Eagan MN Cedar Siding Replacement with James Hardie

Project Tags: Board and Batten, Cultured Stone, Lap Siding, Siding Replacement in Eagan MN

What began as a project that Jason and Sherry had put off for several years became increasingly difficult to ignore as the original cedar siding on their Eagan, Minnesota home began deteriorating and crumbling along the lower portions of the exterior. They wanted to address the failing siding, keep mice from finding their way behind damaged areas, and give the home a more modern appearance with a siding system they could feel confident in for the long term.

After comparing products and contractors, they worked with Craftsman’s Choice to replace the aging cedar with James Hardie fiber cement siding. They chose primed James Hardie siding that could be field painted in Sherwin-Williams Folkstone with Natural Linen trim, combining 7″ Cedarmill lap siding with Board & Batten accents and architectural changes that created what they now describe, six years later, as a “night and day” transformation.

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Before After

Eagan MN home with aging cedar siding before replacement

James Hardie lap and Board and Batten siding on Eagan Minnesota home

Aging cedar siding was replaced with James Hardie lap siding and Board & Batten, giving this Eagan home a dramatic exterior transformation.

Location

Eagan, Minnesota

Home Style

Split-Entry

Problem

The home’s original cedar siding was deteriorating and crumbling along the lower portions of the exterior, creating openings where mice could get behind the siding. After putting the project off for several years, the homeowners were ready for a more durable exterior and an updated look.

Solution

Replace the aging cedar siding with James Hardie fiber cement siding, combining 7″ Cedarmill lap siding with Board & Batten accents. The project also included architectural updates to the front of the home and new stone accents, creating the more modern exterior the homeowners wanted.

Products

James Hardie 7″ Cedarmill lap siding, James Hardie Board & Batten siding, Hardie trim, and Boulder Creek Fast Stak stone in Cashmere.

Result

A dramatic cedar-to-James Hardie transformation that modernized the home while preserving its character. Six years later, the homeowners remain extremely happy with the exterior, continue to receive compliments on the home, and have recommended Craftsman’s Choice to friends and family.

Timeline

Approximately 3–4 weeks from start of construction to completion

Certifications

James Hardie Elite Alliance Contractor.

Eagan Cedar Siding Replacement

Jason and Sherry had been thinking about replacing their siding for several years. The original cedar was showing its age, with areas near the bottom of the home deteriorating and crumbling. Eventually, the condition of the siding—and mice finding their way behind some of the damaged areas—made it clear that the project could no longer remain on the to-do list.

Their goal wasn’t simply to replace old siding. They wanted to update the appearance of the home and choose an exterior that they could feel confident in for the long term. After considering different products and contractors, they chose James Hardie fiber cement siding and worked with Craftsman’s Choice to develop a design that combined 7″ Cedarmill lap siding with Board & Batten accents.

The transformation also went beyond the siding itself. Architectural details on the front of the home were simplified, including changes around the garage openings and removal of the round gable vents. Boulder Creek Fast Stak stone in Cashmere was incorporated into the new exterior, while Sherwin-Williams Folkstone on the siding and Natural Linen on the trim completed the new color palette.

Project Goal

Jason and Sherry had put off replacing their original cedar siding for several years, but deteriorating and crumbling areas, and mice getting behind the damaged siding, made it clear that it was time. They wanted to solve those problems while giving their Eagan home a more modern look with siding they could feel confident in for the long term.

“For me, it’s always about finding somebody that you like and that you can trust.”

Design & Consultation

During the consultation, Matt helped Jason and Sherry compare siding options, understand the differences between products, and work through the design choices for their home. They especially appreciated his willingness to listen and find solutions that fit what they wanted rather than steering them toward a predetermined option. Visualization software helped them see different possibilities, and they were also able to drive by completed Craftsman’s Choice projects before making their final decision.

Just as important, they felt the project scope and pricing were clearly explained upfront, giving them confidence in what to expect once the work began.

“Matt was just good at explaining each one… and in the end it was clear to us that Hardie was kind of like the gold standard.”

Transformation

Jason and Sherry describe the finished exterior as a “night and day” transformation. Along with replacing the cedar siding, the project included changes to the garage openings, removal of the round gable vents, and new stone accents that significantly changed the appearance of the front of the home.

Once work began, the crew also encountered unexpected conditions behind the old siding, including areas affected by pests and an issue near the chimney. Those conditions were addressed as part of the project before the new exterior was completed. Years later, Jason and Sherry say they still receive compliments on the home and remain extremely happy with the results.

“The siding option that we chose was a game changer.
It was just like night and day.”

Customer Experience

For Jason and Sherry, the people behind the project were just as important as the products. They appreciated an installation crew that arrived consistently, kept the jobsite clean, and handled unexpected conditions as they were uncovered. They were equally impressed with the communication throughout the project and the quality of the finished work.

Their experience has held up over time. Six to seven years later, they continue to receive compliments on their home and have recommended Craftsman’s Choice to friends, neighbors, and family including family members who later chose Craftsman’s Choice for their own exterior project.

“I’d recommend [them] to neighbors, friends, family, anybody.”

Case Study Gallery

Field-painted James Hardie siding in Sherwin-Williams Folkstone pairs with Natural Linen trim and new stone accents.

rear of Eagan MN home The James Hardie lap siding continues around the rear elevation, completing the home's cedar-to-fiber-cement transformation.

After: James Hardie siding, field painted in Sherwin-Williams Folkstone with Natural Linen trim, completely transformed the front of the Eagan home.

Combining horizontal Cedarmill lap siding with Board & Batten gives the remodeled exterior additional architectural definition.

See more Eagan Siding Projects or browse the full project gallery.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Cedar Siding Replacement

How do you know when cedar siding needs to be replaced?

Cedar siding may need replacement when deterioration becomes widespread, boards begin rotting or crumbling, or damaged areas can no longer be effectively maintained or repaired. On this Eagan home, deterioration was especially noticeable along the lower portions of the original cedar siding, and the homeowners had reached the point where continued repairs no longer made sense.

Can cedar siding be replaced with James Hardie siding?

Yes. Existing cedar siding can be removed and replaced with James Hardie fiber cement siding. This Eagan project replaced the original cedar exterior with a combination of James Hardie 7″ Cedarmill lap siding and Board & Batten, giving the homeowners a different exterior material while maintaining architectural character.

What can be found behind old cedar siding when it is removed?

Removing old siding provides an opportunity to inspect areas of the home that have been concealed for years. Depending on the condition of the wall assembly, contractors may discover deteriorated sheathing, pest activity, moisture-related damage, or other conditions that need attention before new siding is installed. On this project, the homeowners recall pest-related issues and an unexpected condition around the chimney that were addressed during construction. The homeowners anticipated inspection for damaged sheathing and possible framing repairs.

How long does cedar siding last before it needs replacement?

There isn’t one replacement age that applies to every cedar exterior. Exposure, moisture management, maintenance, installation details and the condition of individual boards can all affect how long cedar siding remains serviceable. Visible deterioration is generally more useful than age alone when determining whether repair or replacement should be considered.

What affects the cost of replacing cedar siding?

The cost of cedar siding replacement can vary based on the size and complexity of the home, the replacement siding selected, trim and design details, accessibility, and whether deterioration is discovered after the existing siding is removed. Architectural changes, stonework and repairs to the underlying wall assembly can also affect the overall project scope.

Can James Hardie siding be used to modernize an older cedar-sided home?

Yes. Changing siding profiles, trim details and architectural features can make siding replacement part of a larger exterior redesign. On this home, James Hardie lap siding was combined with Board & Batten, the garage openings were updated, round gable vents were removed, and Boulder Creek Fast Stak stone was incorporated into the new design. The homeowners describe the finished transformation as “night and day.”

Glossary

Cedar Siding:A natural wood siding material valued for its appearance and character. Over time, exposure to moisture and weather can lead to deterioration that may require individual repairs or, when sufficiently widespread, complete siding replacement.
Fiber Cement Siding: An exterior cladding made primarily from cement, sand, and cellulose fibers. James Hardie fiber cement siding was selected to replace the original cedar siding on this Eagan home.
Cedarmill Siding: James Hardie siding texture with a wood-grain appearance. This project used 7″ Cedarmill lap siding as the primary horizontal siding profile.
Board & Batten Siding: A A vertical siding style that uses battens to create pronounced vertical lines. Board & Batten was incorporated into selected areas of this home to add contrast to the horizontal lap siding and emphasize architectural features.
Siding Sheathing: The structural panels located over a home’s framing and underneath the weather barrier and exterior siding. Because sheathing is normally concealed, its condition may not be fully known until existing siding is removed.
Weather-Resistive Barrier (WRB): A protective layer installed behind exterior siding to help manage water that gets past the exterior cladding. This home was wrapped with HardieWrap before the new James Hardie siding was installed.

Craftsman’s Choice® Certified Home Ambassador

The Craftsman’s Choice® Certified Home Ambassador designation is reserved for homeowners whose completed projects reflect exceptional craftsmanship, thoughtful design, and a high level of satisfaction from start to finish.

Homes selected for this distinction showcase quality materials, precise installation, and curb appeal that align with our highest standards. Each recognized home reflects the pride, trust, and long-term value that define a Craftsman’s Choice installation.