Guide to Board and Batten Siding

The ultimate guide to board and batten siding

You probably have already noticed board and batten siding on houses near you, even if you weren’t sure of what to call it.

Though it may seem to be a new trend, board and batten siding has actually been around since the mid-19^th century.

What is board and batten siding?

Board and batten siding is traditionally wide vertical planks, or boards, joined together by thin vertical strips, or battens. In the past, farmers would cut and install long wooden boards and cover the seams with battens to try to make the home as airtight as possible.

This technique became a popular method for building barns because it was inexpensive, simple, and energy efficient.

Today, wide panels are used as the primary siding and the batten strips are typically a decorative feature, giving homeowners a variety of styles and designs to achieve their desired look. 

Modern board and batten siding

This siding style offers a lot of versatility when designing the exterior of your home. By varying the batten size or spacing, and mixing other materials and siding profiles, you can create both modern and traditional designs, depending on your style and taste.

Some design options include:

• Thin battens
• Wide battens
• Installing board and batten siding on the full exterior
• Using board and batten siding as an accent wall
• Mixing board and batten with lap siding

Is board and batten siding durable?

Traditionally, board and batten siding was primarily made of wood. However, wood is more prone to damage from moisture and insect damage, and usually requires extensive maintenance and upkeep.

Today’s building products, like fiber cement siding, make it possible to attain an identical look with more durable materials for a lower-maintenance and long-lasting siding solution.

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Board and batten siding is both a modern and classic design style that can help your home keep its curb appeal for years to come.

To schedule your appointment for a free consultation, contact Keystone today.