Board and batten siding offers a rustic charm to homes, cabins, garages, and more. The design of wide boards and overlaying narrow boards creates a durable and easy-to-repair siding system that’s proven to last. Best of all, the installation process isn’t too difficult. Here, our siding installation experts explain how to install board and batten siding:

Preparing the Area

1. First of all, if your boards and battens aren’t already colored, stain or paint them.
2. Next, make sure your home is ready for installation. Remove any rotten boards you find and secure any loose boards or wood trim.
3. Scrape away any old caulking around your windows and doors so that your new siding will sit flush against the walls.
4. Remove any moldings, downspouts, or lighting fixtures that may get in the way of your new board and batten siding installation.

Installing the Boards

1. Before you begin your vertical board installation, you’ll want to install a skirt board (one that’s wider than your siding boards) and a drip edge.
2. Place your skirt board horizontally at the bottom of where your siding will end and make sure it’s level.
3. Once it’s level, use your hammer or nail gun to install three vertical nails every 18″-24″.
4. After that, install your drip edge. For this, you can simply use a piece of metal flashing.
5. Next, you’ll want to begin installing your siding boards.
6. Starting at one corner of your home, begin by placing a board flush up against the wall and making sure it’s plumb.
7. Once it is, install two nails at the top of the board and two nails at the bottom to secure it.
8. Then, install two more nails every 18″-24″ along the length of the board.
9. Next, measure the gap you’d like in between your boards. (This width depends on the width of the battens you’re using. Your battens should cover the gap plus overlap at least 3/4″ on either side.)
10. Install your next board the same way as the first board and continue down the side of your home until you reach the other corner.
11. Make sure to measure above and below any windows you may have and cut your boards to the appropriate size to install above and below them.

Installing the Battens

1. Before you install your battens, you’ll want to install your top trim (if you’re using any).
2. Once you’ve installed your top trim, make sure you cut your battens to accommodate for it.
3. Next, starting at one corner of your home, place your batten over the gap between your boards.
4. Make sure it’s centered and plumb, then install your nails on the top, bottom, and one every 18″-24″ along the length of your batten.
5. Continue installing your battens this way until you’ve reached the other corner of your home.
6. Once you’ve completed all sides of your home, finish your board and batten siding look with two adjoining pieces of trim along each corner.
7. And that’s how you install board and batten siding!