Tools and Materials
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What Is Board and Batten?
You've probably seen board and batten siding used for home exteriors, particularly on cottages, outbuildings and rustic country homes. This style of siding combines wide boards with thin strips called battens. The battens cover up the seams between the boards and add dimension to the surface. Board and batten can be installed horizontally or vertically to cover a whole exterior or paired with another material — such as stone or brick — for a unique look. Board and batten is usually made of wood, but you can also buy board and batten vinyl siding. They mimic the look of real wood and offer superior durability and weatherproofing.
Board and batten isn't just for home exteriors, though. You can also use it to add visual interest to your home's interior walls. You can install a single accent wall or panel all the walls in a room, such as your dining room or study. The type of wood you use and the stain or paint you finish it with will affect the aesthetic. Smooth board and batten that's painted white fits in with a coastal home, while using reclaimed wood would give you more of a quaint farmhouse vibe.
How to Install a Board and Batten Accent Wall
If you're confident with a saw and a nail gun, installing a board and batten accent wall is a do-it-yourself project that can usually be finished over a long weekend.
These instructions are for installing a vertical board and batten accent wall. Instead of installing both boards and battens, you'll just install battens on top of the existing wall to get the look of a true board and batten wall — with a fraction of the materials and effort.
Change the orientation or adjust the measurements to fit your space as desired — the basic instructions will stay the same.