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The 5 Minute Guide to Board and Batten Siding: The Best Products of 2023

Posted on May 19, 2023

Estimated Reading Time : 6 Min.

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The 5 Minute Guide to Board and Batten Siding: The Best Products of 2023

If you’re thinking about installing new siding for your home or business, consider board and batten siding to achieve a whole new appearance. This siding style has become trendy due to its distinctive characteristics and the rustic aesthetic it provides. Additionally, board and batten siding is known for its durability, water resistance, fire protection, and moisture control, which has contributed to its growing popularity and trustworthiness over time.

If you want to give your home a new look and ultimate protection against moisture and other elements, board and batten siding is worth considering. Keep reading this blog post to learn all about board and batten siding, and the best versions on the market. 

What is Board And Batten Siding? 

Board and batten siding, also known as barn or vertical siding, is a style of siding used to cover the external structure of a home and business. The boards are long panels installed in combination with battens, which are narrow strips that cover the seams for additional protection. Made of different materials, such as vinyl, steel, wood, and fiber cement, board and batten siding creates a versatile, energy-efficient, and durable option for homeowners.  While vertical siding has been in use for centuries, it has now become a trendy option for those who want a  unique style. Board and batten siding is installed in a vertical design that increases the curb appeal of homes and businesses by enhancing their aesthetic appearance.  

Board and Batten Siding Materials

Board and batten siding can be made out of various materials, including: 

1. Wood 

Wooden board and batten siding is a popular and widely used siding material for both homes and businesses. When installed on the exterior of homes, this vertical siding provides a traditional and classic appearance. With proper maintenance and cleaning, it can last for many years. Although wooden board and batten siding is favored by homeowners due to its availability and affordability, it is more susceptible to rot, insect infestation, and fire damage.

2. Vinyl 

In contrast to wood siding, vinyl board and batten siding is a modern, industrially manufactured, siding material. It is lightweight, waterproof, fire-resistant, and long-lasting. This siding material also provides homes with a modern appearance and increased curb appeal. Moreover, its various colors, styles, and design allow homeowners to choose the options that best suit the architectural structure of their homes. Homeowners often prefer installing this material due to its affordable price and lifespan of up to 40 years. 

3. Fiber Cement 

Aside from wood and vinyl board and batten siding, fiber cement board and batten siding makes an excellent choice for homeowners looking for increased durability, incredible fire resistance, and unbeatable aesthetic appeal. Available in various colors and textures, fiber cement board and batten siding provide homes with the ultimate protection against moisture, pets, insects, and external elements. 

Read the difference between vinyl siding and fiber cement siding here. 

4. Steel

Steel board and batten siding is an extremely durable and long-lasting option for your home. It maintains its durability, visual appeal, and fire resistance throughout its lifespan, effectively protecting your walls without any negative impact. Although steel is more expensive than other materials, it offers the greatest sturdiness. You can also paint steel siding with colors that enhance your home’s overall aesthetic and appearance.

Best Board and Batten Products of 2023

If you want to install vertical siding on your home or commercial property, you should consider the following top board and batten siding products. It also helps to do some research on each product to make an informed decision that will help you select the best siding product for your home. 

1. Hardie® Panel Vertical Siding by James Hardie™

James Hardie board and batten siding is a type of fiber cement siding that can create a classic and elegant look for your home. It consists of wide boards that are joined by narrow vertical battens to cover the seams. This style mimics traditional wood siding that was used for barns and farmhouses but with the added benefit of fiber cement, which provides durability, fire resistance, low maintenance, and a wide color variety. 

Also, consider reading about the most popular James Hardie siding color trends in 2023.

2. Vinyl Board & Batten – Single 7″ & 8″ by CertainTeed

Board And Batten Siding
Image Source: certainteed.com

If you are looking for a siding option that combines the classic look of vertical cedar boards with the durability and low maintenance of vinyl, you may want to consider vinyl board and batten siding by CertainTeed. This siding features wide boards that are installed with alternating narrow battens, creating a textured and rustic appearance for your home. The boards have a rough cedar finish that is molded from real cedar boards, giving them a realistic and natural look. 

3. Royal® Board & Batten – Westlake Royal Building Products™

Board And Batten Siding
Image Source: royalbuildingproducts.com

Westlake Royal Building Products has two board and batten vinyl siding options: Royal Board & Batten and Exterior Portfolio Board & Batten. The Royal line features a vertical profile with a deep shadow line, a wide range of colors, including its UV-resistant Colorscapes® shades, and a double lifetime warranty. It is also durable, low-maintenance, and wind-resistant.

Board and Batten Siding vs. Horizontal Siding

Although horizontal lap siding is the most common choice for homes in the U.S., board and batten siding is also gaining popularity on the market. To determine the best siding option for your home, it’s important to familiarize yourself with both styles, their characteristics, and any potential challenges they may create.

1. Appearance

Lap siding is installed horizontally with overlapping edges, providing protection and stability. This classic and traditional style complements both traditional and modern homes. On the other hand, board and batten siding, also known as vertical siding, is installed vertically using battens, which are narrow strips that hold the boards in place and ensure proper functioning. This style creates a rustic, textured appearance, adding dimension and character to a home. Although board and batten siding has a higher upfront cost, it is generally more durable and long-lasting compared to horizontal lap siding.

2. Cost 

The cost of products, installation, and maintenance makes a big difference between horizontal and vertical siding. Also note that the cost to install siding depends on the type of materials used, the quality of materials, the time it takes to install, the skill level of the workmen, and the area you live in. In the case of board and batten siding, the installation takes more time than lap siding. More labor and materials are also involved in installing this vertical siding.  

The Pros and Cons of Board and Batten Siding

Before installing board and batten siding on your home or office, you need to know the pros and cons of this siding to make an informed decision. 

Pros 

1. Unique and Trendy 

One of the advantages of installing board and batten siding on your home is its ability to provide a unique and trendy appearance. This siding style sets your property apart from others with its distinct vertical orientation and rustic charm. As a popular choice among homeowners seeking to enhance their home’s visual appeal, board and batten siding offers a stylish alternative to more traditional siding options, giving your home a fresh and eye-catching look.

2. Affordable and Versatile

Board and batten siding’s versatile color and style options have contributed to its growing popularity in the home improvement and siding market. Although it comes with a higher upfront cost compared to horizontal siding, board and batten siding is an excellent choice for long-term use, providing lasting value and durability. 

3. Durable and Low Maintenance

Durability is a measure of a material’s ability to withstand wear and tear caused by forceful impacts from weather-related events, an attribute that board and batten siding has. Made from durable materials, board and batten siding is low maintenance, although it does require regular cleaning to maintain its appearance and performance.

Cons

Here are some of the disadvantages of board and batten siding: 

1. Time-Consuming Installation

Board and batten siding takes longer to install than its horizontal counterparts. It also requires more labor to complete the job. 

2. Cost 

The reason homeowners may hesitate to install board and batten siding is its higher upfront cost. Vertical siding tends to be more expensive than its horizontal counterparts, making it a less attractive option for some budget-conscious individuals. 

We Are Proud Siding Installers in Montclair, New Jersey

If you’re thinking about installing siding on your property in Montclair and the surrounding areas of New Jersey, it’s essential to find professional contractors to handle the project. Imperfections during the installation process can shorten the siding material’s lifespan and lead to higher repair and replacement costs. As a result, it’s crucial to hire skilled and experienced professionals to ensure a successful installation. Call Northkit Roofing today at  (973)-396-7416 to install siding on your home or office. 

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