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 Material Choices
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.
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Is board and batten an outdated style for a home?
Board and batten is a classic, timeless look for both exterior and interiors.
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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.
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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.
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