How to Install Hardie-Certified Siding

Attach tar paper to plywood wall sheathing, using a staple gun. Affix the tar paper in horizontal rows, starting at the bottom and overlapping each row by 2 inches. Slice tar paper to fit the length of the wall, using a utility knife.

Run a stud finder across the wall and delineate the locations of the wall studs by snapping a chalk line along their centers.

Cut a 1-inch-wide beginner strip of Hardie board with a length matching that of the wall. Cut Hardie board with a circular saw or a jig saw with a masonry blade. Secure the strip along the bottom edge of the wall sheathing with 4d nails spaced 16 inches apart.

Saw two lengths of furring strips to fit the length of the wall. Attach the furring strips along the top edge of the wall with 4d nails. This furring strips will help support the top and bottom edges of the frieze board.

Cut the frieze board for the top of the wall. Smooth the cut edges by sanding them lightly with 220-grit sandpaper. Affix the frieze board to the furring strips, using 8d stainless nails. Extrude and smooth down small dollops of polyurethane caulk to cover each nail head.

Create four furring strips for each corner, with measurements equal to the distance between the base of the wall and the frieze board. Nail two furring strips at each corner. These furring strips will support the corner boards.

Cut the locking corner boards for each corner. Nail the corner boards with 8d nails spaced 16 inches apart.

Remove a 4 1/2-inch-long notch from a slightly longer board to use a guide for creating equally spaced siding planks. The guide will guarantee that all planks are straight and have equal exposure.

Cut the first length of HardiePlank to fit the length of the wall. Place the board at the bottom of the wall so the bottom edge of the plank overlaps the starter strip. Using 4d nails placed 16 inches apart, nail the plank to the sheathing, driving the nails just under the plank's top edge where the nail heads will be covered by the second, overlapping board. Drive nails into the marked wall studs whenever possible.

Continued attaching boards up the wall. Use the notched guide to space the bottom edges of each board.

Extrude and smooth beads of caulk along any exposed seams or joints that are vulnerable to moisture. Wait until the caulk cures before priming and painting.