Board and batten is a type of exterior siding commonly seen on certain architectural styles of homes. It consists of wide vertical boards with narrower strips of wood (battens) covering the seams between them. This gives a distinctive vertical striped pattern to the exterior walls. Board and batten siding can be rustic or more formal depending on the overall style of the home. Let’s take a look at some of the most common house styles that feature board and batten siding.
Craftsman
Craftsman style homes are known for their simplicity and lack of excessive ornamentation. Developed in the early 20th century, these homes have an emphasis on natural materials and harmony with the surrounding landscape. Board and batten siding fits well with the Craftsman aesthetic. It provides a rustic, handcrafted look in keeping with the style’s origins as an American interpretation of old English cottages mixed with Japanese architectural influences.
Other typical Craftsman exterior features that complement board and batten siding include:
– Low-pitched gabled roofs
– Exposed rafter tails and beams under roof overhangs
– Tapered square columns supporting porches
– Stone accents around foundations and chimneys
– Double hung windows with divided lites
Overall, the vertical lines and natural wood texture of board and batten siding pairs nicely with the straightforward Craftsman look. It was a very popular choice on these homes in early 1900s neighborhoods.
Farmhouse
Farmhouse style homes are inspired by traditional rural American architecture. They have a casual, welcoming feel. Board and batten siding lends itself well to that cozy farmhouse vibe. It adds rustic character that calls to mind classic barns and agricultural buildings.
Other typical farmhouse exterior elements that go well with board and batten include:
– Wraparound porches with square columns
– Dormer windows popping out from the sloping roof
– Painted shutters framing windows
– Exposed beams under the eaves
– Mason jars or galvanized metal as decorative accents
The farmhouse look works best with wider board and batten siding, rather than very narrow strips. Wider boards better replicate the bold, rustic feel of old barn wood. Overall, board and batten is a classic choice for farmhouse style homes looking for vintage character.
Cottage
Cottage style homes are small and cozy. They often feature architectural details inspired by English or French country cottages. With its rustic origins, board and batten siding suits the intimate cottage aesthetic. It adds quaint, old-world charm.
Other typical cottage style exterior features that match well with board and batten include:
– Stone accents on chimneys or walkways
– Flower boxes under windows
– An arched entry door
– Shutters in cheery colors like red or yellow
– Dormers and gables popping up on the roofline
Board and batten siding evokes the feeling of being welcomed into a sweet European cottage. It pairs nicely with painted trim and shutters in lighter tones to keep the look airy. Overall, cottage homes benefit from the vintage, handcrafted vibe of board and batten.
Victorian
Victorian style architecture is known for its ornate details. Surprisingly, board and batten siding can also suit these elaborate homes. The wide vertical strips provide a less fussy texture that counterbalances decorative trim, railings, and gables.
Other typical Victorian exterior features that harmonize with board and batten siding include:
– Decorative spindlework along porches and eaves
– Intricate shingle patterns on gables
– Colorful scalloped trim framing windows
– Round turret roofs popping up at corners
– Elaborately painted front doors
On Victorian homes, board and batten siding often gets painted in vivid hues like deep red, green, or navy. This adds striking contrast against lighter detailed trim. So while board and batten evokes a more rustic look, it can work with ornate Victorian facades when painted in bold colors.
Bungalow
Bungalow style homes are closely related to Craftsman in their simplicity and focus on natural materials. But while Craftsman has some Asian influences, bungalows are more broadly inspired by rustic vacation homes. Their trademark feature is a low-slung roof with a wide overhang. This is where board and batten can make an excellent match.
Other typical bungalow exterior elements that jibe with board and batten siding include:
– Broad gabled roofs
– Exposed rafters under the eaves
– Partial-width covered porches
– Brick or stone accents around foundations
– Double hung windows with transoms above
Board and batten suits the laidback, welcoming feel of bungalow homes. The evenly spaced vertical boards and strips of batten complement the horizontality created by the overhanging eaves. Painted bold colors, board and batten pops against neutral roofing and stone accents. Overall, it’s a flexible fit for both rustic and more polished bungalow styles.
Ranch
Ranch style houses are long and low, epitomizing casual single-story family living. Known for their sprawling floor plans, ranch homes favor natural materials like wood and stone. With its rustic roots, board and batten siding can enhance the ranch aesthetic.
Other typical ranch exterior features that pair well with board and batten:
– Low-pitched gabled or hipped roofs
– Wide overhanging eaves
– Large picture windows framing views
– Attached garages or carports
– Stacked stone accents around entries
On ranch homes, board and batten often gets painted in subdued natural hues to blend with the surroundings. Earth tones like beige, brown, and sage green help it harmonize with stonework and landscaping. The vertical boards suit the stretched out proportions of ranch homes. Overall, board and batten lends down-to-earth curb appeal in keeping with the casual ranch style.
Tudor
Tudor style homes are known for their steeply pitched roofs, facade cross-timbers, and a mixture of materials. The Tudor architectural style mimics medieval English cottages with rustic touches. In this context, board and batten siding fits right in.
Other typical Tudor exterior features that suit board and batten:
– Steep gabled roofs
– Facade half-timbering with stucco infill
– Masonry chimneys
– Arched entryways with heavy wooden doors
– Multi-pane casement windows
Board and batten often accents the gables or second floor of Tudor homes. Its vertical lines and natural wood texture complement the brick and stonework on the lower floors. Painted lighter colors, it contrasts the dark wood cross-timbers under the eaves. Overall, board and batten enhances the old-world Tudor aesthetic in a flexible, rustic way.
Conclusion
In summary, board and batten siding pairs well with a wide range of architectural styles, from ornate Victorians to laidback ranches. It brings a rustic, vintage appeal with its vertical board strips and batten trim. This versatile siding can fit beautifully on Craftsman, farmhouse, cottage, bungalow, and Tudor homes when matched with complementary details. With the right combination of materials and colors, board and batten siding enhances curb appeal and cohesive style. Its natural, textured look never goes out of fashion.
Common Questions about Board and Batten Siding
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about board and batten siding:
What is board and batten siding made of?
Board and batten siding is most commonly made from wood or engineered wood products. Traditional versions use individual boards milled from cedar or pine. Engineered versions consist of panels made from materials like plywood, OSB, and hardboard with a veneer surface. Vinyl versions with plastic boards and trim are also available.
What is the typical size of board and batten siding?
The most common board width is around 6 inches. Boards may range from 4-12 inches wide. Battens are usually 1-2 inches wide. Wider board and batten siding creates a more rustic look, while narrow widths have a more refined appearance.
What maintenance is required for board and batten siding?
Wood versions require staining or painting every 3-5 years to protect from weathering, along with caulking around seams. Engineered and vinyl versions need less frequent paint touch-ups. All types need occasional cleaning with soap and water using mild pressure.
Is board and batten siding expensive?
Board and batten is comparable in cost to many other sidings. It runs $3-8 per square foot installed. Exact pricing depends on materials, width of boards, and regional labor rates. It’s more affordable than masonry, stucco, and some specialty wood sidings.
Does board and batten work on a modern house?
While it has a vintage look, board and batten can successfully work on modern homes. Wider boards with clean lines create a more contemporary feel. Painting it in subdued colors like black, gray, or beige helps it blend with a modern aesthetic versus rustic tones.
Here is a summary table comparing the costs, maintenance, and styles compatible with common board and batten siding materials:
| Board & Batten Material | Cost Per Sq.Ft Installed | Maintenance | Compatible House Styles |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wood | $4-8 | Frequent staining/painting | Craftsman, farmhouse, cottage, Victorian |
| Engineered wood | $3-5 | Occasional paint touch-ups | Bungalow, Tudor, ranch |
| Vinyl | $3-4 | Occasional cleaning | Modern, ranch, farmhouse |
The Pros and Cons of Board and Batten Siding
Board and batten siding offers many benefits but also has a few potential drawbacks to consider:
Pros
– Rustic, unique visual appeal
– Can work with many architectural styles when properly designed
– Made from durable materials like wood, engineered wood, and vinyl
– Less expensive than stucco, brick, stone, and some wood sidings
– Easy to install, replace, and mix with other materials
– Low maintenance required compared to some other siding options
– Adds vintage character and charm
Cons
– Not as durable or impact-resistant as masonry, stucco, or fiber cement
– Wood versions require frequent staining/painting
– Not as insulating as some other sidings; may require additional insulation
– Provides some crevices where pests or water can enter if not properly sealed
– Can appear busy or excessive if improperly scaled for the home’s facade
Overall, board and batten siding is a great option for adding rustic, architectural interest to many home styles. With proper installation and maintenance, the pros generally outweigh the potential drawbacks. It remains a popular choice for a range of unique house designs looking for vintage character.
Conclusion
Board and batten siding brings versatile, rustic charm to a variety of architectural styles. It pairs beautifully with Craftsman, farmhouse, cottage, Victorian, bungalow, ranch, and Tudor homes. The vertical board and batten strips create eye-catching facades with vintage-inspired texture and appeal. With the right combination of materials, proportions, and colors, board and batten can enhance curb appeal on homes from cozy cottages to elaborate Victorians. Its natural, timeless look offers homeowners unique personality and hand-crafted character for generations to come.