• Design
    • Expensive Homes
    • Small Spaces
    • Apartments
    • Houses
    • Outdoor Curb Appeal
    • Design Styles
      • Organic Modern
      • Bohemian
      • Scandinavian
      • Modern Farmhouse
      • Minimalist
      • Maximalist
  • Rooms
    • Living Rooms
    • Kitchens + Dining Rooms
    • Bathrooms
    • Bedrooms
    • Entryway
    • Home office
    • Non-Toxic Home
  • Spaces
    • Reading Nook
    • Behind The Sofa
    • Corners
    • Attic
  • Decor
    • Rugs
    • Console Tables
    • Lighting
    • Walls
    • Amazon Finds
  • Shop
  • Nav Social Icons

  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • Read The Blog
  • Gift Guides
  • [Free] Home Styling eBook
  • Submit Your Room
  • Contact
Roomcrush logos

Room Crush

Fall in love with your home

  • Blog
    • Gift Guides
    • Home Styling
    • Living Rooms
    • Bedrooms
    • Bathrooms
    • Kitchens And Dining Rooms
    • Curb Appeal
    • Holidays
  • Reviews
  • Contact
  • Shop
    • Living Room Furniture And Decor
    • Dining Room Furniture And Decor
    • Shop Bedroom Furniture And Decor
    • Shop Outdoor Furniture
  • Free Resources
  • Features
You are here: Home / Home Maintenance / How To Install Board and Batten - The Ultimate Guide

How To Install Board and Batten - The Ultimate Guide

Filed Under: Home Maintenance

243 shares

Board and Batten is a decor trend that has withstood the test of time, and it’s here to stay!

There are a few things to consider when choosing board and batten siding: the first is your climate.

If you live in an area with high winds, you'll want to choose a style that's more wind-resistant. The second consideration is your home's style.

In this article, we will show you how to install board and batten siding in your home.


7 Easy Home Updates eBook: Free!

Today, get a free copy of our ebook that shows you 7 simple updates you can make in your home this weekend that will make your home look expensive and increase its value. Tell us where to send your free copy:

 

This site uses ads and affiliate content as an Amazon associate earning on qualifying purchases. Disclosure.


 

White wood exterior of house showing board and batten installation

What Does Board and Batten Mean?

Table of Contents

    • 7 Easy Home Updates eBook: Free!
  • What Does Board and Batten Mean?
  • What Kind Of Wood Is Used For Board and Batten?
  • What Supplies Are Needed:
  • Exterior Board And Batten Rules
  • Is Board And Batten Inexpensive?
  • How To Install Board And Batten Siding )And Make It Look Professional)
  • Advice For Painting Interior Board And Batten Siding and Paneling
  • Is Board and Batten Siding Out Of Style?
  • Ideas For Wainscoting and Other DIY Accent Walls
  • How To Install Board and Batten - Conclusion
      • what to read next:

Board and Batten is a term used to describe boards placed either vertically or horizontally for exterior siding or used for interior wall panels.

The boards are commonly one foot in width, and the battens are typically half-width.

Initially, wooden Batten was used over seams for greater energy efficiency and stronger siding. Over time builders began incorporating this look indoors as well.

It can be used as an interior feature wall, or even the entire exterior of your home.

In general, wood is a material that can yield an impactful punch. Plus, a quick coat of paint can transform a rustic country design into a modern farmhouse style.

It’s pretty popular in rustic, country, traditional and farmhouse décor styles and for a good reason.

Really, it goes with any style. And why should you for that matter, pigeonhole your decor choices to one style?

A home should represent the people who live in them; their DNA is unique, and with age and experience, they evolve.

Therefore, so should your décor. However, when choosing molding, paneling, and trim work, it’s essential to aim for a timeless choice.

Eddie Miles is the owner of Old Hillsboro Building Co, whose firm is responsible for building this beautiful home which is located in Tennessee.

Exterior Board and Batten Siding

Raise your hand if you love shiplap!

Shiplap

Shiplap
Back view exterior Board and Batten Siding

Here's a little more insight from the homeowner of this beautiful home.

"The board and batten was added because we live in a historic area and we wanted the home to feel as though it was built long ago & then added onto. Our architect does a lot of historic-looking details in his work & he suggested this as a good way to divide it up & create that feel. It’s meant to look like the center is the original home & the rest was added later, just like many old homes in our area."

What Kind Of Wood Is Used For Board and Batten?

If you plan on installing exterior board and batten siding, you must use wood that is both insect and moisture-resistant.

Popular choices are cedarwood, cypress, white oak, and redwood, to name a few.

cedar planks are one of the best woods to use in outdoor board and batten installations
Cedar plank. Source: Home Depot

For interior projects, the standard wood choice is pine since it does not need to withstand outdoor elements.

The wood used in the home above was poplar. You can opt for MDF instead of wood to reduce your cost even further.

We might all love this design, and a new update inside or outside your home seems pretty great right about now.

With inflation rising the way it is, most of us don’t have loads of money to throw at a home update. So, what’s the cost looking like for a board & batten decor?

wood plank showing the materials for board and batten installation

What Supplies Are Needed:

You can get most (if not all) of these supplies on retailers like Amazon or Home Depot.

Your choice of wood or MDF

Backboard material

For exterior Board and Batten siding backboard material is needed.

For interior walls, the Batten would get installed directly to your dry walls. A Backer board would be necessary if you are trying to cover textured walls.

Screws, liquid nails, or both

WoodPro Fasteners AP9X212-5 T25 5-Pound Net Weight 9 by 2-1/2-Inch All Purpose Wood Construction Screws, 500-Piece, Gold
WoodPro Fasteners AP9X212-5 T25 5-Pound Net Weight 9 by 2-1/2-Inch All Purpose Wood Construction Screws, 500-Piece, Gold
  • No.9 by 2-1/2-Inch, Includes One 25mm T-25 Star Bit
  • T-25 Star Drive, Torx(tm) Compatible
  • Sharp Type-17 Point
  • PPG Industries 1,000 Hour E-Coat
  • 5LB NET WT, Approx. 550 Pieces
$24.95
Buy on Amazon
Liquid Nails LN-903 2 Pack Heavy Duty Construction Adhesive, Tan
Liquid Nails LN-903 2 Pack Heavy Duty Construction Adhesive, Tan
  • Liquid Nails Heavy Duty Construction Adhesive is a multi-purpose, low-solvent, high-strength construction adhesive specially formulated to provide the professional and do-it-yourselfer excellent adhesion and extended working time
  • Certified by UL Environment to meet the GREENGUARD Gold Standard as a low emitting material
  • Recommended for many exterior and interior heavy duty applications including plywood, particleboard, brick veneers (interior only), foamboard, waferboard, treated lumber, imitation stone (interior only), ceiling tiles, cementboard, drywall, tileboard and 1/8" MDF paneling
  • Not recommended for flooring applications, ceramics, mirrors, granite, marble, plastic, vinyl, underlayment and installing tileboard directly to studding
  • Strong bond will outlast project. Strong, durable and flexible
$13.49
Buy on Amazon

Wood filler to fill in the holes

Gorilla All Purpose Wood Filler, 16 Ounce Tub
Gorilla All Purpose Wood Filler, 16 Ounce Tub
  • Gorilla All Purpose Wood Filler is the go-to product for strong, durable repairs on cracks, gouges and holes.
  • The unique formula is easy to spread allowing for a smooth, natural finish.
  • Its high performance stainability, paintability, and sandability provides you with a professional looking finished project.
  • Shrink & Crack Resistant
  • Interior/ Exterior; Water Resistant
$10.98
Buy on Amazon

Sandpaper

Sale
Fandeli 36027 Multi-Purpose Sandpaper, 220 Grit, 9' x 11', 25 Sheets
Fandeli 36027 Multi-Purpose Sandpaper, 220 Grit, 9" x 11", 25 Sheets
  • Super heavy paper that works on all surfaces
  • High Quality Aluminum Oxide mineral
  • Longer Lasting
  • Less Clogging
  • Creates less waste
$9.62
Buy on Amazon

Paintable Caulk

Dap Inc 18152 6 Pack 10.1 oz. Alex Plus Acrylic Latex Caulk Plus Silicone, White
Dap Inc 18152 6 Pack 10.1 oz. Alex Plus Acrylic Latex Caulk Plus Silicone, White
  • DAP ALEX PLUS All Purpose Acrylic Latex Caulk Plus Silicone is an excellent quality, all purpose caulk for sealing a wide variety of interior and exterior surfaces. It contains silicone additives for greater flexibility and adhesion, and shrinks less for a durable, 100% waterproof seal.
  • ALEX PLUS is paintable in just 30 minutes with latex or oil-based paints, saving time. It will not shine through or discolor paint finish for superior paint results.
  • Easy to apply and tool, low in odor and cleans up easily with water. Cured caulk is mold and mildew resistant.
$25.97
Buy on Amazon

SIDE NOTE: To lessen the cost of the project, you could choose to install the battens further apart or reduce the height of the battens on the wall.

Exterior Board And Batten Rules

There's no one definitive answer to this question since there are many different ways to install board and batten siding.

However, there are a few basic principles that you should keep in mind when installing this type of siding.

First, make sure the boards you select are of uniform thickness so they'll lay flat against the wall.

If the boards are uneven, they won't sit flush against each other and will create an unattractive finished product.

Second, use either galvanized or stainless steel nails to avoid rusting over time.

Third, seal all joints and seams with caulk or weatherproofing tape to prevent moisture from seeping in and causing rot or mold. Finally, finish by painting or staining.

Is Board And Batten Inexpensive?

Yes, board and batten can be an extremely inexpensive way to add some gorgeous decor and style to your home!

The beauty of this style is that with good attention to detail and with some time on your side, it is actually a quite simple technique you can master yourself, and we all know paying for labor on anything nowadays is expensive!

So, since you can do this yourself, you can save a ton of money.

Additionally, you have a few options of wood you can buy and use, especially if you are doing this decor style interiorly.

Having the ability to choose a cheaper wood option can make this a very inexpensive home update project.

white wood paneling showing an interior board and batten installation

How To Install Board And Batten Siding )And Make It Look Professional)

Do Not Rush This Project….I repeat…do not rush this project. Your woodcuts need to be accurate and STRAIGHT.

Therefore, if it’s getting late in the day or you’re too tired to continue - stop the project for the time being.

Always measured twice (sometimes three times) and cut once.

You could also install a few pieces temporarily on the wall and take a few steps back to confirm your cuts were accurate, and of course, use a level.

Then, use those as your example for all future cuts.

Interior Board and Batten wainscoting

Day One:            Design

Day Two:            Pick up material and prep (cut the pieces and pick up any extra or replacements to complete the job)

Day Three:         Start installing

Advice For Painting Interior Board And Batten Siding and Paneling

If you are working with bare or unprimed wood, use primer.

Sale
ZINSSER 1 qt 02004 White, Bulls Eye 1-2-3 Water-Based Stain Blocking Primer/Sealer
ZINSSER 1 qt 02004 White, Bulls Eye 1-2-3 Water-Based Stain Blocking Primer/Sealer
  • Interior/exterior use on new or previously painted drywall, concrete, wood, masonry, metal and glossy or difficult surfaces
  • Water-based formula seals uniformly and will stick to surface without sanding
  • Dries to the touch in 35 minutes, ready to topcoat in 1 hour and covers up between 87-112 sq. ft. per quart
  • Has excellent stain blocking resistance and can be used with any oil or latex topcoat
  • One coat hide saves time and money by improving hide and coverage of topcoats
$15.94
Buy on Amazon

We would advise against using an all-in-one prime plus paint product.

It only contains a small amount of primer, which would not provide you with the best base foundation.

In other words, a pro can tell the difference when a separate primer is used.

Depending on how detailed your wainscoting paneling is, you may use a roller and brush for the edges.

However, if your project is extensive or you are looking for a super smooth finish, a paint sprayerwill be your best friend.

Is Board and Batten Siding Out Of Style?

Board and batten siding is definitely not out of style.

It's a classic look that will always be in demand.

Board and batten can be used on any type of home, but it might not be the right choice for a more traditional, or farmhouse-style home.

Ideas For Wainscoting and Other DIY Accent Walls

In the video above, Tresha provides some great tips and inspiration. Her larger grid pattern and choice of color make her design very modern.

How To Install Board and Batten - Conclusion

Molding can transform any exterior or interior room in your home. And as you can see, there are different ways to go about it.

Board and batten siding, walls, or wainscotting can be installed to create artistic designs so much so that you could skip artwork altogether.

what to read next:

  • How To Properly Paint Furniture

Filed Under: Home Maintenance Tagged With: farmhouse

About Rebecca Fernandez

Rebecca is an interior designer with over a decade of experience renovating, styling and flipping homes. She is the founder of Restyled Homes.

you’ll also love

What Is Urban Farmhouse Decor Style - this design style includes bright and airy colors as well as rustic texturesWhat Is Urban Farmhouse Decor Style?
Modern Farmhouse Decor can be found all around Amazon, from chairs to decorative vasesThe Best Modern Farmhouse Decor On Amazon
woman decorating a mantel with photo frames and a vaseDecorating A Mantel, For Any Season
5 Sustainable Cookware Brands for an Eco Friendly Kitchen

5 Sustainable Cookware Brands for an Eco Friendly Kitchen

Brondell Luxury Bidet Toilet Seat Review - would you use a bidet?

Brondell Luxury Bidet Toilet Seat Review

bed and pillows showing guest bedroom ideas for in-laws

Guest Bedroom Ideas Your In-laws And Friends Will Appreciate

The Best Black Friday Home Decor Deals you must see

The Best Black Friday Home Decor Deals

a minimalist white gift box that you can package your expensive-looking gifts in

16 Expensive-Looking Gifts That Are Luxurious Yet Affordable

litter robot review cats using litter robot without making a mess

Litter Robot Review: Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box, Worth It?

Get A Free Copy Of Our Home Styling Book Today!
Discover how to style your home like a pro

Let us know where to send your copy:

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Next Post >

What Are Average Prices For A Garage Door Repair?

Primary Sidebar

Welcome to Room Crush. The luxury home styling and decor blog for organic modern design enthusiasts. Get ready to fall in love with your home...

read more →

Want A Copy Of Our Home Styling Book?

Become a member of our secret society for design enthusiasts FOR FREE and you'll get a free opy of our Home Styling Book!

Categories

  • Apartments
  • Bathrooms
  • Bedrooms
  • Curb Appeal
  • Design Styles
  • Food & Entertaining
  • Gift Guides
  • Holidays
  • Home Decor
  • Home Maintenance
  • Home Office
  • Home Styling
  • Houses
  • Interior Design
  • Kitchens And Dining Rooms
  • Living Rooms
  • Reviews
  • Small Spaces

Trending

The Best Black Friday Home Decor Deals you must see

The Best Black Friday Home Decor Deals

a minimalist white gift box that you can package your expensive-looking gifts in

16 Expensive-Looking Gifts That Are Luxurious Yet Affordable

Gifts for interior design lovers

10 Unique and Useful Gifts for Interior Design Lovers

list of the best housewarming gifts they will actually love

15 Thoughtful Housewarming Gifts They Can’t Wait to Use

Modern Farmhouse Decor can be found all around Amazon, from chairs to decorative vases

The Best Modern Farmhouse Decor On Amazon

Best Hostess Gifts For A Christmas Dinner Party

Best Hostess Gifts For A Christmas Dinner Party

Footer

SHOP + CONNECT

  • Shop
  • Blog
  • About
  • Contact
  • Home Styling eBook

GET INSPIRED

  • Home Styling
  • Living Rooms
  • Bathrooms
  • Bedrooms
  • Curb Appeal

room crush home decor blog

The Crush List

Copyright © 2023 · Privacy | Terms | Disclosure

Skip to content
Open toolbar Accessibility Tools

Accessibility Tools

  • Increase TextIncrease Text
  • Decrease TextDecrease Text
  • GrayscaleGrayscale
  • High ContrastHigh Contrast
  • Negative ContrastNegative Contrast
  • Light BackgroundLight Background
  • Links UnderlineLinks Underline
  • Readable FontReadable Font
  • Reset Reset