Board and Batten Siding: Installation Guide and Design Considerations

Siding Installation and Repair

Board and batten siding has experienced a major resurgence on modern farmhouse and contemporary exterior designs — understanding the installation basics ensures a long-lasting result.

Board and batten is one of the oldest siding profiles in North America, originating in barn construction. Wide vertical boards are installed first, with narrower 'batten' strips covering the gaps between boards. The result is a clean, vertical striped appearance that reads as tall and bold on a home exterior.

Material Selection Guide

Modern board and batten siding is most commonly executed in fibre cement (like James Hardie), vinyl, or engineered wood. True solid wood board and batten — while beautiful — requires a higher maintenance commitment than most homeowners want.

The spacing and width ratio between board and batten determines the visual character. A wide board (10 to 12 inches) with a narrow batten (3 to 4 inches) creates a bold, modern look. Equal widths look more traditional. Tighter batten spacing reads as busier; wider spacing is cleaner and more contemporary.

What the Installation Process Looks Like

Fibre cement board and batten installation requires a 3mm gap at all joints to allow for thermal movement, caulked with a paintable sealant. The bottom edge must be installed with a starter strip to maintain consistent projection, and all cut edges must be sealed with end-cut sealant to prevent moisture wicking.

Mixing board and batten with a contrasting lower-body material — stone veneer, brick, or lap siding — at a wainscot height creates a layered exterior look that's among the most popular contemporary exterior design patterns.