What Is Board and Batten Siding?
Board and batten siding can give your home a major makeover
Highlights
Board and batten siding is a timeless design choice.
Keeping up with maintenance is key to durability.
Fiber cement, vinyl, and engineered wood are popular materials.
Board and batten siding is a classic architectural feature that remains popular to this day. It adds a touch of rustic charm and visual interest to a wide range of structures, from traditional farmhouses to modern homes. Let’s explore what board and batten siding is, its history, and its benefits in today's architectural landscape.
What is Board and Batten Siding?
Board and batten siding is a type of exterior cladding that features alternating wide vertical boards (boards) and narrow vertical strips (battens). This siding style has a timeless and rustic appeal, often associated with traditional and farmhouse aesthetics. The boards are typically made of wood or engineered materials, while the battens are installed over the gaps between the boards for added strength and visual interest.
Board and batten siding provides a charming, textured look to homes and offers durability and weather resistance when properly installed and maintained.
The Aesthetic Appeal of Board and Batten Siding
In addition to its functional benefits, board and batten siding also became an aesthetic choice. The alternating pattern of wide boards and narrow battens created a visually appealing rhythm on the building's exterior. The deep shadow lines created by the overlapping battens added depth and texture to the overall appearance of the structure.
Is Board and Batten Durable?
Board and batten siding is generally considered durable. The durability of board and batten siding depends on factors such as the material used, installation quality, and maintenance practices. Materials like fiber cement, vinyl, and engineered wood offer enhanced durability and resistance to rot, insects, and weather damage.
Proper installation and regular maintenance, such as painting, sealing, and cleaning, can contribute to the long-term durability of board and batten siding.
Versatility of Board and Batten Siding
One of the notable characteristics of board and batten siding is its versatility. It can be used on a variety of architectural styles, including traditional, farmhouse, cottage, and even contemporary designs. It can be installed on the entire exterior of a building or selectively used as an accent feature, such as on gables or as a wainscoting treatment.
The size and spacing of the boards and battens can also be customized to achieve different looks and proportions.
Board and Batten Siding Cost
The cost of board and batten siding can depend on several factors but generally costs between $4,000 and $14,000 for an average-sized home. The material chosen for the siding, such as wood, fiber cement, vinyl, or engineered wood, will impact the overall cost. Wood siding tends to be more expensive than other options.
Additionally, the size of the project, complexity of installation, and labor costs can affect the overall expense. While board and batten siding can be more costly than some other siding styles, it offers a unique aesthetic and durability that may be worth the investment for homeowners seeking a distinctive look for their homes.
On average, luxury wood sidings, such as cypress siding, can cost up to $21 per square foot, whereas standard cedar siding costs less than $3 per square foot. Engineered wood is a good medium option for those with a modest budget. It is only slightly more expensive than cedar siding but is more resistant to woodpeckers and termites. Vinyl siding varies from $2 to $7 per square foot and metal siding costs between $3 and $8 per square foot.
Modern Materials for Board and Batten Siding
In recent years, board and batten siding has experienced a resurgence in popularity, which has led to a variety of house siding options for homeowners to choose from.
Homeowners and architects are drawn to its timeless appeal and ability to add character to both new constructions and renovations. Furthermore, the availability of modern materials has made board and batten siding more accessible and low-maintenance than ever before.
What is board and batten siding made of? Originally, the boards were made from wood, but today, various materials such as fiber cement, vinyl, and engineered wood are also used.
Fiber cement: One popular material choice for board and batten siding is fiber cement. Fiber cement boards are made from a mixture of cement, sand, and cellulose fibers, resulting in a durable and weather-resistant product. Fiber cement board and batten siding can mimic the look of natural wood while offering enhanced resistance to rot, insects, and fire. This type of board and batten siding requires minimal upkeep and is available in a range of colors and finishes.
Vinyl: Vinyl siding is known for its affordability, low maintenance requirements, and wide range of color options. It is resistant to rot, insects, and fading, making it a practical choice for homeowners seeking a long-lasting solution. However, some individuals prefer the natural aesthetics of wood and may find vinyl lacking in authenticity.
Engineered wood: These products are made from wood fibers and resin, providing the appearance of real wood with enhanced durability and stability. Engineered wood siding can be factory-finished, reducing the need for painting or staining after installation. It offers the warmth and charm of wood while requiring less maintenance and being less prone to warping or splitting.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Board and Batten Siding
Board and batten siding offers several advantages, including
Timeless aesthetics: can add depth and character to the exterior
Versatile design: the vertical siding design is more flexible than horizontal sidings
Durability: board and batten siding is designed to stand against heavy rain, snow, heat, and UV light. These sidings can last for decades with proper upkeep
Structural stability: the material is less prone to warping, cracking, and shrinking
Low maintenance: compared to traditional wooden siding options, board and batten requires far less maintenance
Energy-efficiency: with proper installation and insulation, board and batten siding can help you save on heating and cooling bills
Potential property value increase: this type of siding can add value to your property
However, these sidings can raise certain concerns, such as
Higher installation cost: board and batten siding is more costly compared to other house siding options.
Longer installation time: board and batten siding takes longer to install than traditional siding
If you’re unsure you’re ready to tackle a project like this on your own, you can always connect with a siding contractor near you for some extra help.
Examples of Board and Batten Siding
Board and batten siding is commonly used to create a modern farmhouse look. In this case, wider spacing and brighter colors will help you achieve a more elegant, modern, and clean look. On the other hand, darker colors and tighter spacing will emphasize a minimalistic contemporary aesthetic.
If you use board and batten as your primary material, consider adding wood or metal accents to create a bold contrast. For example, you can add rustic wood panels around windows and the front entrance. This will highlight your home’s structure and add a unique personality to the exterior. You can also use brick, stone, or traditional horizontal siding to add textures.
If you don’t want to mix in other materials, try to experiment with different color combinations. For example, try to combine different colors to segment the exterior if you are working on a ranch-style house. This visually sectionizes the property and adds more complexity to the simple ranch structure.