A Hard Look at Hardboard Siding Hardboard is taking its share of knocks lately. Recent figures show that its share of the siding market, almost 30% as recently as 1983, had slipped to 20% by 1987 (the last year for which figures are available). Vinyl siding in particular has bitten into hardboard's market niche over the last decade, winning over homeowners with its promise of low maintenance. Plywood and cedar are gaining, too, while new processed wood products such as Louisiana-Pacific's OSB-based Inner Seal are adding to the competitive pressure. Why the drooping sales? We asked a number of builders, distributors, researchers, building consultants, and industry representatives from around the country. Some said that problems with moisture absorption, poor paint adhesion, and poor
