What is board and batten history?
More board and batten history. Funny name and what in the world is a batten? Board and batten is one of the older types of siding used on houses, especially in Europe. When early settlers came from Europe to America and started to build houses, trees were plentiful, so they cut down trees to make log cabins.
Is board and batten siding still used today?
Even though the framing method is different today, the board and batten siding style is still very popular and used on a wide variety of home styles. The most common woods used for board and batten many years ago were the hard woods. Oak was the most favorite because of its durability.
What in the world is a batten?
Funny name and what in the world is a batten? Board and batten is one of the older types of siding used on houses, especially in Europe. When early settlers came from Europe to America and started to build houses, trees were plentiful, so they cut down trees to make log cabins.
What are board and batten walls and why are they popular?
Board and batten walls are the latest trend in home decor. They aren’t new by any means. They have been around for a long long time! But they have recently seen a resurgence in home design – especially in modern settings. Why are they so popular? Not only do they add unmistakable character to any blank wall, but they are also super easy to make!
What time period is board and batten?
It was popular during the Victorian era as a pragmatic method of adding architectural detail to Carpenter Gothic structures. 1 Today you can find board-and-batten siding combined with brick or stone exteriors and also combined with more traditional horizontal siding.
Where did board and batten originate?
Board and batten siding is thought to have originated in Sweden and Norway. Board and batten siding is often called board and batt, or barn siding. It is a type of rustic wood siding often found in more rural areas on country homes, barns, and other outbuildings.
What style is board and batten?
Board and batten is a major design characteristic of the modern farmhouse, which has grown increasingly popular over the past few years.
Is board and batten timeless?
Board and batten walls are a timeless addition to any home! Get inspired by these creative board and batten wall ideas for every style and room! Board and batten walls are the latest trend in home decor. They aren't new by any means.
Is board and batten Craftsman style?
Popular Craftsman Siding Styles and Colors A board-and-batten style works well when mixed with HardiePlank® lap siding, creating texture while still maintaining clean lines.
Is board and batten farmhouse style?
Board and batten siding is so popular for modern farmhouse exteriors because it provides a satisfying texture without going over the top. The vertical lines of board and batten siding are typical to traditional barn buildings, bringing an authentic farmhouse look to modern homes.
Can board and batten look modern?
board and batten can look contemporary. Mid Century Modern- contemporary style | Mid century exterior, Modern patio, Modern exterior.
Does board and batten go out of style?
I know, I know….”Board and batten is timeless…it will never go out of style.” Bull… hardwoods are timeless…but yet 40 years ago people covered them with wall to wall carpet.
Why is board and batten so popular?
As an exterior cladding, board and batten manages to impart a rustic, handmade quality even to new homes built in unmistakably contemporary styles. Within the home, board and batten commonly appears in mudrooms and hallways, bedrooms and dining areas, adding charm to otherwise bland expanses of drywall or plaster.
Is wainscoting the same as board and batten?
Wainscoting refers to a common practice of covering the lower third of a wall. Board and batten is a pattern consisting of square or rectangle sheets of material joined by thin braces called battens.
Does board and batten make room look smaller?
Does board and batten make a room look smaller? In some circumstances, it is possible to use a board and batten that sits as high as two-thirds of the ceiling height. This usually makes the room appear smaller. That's because the pattern of the board and batten will make the ceiling appear lower than it actually is.
What is the difference between shiplap and board and batten?
Shiplap and Board and Batten are two different wooden wall treatments. Shiplap refers to wooden boards of the same width with grooves that help each board fit together tightly, while board and batten refers to boards of different widths installed with space between, usually vertically.
When did board and batten start?
BOARD AND BATTEN was popular as a wooden siding for houses in America between 1845 and about 865.
Why is it called a batten?
In order to seal these gaps, wooden strips a few inches wide were nails to the outside of the house where the boards met. The wooden strips were known as battens, and this style of siding became known as board and batten.
What is the difference between shiplap and board and batten?
Shiplap and Board and Batten are two different wooden wall treatments. Shiplap refers to wooden boards of the same width with grooves that help each board fit together tightly, while board and batten refers to boards of different widths installed with space between, usually vertically.
What is the difference between board and batten and wainscoting?
Wainscoting refers to a common practice of covering the lower third of a wall. Board and batten is a pattern consisting of square or rectangle sheets of material joined by thin braces called battens.
How did board and batten start?
The board and batten history, started when the first settlers began to build sawmills to cut the tree logs into long strips of wood called wooden planks. As more colonists came, people begin to build more and more sawmills. Then they would cut down a tree and saw it into many long strips of wood about an inch thick, called boards or planks.
Where did board and battens come from?
Board and batten history began when the colonist started using the sawn boards or planks , from the cut trees or logs, and would nail the sawn planks or long wooden boards up and down or vertically, across the house. Where the boards fit together, because the freshly sawn planks were not exactly even, when they nailed them together there would be ...
What wood is used for battens?
The most common woods used for board and batten many years ago were the hard woods. Oak was the most favorite because of its durability. Cedar; Colonist used Cedar for one of their first choices because of the rich texture of the grain, and it's resistance to rot and water problems.
What is the best wood for board and batten siding?
Today Cedar wood is expensive and requires frequent maintenance, but still at the top in popularity. Redwood: Redwood is an excellent choice for board and batten siding.
What is clapboard siding?
Clapboard is style of siding where the long boards are nailed horizontally, or from end of the house to the other end of the end of the house.
Early Uses
The first American homes were what we think of today as “log cabin” style. Whole trees were laid and intersected at the corners of the home. The problem with this design, besides being supremely inefficient, was the ease of which cold winter air and rain could enter the house.
Board and Batten
After the frame of a house was built, the boards would be nailed to it. These boards were much more weather-proof than the log siding style, but there were still gaps between the boards. In order to seal these gaps, wooden strips a few inches wide were nails to the outside of the house where the boards met.
Present Times
Today, board and batten siding is used to give a home a certain aesthetic. Instead of the traditional wood, more modern vinyl board is used. Vinyl board and batten siding offers all of the advantages of modern siding, with its main advantage being that it is water and termite-proof.
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If you’re interested in having a roof system or siding installed in your home, or would like a free estimate, contact Topper Construction. With Topper Construction, you’ll see the benefit of nearly three decades of experience.
Why did they use the board and batten style?
The board and batten style was chosen for the mid-1990s community because it looked authentically American and informal. Alternatively, a number of retreats and social getaway lodges in California have used the style as well to give their buildings an “older” style look.
What is board and batten?
Board and batten is a type of building exterior treatment with precut wide, wooden boards framed and secured in place with narrow board strips named “battens.”. In some cases, the style can be used for interior surfacing as well, but in most applications, it’s used on the outer surface of a building.
Why are board and batten used?
The board and batten style was chosen for the mid-1990s community because it looked authentically American and informal. Alternatively, a number of retreats and social getaway lodges in California have used the style as well to give their buildings an “older” style look.
Why is the board and batten style called barn siding?
In a number of U.S. states the style is also referred to as barn-siding because it was so common on farms.
Why is barn siding called barn siding?
In a number of U.S. states the style is also referred to as barn-siding because it was so common on farms. The second benefit was the style was very effective at trapping in temperature and reducing the amount of internal heating needed to keep a building warm inside.
Is insulated boarding a bulk building material?
There are also choices for insulated or bare boarding as well. Pricing can vary considerably because board and batten are not treated as a bulk building material but as a finishing kit approach instead. Both the style and type of board and batten can cause significant price differences when calculated for a full project.
Does batten work on every type of building?
It only works on certain types of architecture, and the style doesn’t apply to every type of building or home. If board and batten are used without serious planning, it could turn into an odd-looking, expensive mistake when the building is completed.
What is board and batten siding?
Board and batten is a type of wood paneling that uses wide boards that are nailed side by side, often vertically. And there is a narrow strip of wood, called a “batten,” that is fastened over the seams between wood boards that adds 3-dimensionality and character to the siding.
Why do you need battens on barn siding?
Historically, the battens were added to make siding more energy efficient for barns and other structures. Sometimes, this type of siding is called barn siding. The best thing about this siding option is the charm and curb appeal. It brings an informal, provincial, welcoming feel to a modern home.
Do shutters have battens?
For shutters, the boards are vertical and the battens are horizontal, holding the boards together. Sometimes the shutters are hinged so you can open and close them if needed. This creates a romantic effect and it can be very practical in the event of a storm if you want to have functional shutters. 3.
Can you use horizontal and vertical battens on siding?
Most homeowners opt for vertical board and batten siding. But some people choose to mount horizontal boards with horizontal batten. Or you can create rectangles with a mix of horizontal and vertical battens for a unique effect. You can even vary the widths of the rows to create your own pattern.
Is board and batten siding more informal?
Cons. Board and batten looks more informal than some other types of siding. It may not go with every type of architecture. Installing board and batten takes longer than other types of siding. The cost may be higher than other types of siding. Needs caulking.
How To Paint A Board and Batten Wall
Painting a board and batten wall can become really time-consuming real fast with all the details and corners and edges!
Types of board and batten walls
Board and batten walls come in all sorts of sizes, colors, and styles. The most common being –
Board and Batten Wall Accent Ideas
If you are trying to find the perfect I scoured the internet and found 45 board and batten wall ideas for you to draw your inspiration from.
Board and Batten Bedroom Walls
Recently, board and batten walls in the bedroom have become very popular.
For the entryway
Entryways are probably one of the most popular places to find board and batten walls.
For the living rooms
Living rooms make the perfect space in the home to add an accent wall – and board and batten fit right in!
Barn siding
Barn siding is a simple siding style with vertical boards running the full height of the building. Most all historic barns have vertical running siding to prevent water from infiltrating as it runs down the walls, though occasionally one might see a barn with horizontally run siding.
Board and Batten
Board and Batten siding is very similar to the plain barn siding shown above, but board and batten has the addition of a narrow strip of wood (called a batten) covering the joints where vertical boards meet. This added batten gives the siding some depth and dimensions as it catches shadows.
Why are most barns exterior vertical board and battons?
Why are most barns exterior vertical boards? Strength, appearance, tradition?
7 Comments
It’s about longevity and practicality. You see if a board that is exposed to the elements such as rain, is oriented so that the water can shed off the board quickly, then the board will last longer.
Early Uses
Board and Batten
- After the frame of a house was built, the boards would be nailed to it. These boards were much more weather-proof than the log siding style, but there were still gaps between the boards. In order to seal these gaps, wooden strips a few inches wide were nails to the outside of the house where the boards met. The wooden strips were known as battens, ...
Present Times
- Today, board and batten siding is used to give a home a certain aesthetic. Instead of the traditional wood, more modern vinyl board is used. Vinyl board and batten siding offers all of the advantages of modern siding, with its main advantage being that it is water and termite-proof. One great aspect of this style of siding is that each piece is individual of the rest of the system. …
Contact Topper Construction Today!
- If you’re interested in having a roof system or siding installed in your home, or would like a free estimate, contact Topper Construction. With Topper Construction, you’ll see the benefit of nearly three decades of experience. ContactTopper Construction at 301-874-0220 or email us at [email protected] if you are interested in learning more. We can help you with proje…
Historical Background
Modern Uses
- Board and batten have had multiple proponents in different applications, even in modern times. When Disney Company decided to promote a new planned community among its Florida investments, it wanted to show a true American foundational image going back in time to farm and frontier styles from the earlier century. The board and batten style was chos...
Where to Obtain Board and Batten Packages
- An assortment of building materials providers can supply board and batten kits and components, but it might take special orders to have sufficient supply for a larger project, especially if given sizing is going to be required. Fortunately, the market is still well-served by a variety of material types ranging from authentic wood to aluminum and composite material. There are also choice…
A Final Note
- Remember, board and batten is a very unique style of siding. It only works on certain types of architecture, and the style doesn’t apply to every type of building or home. If board and batten are used without serious planning, it could turn into an odd-looking, expensive mistake when the building is completed. Doing a bit of modeling and research ahead of time can save thousands o…