This classic siding option is available in the durable vinyl option as well as many other material choices.
Board and batten siding is a timeless choice for homeowners, with some special considerations to keep enhancing your curb appeal for years to come.
Does Board and Batten Siding Come in Vinyl?
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Exterior siding options
Board and batten siding comes in a variety of materials, as this exterior siding style is a practical and affordable choice for many different kinds of buildings, including homes.
Board and batten can come in steel, wood, or vinyl.
Exterior siding can also come in wood, stucco, stone, or brick in addition to vinyl siding.
Siding’s job is not only standing up to whatever weather every day. It is also about insulating and protecting what’s inside.
So choosing a sturdy building material for exterior siding is very important.
What is board and batten siding?
Board and batten Exterior siding is a familiar pattern characterized by vertical planks, or boards, combined with thin strips of wood, called batten.
The batten disguises the place where the boards were joined and prevents air from leaking through the structure.
Is board and batten siding new?
One of the major exterior siding home trends is custom fabrications like board and batten.
This look has been gaining momentum with homeowners as a customizable option that will make their home unique while remaining affordable.
Board and batten siding actually has humble origins, being the preferred exterior siding option for structures like barns and outhouses. These buildings opted for board and batten wood siding as a simple solution for a practical building that needed to stay warm.
Now, board and batten are popping up on homes of all kinds, from traditional suburban environments to contemporary city dwellings.
Because of the wide variety of colors available and its affordable price point, this old-fashioned choice has found many fans.
What are the benefits of vinyl board and batten siding?
Among the many benefits that board and batten siding has for homeowners, it comes in a wide variety of colors and patterns if you choose vinyl, making this traditional building choice look brand new.
Because vinyl board and batten siding are so durable, this exterior siding choice is eco-friendly and affordable. Its affordability also makes custom exterior designs available to you on a budget.
Consider high-contrast siding or place siding in an entryway to add depth and interest.
How long should my vinyl board and batten siding last?
One of the advantages of vinyl board and batten siding is how long they last.
Typically, vinyl board and batten siding is virtually indestructible, with a minimum life span of 25 years. Vinyl board and batten siding is insect-resistant, rust-free, weatherproof, and slow to fade.
How do I care for my vinyl board and batten siding?
Vinyl board and batten siding will be a very low-maintenance choice for many years.
However, homeowners should still keep an eye on their vinyl siding, checking for cracks or occasional damage from severe weather. Regular power washing will keep your siding looking its best.
Things to Consider
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While vinyl board and batten siding have many advantages, there are still some things to consider when choosing this exterior siding choice.
- Board and batten siding is a more detailed, custom exterior siding than simply installing horizontal sheets of vinyl siding. This process includes lining up several individual pieces of planks and strips of wood to achieve this pattern. This means board and batten vinyl siding takes much longer to install and must be done by a professional.
- Because of the length of the installation and the professional expertise needed to install this exterior siding, board and batten vinyl siding is a more expensive option than a more simple vinyl siding look.
- If you live in an area that is prone to wildfire risk, vinyl siding may not be the best choice for you. Vinyl siding is not flame-retardant and can even catch fire from flames that are farther away than homes with wood siding.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Is board and batten siding expensive?
Board and batten siding is a little more expensive than a simple horizontal vinyl siding exterior treatment because it is a more custom application with many more steps involved.
Board and batten siding also must always be installed by a professional, increasing the price estimate.
However, vinyl siding is the least expensive siding option, averaging about $9,000 for the average home or between $2.25 to $12.50 per square foot.
The price range is determined by the thickness, or grade, of the siding and the specific manufacturer of the siding you choose.
Does board and batten siding add value?
Vinyl board and batten siding add value in the form of curb appeal, or how a home looks to a prospective homebuyer from the sidewalk or when driving by.
Because board and batten siding is a custom exterior treatment, this is a popular renovation choice to add value to your home.
Are board and batten timeless?
Board and batten siding has been used for generations as a practical exterior siding option for hard-working buildings like barns or outhouses.
This siding style was chosen for its leak-proof design that kept air out of the structures.
What is the difference between board and batten and shiplap?
Board and batten are characterized by wide, vertical planks separated by narrow strips of wood that disguise where the planks come together.
Shiplap is planks outfitted with a special groove so the planks seamlessly fit together and form a textured, rustic wall appearance.
Is vertical siding better than horizontal siding?
Vertical siding is often praised for its unique benefits, but it has some things to consider before you make an investment.
Vertical siding is more expensive as there is a more intricate installation process versus the process for installing horizontal siding.
Because water just bounces off and doesn’t have a chance to nestle under the overlapping pieces, vertical siding is often cited for being more weatherproof. Vertical siding also benefits from an optical illusion, with the long vertical lines making homes appear larger.
What are the different thicknesses for vinyl siding?
Vinyl siding comes in several thicknesses for different projects and price points.
Homeowners should have a good understanding of the different grades of siding and make a decision based on their budget and considerations like extreme weather protection.
Builder’s grade is the thinnest, coming in at .40 mm, and is only suggested for homeowners on a tight budget. This grade can easily crack and has limited insulation.
The standard residential grade comes in at .44 mm thickness and is used often, while Premium Grade can be .55 mm and provides the highest insulation and protection against extreme weather and heat.
What color siding has the best resale value?
Light-colored exterior siding is the best choice if you are looking for the highest return on investment.
Choose light neutrals like dove grey or beige to appeal to the most potential homeowners. However, stay away from off-white or white, which can feel cold or look dirty.
Board and batten siding is a timeless exterior siding option that is gaining in popularity, especially since it comes in a wide variety of vinyl options.
Its endless color and pattern options, years of durability, and affordable price point, vinyl board and batten siding is a timeless choice.
So, Does Board and Batten Siding Come in Vinyl?
As we’ve just seen, board and batten siding comes in a wide variety of materials, from steel to wood and, thankfully, vinyl.
The durability and possibility of the style that vinyl siding offers have no comparison, and for that reason, it is one of the best choices for your home. Just be sure to get a professional to install it for you.