LP SmartSide Siding Cost: Is Engineered Wood Worth It in Minnesota?
LP SmartSide Siding Cost: Is Engineered Wood Worth It in Minnesota?
You have spent years turning your house into a home. It is the place you make memories, gather with loved ones, and feel safe. But in Minnesota, a home's exterior takes a beating. The constant freeze and thaw cycles, the humid summers, and especially those unpredictable hailstorms can make you question if your siding is truly up to the task.
You might be wondering,
"Will my siding crack if a baseball hits it?"
"Is engineered wood just glorified particleboard that will rot?"
"Will I have to repaint my house in a few years?"
These are all valid questions. And the answer to them is why so many homeowners are choosing LP® SmartSide® engineered wood siding. It is not just siding; it is a shield that gives you the classic, beautiful look of real wood with an unmatched level of durability and peace of mind.
At Midwest Exteriors MN, we believe your home deserves the best protection. This guide will show you why LP SmartSide is the smart, long-term investment you have been looking for.
What Makes LP SmartSide So Tough?
Think of LP SmartSide siding as a suit of armor for your home. It starts with real wood strands, but then it is fortified with a special four-part protective process called the SmartGuard® process. This makes it stronger, more durable, and more reliable than traditional siding. You can read more about the science behind the SmartGuard process here (https://lpcorp.com/blog/the-lp-smartguard-process-providing-protection-to-the-core).
This "armor" is designed to solve the biggest problems homeowners face:
- Hail and Impact Resistance: LP SmartSide is incredibly strong and flexible. Unlike brittle fiber cement, it is designed to absorb impact without cracking. This superior toughness was even demonstrated in a head-to-head comparison with fiber cement, where LP SmartSide proved more resistant to impacts. This means it can stand up to a hailstorm, a stray baseball, or windblown debris. You get to stop worrying about what is happening outside and just enjoy being inside.
- A Pest & Rot Shield: One of the most common worries with wood siding is pests and rot. LP SmartSide has a powerful additive called zinc borate infused into the wood that repels termites and fungal decay. This built-in protection is a silent hero, guarding your home from costly damage year after year.
- Moisture Guard: Each wood strand is coated in a waterproof wax that helps the siding resist moisture. This means your siding will not swell or buckle from Minnesota's wet springs and humid summers. It stays straight and true, year after year.
- The Perfect Finish: The final layer is a strong seal that helps paint stick better and last longer. This means your home will maintain its vibrant color and beautiful finish for years, without constant touch-ups.
This powerful combination means less time worrying about repairs and more time simply enjoying your home.
Why Choose LP SmartSide Over Other Options?
Choosing siding means weighing your options. When you consider the total value, LP SmartSide consistently comes out on top.
FeatureLP SmartSide Siding Fiber Cement Siding Impact Resistance. Flexible and resists cracking. Can be brittle and crack on impact. InstallationLightweight and easy to install. Saves on labor. Heavy, requires special tools, more expensive. Aesthetics: Deeper, more realistic wood grain texture. Wood grain can sometimes look more uniform.

FeatureLP SmartSide Siding Vinyl Siding Durability Up to five times thicker. Withstands impacts. Thin and can easily dent, warp, or crack. Aesthetics: Long boards mean fewer seams. Looks premium. Noticeable seams can detract from value. Long-Term Value Adds significant resale value to your home. Cost-effective, but does not add premium value.

A Siding for Every Dream: Design Without Limits
Your home is a reflection of you. LP SmartSide offers a wide range of styles and finishes so you can find the perfect look for any architectural style. You do not have to compromise on your dream design.
- Lap Siding: The classic, timeless look that gives your home an elegant and inviting feel.
- Vertical Siding: A style that adds beautiful visual depth and character, perfect for a modern, rustic, or farmhouse-inspired vibe.
- Shingles and Shakes: For a rich, hand-split cedar look, these options add amazing texture and warmth without the risk of rot and pests.
- The ExpertFinish® Collection: Want to skip the painting? This line comes in a wide variety of stunning, prefinished colors that are backed by a 15-year warranty against chipping and fading. For more details on the ExpertFinish color options, visit the LP Building Solutions website (https://lpcorp.com/products/siding-trim/expertfinish/colors).
To help you decide, you can even use the LP SmartSide Home Visualizer to upload a picture of your own home and try out different styles and colors before you make a final decision. It is the perfect tool to bring your vision to life (https://lpcorp.com/products/siding-trim/colors-inspiration/home-styles).
The Low-Maintenance Lifestyle You Deserve
One of the best feelings for a homeowner is knowing you do not have to constantly worry about a major part of your home. LP SmartSide gives you that peace of mind. It is designed to be a set-it-and-forget-it solution.
- Easy Cleaning: An annual gentle wash with a soft brush and some mild soap is all it takes to keep your siding looking great.
- A Warranty You Can Trust: LP SmartSide offers an industry-leading 5/50-year limited warranty. For the first five years, you have 100% labor and materials coverage. You can review the full details of the warranty on the LP Building Solutions website (https://lpcorp.com/products/siding-trim/build-with-lp-smartside/warranty-information). This kind of long-term assurance is a testament to the product’s quality and gives you incredible confidence in your choice.
Make the Smart Choice for Your Home's Future
Choosing LP SmartSide siding is a decision to protect and enhance your home for decades. It is about a smarter way to build, a more beautiful way to live, and a more secure way to invest in your future.
If you are ready to see how LP SmartSide can transform your home, Midwest Exteriors MN is here to help. As a certified LP SmartSide contractor, we have the expertise to ensure a perfect installation and a stunning final result.
Contact Midwest Exteriors MN today for a free, no-obligation consultation!
Call us directly at 651-346-9477 or visit our website at www.midwestexteriorsmn.com to learn more and get started on the beautiful, durable, and low-maintenance home you have always wanted.

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