Cost to Install Board-and-Batten Siding
Installing board-and-batten siding means preparing the wall with house wrap and any intended insulation or foam, setting a skirt board and drip edge, then fastening vertical boards and seam-covering battens. The work is moderate because the boards and battens must stay plumb and the pattern must finish evenly, especially across gable areas, before joints are caulked and the siding is sealed or painted.
Common reasons homeowners do this job
- Existing siding is worn or damaged.
- An exterior update calls for vertical boards and battens.
- A homeowner is changing the finish of an exterior wall.
- A wall or gable project creates an opportunity to install new siding.
DIY or call a pro?
A homeowner can take on this moderate project when comfortable measuring walls, using cutting tools, establishing a plumb layout, and fastening siding. Consider a professional if unsure about preparing the wall and weather barrier, cutting angled gable boards, or balancing the board-and-batten pattern. Wear eye and hearing protection during cutting and fastening, and use stable ladders and fall protection on high walls or gable ends.
Frequently asked questions
- Can I install board-and-batten siding myself, or is hiring help wiser?
- This is a legitimate moderate DIY project for someone comfortable with accurate measuring, saw cuts, plumb layout, and siding fasteners. Professional help is worth considering when the wall preparation, angled gable cuts, or even board spacing feel uncertain.
- What makes board-and-batten siding pricing increase?
- The price scales with the size of the wall area, labor time, and the materials selected for the siding assembly.
- How should a gable area be measured for board-and-batten siding?
- Measure the gable by multiplying its width by its height and dividing the result by two. Check the roof angle with a level and carpenter's square where the siding meets the gable roofline.
- Why should the board-and-batten pattern be laid out from the wall center?
- Starting from the center helps the batten spacing finish evenly, which is particularly important on gables. Leave seams between boards so each batten overlaps both board edges by at least 3/4 inch.
Have a different situation?
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