Board and batten siding is an exterior paneling style where the “battens” are placed over “boards” to create a strong geometric appearance.
While wood is the traditionally used material for board and batten style, today, we have many other options available.
On average, homeowners report spending $10.50 – $13.90 per square foot to install board and batten siding, including materials and professional installation. On a 2000 sq. ft. house installing board and batten siding costs $21,000 – $27,800.
Board And Batten Siding is usually found on modern construction homes and provides distinct curb appeal unlike common lap siding.
Board And Batten Siding Cost Breakdown
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Fiber cement and vinyl are among the cheapest board and batten siding options, while real and engineered wood siding are among the most expensive options.
The final price tag of board and batten siding depends on the siding material you choose, size of your house, and location.
Depending on which state or city you live in, board and batten siding price differences can range in thousands of dollars. Homeowners in Los Angeles, New York, Boston, and Miami will pay more than residents of Denver and Salt Lake City.
It’s also crucial to point out that, because prices of all materials have been on the constant rise in the last few years, it can be challenging to determine the total price of board and batten siding installation.
You can use our Siding Cost Calculator to estimate the cost of installing board and batten siding for your home.
Board And Batten Siding Prices Per Square Foot
In the table below here are the current price ranges of board and batten siding per square foot:
| Material | Low-End | High-End |
|---|---|---|
| Natural Wood | 3 | 21 |
| Engineered Wood | 2 | 5.5 |
| Vinyl | 3 | 12 |
| Metal | 3 | 8 |
| Fiber Cement | 0.75 | 6 |
You should note that this is only the price for the materials. Other important factors such as delivery and installation will impact the final cost of board and batten siding.
Did you know? Board and batten siding is commonly associated with popular farmhouse aesthetics. The modern farmhouse design typically features clean and simple lines, using natural textures and tones, and mixing modern and rustic furniture.
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Labor Cost To Install Board And Batten Siding
Some board and batten siding materials are easier to install than others, which reduces the overall cost.
The labor alone for installing board and batten siding can cost between $1.5 and $3 per square foot.
Keep in mind that laying new siding over the existing one is cheaper than installing a brand-new siding.
Board And Batten Siding Repair And Maintenance Cost
If you’ve set your mind on installing board and batten siding or already have this style on your home’s exterior, it’s important to consider the repair and maintenance costs.
Naturally, the board and batten siding repairs depend on the material used for the siding, the size and severity of the damage, the location, and the access to skilled contractors in your area.
Repairing loose boards can cost the homeowners between $100 and $1,000 overall, which can be a significant expense.
But delaying the repair of loose panels can lead to rot and mold development, especially if the board and batten siding is made from natural wood.
Repainting is another major investment that could cost anywhere between $1,500 and $4,500 every three to seven years for wooden board and batten siding.
If you opt for the metal board and batten siding, the repainting expenses are less frequent, as you’ll need to do it every 8-15 years.
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House Design And Accessibility
If the house’s architectural design is non-standard or unusual, that will result in more cutting and measuring, increasing the installation cost. Any customizing the installers have to do typically costs extra.
What Is Board And Batten Siding?
In some parts of North America, board and batten siding is known as “barn siding” because it was historically used for barns and sheds.
The battens, or strips, were used to cover the seams between the boards, thus creating more insulation that kept the animals warm.
This style is over 200 years old but has remained relevant in contemporary times.
The simplicity and clean lines are the most appealing features of board and batten siding, and that’s why so many homeowners continue to choose it.
In terms of sizing, the standard board is one-foot wide, the batten is half an inch wide, and they are installed vertically.
However, modern board and batten siding can be vertical, horizontal, or both and comes in different widths.
Even though board and batten paneling style is pretty straightforward, there’s plenty of room for experimentation and creativity.
Board And Batten Siding Type
Many board and batten siding manufacturers offer two types of this siding style: standard, and reverse.
Most people think of the standard or traditional type when they hear board and batten – the larger boards and smaller battens.
However, the reverse board and batten is also an option, and you can have smaller boards and larger battens in your home.
Usually both board and batten siding styles’ installation costs are about the same, but some installers may price them slightly differently.
Board And Batten Siding Materials
Those unfamiliar with board and batten siding might equate it with wooden panels, which is the right idea. This paneling style was only produced with wood for a very long time; for some, it’s the only “correct” option.
But siding companies have been producing board and batten products from different materials for years, and the market provides homeowners with several excellent options.
We’ll examine the various materials closely and offer the main benefits and drawbacks of each.
Natural Wood
As the traditional option, it makes sense to discuss the wooden board and batten siding first.
Board and batten siding made from “wood” refers to different types of wood, such as redwood, spruce, fir, or pine.
Cedar is another popular wood for board and batten siding as it’s visually appealing and provides the warm and rustic vibe many homeowners desire.
The high-end wood board and batten siding option would be cypress. It’s more durable and weather-resistant than most other wooden sidings, and it’s pretty easy to cut and install.
- Pros of Natural Wood
If appropriately maintained, board and batten siding made from wood can last for decades.
Because it’s fully biodegradable, wood siding is considered one of the most environmentally sustainable siding solutions.
It’s also a recyclable material, and removed wooden boards and battens can be repurposed.
There are many options in terms of the type of wood and price range, and customization options are also fantastic.
You can paint or stain your board and batten siding made from wood in any color and choose from many types of finishes.
Lastly, wood board and batten siding inevitably increase the resale value of your home, so it can be considered an excellent investment.
- Cons of Natural Wood
One of the biggest challenges of any wood siding, board and batten style included, is maintenance.
You might need to stain the siding every two or three years and find efficient ways to deal with potential termite invasions.
Removing mold and mildew build-up could be a challenging and exhausting process, too.
Natural wood isn’t fireproof, which can increase the cost of home insurance.
Did you know? Even though the board and batten style has been a staple siding in North America, it originated in Northern Europe.
The buildings in this part of the world featured vertical plank siding joined together with strips, and many still do.
But in the 19th century, this style migrated to North America and made a significant historical and architectural impact.
Engineered Wood
Natural wood is the go-to option for some, but the engineered wood board and batten siding is another excellent solution.
You might hear engineered wood siding referred to as “composite wood siding” or “synthetic wood siding,” but they all describe the same material.
Engineered wood board and batten siding is made from strands of natural wood fibers bound together by a specialized resin material.
Extreme heat levels are applied to combine the binding elements with the wood.
Once completed, engineered wood siding manufacturers add products that prevent moisture and mold damage.
- Pros of Engineered Wood
If you want board and batten siding that most resembles natural wood visually but at a lower cost, engineered wood is a great option.
Unlike wood, it’s low-maintenance and highly resistant to pests, mold, warping, and fungus.
In addition, it isn’t prone to peeling, and many manufacturers offer excellent warranties.
- Cons of Engineered Wood
Due to its binding agents, engineered wood siding is not the most eco-friendly option.
Furthermore, the manufacturing process tends to release dioxins, an organic pollutant compound.
Finally, in terms of visual appeal, there’s a less natural finish and a lack of woodgrain, only found in natural wood siding.
Vinyl Board And Batten Siding
Wood used to be the most widely used siding material, but that title goes to vinyl these days.
This inexpensive, easy-to-install siding material is made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) resin which offers several notable benefits.
As siding, PVC was introduced in the 1950s as a substitute for aluminum siding, which is prone to warping and gets noisy.
These days, many siding manufacturers offer vinyl board and batten siding, providing homeowners with the option of this siding style.
- Pros of Vinyl
Board and batten vinyl siding is an affordable option because vinyl siding in any style is a cost-effective solution.
It epitomizes the concept of low-maintenance siding as no dust, dirt, or mold sticks to its slick surface.
The vinyl board and batten siding doesn’t require painting, and the color can’t be scratched or chipped.
Vinyl siding installs quickly and is pretty easy to repair.
- Cons of Vinyl
Vinyl is prone to fading, but you can’t simply add another layer of paint – you need to replace the vinyl board and batten siding panels.
Vinyl siding is not as eco-friendly as some other options, and while it’s possible to recycle it, it can be hard to find a place that offers such services.
Pro Tip: If you want to incorporate board and batten style inside your home, you can purchase specialized interior planks designed for this use. The board and batten look works brilliantly as an accent wall, wainscoting, and can even be applied to the ceiling.
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MetalBoard and Batten Siding
Another affordable way to have board and batten siding design at a relatively affordable price is to opt for metal siding materials like steel and aluminum.
It is a no-fuss, durable solution that has a few customization options.
You can add a vinyl coating over the metal board and batten siding panels if you want more color and a bit of texture.
- Pros of Metal
Metal board and batten siding repels insects and pests and offers impressive strength and longevity.
Both steel and aluminum are incredibly tough materials and will ensure your home’s board and batten siding remains in excellent condition for a very long time.
Board and batten metal siding is also easy to maintain – one yearly inspection is more than enough.
- Cons of Metal
Replacing metal board and batten siding panels can be tricky, and sometimes the repairs require removing large sections of the siding, which can add up in terms of price.
Dents and other imperfections are common for metal siding in any style, including board and batten siding.
Fiber Cement Board and Batten Siding
Regarding budget-friendly board and batten siding, fiber cement is the best option.
This type of siding is prefabricated using a mixture of cement, wood pulp, fly ash, and water.
The brand synonymous with fiber cement siding is James Hardie, and they offer several types of planks that create an appealing board and batten style siding.
- Pros of Fiber Cement
It might seem odd to use fiber cement siding for a board and batten look, but there are a few significant advantages that come with this siding choice.
First, fiber cement is environmentally neutral, and while its ingredients are not recyclable, they don’t harm the environment either.
One of the most relevant benefits of fiber cement siding is that it’s unaffected by heat and flames – it’s essentially fireproof.
- Cons of Fiber Cement
One of the biggest problems of using fiber cement for your board and batten siding is the installation complexity.
Due to its content, fiber cement is heavy and difficult to cut, requiring specialized tools and more manpower, which can increase the cost.
It also requires occasional repainting, which some homeowners would rather not worry about.
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Is Board And Batten Siding Good?
The challenge of proclaiming whether board and batten siding is worth the cost and effort stem from its versatility. Board and batten is a paneling style.
Whether the board and batten siding is a worthwhile investment will depend on personal style preference, materials used, and the quality of installation.
Homeowners considering board and batten siding must first see if the material they choose is the best option for their home and budget.
Undoubtedly, board and batten is both traditional and trendy.
Many home builders choose board and batten siding for renovations and new constructions because it’s almost sure to attract buyers.
Board and batten siding has a great curb appeal and is often the go-to option for people who want to increase their home’s resale value.
Furthermore, the board and batten siding is reminiscent of the Victorian era, which is something many people appreciate.
On the other hand, some homeowners will view board and batten as an outdated style and won’t see the appeal, regardless of the materials used for the construction.
Pro Tip: If possible, choose to have your board and batten siding caulked. This process will deliver a more professional look and reduce the gaps between the wall and board edges, thus increasing durability and the siding’s lifespan.
Is Board And Batten Siding Expensive?
In some cases, board and batten can be more expensive than other siding styles.
Usually, the installation process takes longer and requires specialized tools.
Board and batten siding is often made from wood, so using this material as your siding will make the price automatically higher.
However, the cost can be lower if you choose fiber cement or metal board and batten siding.
Does Board And Batten Siding Need Insulation?
Insulation is not necessary but is often recommended.
Adding insulation with board and batten siding in geographical areas with extreme temperatures can be particularly beneficial.
Insulation can protect against moisture and store heat during cold months.
When choosing your board and batten siding material and installer, make sure to discuss insulation.
What Are the Top Board and Batten Siding Manufacturers?
Many big brands in the siding industry offer board and batten siding solutions and most of them have a wide range of materials in their assortment.
James Hardie, Kaycan, CertainTeed, and Westlake are a few brands that homeowners can consider when choosing board and batten siding.
Does Board And Batten Siding Leak?
Regardless of the material used, if it was properly installed, board and batten siding should not leak.
The style alone just as invulnerable to leakage any other siding styles.
Is Board And Batten Siding The Best Choice For Your Home?
Board and batten paneling style has many fans and continues to be the top choice for many homeowners in North America.
The versatility is unparalleled, as your board and batten siding can be made from natural or engineered wood, aluminum or steel, vinyl, and fiber cement.
When properly installed, board and batten siding can increase the property’s resale value and improve the curb appeal.
In terms of cost, there’s a level of unpredictability and a generally broad price range that is dependent on multiple factors.
Still, board and batten siding can help your house feel more like home.
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