, 2005 07:52pm | #4

      We were thinking of using the 3/4 - definitely not the 7/16.  We haven't ordered siding yet, but are going to go with the ColorPlus.  (I hope it doesn't end up being a lot of work for little reward, but it sure sounds good.)

      Shauna

      (We can always go to wood, but this is a vacation home, so we'd like everything to be somewhat low maintainence/more durable.)

      Edited 7/5/2005 1:33 pm ET by shaunaw

      1. 741cp | Jul 05, 2005 09:13pm | #5

        I'm currenty putting Hardie siding on my house with the 1" hardieplank trim. You can rip and bevel it, I did the 45* corners on the bays. But, it's really dusty, get a good mask. It's best on a breezy/windy day. Hopefully you're neighbors aren't too close by, because it's really bad. Get a circular saw for the project (probably won't be much good afterwards) and spend the money for the diamond blade ($50 ~ $75) made for cement siding. I tried a cheaper $15 dollar carbide blade made for cement siding and it really started to bog after about 15 10' long rips. It would have probably been ok for straight rips, but it was really getting bad on the 45* beveled edges. Unless you have an angled corner, I would not recommend beveling edges.As for prepainted.... I used the prepainted white. By the time I get done cutting and repainted the edges, then painting to cover the nails, the trim will basically be completely repainted. The prepainted siding is worth considering.

        1. lunabean1 | Jul 05, 2005 09:40pm | #6

          Thanks!  We had considered the prepainted trim, but were hesitant because of all the touch-up you just described.  I'd like to think the siding wouldn't be quite as bad, but if anyone out there knows for sure, I'd be interesed in hearing how it went. 

          Another question:  how did you finish the corner where the bay meets the wall?  Did you have to bevel that piece as well?

          Shauna

          1. User avater
            Sphere | Jul 05, 2005 10:12pm | #7

            I recently was at a house for a tore off roof that was sided and trimmed all in hardie..I am contemplating the siding for my house,

            To be honest, the trim looked like crap..it seemed to be chipped excessivly ( could be the installer) and just didn't look quite right.

            On top of that observation , we had a copper roof that went up behind a 5/4 trim board..when the roof did a wizard of OZ in a severe blow..that board shattered into a zillin pcs.

            I'd go with wood or AZEK for trim,,myself.  Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

            Iffin ya cain't spell it, don't eat it

          2. 741cp | Jul 05, 2005 10:35pm | #8

            Yes, I beveled that 45* so the siding came into a flat surface, like a normal corner board. I didn't want the inside corners to look too wide. The painted siding hasn't been a problem at all since it's blind nailed. Very few places to touch up, mostly horizontal cuts.

          3. lunabean1 | Jul 06, 2005 12:15am | #10

            Maybe a dumb question - but is there a reason not to use a table saw rather than the circular?  Does the fiber cement really destroy the machinery?

            Shauna

          4. paul42 | Jul 06, 2005 12:39am | #11

            the cutting process creates this nice big cloud of fine abrasive dust that will eventually wear out just about anything - including your lungs unless you take some precautions.

            Just about any diamond masonry blade will cut the siding just fine. 

          5. lunabean1 | Jul 06, 2005 01:15am | #12

            Thanks to everyone for the info.  Looks like we'll get our order for Hardie siding placed tomorrow, and since we have sixteen angled corners we'd have to cover (yep, 16 - never again buy someone else's crazy foundation with stupid angles) we'll probably skip the Hardie trim.

            Shauna 

          6. User avater
            Bluemoose | Jul 05, 2005 11:36pm | #9

            I've trimmed houses sided with HardiePlank with the 3/4 HardieTrim and I think it comes out looking pretty nice.But I've also trimmed HardiePlank houses with cedar and MiraTec and I much prefer the finished product as well as workability of MiraTec. I've never used Azek or Koma so I can't comment on those. Ripping and cutting the HardiTrim is such a pain I don't really think it's worth it. But FWIW I think the chipping Sphere mentioned was probably an installation/cutting problem as opposed to a problem with the product.

            Edited 7/5/2005 7:18 pm ET by bluemoose

        2. User avater
          SteveInCleveland | Jul 06, 2005 05:40am | #18

          Nice work! 

           

           

          "Preach the Gospel at all times; if necessary, use words."  - St. Francis of Assisi

    3. Faulted1 | Jul 06, 2005 01:38am | #13

      My experiences are the same as above, except I have not used the prepainted Hardie.  The 5/4 looks good with the lap siding.  Dusty stuff and use an old cheap portable table saw or old circular saw and a very good mask.  Don't cross nail thru the bevel just caulk the joint.

      FF

      1. lunabean1 | Jul 06, 2005 04:54am | #14

        I think at this point we'll use MiraTec (or similar) for the trim.  Maybe I'll think about HardieTrim again when I don't have to think about ripping/beveling so many pieces of it. 

        Shauna

        1. Faulted1 | Jul 06, 2005 05:17am | #15

          IIRC, any cuts on the MiraTec need to be primed prior to installation.

          As Norm might say, Please read, understand and follow all installation instructions.

          FF

          PS Good luck!

          1. lunabean1 | Jul 06, 2005 05:29am | #16

            Do know about priming, but have to confess ignorance of IIRC.  Those initials would stand for....?

            Shauna

          2. User avater
            MarkH | Jul 06, 2005 05:33am | #17

            http://www.acronymfinder.com/af-query.asp?String=exact&Acronym=iirc&Find=Find

          3. lunabean1 | Jul 06, 2005 05:43am | #19

            Very funny!!  I'm sure it's 'If I recall correctly', but I kinda like 'If I really cared'. LOL

            Shauna

          4. User avater
            MarkH | Jul 06, 2005 06:16am | #20

            Sometimes I come up with some whoppers trying to figgure out what someone is initializing.

          5. Diamond | Jul 06, 2005 06:38am | #21

            Rip-wise, stick with wood or koma / azec.
            Carpenter / Builder, Rhode Island

  3. Fbart | Jul 06, 2005 08:26am | #22

    I would like to ask a related question about Hardi siding.  I have a customer interested in replacing Masonite staggered edge panel shingle siding with Hardishingle staggered edge panels.  I have been unable to find any information estimating installation time per square.  I am also sondering if it would be wise to pre paint the product before installation, as the staggered edges and edge joints would be a pain to cover once installed on the wall.  If any one has experience with this Hardi product and can offer some advice it would be appreciated. Thanks.  Fred.

    1. dIrishInMe | Jul 06, 2005 02:09pm | #23

      From what I've seen the panelized stuff goes up significantly faster than the individual shakes, but the material cost is significantly higher and there is more waste.  Based on the material/labor costs I have been using the individual shakes, and it takes 3 experienced siders (2 'hangers' and 1 cut man) about 2 hours per square, maybe less depending on how many edge cuts - I was using them in the gable ends only which required angle cuts.  That time is easily doubled or trippled for less experienced siders (jack of all carpenters).  I have never used the panel shakes, however the builder building next to where I am building is using them and it looked to go nearly 2x as fast.   To my eye, the staggered panels look a bit too "contrived" though.  Re painting, my painters spray it after install.  There was someone who posted a pic here of some panel shakes that they prepainted and it looked really nice - they did a multi coat process with some kind of stain (I think) and the color variation made the stuff look more like cedar.  My guess is that prepainting would be more time consuming than spraying them after they are installed. 

      Matt

       

      PS: something to be aware of: My material suppliers only sell the hardi shake products by the square - so if you need 2.1 squares - guess what? ;-)

      Edited 7/6/2005 7:14 am ET by DIRISHINME

      1. Fbart | Jul 07, 2005 03:50am | #24

        Thank you for the reply.  I am aware that this siding is available in my area only by the pallet of two squaire per each, and they are not cheep.  Certanteed makes a sinilar fiber cement product that they will pre- finish, but they want $276 more per sq. than Hardi does for the unpainted ones.  At that rate we could paint them with a tooth brush and still come out. 

        We are a jack of all trades company, with one man who is very familure with vinyl siding.  That will not help us much in this case.  We have used both Hardi Plank, and Hardi Panel siding in the past, and think that it is a good product.

        If a person was to pre paint, how would you do it with out a foot ball field to lay them out in to dry to a point that they wouldn't stick together when stacked?

  4. woodroe | Jul 07, 2005 05:52am | #25

    I've worked with Hardi trim boards a few times, in fact I'm doing a jb with it now. Here's what I think about it and a few more fiber cement observations on Hardi, Certainteed, Miratec, and pre painting fiber cement.

    Hardi Trim: brittle, handle it carefully.
    Difficult, if not impossible to nail corners together without predrilling.
    The edges are very poorly finished. We have had to sand the edge that is exposed on the outside corners to make them presentable on the smooth trim.
    I've cut them with my wormdrive saw and had a helper spray a mist of water on the leading edge of the blade. this keeps the dust down, and makes the carbide blade last. I use only enough water to do the job, but it is a bit messy. (Yes I use a GFI and am quite carefull that the spray is directed foreward)

    Miratec and GP Prime Trim: they scuff too, are prone to pillowing etc. at nail holes. There will be problems with it if it's not kept painted and caulked. Easier to work with than Hardie. Comes in 16' lengths, Hardi only in 10'.

    Hardi siding: I would never recommend prepainting it scratches too easily. (Think about sliding a brick across a newly painted surface and you have a good picture.)
    We do almost all of our cutting with a shears. No dust and no dust masks to wear on a hot day.

    Certainteed brand: Their wood grains are better than Hardi's.
    Their smooth finish has poor edges, They're rough and don't have a neat edge like the Hardi.
    Certainteed's primer on the smooth product is not consistient prone to overspray and bubbles, though their product is more smooth than the Hardi. On the last job I used it on all the butt joints opened up almost 1/8th inch. This from a product that was dilivered on a pallet as a full unit with the factory wrapper and placed, as a unit, in a garage. Yet when we put it up it shrunk. I've never had the Hardie shrink.

    That's my experience with these products. Hope this helps,

    Woody

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

FHB Summit 2025 — Design, Build, Business

Join some of the most experienced and recognized building professionals for two days of presentations, panel discussions, networking, and more.

Featured Video

Builder’s Advocate: An Interview With Viewrail

Learn more about affordable, modern floating stairs, from design to manufacturing to installation.

Related Stories

  • Podcast Episode 686: Brick Steps, Ground-Source Heat Pumps, and Greenhouses in Nova Scotia
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Efficient HVAC for a New Build
  • Affordable Scans, Accurate Plans
  • FHB Summit 2025 — Design, Build, Business

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2024
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers
  • Issue 327 - November 2024
    • Repairing Damaged Walls and Ceilings
    • Plumbing Protection
    • Talking Shop

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

  • Home Group
  • Antique Trader
  • Arts & Crafts Homes
  • Bank Note Reporter
  • Cabin Life
  • Cuisine at Home
  • Fine Gardening
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Garden Gate
  • Horticulture
  • Keep Craft Alive
  • Log Home Living
  • Military Trader/Vehicles
  • Numismatic News
  • Numismaster
  • Old Cars Weekly
  • Old House Journal
  • Period Homes
  • Popular Woodworking
  • Script
  • ShopNotes
  • Sports Collectors Digest
  • Threads
  • Timber Home Living
  • Traditional Building
  • Woodsmith
  • World Coin News
  • Writer's Digest
Active Interest Media logo
X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

Enjoy unlimited access to Fine Homebuilding. Join Now

Already a member? Log in

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data