Board and batten is a versatile siding option that offers a distinctive aesthetic that can complement a variety of home styles. Aside from offering a textured, rustic look, the style harkens back to traditional architecture and can enhance your home’s heritage and character. The cost of a board and batten project varies depending on the size of your home, materials used and professional labor.
Aside from adding a unique texture to your home’s exterior, board and batten also helps to absorb and disperse water and snow. The vertical boards and narrow strips covering them shed rain and snow and keep the structure dry, which is an important feature in areas with harsh climates.
The use of this construction technique has left a lasting mark on American history and culture, exemplifying the nation’s agrarian heritage. Early American settlers adopted it for homes, barns and outbuildings because of its practicality and simplicity. Whether you’re looking to create a cozy retreat or an updated farmhouse, board and batten is a timeless style that can be enjoyed for generations.
It’s important to know the difference between board and batten and shiplap. While both are regaining popularity, the former provides a more textured and rustic look while the latter features horizontal planks. While both styles can be used to enhance your home’s exterior, it’s best to choose a design that fits the overall personality of your home.
Almost any home style can be enhanced with the addition of a board and batten, from stately Victorians to modern farmhouses. However, it’s important to understand that incorporating the style into a modern home will require more planning than if you’re working with a more classic architectural style. Whether you’re choosing to use the design on a single wall or your entire home, it’s vital to have a plan before you get started.
While many people who love the look of board and batten prefer to DIY the project, hiring a professional will usually result in the most attractive and high quality results. Aside from making sure your finished product is flawless, this route can save you a lot of time and hassle by allowing you to focus on other aspects of your home’s renovation.
Before you start your board and batten project, take the time to research the best materials and tools for the job. There are plenty of helpful tutorials on the internet, but it’s important to remember that everyone does things a little differently. It’s recommended that you follow ONE tutorial for your specific needs and that you don’t try to combine elements from different tutorials, as this can cause confusion and may result in the final product not matching what you wanted/envisioned.
Ideally, you’ll want to work with MDF for the battens. Not only is this a more cost effective solution, but it’s also semi flexible, which means it will bend around walls that aren’t perfectly straight. Once you’ve figured out the spacing for your battens, use a calculator to determine their exact measurements and mark them on the wall. Once they’re cut, use construction adhesive and 1 1/4′′ brad nails to attach them to the wall.