We prefer to use LP Smart Side engineered wood, where clients specify this country-style, yet chic finish. Placing wood molding, or battens over panel board joints, adds strong, vertical textures to the exterior. Used correctly, this traditional board and batten technique can make a small home seem larger than it actually is.

Bringing a Touch of Class to an Ordinary Home

Board and batten dates all the way back to pioneering days, when settlers applied board as siding, but covered over the joints with strips of wood. This was an easy, inexpensive way to weatherproof a home, an outbuilding, or a barn. Indeed, to this day some folk refer to board and batten as barn siding.

Whatever you may prefer to call it, there’s no doubt this finish recalls ease and comfort when correctly applied. However, it does need an expert touch to keep the strips running parallel and professional, as opposed to ramshackle. Using LP SmartSide engineered wood complements the finish with machine-cut edges.

Reverse Effect Board and Batten Paneled Siding

The traditional style uses wide boards, and narrow battens. We see this effect on ceilings on many post-war homes, when material was still in short supply. But nowadays, some folk prefer the opposite look, whereby they use wide battens over narrow strips. Differences like these can have a dramatic impact on how natural light influences shadows.

We quite often find a combination of these styles in Victorian buildings of wealthier folk, especially in rural countryside. Some homeowners are beginning to prefer this gracious, homely style again. Nowadays the application is quite popular on inside walls too, although we recommend keeping the spaces fairly wide to avoid a cluttered appearance.

Using This Traditional Style in Modern Architecture

Minimalist styles kept board and batten paneling on the back foot for a while. However, some architects are beginning to discover how the technique lends itself to modern residential, and commercial projects.  The timeless technique offers opportunities to create strong vertical, or horizontal lines for surprisingly little extra cost.

We have done several of these intriguing projects recently, where creative clients designed quite dramatic effects without cluttering their homes. It’s one of the cheapest ways we know to add flourish to a bland exterior of a boxy home. Call Valiant Exteriors in Calgary on (4030) 829-1661 to learn more. Or drop us an email in the virtual post, and we’ll be sure to get back to you soon.

More Information

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Traditional Board and Batten Finish (Internet Archive Book BY No Known Restrictions)