We must just be lucky in Austin then because almost all of the building material supply places carry smooth Hardi-SOFFIT and Hardi-Panel as well. If I remember correctly ALL of th Hardi-soffit material is smooth. The difference between the panel and soffit material is that the hardi-soffit is slightly thinner (for redued weight in sitalling overhead on soffits), but I've used it many simes as siding with no ill effects.

Wow, that really looks terrific. Good Job!
We are planning on using it on a shed that we are going to rehab next year, so it is nice to see some pics of it going up.

Splatgirl - thank you for sharing the photos. I was able to let my builder have a look at them and he liked what he saw! I never expected buy-in from any builder on an application like this, but I think this one is really starting to get it. Hopefully the design will be suitable for this style of siding.

Mramsey - I know you're in my area - let's be sure to arrange a visit at the time of installation if/when we move ahead with our projects.

LOVE it! It looks great!

I just erased a whole paragraph on getting the screws aligned. You said you pre drilled. So nevermind!

I just put hardibacker on an interior wall with aluminum flashing behind it. Just decor..Huge pain..super heavy! I pre drilled the panel AND the wall so that was a nightmare...it worked though with a little tweaking.

Hardi Panel is pre primed also..very different than hardibacker.

Did you seal over the painted surface?
What kind of paint? Plain ole exterior paint? Would you mind sharing the color you used?

Answer when you can..I'm sure you're busy!!

Just plain old exterior latex. As I understand it, latex is a must as it allows the material to breathe. The color is American Traditions Almost Charcoal from Lowes.

Good to know I'm not the only one who likes the look. Thanks everyone. The more we get done, the more I love it.

My galvalume is finally on site, and we're looking forward to hanging it over the upcoming weekend. I should have new, improved pics soon.

My latest quandry is whether I should flash the windows in galvanized or colored metal. Basically, this would cover the black, bituminous waterproofing membrane that is presently visible around all the windows. So it would be the white window frame, flashing, and then the silver accented gray siding.

As always, I will welcome your opinions!