Few siding styles have grown in popularity as fast as board and batten over the last decade. The vertical look went mainstream after Chip and Joanna Gaines made it a signature feature of their HGTV renovations, and the trend has not slowed since. Clients now ask about it on nearly every consultation we run. The bigger question is what board and batten siding actually is and where it belongs on a home. It works for many exteriors, but not for every wall. Here is what to know before you commit.
What is Board and Batten Siding?
Board and batten is a vertical siding style that uses wide panels with narrow trim pieces installed over the seams. The result is a textured, dimensional look that stands apart from standard horizontal lap siding.
How James Hardie Builds the Look
With James Hardie products, the installation starts with 4-foot by 10-foot flat panels mounted on the wall. Once the panels are up, we apply batten trim over every seam between them. The battens create the signature ridges that give this style its character.
Why the Style has Stayed Popular
The trend went mainstream thanks to HGTV exposure and the modern farmhouse aesthetic, but the appeal goes further than that. This profile works on craftsman homes, traditional builds, and contemporary designs alike. It is a classic, timeless choice that has held up across eras and architectural styles.
Key Takeaway: This style applies battens vertically over the seams between wide panels, creating a rich, dimensional exterior with depth and character.
The Pros of Board and Batten Siding
The vertical profile delivers a visual impact that standard lap siding cannot match.
A Custom Home Look
The look elevates a home’s exterior into something that reads custom-built rather than production cookie-cutter. The ridges add a sense of craftsmanship that flat siding cannot replicate.
Versatile Design Applications
The style works as a full-home treatment or as an accent. Many homeowners use it strategically in:
- Gable areas for a craftsman-inspired profile
- Front entry walls for visual emphasis
- Dormers and second-story sections to break up lap siding
- Garage facades and porch surrounds
Mixing board and batten with horizontal lap siding creates contrast and architectural interest across the exterior.
Pro Tip: Ask your contractor to render a high-resolution design preview before installation. Seeing the layout digitally helps you place board and batten where it actually elevates the home.
Need expert help deciding where board and batten siding fits your home? Contact Hawthorn for a free consultation.
The Cons Worth Considering
No siding style is perfect, and board and batten comes with trade-offs you should understand before signing the contract.
Higher Material and Labor Costs
This style costs more per square foot than horizontal plank siding. The vertical installation involves more material, more cuts, and significantly more labor hours. For homeowners on a tight budget, that price gap can be a real factor.
Not Always Right for the Whole House
A full-home board-and-batten treatment can overpower the architecture, even when homeowners initially picture it that way. Some homes call for accent placement rather than full coverage to keep the proportions balanced.
Key Takeaway: Vertical siding costs more per foot than lap siding, and the visual payoff makes that investment worthwhile when used in the right areas.
Design Your Board and Batten Project with Hawthorn
Board and batten is a timeless style that will still look great a century from now, which makes it one of the safest design investments you can make in your exterior. Our design tools let you preview the layout before any work begins, so you see exactly how the finished home will look. Schedule your free consultation with Hawthorn today and find out what board and batten siding can do for the look and value of your home.
