LP SmartSide ExpertFinish vs Diamond Kote: Pre-Finished Engineered Wood Compared
3min Read
Posted 5.01.2026
LP SmartSide ExpertFinish and Diamond Kote both use LP engineered wood substrate with factory-applied finish. The substrate is identical. The finish coatings, color palettes, and warranty structures differ — and the difference matters more than most contractors explain.
I am Noah Bergland, co-owner of Owl Roofing in Shoreview.
TL;DR
Bottom line: Both use LP engineered wood substrate. ExpertFinish has 16-year finish warranty, ~25 colors, ranger-style traditional aesthetic. Diamond Kote has 30-year finish warranty, ~30 colors, deeper shadow lines. Pricing roughly equivalent at $7–$12/sq ft installed in Twin Cities. Diamond Kote wins on finish warranty depth; ExpertFinish wins on color palette breadth and slightly broader Minnesota installer network.
Comparison
| Spec | LP ExpertFinish | Diamond Kote |
|---|---|---|
| Substrate | LP engineered wood | LP engineered wood |
| Finish warranty | 16-year | 30-year |
| Substrate warranty | 50-year prorated | 50-year limited |
| Color palette | ~25 colors | ~30 colors |
| Per sq ft installed | $6–$11 | $7–$12 |
“He communicated clearly, showed attention to detail, and delivered high-quality work.”
— Brian E., Verified BBB review
What Owl Roofing Customers Actually Say
Real, verified Google reviews from real customers Owl Roofing maintains a 5.0 Google rating with 30+ five-star reviews.
Noah is the real deal. After our insurance denied our roof claim and the first roofer walked away, Noah showed up the next day and said he thought he could get us a new roof. He delivered. He got us a roof covered by insurance after it had already been declined. We came up with a nickname for him: “The Roof Whisperer.”
— Tyler Moberg, verified Google review
I am an Independent Insurance Agency owner and have worked with Noah on several roof projects. The homeowners have been extremely satisfied with the quality of work and craftsmanship Noah and his crews have provided. From filing the claim to replacing the roof and cleaning up the job site, Noah and his crew are the best!
— Fred Zappa, Independent Insurance Agency Owner
We used Owl Roofing for a repair on our roof in Brooklyn Park, and I was blown away by how good they were. Every member of the team communicated well about the process. Their price transparency was super helpful. They got the work done very fast, and the team was professional and very kind.
— Matt Brown, Brooklyn Park (verified Google review)
Noah and his team are outstanding! His clear communication, professionalism, and workmanship are top-notch. I recommend Owl Roofing to all my clients, friends, and family.
— Christine Westlund, verified Google review
It didn’t feel like dealing with a big company — it felt like working with people who actually care about the homes and community in the North Oaks and Shoreview area. Great people, great communication, and really solid work.
— Cody Warren, verified Google review
Frequently asked questions
Are LP SmartSide ExpertFinish and Diamond Kote the same product?
Same substrate (LP engineered wood). Different factory finish coatings, color palettes, and warranty structures.
Which has the longer finish warranty?
Diamond Kote at 30 years vs ExpertFinish at 16 years.
Are they made in Minnesota?
The LP substrate is produced at the Two Harbors, MN plant. Final finish application varies by product line and facility.
Where to start
Request a free siding estimate. For more, see Hardie vs LP SmartSide, Diamond Kote vs Hardie, best siding for Minnesota.
