13 Nov 2025
Can You Install Hardie® Plank Yourself? A Homeowner’s Guide to DIY Cladding
If you’re planning to refresh the exterior of your home or give your new garden building a smart, durable finish, Hardie® Plank cladding could be just what you need.
These weatherboard panels offer the timeless look of painted timber with the long-term durability of fibre cement, and yes, with the right preparation, many homeowners can install it themselves.
What is Hardie® Plank?
Hardie® Plank is a fibre cement weatherboard made from a blend of cement, sand and cellulose fibres. It’s designed to resist fire, moisture, rot and pests, making it one of the most dependable and low-maintenance cladding options available today. Thanks to its ColourPlus™ Technology, the finish is baked on in multiple coats, giving lasting colour that resists fading, peeling and cracking.
Available in 21 colours and a choice of smooth or wood-grain textures, Hardie® Plank suits both traditional and contemporary designs. For a more streamlined look, Hardie® VL Plank offers an interlocking tongue-and-groove profile that installs quickly and gives a clean, modern finish.
Is Hardie® Plank Suitable for DIY Projects?
In short, yes. One of Hardie® Plank’s biggest advantages is how straightforward it is to work with, especially for confident DIYers familiar with basic tools and building techniques. It’s ideal for smaller projects such as:
- Garden rooms and home offices
- Outbuildings or garages
- Feature walls or small extensions
While it’s perfectly possible to install yourself, Hardie® Plank is a substantial product, so it’s always best to have a second pair of hands for lifting and fixing.
Following the manufacturer’s installation guide closely will help ensure a professional finish and maintain the product’s warranty and 30-year design life (as certified under BBA certificate 04/4147).
Tools and equipment you’ll need
Before you begin, make sure you have the right tools, accessories and safety gear. Using the correct equipment makes the job faster, cleaner and safer.
• Cutting: Use a Hardie™ Guillotine or Hardie™ Blade saw for clean, dust-controlled cuts.
• Fixing: Nail by hand or use an impulse/pneumatic nail gun. Hardie™ screws are available for secure fixing where a visible head is acceptable.
• Support: The Hardie™ Gecko Gauge can help position boards consistently, allowing for one-person installation.
• Protection: Always cut in a well-ventilated area and wear an FFP2/3 respirator and eye protection to avoid inhaling fine dust.
If you’re unsure of what you’ll need, ask your local depot team. They can organise a James Hardie take-off service to calculate quantities of boards, trims, and accessories specific to your project.
Aftercare and maintenance
One of the biggest appeals of Hardie® Plank is its low-maintenance nature. The baked on finish resists cracking and peeling, while the fibre cement core ensures no rotting or warping over time. Simply wash the surface once or twice a year with clean water and a soft brush - no repainting or special treatments required.
Why choose Hardie® Plank for your home?
• Realistic, natural-wood look without the upkeep
• A2 fire rated
• Weather and rot resistant
• 15-year product warranty and design life exceeding 30 years
• Available in 21 fade-resistant colours
• Backed by trusted BBA certification and NHBC acceptance
Talk to us about your project
We’re proud to be premium stockists of the James Hardie cladding range, supplying both Hardie® Plank and Hardie® VL Plank across the UK. Whether you’re planning a small DIY project or a larger renovation, our team can help with samples, take-off services and expert advice on installation and finishing options.
Visit your local depot or contact us today to start planning your Hardie® Plank project with confidence.
