Although every house in your neighborhood likely has some kind of siding installed on the exterior, not everyone knows that there are different types of siding materials and styles to choose from. For example, you could install:
- Traditional lap siding;
- Dutch lap siding;
- Horizontal siding panels;
- Shakes and shingles;
- Or board and batten siding.
With so many options at your fingertips, finding the right match for your aesthetics can be challenging. But we’re here to tell you all about why board and batten siding is one of the best options.
From average costs to pros and cons, materials, and the residential siding installation process, we’ll provide all the information you need to decide if you want to select board and batten siding for your own home exterior.
What Is Board and Batten Siding? ?
Before we dive into the more in-depth details of board and batten siding materials, let’s make sure you know exactly what it is.
As a simple but unique-looking siding style, board and batten siding is consistently growing in popularity across the US. It features strips of narrow wood (or whatever other siding material selected) that alternate with wider boards to create a layered look on the side of your home.
Although board and batten has been used for hundreds of years as barn siding or on farmhouses, it’s finally gaining traction in residential applications as well. And why is that? Well, there are many advantages to having board and batten siding installed on your home.
Benefits of Installing Batten Siding Board ✅
Thanks to its unique and beautiful aesthetic appeal, board and batten siding is beginning to take the siding industry by storm. Aside from the way it looks, there are tons of great reasons to love board and batten siding:
- Long-lasting
- Durable
- Increases curb appeal
- Easy maintenance
- Damage-resistant
- Multiple material & style options
- Versatile applications (homes, barns, garages, sheds, etc.)
Drawbacks of Board and Batten Siding ❌
While there are many solid reasons to install board and batten siding, there are still some drawbacks to keep in mind. Some of the most common board and batten siding problems include:
- Lengthy installation process (has to be layered)
- More expensive to install than other materials (high labor costs)
4 Most Popular Types of Board and Batten Siding Materials
Board and batten is simply the name of this siding style, but it can actually come in many different materials. These are the four main material options for board and batten siding:
1) Vinyl Siding
You’re probably already familiar with other standard styles of vinyl siding, but you can also get vinyl board and batten siding. Vinyl is incredibly popular across the country because it’s durable, affordable, and easy to maintain. It’s also much easier to install than traditional wood, metal, or fiber cement siding.
2) Fiber Cement Siding
For the next step up in durability, go with fiber cement for your board and batten siding material. Lasting upwards of 50 years when properly installed and maintained, you’ll get solid protection from the outside elements and increased energy efficiency in your home thanks to this siding material. Just make sure you’re aware that you’ll have to spend a bit more on fiber cement over the more common vinyl options.
3) Metal Siding
Another board and batten material choice that’s gaining traction is metal, and that’s because of its prolonged lifespan, damage resistance, and stunningly good looks. This is one of the more modern styles you’ll see, often installed on homes in areas prone to high winds or fire.
4) Wood Siding
Lastly, you can always look into wood siding for your home, but we have to give you a fair warning: wood siding is most susceptible to damage and extensive issues down the line. From weathering and moisture damage to pest infestation and wood rot, you will have to deal with a lot of headaches when you have wood siding materials installed.
However, if you like the look of wood siding shakes or shingles, you still have another option. Vinyl siding materials are often manufactured to mimic real wood, so you can get the beautiful look of wood that you want without the long list of drawbacks.
Average Cost of a Board and Batten Installation ?
Now let’s cover something crucial: board and batten siding costs. The current cost range for a board and batten siding installation is $4,000-$14,000, with most homeowners paying around $9,000 on average.
Board and batten siding is one of the more expensive siding options because of the lengthy and often complex installation process. But ultimately, your final cost of board and batten siding will be swayed by factors like:
- The cost of labor
- Where you live
- Your project size
- Repairs vs. full replacements
- The time of year
- Materials chosen
- Building permits
- Your homeowners insurance coverage
Will It Be Worth It to Install Board and Batten Siding? ?
There are many excellent reasons to install board and batten siding on your home, but you still may wonder if installing it is truly worth it. Although its higher initial price tag might make a frugal homeowner hesitate, there will be a big return on your investment in the long run.
This beautiful and durable siding option can give you more confidence in your home both aesthetically and protection-wise and will even help your house sell faster if you ever decide to put it on the market. In our opinion, that makes board and batten siding a more than sound option when it comes to siding your home.
Why We Recommend James Hardie Board and Batten Siding
James Hardie board and batten siding is a top choice for homeowners looking to enhance the aesthetic appeal and durability of their homes. This type of siding offers a unique combination of style, resilience, and low maintenance, making it a wise investment.
- Timeless Aesthetic: The vertical lines of board and batten siding create a striking, timeless look that complements various architectural styles, from modern farmhouses to rustic cottages. James Hardie’s offering comes in a wide range of colors and textures, allowing homeowners to customize their home’s exterior to match their personal taste.
- Unmatched Durability: Unlike traditional wood siding, James Hardie’s fiber cement siding is engineered to withstand harsh weather conditions, from intense sunlight to heavy rain and wind. It resists warping, rotting, and pests, ensuring that your home remains protected for decades.
- Low Maintenance: James Hardie board and batten siding requires minimal upkeep compared to other materials. It retains its vibrant color longer and is impervious to common issues like peeling or chipping. This means less time worrying about maintenance and more time enjoying your beautiful home.
Choosing James Hardie board and batten siding not only elevates your home’s curb appeal but also provides peace of mind through its long-lasting performance and minimal maintenance requirements.
Get Your New Siding Installed by the Best
Many homeowners are unaware of all the options available to them when it comes to different siding styles. Although you might see multiple styles and materials used in your neighborhood, you still might not know the benefits of options like board and batten. But, if a board and batten siding installation sounds like something you might be interested in after reading this article, don’t be afraid to explore it further!
This popular siding material is a great choice because it can boost your home’s curb appeal and protect your family from harsh weather conditions. Plus, it’s low-maintenance, energy-efficient, and even looks beautiful on top of that. Those sound like good things in our book— so why not give board and batten siding a try?
Talk with the friendly home siding specialists at Northface Construction today to learn more about our board and batten siding services and have your new siding properly installed by the pros. Contact us now to get started.