James Hardie
Austin | North Shoal Creek | Siding & Decking · Feb 26
James Hardie Custom Colonial Smooth 8" Fiber Cement Siding | Trex Select Composite Decking with Integrated Lighting
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4.9 Rating
James Hardie Custom Colonial Smooth 8" Fiber Cement Siding | Trex Select Composite Decking with Integrated Lighting
This comprehensive siding renovation transformed an aging Austin home with James Hardie Custom Colonial Smooth 8" fiber cement siding featuring a precise 6.75" reveal for classic proportions. Our crew installed fresh 7/16" OSB wall sheathing to create a solid foundation before mounting the fiber cement planks, ensuring proper moisture management and structural integrity. The installation included professional finishing with Sherwin Williams Super Paint, selected for its superior adhesion to fiber cement and proven performance in Austin's harsh climate conditions. James Hardie fiber cement siding offers unmatched resistance to cedar pollen, hail damage, and UV degradation while maintaining its appearance through decades of 100°+ summer temperatures.
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The decking portion of this project created an inviting outdoor retreat using Trex Select composite decking materials paired with matching Trex railing systems for a cohesive, finished appearance. Composite decking represents the ideal solution for Austin homeowners who want the beauty of wood without the constant maintenance demands of staining, sealing, and replacing warped boards caused by our extreme weather cycles. The Trex Select line provides excellent fade and stain resistance while maintaining its structural integrity through thermal expansion and contraction cycles common in Central Texas. This installation required coordination with electrical work to ensure proper lighting integration, creating a functional outdoor space that extends the home's living area year-round.
This homeowner reached out to Austin Pro in mid-May 2025 as a returning customer, having been impressed with our work on a previous project. They needed comprehensive exterior updates including siding replacement and a new deck installation. The initial conversation moved quickly from lead status to active prospect within five days, reflecting the trust we'd already established through our previous relationship.
Our assessment team conducted a thorough evaluation of both the existing siding and deck areas during the prospect phase. We identified moisture infiltration issues with the original siding and determined that wall sheathing replacement would be necessary for a proper installation. The evaluation confirmed the need for permits and electrical coordination for the deck lighting integration, which we factored into our timeline and planning.
The homeowner approved our comprehensive proposal on May 27th, 2025, just two weeks after initial contact. Planning involved coordinating permits through the city, scheduling material deliveries from multiple vendors including ABC Supply Co. Inc., and arranging electrical subcontractor availability. Material selections finalized the James Hardie Custom Colonial Smooth profile and Trex Select composite decking with matching railings.
Installation commenced with careful removal of existing materials and installation of new OSB wall sheathing as the foundation for the James Hardie siding system. Our crew worked systematically through the siding installation, maintaining precise 6.75" reveal measurements throughout. The deck construction required coordination with electrical work for integrated lighting, followed by Trex composite plank and railing installation.
The project reached substantial completion in October 2025, followed by two comprehensive punch-out sessions to address final details and ensure quality standards. Our team conducted thorough yard cleanup and completed all touch-up work, including final paint applications. The project officially closed in February 2026 after final inspections confirmed all work met Austin Pro's quality standards and manufacturer specifications.
This Austin homeowner contacted us as a returning customer, having experienced our quality work firsthand on a previous project. They needed comprehensive exterior upgrades focusing on siding replacement and decking installation. The existing siding showed typical wear patterns we see on Central Texas homes built in the 1980s and 1990s — UV degradation, moisture infiltration, and damage from our notorious hail storms.
During our initial evaluation, we identified several critical issues requiring immediate attention. The original siding had reached the end of its useful life, with visible gaps allowing moisture penetration and energy loss. The wall sheathing underneath needed replacement to ensure proper structural support for the new siding system. For the deck project, we evaluated the existing foundation and determined the optimal layout for the new Trex composite system.
Permit requirements added complexity to the timeline, but our team handled all regulatory coordination to ensure compliance with Austin building codes. The scope expanded to include electrical work for proper deck lighting integration, requiring coordination between multiple trades.
We recommended James Hardie Custom Colonial Smooth 8" siding with a 6.75" reveal for several compelling reasons. This fiber cement product delivers exceptional performance in Austin's climate extremes, resisting cedar pollen staining, hail damage, and thermal expansion issues that plague other siding materials. The Custom Colonial profile provides classic proportions that complement the home's architectural style while offering superior weather protection.
For the foundation, we specified 7/16" OSB wall sheathing to create a solid, moisture-resistant base. This critical component ensures proper load distribution and creates an effective thermal barrier. The sheathing installation required precise measurement and cutting to accommodate existing window and door openings while maintaining structural integrity.
The decking project utilized Trex Select composite materials throughout, including matching railing systems. Composite decking eliminates the maintenance headaches Austin homeowners face with traditional wood — no more annual staining, no warping from our dramatic humidity swings, and no splinting from UV exposure. The Trex Select line offers excellent value with proven durability and fade resistance.
Our installation began with careful removal of existing materials and preparation of wall surfaces. The OSB sheathing installation required precision work around existing structural elements, ensuring proper vapor barrier placement and fastening patterns. Each James Hardie plank demanded exact spacing and alignment to achieve the specified 6.75" reveal consistently across all elevations.
The fiber cement installation process involves specialized cutting techniques and fastening requirements unique to this material. Our certified installers used proper spacing for thermal movement while ensuring weathertight seals at all joints and penetrations. This attention to detail prevents the moisture infiltration problems that compromise lesser installations.
Decking construction required coordination with our electrical subcontractor to route wiring for integrated lighting systems. The Trex composite planks install with specific fastening patterns and spacing requirements that differ significantly from traditional lumber. Proper ventilation underneath prevents moisture accumulation that can affect the substructure over time.
The siding received a complete Sherwin Williams Super Paint finish, selected specifically for its superior adhesion to fiber cement surfaces and proven longevity in Texas conditions. This paint system provides additional UV protection while offering excellent color retention through our intense summer months.
Our quality control process included comprehensive inspections at multiple stages. We verified proper fastening patterns, checked all joints and seams for weather tightness, and confirmed that thermal expansion gaps met manufacturer specifications. The deck installation received similar scrutiny, with attention to proper drainage slopes and railing attachment strength.
Two separate punch-out sessions ensured every detail met our exacting standards. This included yard cleanup, touch-up work, and final adjustments to achieve perfect alignment and finish quality.
This combination of James Hardie siding and Trex composite decking delivers measurable benefits for Central Texas living. The fiber cement siding provides superior energy efficiency compared to the original materials, reducing cooling costs during our brutal summer months. Hail resistance offers peace of mind during storm season, while the low-maintenance surface eliminates the need for frequent repainting.
The composite decking creates an outdoor living space that remains comfortable and attractive year-round. Unlike wood decking that becomes scorching hot in direct sunlight or develops moisture-related problems during humid periods, composite materials maintain reasonable surface temperatures and structural stability.
This project represents a strategic investment in both immediate comfort and long-term property value. James Hardie siding carries transferable warranties that add measurable value during home sales, while composite decking appeals to buyers seeking low-maintenance outdoor spaces. The professional installation ensures maximum performance and longevity from both systems.
The electrical integration in the deck creates opportunities for evening entertaining and extends the usable hours of this outdoor space. Proper lighting transforms a simple deck into a true outdoor room that enhances the home's overall living area.
For Austin homeowners considering similar upgrades, this project demonstrates the value of coordinating multiple exterior improvements. The efficiency gains from combining siding and decking work reduce overall project costs while minimizing disruption to daily life.
Austin Pro crafts exteriors that not only captivate but also promise steadfast protection and reliability, embodying the vibrant spirit of Austin in every facade. Your home's exterior is its silent storyteller and first impression; let us help it speak volumes without uttering a word.
