Traditional Hardie vs. ColorPlus®: Which Siding Is Better for Charleston Homes? 

When Charleston homeowners choose James Hardie® siding, the next big decision is how they want it finished: 

✔ Traditional Primed Hardie (painted on-site)  or  ✔ Hardie ColorPlus® Technology (factory-finished) 

Both options deliver the durability, curb appeal, and Lowcountry resilience James Hardie is known for — but each comes with different long-term benefits, maintenance expectations, and price considerations. 

If you’re updating a home in West Ashley, Mount Pleasant, Daniel Island, Summerville, or the Historic District, this guide breaks down the differences to help you make the right investment. 

What Is Traditional Hardie Siding? 

Traditional Hardie Siding (also known as primed Hardie) is delivered with a factory primer and painted by your contractor after installation. 

✔ Pros of Traditional Hardie 

1. Maximum Color Flexibility 
You can choose any Sherwin-Williams color — perfect for HOA-approved palettes or custom coastal hues.  This may be a better option if multiple colors are used throughout the project. 

2. Ideal for Historic District Approval 
BAR/ARB boards often prefer on-site finishing to blend seamlessly with nearby homes. 

3. Easier to Touch Up 
Small scratches or future repairs blend more easily with field-applied paint. 

✘ Cons of Traditional Hardie 

• Requires painting immediately after installation 

• More labor-intensive 

• Paint life averages 7–10 years in Charleston’s humidity and UV exposure 

• Higher long-term maintenance 

• Coating can be uneven due to exterior conditions during painting 

What Is Hardie ColorPlus®? 

ColorPlus® boards come pre-finished in a controlled factory environment, baked with multiple coats, and protected by an industry-leading warranty. 

✔ Pros of Hardie ColorPlus® 

1. 15-Year Color Warranty 
Resists UV fading far better than field-applied paint. 

2. Factory Precision 
Even finish, no brush strokes, and consistent color from board to board. 

3. Faster Install 
No need for exterior painters — fewer weather delays and quicker project timelines. 

4. Stronger Against Charleston’s Climate 
Factory coating stands up better to: 

• Coastal UV exposure 

• Humidity 

• Salt air 

• Frequent rainfall 

✘ Cons of Hardie ColorPlus® 

• Higher upfront cost 

• Limited preset color options 

• Harder to touch up seamlessly 

• The Manufacturer’s warranty is on the Siding and finish.  The color matched caulk and touch up painting is not included in warranty. 

• Darker colors are more difficult to have touchup seamlessly match vs lighter colors 

Side-by-Side Comparison 

Feature	Traditional Hardie (Painted On-Site)	Hardie ColorPlus®
Color Options	Unlimited (Sherwin-Williams)	Pre-set Hardie palette
Finish Warranty	Varies by painter (3–5 years typical)	15-year color warranty
Fade Resistance	Moderate	High (UV-resistant)
Install Time	Longer (painting required)	Faster (no painting needed)
Maintenance	Needs repainting every 7–10 years	Low maintenance
Cost	Lower upfront, more long term	Higher upfront, lower long term
HOA / Historic District Fit	Excellent	Sometimes restricted

Which Option Is Better for Charleston Homeowners? 

Choose Traditional Hardie if… 

• You live in Charleston Historic District, or an HOA with strict colors 

• You want a custom Sherwin-Williams color 

• You anticipate future additions or repairs 

• You want the most budget-friendly upfront option 

Choose ColorPlus® if… 

• You want long-lasting color with minimal fading 

• You prefer faster installation and fewer weather delays 

• You want a 15-year color warranty 

• You want lower maintenance over the lifespan of your home 

NBC’s Neutral Recommendation: Choosing What Fits Your Home Best 

Both Traditional Hardie (primed and painted on-site) and Hardie ColorPlus® (factory-finished) are excellent, durable siding options used on thousands of Charleston homes. One is not “better” than the other — they simply offer different advantages depending on your goals, your home’s location, your timeline, and your budget. 

At New Beginnings Construction, we install both options every day. Here’s how we help homeowners decide: 

Choose Traditional Hardie if… 

• You want unlimited color choices, including full Sherwin-Williams custom palettes 

• You live in an HOA or Historic District where a very specific color match is required 

• You prefer the ability to touch up or blend repairs more easily in the future 

• You don’t mind repainting every 7–10 years to refresh the finish 

• You want more control over final paint sheen, detailing, and aesthetic 

Choose Hardie ColorPlus® if… 

• You want a factory-applied, consistent finish with controlled curing 

• You prefer finish longevity with minimal fading over time 

• You value a faster installation, since no exterior painting is required 

• You want a 15-year color warranty that reduces long-term maintenance 

• You like the curated Hardie color palette and don’t need custom tones 

NBC’s Approach: Educate First, Decide Together 

Rather than steering homeowners toward one type of siding, we focus on your: 

• Budget 

• Timeline 

• Maintenance expectations 

• HOA or historic requirements 

• Long-term color and design goals 

Some Charleston homeowners choose ColorPlus® for convenience and warranty benefits. Others prefer Traditional Hardie to get the exact color they want or to meet historic guidelines — especially downtown or in controlled neighborhoods. 

Both are durable. Both are beautiful. Both are smart investments. 
The “right” choice is the one that fits your home and your priorities. 

Ready to Upgrade Your Home’s Exterior? 

Whether you’re leaning toward Traditional Hardie or Hardie ColorPlus®, New Beginnings Construction delivers craftsmanship, clarity, and a seamless experience from consultation to final inspection. 

📍 Serving Charleston, Mount Pleasant, Summerville, James Island, Johns Island, Goose Creek, and the Lowcountry. 
📞 Schedule your free exterior consultation today. 

Built with Trust. Backed by Results.