Board and Batten Siding: Cost, Pros & Cons

What board and batten actually is

Board and batten refers to the pattern, not a single material: wide vertical boards are installed with a gap between them, then narrower strips (battens) cover each seam. The vertical lines create a distinctly different look from traditional horizontal lap siding — often associated with modern farmhouse style, but it's also a traditional barn and historic-home siding pattern that's been used for well over a century.

Board and batten by material

Pro tip from our network contractors

Board and batten is very often used as an accent — on a gable, a dormer, or a porch — rather than the whole house. If you love the look but are budget-conscious, ask your contractor about mixing it with a more affordable primary siding material elsewhere on the home.

Trade-offs to know before committing

Board and batten in fiber cement or engineered wood installs similarly to other siding of the same material — the main added complexity is the extra batten pieces and precise spacing, which can add labor time versus a straightforward lap-siding job. Vinyl board and batten is limited to whatever board widths and colors a manufacturer offers, so if you want a very specific custom look, fiber cement or wood gives more flexibility. As with any vertical siding pattern, proper flashing and water management at the top of each board matters even more than usual, since vertical seams can be more exposed to wind-driven rain than overlapping horizontal lap siding.