Wear safety glasses, a dust mask or respirator, and gloves
Verify the wall framing is straight, plumb, and properly sheathed
Install house wrap or a weather-resistive barrier
Flash windows, doors, corners, and other openings
Mark stud locations on the sheathing
Measure and cut Hardie siding with fiber-cement blades or shears
Pre-drill holes near edges and ends if required by the product instructions
Leave required gaps at joints, corners, and trim
Start with the lowest course and use a level line
Use corrosion-resistant siding nails or screws approved for fiber-cement
Fasten into studs at the spacing required by the manufacturer
Drive fasteners flush, not overdriven or underdriven
Stagger vertical joints between courses
Install trim pieces before or with the siding as required
Caulk joints only where the manufacturer specifies
Prime and paint cut edges if required
Follow the specific Hardie installation instructions for the product being used