

This Lino Lakes home had failing masonite siding with water and woodpecker damage. The homeowners partnered with Craftsman’s Choice to not only fix the damage but create a brand-new look. With James Hardie Aged Pewter lap siding and straight-edge shakes, Arctic White trim, cultured stone, and Fypon brackets, plus a full soffit and fascia replacement, we delivered a James Hardie Complete Exterior™ designed for performance and style.
Project Specs
Location: Lino Lakes, Minnesota
Problem: Water-damaged masonite siding with woodpecker holes and dented aluminum soffit/fascia
Solution: James Hardie Complete Exterior™
Colors:
Siding & Shakes: Aged Pewter
Trim: Arctic White
Design Features:
James Hardie lap siding with straight-edge shakes in the gables
Custom gable details using Hardie smooth siding with 3” lap size
Cultured stone accents
Fypon composite brackets in gables
New arched-top window in the front gable
Replacement of aluminum soffit/fascia with James Hardie products
Result: A fully integrated James Hardie exterior combining durability and custom architectural detail
Project Overview
The original masonite siding on this Lino Lakes home was failing, with visible water damage and extensive woodpecker holes. The aluminum soffit and fascia were also dented and gave the exterior a cheap, dated look.

Craftsman’s Choice replaced the old siding with James Hardie lap siding and straight-edge shakes in Aged Pewter, a rich, neutral tone that’s timeless yet modern. Paired with Arctic White trim, the new color scheme highlights the architecture with crisp definition.

To add custom detail, our team built gable accents using James Hardie smooth siding in a custom 3” lap size and installed Fypon composite brackets for depth and character. The addition of cultured stone and a new arched-top gable window further elevated the front elevation.

Finally, the outdated aluminum soffit and fascia were replaced with James Hardie products, giving the home a James Hardie Complete Exterior™ that ties the whole system together.

Now, this Lino Lakes home is not only protected from Minnesota’s climate but also showcases a stunning design transformation that blends durability with standout curb appeal.
FAQs
1. Why was the masonite siding replaced?
The masonite siding was rotting and riddled with woodpecker holes. James Hardie fiber cement siding resists these issues and provides long-lasting protection.
2. How does James Hardie siding help with woodpecker damage?
James Hardie siding is woodpecker-resistant because it’s too dense for them to penetrate and doesn’t provide a food source.
3. What is the benefit of James Hardie soffit and fascia?
By replacing soffit and fascia with James Hardie products, homeowners get a Complete Exterior™ system that’s cohesive, durable, and designed to handle Minnesota weather.
4. Why choose Aged Pewter with Arctic White trim?
Aged Pewter is a versatile, modern neutral that pairs beautifully with crisp Arctic White trim, creating a timeless color scheme.
5. How do the shakes, gable details, and brackets improve design?
Straight-edge shakes, custom gable details, and Fypon brackets add architectural depth and distinction, elevating the home’s curb appeal beyond standard siding projects.
Glossary
- Masonite Siding: A hardboard siding made from compressed wood fibers that is prone to swelling, cracking, and rotting in Minnesota’s climate.
- James Hardie Complete Exterior™: An integrated system of siding, trim, soffit, and fascia engineered by James Hardie to provide cohesive design and long-term durability.
- Straight-Edge Shakes: Fiber cement panels designed to replicate cedar shakes with uniform edges, often installed in gables for added texture.
- Cultured Stone: A manufactured stone veneer that mimics the appearance of natural stone, used as an accent to add texture and curb appeal.