The Wait is Over: TimberHue™ by James Hardie Has Arrived!

For years, homeowners in the Chicagoland area have asked us the same question: "Can I get the durability of fiber cement but with the actual look of stained wood?"

Until now, the answer was a compromise. You either chose the solid colors of Hardie's Statement Collection® or risked the maintenance of real cedar.

That changes today.

As of February 2026, the James Hardie TimberHue™ Collection is officially available, and pricing has been released to elite partners like Northwind Exteriors. This is not just a new color palette; it is a fundamental shift in how fiber cement mimics nature.

What is the TimberHue™ Collection?

TimberHue™ is James Hardie’s revolutionary new line that combines their legendary fiber cement durability with a proprietary two-tone finish. Unlike flat colors, TimberHue uses next-generation ColorPlus® Technology to create grain variation, depth, and the warmth of natural timber without the rot, woodpecker damage, or constant staining required by real wood.

The 8 New Colors (Nature-Engineered)

Hardie has released eight curated shades designed to cover the spectrum from modern farmhouse to rustic lodge:

• Lighter Tones: White Birch, Weathered Oak, Ash (Perfect for modern, airy aesthetics).

• Warm Mid-Tones: Hickory, Hawthorn (Classic warmth that rivals cedar).

• Deep Rich Tones: Chestnut, Walnut, Ebony Forest (Dramatic, sophisticated options that anchor a home).

Pro Tip: We are seeing early interest in Ebony Forest for modern accents and Hickory for traditional whole-home cladding in Park Ridge and the North Shore.

Why "Wood Look" Fiber Cement Wins in Chicago

Our climate is brutal on real wood. Between the freezing winters, humid summers, and the freeze-thaw cycle, real cedar siding often fails or requires expensive maintenance within 5–7 years.

TimberHue™ is engineered specifically to withstand these extremes:

• Moisture & Rot Resistant: It will not swell or crack like wood composite.

• Fire Non-Combustible: Rated for high fire resistance, unlike vinyl or wood.

• Pest Proof: Woodpeckers and termites hate fiber cement.

• Fade Resistant: The baked-on finish resists the UV fade that turns real wood gray.

How Much Does TimberHue™ Cost? (2026 Pricing Update)

Because this is a premium product utilizing advanced application techniques, TimberHue™ sits at a higher price point than standard HardiePlank® but significantly lower than clear-grade cedar or exotic hardwoods.

Pricing was just released to distribution this week. As a James Hardie Alliance Elite Contractor, Northwind Exteriors has direct access to the supply chain. We are currently scheduling consultations to provide exact quotes for Spring and Summer 2026 installations.

Factors influencing your price:

• Profile Choice: Available in Plank (Lap Siding), Panel (Vertical), Soffit, and Batten.

• Home Size & Complexity: Two-story homes or complex gables require different staging.

• Trim Packages: Pairing TimberHue with contrasting HardieTrim® for the ultimate curb appeal.

Frequently Asked Questions

We included this section to help you find quick answers about the new 2026 release.

Q: Is James Hardie TimberHue available now? A: Yes. As of February 2026, the TimberHue™ Collection is available for order. Northwind Exteriors is actively quoting projects for this season.

Q: How is TimberHue different from regular HardiePlank? A: The core material is the same durable fiber cement, but the finish is different. TimberHue uses a specialized two-tone application process to replicate natural wood grain, whereas standard HardiePlank has a solid, single-color finish.

Q: Can I paint over TimberHue siding? A: While you technically can paint fiber cement, doing so would cover the premium wood-look finish. The beauty of TimberHue is that it comes pre-finished with ColorPlus® technology, backed by a 15-year limited finish warranty, so you don't need to paint it.

Q: Who installs TimberHue in Chicago? A: Northwind Exteriors is a James Hardie Alliance Elite Contractor serving Park Ridge and the greater Chicago area, fully trained on the specific handling and installation requirements of the new TimberHue line.

Be The First on Your Block

The "wood look" trend is dominating 2026 exterior design. If you want the aesthetic of a custom timber home with the "set it and forget it" peace of mind of James Hardie, this is the product you’ve been waiting for.

Don't wait for the backlog. Supply for this new collection will be tight in its first year.

Get Your TimberHue™ Quote Today!

James Hardie Siding Contractor | Park Ridge & Chicagoland Suburbs