- INTRODUCTION
You may have seen board and batten siding on many houses, even if you didn’t know its name. It’s popular on Pinterest, Instagram, in design magazines, and in neighborhoods across the country. Though it’s trendy now, this style has been around for almost 200 years. Its mix of old charm and modern look makes it attractive to many homeowners.
- WHAT IS BOARD AND BATTEN SIDING?
Board and batten siding started in the U.S. as a better option than log cabins. It was influenced by buildings in Northern Europe and became common in the mid-1800s. When comparing polymer vs vinyl siding, this traditional style stands out for its unique appearance. Wide vertical planks are used for this siding, and the joints are covered with thin strips known as battens. Farmers liked this method because it was cheap, easy to build, and kept buildings warm.
Today, it’s often used to add a stylish look to homes. Instead of using battens for function, they are now mostly for decoration. This gives designers more freedom to be creative.
- BENEFITS OF BOARD AND BATTEN SIDING
- Looks Good: The vertical lines create a clean, rustic style that works well with both old and modern homes.
- Long-lasting: If made from strong materials like fiber cement, it can handle harsh weather like rain, snow, and strong sun.
- Custom Design: You can choose panel widths, colors, and patterns to match your personal taste.
- Low Maintenance: Unlike real wood, fiber cement siding doesn’t rot, attract bugs, or need much upkeep.
- Adds Value: This siding can increase your home’s curb appeal and may boost its resale value.
- HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
Installing board and batten siding can cost between $10.50 and $13.90 per square foot, including materials and labor. Therefore, the total cost of a 2,000 square foot home is between $21,000 and $27,800. Prices have been rising by about 10% each year due to high demand.
Material choice affects the cost a lot. You can choose from wood, vinyl, fiber cement, engineered wood, or metal. The cost per square foot ranges from $0.75 to more than $10. You’ll also need other supplies like nails, trim, paint, and waterproof barriers. Labor costs depend on how complex the installation is.
5.DESIGN IDEAS
Board and batten siding allows you to play with different looks. You can use wide spacing between battens for a sleek design, or tight spacing for a bold texture. It can cover the entire home or just be added to specific areas like gables.
Mixing board and batten with other styles, like lap siding, gives a more modern and flexible look. Designers often combine these elements to avoid looking too farmhouse-like.
- HARDIE FIBER CEMENT PRODUCTS
While traditional siding used wood, modern options like Hardie® fiber cement siding offer the same style with more durability. It resists moisture and pests and comes in many colors and textures. You can create your desired look using Hardie® Panel for the base and Hardie® Trim Boards for the battens.
This classic siding style gives your home a unique look that lasts for years.
