Board and batten, or board-and-batten, is a siding and paneling style that uses narrow strips of wood placed over the joints of wide boards for a geometric, layered effect. This type of traditional siding or paneling exudes a comfortable informality typically seen on farmhouses, other country-style homes, and countryside churches. You can see modern and more formal homes with board and batten interior paneling, as well. Learn more about board-and-batten siding, paneling, and whether it's the right look for your home.
What Is Board and Batten?
Board and batten typically describes a type of exterior siding or interior paneling with alternating wide boards and narrow wooden strips, called "battens." Board and batten is often confused with shiplap, wainscoting, and other types of siding or paneling systems. Traditional board and batten is distinctive because the boards are usually 1 foot wide and battens are 1/2 inch wide but widths do vary based on the desired look. Board and batten can be installed vertically or horizontally.
There are three ways to use board and batten:
Exterior siding: Board-and-batten siding is often combined with brick or stone exteriors on modern and traditional home styles.
Exterior shutters: This style of shutter is rustic. The battens are used as horizontal braces for an informal look.
Interior paneling: Board and batten can be used as a type of wainscoting to design a half-wall treatment, create one accent wall, or cover all the walls and the ceiling of a room.
Historical Uses
Traditionally, a wooden batten would be placed over the vertical seam between the wider boards, creating a stronger, more energy-efficient siding. Because it was inexpensive and easy to assemble, the board and batten method was used as siding for structures such as barns and garden sheds.Board-and-batten siding is sometimes called barn siding because many barns in North America are constructed this way.
It was popular during the Victorian era as a pragmatic method of adding architectural detail to Carpenter Gothic structures.
Board and batten come in assorted widths and various materials for siding and paneling, including wood, composite, aluminum, vinyl, and steel. The material can be insulated. Interior paneling is typically made of wood.
Wood choices include cedar, pine, oak, and redwood. Vinyl board and batten pieces are affordable, will have lower maintenance than wood, and the material doesn't need to be painted or stained.
Board and Batten Costs
The cost of board and batten varies depending on the type of material you choose and where you plan to install the material.
For exterior siding, prices can run between $4,000 and $14,000. Depending on the type of material, you may pay from $3 to $21 per square foot for materials and installation of board-and-batten siding.
For interior board-and-batten paneling, expect to pay between $7 and $20 per square foot for materials and labor.
FAQ
Is board and batten an outdated style for a home?
Board and batten is a classic, timeless look for both exterior and interiors.
What type of wood is board and batten made with?
You can use many types of wood for board and batten, including cedar, pine, oak, and redwood for interior or exterior installations.
Is shiplap and board and batten the same things?
Shiplap is different from board and batten. Shiplap is made with overlapping horizontal boards for a streamlined, smooth look. Board and batten is usually installed vertically and the battens create raised parts of the siding or wall.
Costly Upfront. One of the reasons homeowners tend to prefer lap siding over board and batten siding is its high upfront cost. ...
Complex Installation. Unlike traditional lap siding that is installed using interlocking and overlapping mechanisms, board and batten siding is harder to install.
Among the best four board and batten siding materials, builders vouched for is wood. Aside from it being the original material used when board and batten were first introduced as wall cladding, there are several reasons as to why timber is preferred by many compared to other materials.
And these materials are fiber cement, cedar, vinyl, steel/aluminum, and engineered wood. Here's how they differ from one another. Fiber cement is the cheapest material for board and batten siding. It costs around $0.75 to $5 per square foot only.
There are a zillion different types and sizes of wood you can use to create a board and batten wall treatment. We chose 1/4″ plywood for a couple of very important reasons. First, we wanted to work with our existing baseboards. The top of our baseboards is only 1/4 inch thick.
Board and batten and shiplap are both outstanding choices for residential design, each with its own charm and versatility. Board and batten's vertical orientation and elegant lines add a touch of sophistication, while shiplap's horizontal profile invites a cozy and rustic feel.
Low Maintenance: Unlike wood siding that may require more frequent upkeep, board and batten style made with fiber cement needs minimal maintenance. Its resistance to rot, pests, and weather means you can spend less time on maintenance and more time enjoying your home.
While the material you choose will affect the lifespan of your board and batten siding, on average, this style should last approximately 25 years, especially if you choose vinyl, which is the most popular option. It could last longer if you use a more durable material such as fiber cement.
Measure wall width to determine the spacing of your battens or vertical slats. Most traditional batten is placed between 8” to 12” apart. The placement of our battens will be 8” apart. To determine the length of the battens for our 5' tall wall, we subtracted 5-1/2” for the baseboard and 3-1/2” for the top trim.
If you're using thin, lightweight lumber, you won't need to stress about it. However, for everything else, it's a good idea to attach your boards to the studs wherever possible. If you can't find a wall stud, use wood glue/liquid nails and a nail that's long enough to secure the wood to the wall.
At $4 to $21 per square foot, cypress is the most expensive board and batten siding material. This is because it's in such high demand. It's a strong wood in the face of the elements and has a 40-year lifespan when properly maintained, but it's also very easy to cut and install.
The process of installing it can be more labor-intensive and time-consuming than installing similar wooden sidings, and sealing the battens with caulking is crucial to weatherproofing the house. For all board edges, apply a paintable caulk between the wall and the edge of the board.
First you'll need to determine the height of your board and batten wall. You should generally work in thirds, so since I wanted mine as high as possible, I chose to go 2/3 the way up my 8' wall, so about 5'3.3".
It's best to space them evenly, about 10-12 inches apart, but they don't have to be exact. For example, if your wall is 100 inches wide, you'll install a 2-inch board on either side, then have 96 inches left to fill. Divide 96 by 12 (the number of inches between each batten, center to center) to get 8.
Wood choices include cedar, pine, oak, and redwood. Vinyl board and batten pieces are affordable, will have lower maintenance than wood, and the material doesn't need to be painted or stained.
Steel siding can cost a bit more than other material but it's up there with fiber cement in terms of durability. Steel board and batten siding can also be styled to look like different types of wood and different colors. It's long lasting and very durable when it comes to storm damage.
Enhancement of Property Value: The aesthetic appeal and durability of James Hardie Board and Batten can increase a property's market value, making it an attractive choice for future buyers. Longevity and Warranty: The product's robust construction ensures longevity, often lasting for decades with minimal maintenance.
Introduction: My name is Nicola Considine CPA, I am a determined, witty, powerful, brainy, open, smiling, proud person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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