Often seen onfarmhouse-stylehomes, board and batten exudes a comfortable informality.
It’s also very easy to install by yourself.
Learn more about board and batten, and whether it’s the right look for your home.
The Spruce / Marty Baldwin
The Spruce / Marty Baldwin
What Is Board and Batten?
Board and batten is atype of exterior sidingorinterior panelingwith alternating wide boards and narrow wooden strips, called battens.
Board and batten can be installed vertically or horizontally.
Trinette Reed / Stocksy
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.
The material can be insulated with it’s used for siding.
Trinette Reed / Stocksy
Interior board and batten is typically made of wood.
Wood choices include cedar, pine, oak, and redwood.
The battens are brad-nailed directly to the drywall.
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The spaces between the battens give the illusion of boards.
For exterior siding, prices can run between $4,000 and $14,000.
Board and batten is a classic, timeless look for both exterior and interiors.
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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.
One pro of board and batten is that it is easy to install and requires no complicated carpentry.
All of the cuts are square and can be done with a hand or electric miter saw.
Stylistically, it’s a clean, spare look that adapts to many homes.
Gothic Revival Style 1830-1860.Pennsylvania Architectural Field Guide.
How Much Does Board and Batten Siding Cost?HomeAdvisor.
How Much Does It Cost To Install Wall Paneling?Angie.
