We are still in the planning stage of our house build.  There seems to be, at some times to many options to choose from and as much opinions (from vendors) on which products to choose.  In our area the most common ext. finish is vinyl dutch lap siding.  We would like to make our home different and stand out (in a good way I hope) from the rest.  Our home is bungalow with some craftsman details.  The plans specify Hardie-Plank lap siding, shingles and trims.  However the local lumber yards have never even sold such products (but are available if we trully want it).  The options that were given to me where LP-Canexel and KWP.  However I do not have much experience with these and I was hoping to receive some knowledge through the very insightful people on GBT.

Feel free to offer suggestions as well.  I would greatly appreciate it.  Thank you! 

I will repost an image, the first one did not come out very well.

I have used hardi lap siding and was pleased.  Also used the 1x trim and that worked well also.  Several years later it seems to be holding paint well, was easy enough to work with etc.

On another building site I frequent, it sound like lots of guys that side for a living that use hardi, do not use their trim.  More likely to use wood or Azek.  Have not gotten a good handle on why, but it seemed to be a trend.

I used the cedarmill variety,and looking back I would use the smooth if I had it to do over.  I think the smooth looks more like wood siding, unless you are going for a more rustic look.