LP SmartSide Siding and Trim
LP SmartSide gives you the deep shadow lines and texture of wood siding in long, stiff boards made for freezing winters. We install LP lap siding and trim with the gaps, flashing and fasteners the maker calls for.
LP SmartSide, Start to Finish
If you like the look of painted wood but not the upkeep or the worry of rot, LP SmartSide is worth a look. It is engineered wood, pressed into long boards with a resin-saturated overlay on the face. LP says every board is treated to the core through its SmartGuard process, a formula of binders, waxes and zinc borate, and that the zinc borate guards against termites and fungal decay. You get the texture and shadow line of wood lap without the care real cedar needs.
LP comes two ways. Primed boards are ready for any paint color you want, and LP's FAQ says the finish coat should go on as soon as possible or within 180 days. ExpertFinish boards come prefinished from the factory, and LP's homeowner page shows 16 ExpertFinish colors plus a Naturals collection with a stained wood look. Prefinished saves a step. Primed gives you any color. We do not paint, so with primed boards you will want a painter lined up.
Install details matter with engineered wood. LP's FAQ calls for a 3/16-inch gap at vertical joints in lap siding, hot-dip galvanized nails or equal, and boards kept off the ground. We follow those steps, with house wrap, flashing tape at windows and doors, and clearances at roofs and decks. See our siding installation and repair page for how a full job runs, or our page on siding in Des Moines.
What's included in an LP SmartSide job
- Old siding removed and wall sheathing checked
- House wrap and flashing tape at every opening
- LP lap siding with gapped, fastened joints
- Matching LP trim, fascia and soffit
- Prefinished or primed boards, your choice
- New gutters hung after the siding is done
LP SmartSide vs. vinyl in Iowa weather
Vinyl is lighter and costs less, but it gets stiff in deep cold, and Angi notes it can become brittle and crack in extreme cold. LP boards are thicker and heavier and hold a straight line on long walls. LP says its products resist freeze and thaw damage. The tradeoff is paint: primed LP needs a finish coat, and any painted surface needs care as it ages. Our LP SmartSide vs. vinyl siding guide lays out the differences side by side.
Colors, trim and the whole look
LP siding pairs with LP trim boards, fascia and soffit, so corners, window casings and the roof edge share the same texture. That is what gives a new build or a full re-side a finished look. Plenty of owners pick a body color with white trim and dark gutters, or one tone with gutters to match. Since we install gutters too, we choose gutter and downspout colors with you while the siding colors are fresh in mind, and hang them once the walls are done.
Timing, weather and paint
Siding can go up through much of the year, but paint is the limit with primed LP. The finish coat has to land inside LP's 180-day window, and paint makers set their own temperature limits, so a late-fall job may wait until spring for its final coat. Prefinished ExpertFinish boards skip that worry. In Polk County, Iowa State Extension puts the median first fall freeze around October 10. Luke will tell you up front how the calendar fits your job and which board makes more sense.
LP SmartSide Questions
Not seeing yours? Call or text (515) 901-3646 and ask Luke.
Luke, Jaxx & Larry
A family business, third generation. Luke runs every estimate himself and Jaxx works the jobs with him. Larry, the shop dog, mostly supervises.
Is LP SmartSide good for Iowa winters?
LP says its products resist freeze and thaw damage, and its SmartGuard treatment adds zinc borate against decay and termites. The boards are stiff and stay straight on long walls in cold weather. Good install details, like joint gaps, flashing and clearances, matter as much as the board itself.
Does LP SmartSide have to be painted?
Primed LP must be painted, and LP's FAQ says the finish coat should go on as soon as possible or within 180 days. ExpertFinish boards come prefinished from the factory. We do not paint, so if you choose primed boards, plan on a painter, or pick prefinished and skip that step.
What is the difference between LP SmartSide and real wood siding?
Real wood siding is sawn from logs. LP is engineered wood, pressed into long boards and treated to the core with binders, waxes and zinc borate, according to LP. It has a wood texture and paints like wood, but it is made to resist fungal decay and termites.
Can LP SmartSide trim be used with vinyl siding?
Yes. LP trim boards give wide, crisp corners and window casings, and they can be painted any color. Some owners use them with vinyl and some with LP siding. Luke will bring samples to the estimate so you can see the trim next to your siding before you choose.
How do I take care of LP SmartSide siding?
Keep gutters clean and downspouts pointed away so water does not splash the bottom boards. Keep mulch, soil and sprinklers off the siding, since LP is made for above-ground use. Check caulk at windows and trim each spring, and plan to recoat painted boards as the paint ages.
How a Job Runs
Call or Text
Overflowing gutters, tired siding, a drafty window or an addition you have been planning. Tell us what is going on.
Free Estimate
Luke comes out, looks at the house, measures, and walks you through your options in plain words.
A Clear Plan
You get a written estimate and a straight recommendation. No pressure and no runaround.
Install Day
Our crew does the work and keeps the job site clean while we are there.
Walkthrough
We walk the finished job with you and make sure everything is right before we leave.
LP SmartSide Near You
Our shop is in Mitchellville. Pick your town, or call and ask if we cover it.
Siding pages for your town
More services
Siding
LP SmartSide and vinyl siding installed or repaired, with soffit, fascia and trim to match.
DetailsSoffit & Fascia
Fascia board repair, aluminum and vinyl soffit, and wraps that hold gutters tight.
DetailsVinyl Siding
New vinyl siding over house wrap, with straight laps and clean trim at every opening.
DetailsNeed LP SmartSide?
Call or text Luke, or send a few details. Estimates are free, and you get a straight answer on what the house needs.