As you contemplate installing board and batten siding on your home, you likely have questions about whether it is the right choice. This guide will provide key information to consider before moving forward. We will explore the pros and cons of board and batten siding, including cost, maintenance requirements, and aesthetic appeal. You will learn what type of home is best suited for this unique look. We will also cover how board and batten compare to other siding options. With the insights provided here, you will feel confident deciding if board and batten is the ideal siding to achieve your home’s desired curb appeal and performance. Let’s begin by looking at the distinctive features of board and batten that make it stand out.
The Pros and Cons of Board and Batten Siding
Durability
Board and batten siding is extremely durable. Made from rot-resistant wood like cedar, redwood, or pressure-treated pine, it can last 50 years or more. The vertical battens also protect the joints between boards from water damage. However, while the wood itself is durable, the paint or stain finish will need to be reapplied every 3-5 years to maintain protection.
Aesthetic Appeal
The classic, rustic look of board and batten siding is appealing to many homeowners. The prominent vertical lines and shadowed grooves create an attractive visual texture. The siding can also be painted in a variety of colors to complement your home’s style. However, the bold lines are not suitable for all architectural styles and may seem out of place on a modern, minimalist home.
Affordability
Wood siding is typically more affordable than brick or stone but more expensive than vinyl or aluminum. Board and batten siding requires less wood than other styles like shiplap or clapboard, so installation costs are often lower. However, the vertical battens do require additional framing for support, which can increase material and labor costs. Paint or stain also needs to be reapplied regularly, creating ongoing maintenance expenses.
Insulation
The recessed design of board and batten siding provides natural insulation for walls. The air pockets behind the battens help regulate temperature and improve energy efficiency. However, on its own, wood siding is not a highly insulating material. For colder climates, additional layers of sheathing like house wrap or insulation boards are required underneath the siding.
In summary, board and batten siding offers many benefits but also some potential downsides to consider before installation. With the right design and proper maintenance, it can be an attractive and cost-effective choice for your home. However, it may not suit those looking for a low-maintenance or highly insulating siding option.
Is Board and Batten Siding Right for My Home?
Board and batten siding has been used for centuries due to its durable and attractive nature. However, as a homeowner, you need to consider if it is the right choice for your home’s exterior. Some factors to consider include:
Cost
Board and batten siding is typically more expensive than vinyl or aluminum siding but less expensive than stone, brick or stucco. The exact cost will depend on the type of wood you choose, with cedar and redwood on the higher end of the spectrum. However, wood siding also tends to increase a home’s resale value more than synthetic sidings.
Appearance
Board and batten siding has a rustic, country appeal due to the vertical boards separated by narrow strips of wood or battens. This style works well for craftsman, farmhouse, cottage and rustic home designs. If you prefer a sleek, modern look, board and batten siding may not be ideal. The style and color of the wood you select will also significantly impact the appearance.
Durability
High-quality wood siding, properly installed and maintained, can last 30-50 years. Cedar and redwood have natural preservatives that help resist rot, decay and insect damage. However, all wood siding requires periodic maintenance like painting, staining or sealing to prevent weathering and water damage. Wood siding also may not fare as well in extremely humid or wet climates compared to synthetic sidings.
Maintenance
While attractive and durable, wood siding does require more maintenance than alternative sidings. It needs to be inspected regularly, cleaned, painted or stained every 3-7 years on average. Minor repairs like nail holes, cracks or warped boards should also be addressed to prevent water damage or pest infestation. If low-maintenance is a priority, wood siding may not be ideal for you.
In summary, board and batten siding can be an excellent choice if you want an attractive, durable siding and do not mind the additional maintenance and cost. However, it may not suit all home styles or budgets. Carefully evaluating your needs and priorities can help determine if board and batten siding is right for your home.
How to Choose the Best Board and Batten Siding Materials
Wood
Wood is a traditional and attractive choice for board and batten siding. Cedar and redwood are naturally resistant to rot and insect damage, making them good options. However, they do require periodic sealing and staining to maintain their protective qualities. Pine is more affordable but will need to be pressure-treated and sealed to withstand weather exposure. With periodic maintenance, high-quality wood siding can last 30-50 years.
Engineered Wood
Engineered wood products like oak and fir can provide the rustic look of real wood at a lower cost. Plywood and oriented strand board (OSB) are made of wood chips and resin, then topped with a weather-resistant veneer. They won’t rot or warp but still require sealing. While durable, they typically only last 10-30 years before needing replacement.
Vinyl
For low-maintenance board and batten siding, vinyl is an excellent choice. Vinyl planks or “boards” are resistant to water, rot, insects and weather, so they won’t fade, stain or crack over time. Vinyl siding has an expected lifespan of 30-50 years and never needs to be painted. However, vinyl may not achieve the authentic wood look that some homeowners desire.
Fiber Cement
Fiber cement siding offers the natural appearance of wood with the durability of masonry. Made from wood fibers, cement and sand, it won’t burn, rot or dent. Fiber cement board and batten siding typically comes pre-primed and ready to paint in your choice of colors. It has a lifespan of 50 years or more with minimal maintenance. However, it may be more expensive than other options and the cement material can be brittle if mishandled during installation or repair.
In summary, the best materials for board and batten siding are those that balance aesthetics, durability, and cost according to your needs. Wood and engineered wood provide an authentic woodgrain texture but require the most maintenance. Vinyl and fiber cement offer minimal maintenance but can lack the character of real wood. By weighing the pros and cons of each option, you can choose siding that suits both your home’s style and your lifestyle.
Estimating Your Board and Batten Siding Installation Costs
To determine the total cost of board and batten siding for your home, you will need to calculate the square footage of siding required and the costs of materials and installation. Measure the height and width of each wall of your house in feet to determine the square footage. Add an additional 10% to account for waste.
Material Costs
The material costs will depend on the type of wood or engineered wood you choose for your siding. Cedar, redwood, and cypress are popular but more expensive options for their rot resistance and attractiveness. Engineered wood like LP SmartSide is more budget-friendly but still durable. For board and batten, you will need boards for the main siding area as well as narrower battens to create the vertical strips. In total, you can expect to pay between $3 to $10 per square foot for materials.
Installation Costs
Professional installation of board and batten siding typically ranges from $4 to $8 per square foot. The total installation cost will depend on the complexity of your home’s architecture, number of stories, and amount of siding required. Installation involves removing your existing siding, installing a moisture barrier, attaching the boards and battens, and painting or staining the new siding. Installation may take a crew of 2-3 up to several weeks to complete for a typical sized house.
Additional Costs
You will also need to budget for additional components like corners, trim, and accent pieces. Paint or stain will need to be reapplied every 3-5 years to maintain the appearance and prevent weathering. The initial application of paint or stain during installation can add $1,500-$3,500 or more to the total cost. You may also wish to consider upgrading to siding with factory-applied paint for lower long-term maintenance.
In summary, you can expect to pay between $8,000 to $20,000 or more for professional installation of board and batten siding on a typical home. The final cost will depend on the specifics of your home and materials chosen. Board and batten siding can be an attractive and long-lasting choice for your home’s exterior when properly installed and maintained.
Conclusion
You now have the key information you need to make an informed decision about whether board and batten siding is right for your home. With an understanding of the pros, cons, cost considerations, and installation process, you can thoughtfully weigh if it will achieve the aesthetic you’re after. If you’ve decided that board and batten siding is the perfect choice for your home, Rhino Siding & Window Replacement is here to help. Our team of experienced professionals can guide you through the entire process, from selecting the right materials to ensuring a flawless installation.
Take your time, gather quotes, and don’t be afraid to ask our team lots of questions. Installing new siding is a big project – but with the right prep work and the help of Rhino Siding & Window Replacement, you’ll end up with a beautiful, long-lasting exterior you’ll be proud of every time you pull into the driveway. Trust your instincts, stick to your budget, and enjoy the process of enhancing your home’s curb appeal with the help of Rhino Siding & Window Replacement. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation and take the first step towards transforming your home’s exterior.
FAQ on Board and Batten Siding: Your Top Questions Answered
How much does board and batten siding cost?
The cost of board and batten siding can vary depending on the type of wood you choose, but you can expect to pay between $3 to $10 per square foot installed. Hardwoods like cedar and redwood tend to be on the higher end of the cost spectrum, while pine is typically the most affordable. The spacing between boards, known as the reveal, can also affect the total cost. A larger reveal, such as 8 to 12 inches, requires fewer boards and may save you money.
Does board and batten siding require maintenance?
Like any wood siding, board and batten requires periodic maintenance to prevent rot, water damage, and pest infestation. It’s a good idea to inspect your siding each year and re-stain or re-paint every 3 to 5 years. You’ll also want to seal any cracks or gaps around windows, doors, the foundation, and trim to prevent air and moisture from getting in. With proper maintenance and care, wood siding can last 30-50 years.
Is board and batten siding energy efficient?
Board-and-batten siding is not inherently energy efficient on its own. However, when installed over an insulated sheathing like foam board or fiberboard and sealed properly, it can help improve a home’s overall energy efficiency. The key is to eliminate any air gaps or cracks in the siding where air can infiltrate. You may also want to consider adding house wrap or a weather-resistant barrier behind the siding for extra insulation.
What types of homes suit board and batten siding?
Board and batten siding lends itself well to rustic, country, and farmhouse-style homes. It works great on cabins, barns, and cottages. However, it can also be used to achieve a rustic-modern look or add visual interest to contemporary homes. The simple, linear design of board and batten siding complements stone, brick, and stucco exteriors. It pairs especially well with craftsman bungalows, American foursquare, and Cape Cod homes.
In summary, board-and-batten siding can be an attractive and low-maintenance choice if installed and maintained properly. By understanding the costs, maintenance requirements, energy efficiency, and suitable home styles, you can determine if it’s the right siding for your home.