Install James Hardie Plank Siding
If you are looking for an alternative to traditional wood or vinyl siding, try HardiePlank siding. It is side board constructed from a concrete mixture, similar to the Hardie backer board used in bathrooms and under tile. This plank siding is made for home exteriors. Though different from wood siding in terms of material, it installs in a similar fashion. It helps to have some experience with siding to complete this task, along with a few extra tools. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Install a "faker" piece of HardiePlank. Cut the plank to 2 inches wide, using the circular saw. Lay it along the trim board (or water table board) on the bottom of the house just above the foundation. Tack it in place with the air-powered nail gun. Use one nail every few feet. This allows you to install the first row on an elevated surface, just like the subsequent rows will eventually have.
2. Set the first row of HardiePlank along the faker board so the bottom is level and flush with the trim board. Have an assistant hold the board steady and measure every 3 feet or so to ensure the board is level. Nail it to the sideboard of the home with the air gun.
3. Set the next plank on the wall in the same exact way with a small gap between it and the preceding plank in the row. Once it is leveled, nail it to the wall with the air gun. Continue to install planks to complete the first row of siding in this fashion. When you get to the end of the row, draw a pencil line to mark the edge of the wall on the board. Remove it from the wall and cut along this line. Reset the plank on the wall and nail it in place.
4. Start the next row of planking and install it in the same fashion as the first row. Continue to install plank rows until you reach a window or door frame. Measure and mark the planking to fit around the openings of doors, windows and roof with a pencil and marking tool like a ruler. Cut to fit with the circular saw. Continue to install the planks until the entire home is complete.
