If you’re looking to create long-term curb appeal through a remodel, few home designs compare to the timeless aesthetic of board and batten. The design provides shadows and textures to the home’s exterior, inspiring a custom-built look that gives the home’s exterior depth and dimension.
Board and batten is a major design characteristic of the modern farmhouse, which has grown increasingly popular over the past few years. If you’re wondering if this trend might be slowing, don’t be. Zillow reports homes described as modern farmhouse sold for 10 percent more than expected over the past two years. And because of its timeless look, board and batten offers homeowners who are considering a renovation confidence that it will add value to their home for years to come.
For the latest board and batten tips and answers to siding questions, we followed contractors Jordan Smith of@jordansmithbuildsand Kyle Stumpenhorst of @rrbuildingsas they began construction on a modern farmhouse in Bellville, Texas.
I have siding questions—what is board and batten?
“You’ve likely seen many homes with this type of design,” says Smith. “It’s essentially a combination of wider siding with narrow strips placed along the seams. The siding is referred to as board and the strip is referred to as a batten.”
Typically, board and batten installations use thin battens placed over the seams of panel boards. For the Texas build, Smith wanted to use LP® SmartSide® Vertical Siding because it provided an authentic aesthetic. “The 16-inch wide boards add depth and character to the building. The depth also adds to a bold aesthetic that looks strong and superior in quality.”
Can the board and batten look add visual appeal to my home?
According to Stumpenhorst, this type of design is popular because it adds dimension and visual interest to the build and can adapt to many different types of residential designs. He goes on, “The design gives off more of that handmade look, so it can add a more traditional feel to a contemporary home.”
What are the benefits of using LP® SmartSide® products to create the board and batten design?
Both Smith and Stumpenhorst prefer using LP SmartSide Vertical Siding versus fiber cement, especially for board and batten configurations. “Fiber cement must have a butt joint seam two-thirds up the wall. With 16-foot lengths, LP SmartSide Vertical Siding and smart design can drastically reduce the number of visible seams on the build,” says Smith.
“LP SmartSide Vertical Siding sure makes me feel at home. The 16-foot length helps to avoid that horizontal trim line at 8 feet, so it makes for a crisper, cleaner design,” says Stumpenhorst. “For anyone who is very attention-to-detail oriented like me, this makes a huge difference in how quality the home looks.”
Want more ideas for your board and batten installation? Check outour inspiration gallery.
FAQs
So, what is “board and batten?” It's a type of siding where thin strips of wood molding—or “battens”—are placed over the seams of panel boards. The result is an aesthetic that is both rustic and chic, with the strong vertical lines providing shadows and textures to the home exterior.
Why is board and batten so popular? ›
It's long-lasting – Board and batten siding is durable and long-lasting, provided that it is installed and maintained correctly. If properly installed and taken care of, board and batten can last several years or even decades. Board and bat will last a long time if you don't want to replace it very often.
Is board and batten trendy or timeless? ›
"Board and batten is a timeless siding technique that can be [enjoyed] in various architectural styles—from vernacular and Victorian to modern and contemporary," notes Neubert.
Can board and batten look modern? ›
Several Styles: Board and batten siding fits several personal styles. While it's most common in farmhouse and country designs, it's being seen more in modern styles and traditional homes as of late.
What is the purpose of batten? ›
Battens are used for solid wall insulation. Regularly spaced battens are fitted to the wall, the spaces between them filled with insulation, and plasterboard or drywall screwed to the battens.
What is another name for board and batten? ›
The board and batten style is often used for wainscoting, which is why these two terms are sometimes used interchangeably.
When did board and batten become popular? ›
"Board and batten siding is thought to have originated in Sweden and Norway, and became popular in North America during the middle of the 19th century," says Gil Walsh, an interior designer and the founder of GW Interiors. "It was known as 'barn siding' and was used for outbuildings, such as barns and sheds."
Does board and batten add value? ›
Can Board and Batten Add Value to Your Home? Yes, it can. Board and batten is custom millwork. If done tastefully, it can add value to your home by giving it a more custom look.
Does board and batten make a room look smaller? ›
Overview. A simple board and batten wall and some color can not only add unique character to a room, but it also helps make the room look larger.
What is the most timeless home decor style? ›
Velvets, cottons and canvas are some of the most popular fabrics to style within a classic, timeless interior for they are elegant without being too ornate. A timeless, classic interior is also well balanced and you'll find there is a play of symmetry. Rooms will be centred around a focal point such as a fireplace.
It can help make homes look taller by drawing the eye upward, and it can help emphasize certain architectural styles, like the modern farmhouse. Since board and batten siding is made up of two pieces, it's important to choose a highly durable and low maintenance material when installing this style.
What interior design style is popular right now? ›
Find out which style is the favorite in your home state.
Modern interior design reigns as the most popular home style in 32 states, according to a new study from Confused.com, a home comparison site. Modern interior design is characterized by a monochromatic color palette, clean lines, minimalism and natural finishes.
Why do people batten walls? ›
Battens are used to construct a wooden frame against a solid wall, onto which plasterboards can then be attached. They can also be used for separating plasterboard from outside walls, which can help to avoid damp, as well as add a layer of insulation to the wall.
What is reverse board and batten? ›
Reverse Board & Batten siding features an extra thick panel that is reinforced with a foam backer to create the rigidity and durability of hardboard cladding. It is lighter, easier to handle, and more weather-resistant than real wood, fiber cement, and wood composite siding.
How do you accent walls with board and batten? ›
- Gather Materials. Materials: ...
- Measure and Cut the Horizontal Boards. Start off by measuring and cutting your horizontal boards. ...
- Measure and Cut the Trim Boards. ...
- Glue the Horizontal Boards. ...
- Attach Boards to the Wall. ...
- Caulk the Boards. ...
- Paint the Accent Wall. ...
- Enjoy Your New Decor.
Did you know? Batten comes from the name for an iron bar used to secure the covering of a hatchway on a ship, which was especially useful in preparation of stormy weather.
What does batten board mean? ›
Board and batten is a type of wood paneling that uses wide boards that are nailed side by side, often vertically. And there is a narrow strip of wood, called a “batten,” that is fastened over the seams between wood boards that adds 3-dimensionality and character to the siding.
What is batten design? ›
“It's essentially a combination of wider siding with narrow strips placed along the seams. The siding is referred to as board and the strip is referred to as a batten.” Typically, board and batten installations use thin battens placed over the seams of panel boards.
What is the difference between wainscotting and board and batten? ›
Wainscoting vs board and batten
While wainscoting is usually installed on the lower ⅓ of the wall, the board and batten paneling style is oftentimes installed to the full height of the wall. This adds a lot of depth, severity, and drama to a room.
Is shiplap the same as board and batten? ›
In my opinion, shiplap is a more casual, informal option while B&B has as more formal classic look. With their neutral look and timeless texture, these two trends can be used just about anywhere.
Yes, vinyl is one of the most popular types of material for board and batten siding. Resistant to harsh weather conditions, vinyl is durable, low-maintenance, and sustainable for years (even decades) to come. It also comes in a selection of beautiful colors to match the exterior of any home.
Why is it called board and batten? ›
In order to seal these gaps, wooden strips a few inches wide were nails to the outside of the house where the boards met. The wooden strips were known as battens, and this style of siding became known as board and batten.
What's the difference between wainscoting and board and batten? ›
While wainscoting is usually installed on the lower ⅓ of the wall, the board and batten paneling style is oftentimes installed to the full height of the wall. This adds a lot of depth, severity, and drama to a room. Board and batten is also utilized in outdoor spaces, including exterior siding.
What is the difference between shiplap and board and batten? ›
In my opinion, shiplap is a more casual, informal option while B&B has as more formal classic look. With their neutral look and timeless texture, these two trends can be used just about anywhere.
What kind of wood do you use for batten board? ›
What kind of wood is used for board and batten? You can use any kind of wood strips for interior board and batten, and even MDF. Exterior siding board and batten pieces are generally made of cedar furring strips.
What era was board and batten? ›
Board-n-batten siding thus starts appearing around the 1830s and 1840s, during what is now termed the Gothic Revival period. It's verticality was acclaimed as helping to suggest the overall lines of Gothic. Since trees grow vertically, board-n-batten was seen by some as a more natural way to use wood.
