Home | How to do it | Board and Batten Siding Installation
Board and batten siding is a beautiful option for your home’s exterior. It adds a certain rustic charm that often resembles a modern farmhouse look. Whether you wish to install board and batten siding on your home, cabin, or garage, you can rest easy knowing that you made a fantastic choice.
So, what exactly is board and batten siding?
This type of siding is best described as wide boards that are vertically installed with narrow battens fastened over the gaps between the boards. Board and batten can appear rustic or modern, depending on its finish and how rough the lumber is.
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Fortunately, the process of installing board and batten siding is not too difficult for those who have some experience in home construction. With the help of a friend, you can usually expect to have about 800 ft. of it installed in about a day. At Legacy Service, we have plenty of experience when it comes to installing any type of siding, including board and batten. You can either give us a call to schedule an appointment or continue reading our blog to see how to install board and batten siding yourself. We also provide other types of services to improve your home exterior, including roofing and windows installation. Schedule an appointment by contacting us at 215-798-9790.
Before you begin with your DIY board and batten siding installation, make sure you know how the entire process works. Read over this blog, ask the experts questions (whether it’s giving your local experts a call or consulting someone at the hardware store), and gather all of the items you’ll need. You might even want to watch a few online DIY videos.
Once you know that you’re fully prepared, you can begin. Although this project can be completed on your own, it’s usually best to have another person there with you. So, call one of your best friends or a loving family member, and then you can start.
Gather the items you’ll need before beginning your project. You might have some of them lying around, but you can probably purchase the rest at a local hardware store. You may also have to order others. The items you’ll need include:
Tools:
Materials:
Okay, now let’s get started!
First, prepare the area by following these steps:
Next, you’ll be installing the boards.
Follow these steps to properly install the boards:
Now, it’s time to install the battens.
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If you’re using any top trim, make sure it’s installed before starting with the battens.
If you’ve read the above sections, then you know how installing board and batten wood siding works, but in this section, we’re going to provide you with installation tips that will make your job a little bit easier. Keep reading for board and batten installation tips:
By following these tips, you’ll not only make your life a little bit easier, but you’ll also help your siding remain in better condition for a longer period of time.
Yes, board and batten siding is relatively easy to install for those with experience in construction. And it can also be completed by beginners with the proper planning. This style of siding also offers plenty of other advantages. Its beauty gives homes and cabins a type of rustic charm, its design is durable and proven to last, and along with its ease of installation, it’s also easy to repair.
It’s possible to use pine for board and batten siding, but it’s typically not recommended. Although the material is cost-effective and quite beautiful, it’s less durable and has been known to have a much shorter lifespan than other materials, such as cedar or James Hardie. You might want to choose another material that’s longer-lasting.
While it’s not always necessary to nail board and batten siding into studs, it’s usually recommended. If you’re using thin, lightweight lumber, you won’t need to stress about it. However, for everything else, it’s a good idea to attach your boards to the studs wherever possible. If you can’t find a wall stud, use wood glue/liquid nails and a nail that’s long enough to secure the wood to the wall.
The board size arrangements that can be used for board and batten siding include 1×10 boards with 1×2 or 1×3 battens as well as 1×8 or 1×12 boards with 1×4 battens. Battens should lap at least ¾ inch onto the boards on both sides to keep out moisture. Boards should be in good condition.
The steps to help calculate your board and batten spacing include:
Yes! Plywood is a popular material used for board and batten siding because it’s a dimensionally stable wood and relatively inexpensive. It’s usually recommended that the board and batten is installed onto solid plywood or OSB sheathing. If the sheathing isn’t solid, the laborer will need to first attach horizontal furring strips.
After the top trim is installed, it’s time to attach the battens. Start at one corner of your house and make your way around. First, place the batten over the space between the boards. Once it’s centered and plumb, nail the top, bottom, and once every 18”-24” along the batten’s length.
Now that you’ve finished learning about how to install board and batten siding, it’s time to get out there and get the job done. Gather your supplies, grab a trusted friend, and get to work.
But what if you need help from a professional? The good news is that you can contact our team here at Legacy Service. We have plenty of experience when it comes to board and batten siding. In fact, it’s one of our favorite types due to its beauty and durability. Also, our commitment to the industry and our craft results in beautiful projects that are not only high-quality but also works of art. We’re 100% dedicated to customer service; we take our customer reviews and A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau very seriously. But the most important thing to our team is that you’re fully satisfied at the end of the project.
To learn more about installing board and batten siding, or to schedule an appointment for a consultation, please feel free to give us a call anytime at 215-798-9790 or contact us here.