Easiest Ever DIY Board and Batten Wall Tutorial (2024)

FAQs

Easiest Ever DIY Board and Batten Wall Tutorial? ›

Most builders use MDF or pine trim strips for board and batten. But we discovered by using pine furring strips instead, it cost less than half of the traditional method!

Most builders use MDF or pine trim strips for board and batten. But we discovered by using pine furring strips instead, it cost less than half of the traditional method!

Engineered wood is typically opted for due to its wood-like appearance yet cheap price, making it a great alternative for the pure wood board and batten siding. The material is easy to maintain and install. It is quite durable too and can last up to 25 to 30 years.

While all types of wood are great to use as board and batten siding material, cedar is the most preferred species of timber by homeowners as well as builders. Generally, cedar is much more durable compared to other wood species. In fact, it is known to be rot- and insect-resistant.

Both wood and MDF are common for board and batten installation. MDF is easier to work with, smoother, and more cost-effective. Wood is solid and more durable, and ideal for wet areas, but you'll need to use a high quality wood that has no knots or warping (this will increase the cost).

Unlike wood board and batten siding that can chip, peel, and fade, fiber cement siding maintains its original charm and protects your home's curb appeal. Plus, the color selection is absolutely stunning. Allura siding and trim is pre-finished, meaning the color is infused in the product during the fabrication process.

Drawbacks of Board and Batten Siding

One major drawback of board and batten siding is the cost. It can be more expensive than other siding styles, like traditional lap siding. However, many homeowners find that the durability and timeless appeal of board and batten siding justify the higher upfront investment.

Conclusion. Board and batten and shiplap are both outstanding choices for residential design, each with its own charm and versatility. Board and batten's vertical orientation and elegant lines add a touch of sophistication, while shiplap's horizontal profile invites a cozy and rustic feel.

Few wall treatments are more classic than traditional board-and-batten. It never goes out of style, but, as part of the current farmhouse trend, its popularity is flourishing.

apart, battens should overlap by at least 1/2 in. With wider boards, increase batten overlap proportionately. While there are no set widths for board and batten siding, an attractive combination is 1×3 battens with 1×10 boards. Siding should be nailed to horizontal blocking lines or to furring strips.

Do you have to use a nail gun for board and batten? ›

In order to attach, I first glued each board with liquid nails for extra security, and then I nailed the pieces in with a Brad Nailer. I highly recommend using a brad nailer, so the nails are almost invisible and it has a more seamless and high-quality look to it.

Install battens

Now you're ready for the battens! You have two options when it comes to installing the batten boards: Use nails only (easier to remove down the line without drywall damage) Use construction adhesive and nails (much more permanent)

The tools I recommend having when doing a Board and Batten / wainscoting accent wall are: Miter Saw - if you are a beginner and buying your first Miter Saw, I recommend starting with a 7.25” blade which is small, less-intimidating, and easier to learn with. Nail Gun - I prefer a battery operated 18gauge Brad Nailer.

DIY Board and Batten Siding Installation vs. Hiring a Professional. The cost to install board and batten siding yourself is between $0.75 and $10 per square foot.

To make things easy, paint the wall before you start nailing your design on. Trust me - this is the easiest way to do this! Get the base coat on in the area you will be completing your board and batten.

If you do add it, make sure to go high enough and don't cut the room in half. If ceiling is 8ft, doing go 4ft high. Go at least 4' 6" - 10". I have seen board and batten used indoors and it's beautiful.

The total cost to install board and batten siding averages $2.25 to $12.50 per square foot. While professionals will likely give you one per square foot price that includes both materials and installation, their labor typically comes out to about $1.75 to $2.25 per square foot.

If you are planning to do board and batten in a wet area such as a bathroom or a kitchen, you will want to purchase PVC or Primed Pine trim. PVC is the superior choice as it is 100% waterproof, but pine is a great alternative.

Vinyl is less expensive than other siding materials like wood or fiber cement in the board batten style but more expensive than your traditional horizontal vinyl siding.