How to Install Board and Batten Siding | Better Homes …

You've heard of board-and-batten as a trendy interior wall finishing, but did you know you can also use the material as siding? True board-and-batten is made with vertically installed wide boards and narrow battens fastened over the gaps between the boards. In appearance, board-and-batten siding can look rustic or modern, depending on how rough the lumber is and its finish.

Perhaps the most common arrangement uses 1x10 boards and 1x2 or 1x3 batten. You can also use 1x8 or 1x12 boards and 1x4 battens. To seal out moisture, the boards should be in sound condition and free of open knots, and the battens should lap at least 3/4 inch onto the boards on both sides. Cedar is a good lumber choice because it is soft; harder wood, such as pressure-treated pine, will not seal as well and is more likely to crack. Board-and-batten can be installed onto solid plywood or OSBsheathing. If your sheathing is not solid, you will need to first attach horizontal furring strips.

With a helper, expect to spend a day installing 800 square feet of siding. Before you begin, cover the sheathing with building wrap and install trim boards and flashings. Also make sure you're comfortable measuring, laying out a job, driving nails, and cutting with a power saw.

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How to Install Board and Batten Siding | Better Homes ...