How to install James Hardie fence cladding?

Hi guys

Does anyone know much about using James Hardie cladding for a freestanding outdoor wall?

We are doing up our pool area and

installing some James Hardie fine texture cladding around the boundary of our pool, we wanted it to look like a masonry wall and love this concrete-look texture. We’ve installed aluminium posts, timber rails and set with concrete in the ground about 10cm off the colour bond fence. We’ve put some timber as a cap on top and trim on the 2 exposed corners. The back is currently slightly exposed to the elements. Is the back pre-primed? I wanted to check if this is likely going to cause rot and deteriorate quickly? Has anyone used similar cladding like this? Will be finishing the front with outdoor paint.

photos attached, not yet painted
Any advice very appreciated

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Comments

MitchellMc

Hi @Alan_,

James Hardie cladding is primarily designed for use on the walls of enclosed rooms, so there isn’t specific guidance on using it for an outdoor fence exposed to the elements.

The back of the boards are not pre-primed, which raises concerns about moisture exposure. To protect the rear side, you might consider installing a sarking or applying weather-resistant paint to seal it. This step is important because moisture can seep in, potentially saturating the cement board and leading to the failure of the paint on the front.

Sealing the back will significantly help in preventing moisture-related issues.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

EzzaB

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/42737#Comment_42737

Hi Mitchell

I had also planned to do this as a cheaper alternative to panels and screens across an ugly 4.5m x 1.6m fence. I thought the JH exterior cladding was designed for this?
Is there another budget option you would recommend to have a flat concrete like finish?

MitchellMc

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/88458#Comment_88458

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @EzzaB. It’s great to have you join us and thanks for your question about James Hardie cladding.

I was actually under the same impression initially—that James Hardie cladding was for such projects. However, after some further conversations with James Hardie’s team, it turns out these products are designed to be installed with the rear enclosed, like when they’re used to clad a building or a pergola where the back isn’t exposed to the elements.

That said, people do still use them on fences, but if the rear is going to be exposed, you should enclose or protect the back side of the boards. I’d definitely suggest getting in touch with James Hardie’s technical support team—they're really helpful and can advise you further on installation requirements and limitations.

I'm not aware of any other products that can be used for this purpose.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

EzzaB

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/109912#Comment_109912

Thank you - this is helpful 🙌🏼

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