Why Fibre Cement? Smart. Stylish. Safe.
Discover the material that combines durability, safety, and design flexibility.
What is fibre cement?
Fibre cement, also known as Fibre Reinforced Cement (FRC), is a highly versatile building material. This innovative composite is made mainly from cement and cellulose fibres and can be used across a wide range of construction applications.
James Hardie fibre cement products consist of a mixture of:
Cellulose fibres: These serve as a filler in the material
Portland cement: It binds the ingredients together
Sand ensures all-weather suitability and resistance
Chemical additives, which in small quantities support the process or provide certain structural properties, are used in many industries
These fibre cement materials have higher bending, tensile, and breaking strengths than conventional cement building materials.
Sustainably engineered for long-term durability, safety, and flexible design options.
Wide range of colours and finishes to match any style.
Built to withstand heat and provide safety for your home.
Resistant to rain, frost, and humidity.
No need for constant repainting or repairs.
Engineered for climate
Weather extremes and seasonal changes can degrade traditional cladding materials like vinyl and wood. That’s why James Hardie developed the HardieZone™ system — climate-specific cladding engineered to perform in Europe’s wet and freezing conditions. Rigorously tested to withstand UV, storms, and temperature shifts, our products deliver long-term durability and peace of mind.
A Smarter Choice for Sustainable Building
With a long service life and recyclable composition, fibre cement supports environmentally conscious design. Compared to wood and vinyl, it offers superior performance with fewer compromises.
Criteria
Fibre Cement
Wood
Vinyl (uPVC)
Durability
Highly durable, dimensionally stable
Susceptible to rot, warping & pests
Prone to cracking & fading
Fire Resistance
Non-combustible, meets high safety standards
Combustible, high fire risk
Limited fire performance
Moisture Resistance
Resistant to rain, frost & humidity
Swells & rots if untreated
Can warp in extreme weather
Maintenance
Minimal maintenance, long-lasting finish
Requires frequent painting & treatment
Low initial care, but colour fades & brittle over time
Design & Aesthetics
Premium finishes, wide colour & texture range
Natural look, but degrades quickly
Limited premium appeal, artificial look
Lifecycle Costs
Low – long service life, less upkeep
High – regular repairs & shorter lifespan
Medium – shorter replacement cycles
Sustainability
Long lifespan, recyclable
Renewable resource, but high chemical treatment needed
Recycling limited, not eco-friendly
Professional Perception
High-value, modern, compliant choice
Traditional, but less reliable in demanding projects
Low premium perception in high-end builds
Built for performance. Designed for possibility.
James Hardie fibre cement products are engineered to meet the demands of modern construction — offering a smart balance of strength, safety, lightweight and design flexibility. Whether you are designing for longevity or seeking low-maintenance beauty, fibre cement delivers.
James Hardie fibre cement – how is it made?
The James Hardie fibre cement manufacturing process produces a durable, highly workable and aesthetically pleasing product through a process that substantially reduces the curing time when compared to air-cured concrete products. Our European portfolio features a specialised formulation tailored to regional weather demands. Engineered with reduced density, it minimises CO₂ emissions and overall weight while maintaining full structural integrity. The result: high-performance solutions ideal for all facade applications.
A strong indoor base for tiles and floor coverings
Fibre cement is an ideal substrate for tiles and floor coverings. Water-resistant fibre cement boards are ideal for use in wet rooms such as bathrooms, showers and kitchens, offering durability, stability and ease of maintenance.
Explore our fibre cement products
High-performance A2 fire-rated fibre cement cladding and backerboard for your buildings.
James Hardie fibre cement is durable - guaranteed
Use James Hardie fibre cement products with confidence, in the knowledge that you’re choosing the best. Our products come with a 15-year warranty. If you need any support, feel free to contact our experts.
