How to install board and batten siding - DIY Tips & Tricks (2024)

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.

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.

How to Install Board and Batten Siding

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.

Items You’ll Need

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:

• Nail gun or hammer
• Drill
• Chalk line
• Caulking gun
• Jigsaw
• Circular saw or miter saw
• Tape measure
• Utility knife
• Level
• Pry bar
• Stapler
• Tin snips
• T-bevel

Materials:

• Boards and battens
• Paint or stain
• Paintbrush
• Caulk
• Primer
• Z-flashing
• Stainless-steel or galvanized siding nails
• Board for the water table

Okay, now let’s get started!

Prepare the Area

First, prepare the area by following these steps:

1. Paint or stain your board and battens if they aren’t colored already.
2. After that, make sure your home is ready for the siding installation by removing the rotten boards and securing the loose boards and wood trim.
3. Scrape away old caulking around the doors and windows. This will help the new siding sit flush against the walls.
4. Remove anything else that might get in the way of your siding installation, including downspouts, moldings, and lighting fixtures.

Next, you’ll be installing the boards.

How to Install the Boards

Follow these steps to properly install the boards:

1. Before starting the vertical board installation, install a skirt board (a board that’s wider than the siding boards).
2. Place the skirt board at the bottom of where the siding will end, and make sure it’s level before moving onto the next steps.
3. Once the skirt board is level, use a nail gun or hammer to install three vertical nails every 18”-24”.
4. Now, you can install the drip edge. You can use a piece of metal flashing for this.
5. After that, you can begin installing the siding boards.
6. Starting at one corner of the house, place a board flush up against the wall and make sure it’s plumb.
7. When it is, secure the board by installing two nails at the top of the and two to the bottom of the board.
8. Once it’s secured, install two nails every 18”-24” along the board’s length.
9. After that, measure the gap that you’d like in between the boards.
10. Install the next boards the same way you installed the first one. Keep going until you reach the other corner of the house.
11. When it comes to the windows, measure and cut your boards to the size that will fit above and below them.

Now, it’s time to install the battens.

How to Install the Battens

If you’re using any top trim, make sure it’s installed before starting with the battens.

1. Once the top trim is installed, cut your battens to the appropriate size.
2. Starting at one corner of your house, place the batten over the gap between the boards.
3. Once you have it centered and plumb, install the nails on the bottom, top, and also once every 18”-24” along the batten’s length.
4. When you finish on all sides of your house, you can finish the look with two adjoining pieces of trim along each corner.
5. You’re done! Enjoy your new board and batten siding.

Board and Batten Installation Tips

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:

• Always put safety first – When doing any kind of construction, it’s important to always put safety first by taking the necessary precautions. Before you start, put on a safety apron, plastic goggles, and gloves.
• Keep nail to board ratio in mind – Although 2×4 boards are most commonly used in these types of projects, you can use boards that are different sizes. Remember that if you use boards that are 6” or more than 6” wide, you’ll have to fasten them by hammering nails in the middle. The wider the board is, the more nails it needs. A 6” board will need one nail, while an 8” board will need two.
• Remember to treat the wood – Cedar is the most popular type of wood to use for board and batten siding since it’s naturally resistant to decay. However, it’s still important to properly treat it with different water and stain repellant finishes. Some homeowners also paint it to further prevent decay.

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.

FAQ

Is board and batten siding easy to install?

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.

Can you use pine for board and batten siding?

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.

Does board and batten have to go into studs?

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.

What size boards do you use for board and batten siding?

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.

How is spacing for board and batten siding calculated?

The steps to help calculate your board and batten spacing include:

1. Divide your total wall length by the approximate space you’d like between the battens. This calculates how many spaces are on your wall.
2. Add 1 to that number to get the number of battens on the wall.
3. Multiply the number of battens by the batten width to get the total batten width.
4. Subtract the total wall length by the total batten width.
5. Divide that by the number of spaces you calculated in the first step. This number will be the exact spacing between each batten.

Can plywood be used for board and batten siding?

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.

How do I attach batten to the wall?

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.

Need Help With the Installation? Contact Legacy Service!

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.

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