Today’s board and batten siding can create a unique aesthetic that boosts any home’s curb appeal. Below is a comprehensive guide with everything you need to know about board and batten siding installation.
What Is Board And Batten Siding?
Traditional board and batten siding originated from Nordic European buildings. The vertical siding style eventually made its way to the United States in the 19th century.
The original board and batten design used wide vertical planks. These boards joined together with thin vertical strips, or battens, which covered the seams in between the boards.
The battens essentially closed the gaps between boards, creating a more air-tight structure. In addition, the traditional board and batten siding were inexpensive and required simple assembly and installation. As a result, this structural design became popular for farmhouses.
Over the years, board and batten siding has evolved from a cheap and efficient structural design into a charming and high-end aesthetic. These days, many homes use board and batten siding to create exceptional home exteriors that stand out from their neighbors.
Board and Batten Siding for Home Exteriors
One of the benefits of board and batten siding is its versatility. Homeowners can customize the look of their home with various color and material options.
You can use board and batten siding for your whole home’s exterior or as an accent. The modern farmhouse trend is growing more and more popular due to its vintage style.
Applying board and batten siding to your whole home’s exterior can create a beautifully rustic yet modern aesthetic that significantly boosts curb appeal.
Using the farmhouse-inspired design to accent home exteriors is another way to create a unique look. You can mix the horizontal lap with a vertical board to create a distinguished look unlike any other house on your street.
Engineered Wood Siding
Board and batten siding is available in various materials and patterns. Engineered wood is one of the most popular and aesthetically pleasing board and batten siding materials.
Engineered wood combines scrap wood, shredded wood fibers, sawdust, and pieces of natural wood to create a highly durable product.
Using resin to bond the wood materials together makes engineered wood boards more durable and moisture-resistant than traditional solid hardwood. They are also lighter and have longer lengths, which means fewer seams.
Since engineered wood products use real wood, they look like natural wood but have a longer lifespan. Common engineered wood products include plywood, glulam timbers, particleboard, and finger-jointed wood.
Engineered wood offers several benefits, including:
- Impressive strength and stability
- Customizable in shape, size, and color
- Warp and spit resistant
- Uses re-used scrap lumber, sawdust, and chips
Many homes use engineered wood for their siding since it is highly durable and vibrant. Additionally, paint won’t chip as quickly due to its smooth resin surface.
When considering engineered wood for your siding, it is essential to consider its benefits and drawbacks. For example, engineered wood siding tends to be as moisture-resistant as natural wood, despite its higher durability.
If you live in a humid or rainy climate, installing a rain screen with your siding is crucial to prevent mold growth.
Fiber Cement Siding
Another popular material option for board and batten siding is fiber cement. Fiber cement is like engineered wood as it is available in various colors and patterns. However, it is more durable than engineered wood.
Fiber cement not only has an impressive life expectancy but is moisture, rot, insect, and impact resistant. In addition, fiber cement products are ideal for nearly any climate since they aren’t subject to freezing or thawing.
Due to their impressive durability, fiber cement boards can maintain their vibrant color for over a decade without the paint peeling, fading, or chipping.
Fiber cement is highly versatile with various style options. Homeowners can use it for multiple types of home exteriors, including:
- Lap siding
- Cedar-looking or decorative shingles
- Architectural panels
- Board and batten siding
Another benefit of fiber cement is its low maintenance requirements. Homeowners can customize the look of their house by using fiber cement for the entire exterior without worrying about constant or complicated upkeep.
How to Choose the Right Board and Batten Siding for Your Home
With so many options out there, it can be challenging to choose a style for your home. When comparing fiber cement and engineered wood, it is crucial to consider various factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your maintenance goals
- Desired durability
Engineered wood and fiber cement are customizable with endless color and pattern options. However, fiber cement offers unmatched durability and minimal maintenance. As a versatile substance, it is ideal for nearly any type of home in various climates.
Traditionally, board and batten siding consists of natural wood. However, wood is subject to mold and termites without proper maintenance or treatment. Fiber cement and engineered wood offer the same rustic look like natural wood but with improved durability and vibrance.
Home Exterior Design Experts
It can be challenging to know where to start when it comes to home renovations. Urban Exteriors knows that not all home improvement projects are as straightforward as we would like. That’s why our design experts are passionate about helping Northeast Wisconsin homeowners achieve their exterior goals.
Whether you are considering vinyl siding or need help knowing where to start, our team of design experts can help you explore your options and create a plan that meets your goals. In addition, we can help you create a design that fits your taste and budget, from materials to siding sizes.
Board and batten siding continues to be an elegant yet traditional home exterior design in Northeast Wisconsin. Contact us today to learn more!
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