Take a look at the Friman or Kercheval/Suino residences by Fred Stelle (stelleco.com) for other examples of fiber cement panels in use both indoors and out.

magicash,

the 3'X 5' panels are hardi-backer. What you want is Hardi-Panel or Hardi-Soffit, in a smooth finish. It is generally readily available at the big-box stores.

Mark

Mark, at lowes the only hardi panel they had was looked like wood or vinyl siding. I am looking for stuff splatgirl has in her pic. Does HD carry that kind, I don't have one in my area.

Thanks

Other than the size of the sheets and the fact that one side has a pattern, is there a material difference between Hardibacker and Hardipanel? James Hardie says hardibacker is not for exterior use, but I've had sheets stored outside for months without any visible damage or deterioration. What gives?

Anyone that carries Hardi products can get it, but I have yet to find anywhere that stocks anything other than the wood grain plank stuff. At either Lowe's or HD, you need to have them special order it, and it will be a pita because no one at any of those stores seems to know anything about anything. Just make sure you have a spare couple of hours.

There IS a difference between hardi backer and hardi panel. The tile backer is a lot harder, stiffer and more dense. It's also textured to hold thinset. Definitely not the same material at all.