Board and batten siding is as elegant siding style which is a true classic across America for many reasons. Prices range depending on the type of timber used such as Cedar or Pine, as well as the style like Shiplap, Shake or Shingle.
The average cost for installed board and batten siding is $9,320 for a standard single-story family home. The total cost to purchase and install board and batten siding ranges between $6,800 to $18,500 depending on the material used and square foot house size. Expect to spend between $2.50 to $13 per square foot to install board and batten siding depending on the type of siding you choose.
The below prices are based on the cost to install board and batten siding to an average 1,500 square foot house
| Description | Quantity | Low | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Board and Batten Siding Cost | Sq ft. | $4.50 | $12.25 |
| Siding install labor cost | Per hour | $45 | $75 |
| Average for 1,500 sq ft. race | 1,500 sq ft. | $6,800 | $18,500 |
Average Estimate: $9,320
The amount of money you will end up spending in total will depend heavily on two factors namely: type of material and size of your house.
You can choose affordable siding materials such as vinyl or even cedar and your total costs will be significantly lower regardless of the other costs such as labor. For instance, estimated costs to install board and batten siding for cedar with everything included range between $3500 to $6,000 for a typical North American house. Go for a more premium material like steel or high-quality wood and you could spend between $8,000 to $15,000.
Board and Batten Siding Styles
There are three main styles when it comes to siding for houses, they are:
- Shiplap siding
- Shake or Shingle siding
- Clap board siding
Each of these above styles can be combined with board and batten siding provided the siding material comes in the required shapes and sizes.
| Siding Style | Cost Per Square Foot | Estimated Total Cost (standard house) |
|---|---|---|
| Ship lap siding | $2-$10 | $5,500-$14,000 |
| Shake and Shingle Siding | $5-15 | 9,500-$24,000 |
| Clapboard Siding | $4-10 | $15,000-$20,000 |
Shiplap Siding Cost
The average cost to install shiplap siding ranges between $2,500 to 8,000 for a 1,500 square feet exterior wall depending on the type of siding used. Expect to spend between $2 to $10 per square foot to install shiplap siding also depending on the type of material you choose.
You can save a lot of money by choosing the right siding material and having a professional install it for you. Vinyl is the cheapest shiplap siding material and the most popular although you can also go for slightly pricier but more premium materials like engineered wood and fiber cement. You may also find that wood or other materials are more affordable if they are locally produced.
Shake or Shingle Siding Cost
Cedar is the most popular choice of material when it comes to shake and shingle siding although you can save a lot of money by using vinyl shingles. Expect to spend between $9,500 to $24,000 to install cedar shakes for 1,500 square feet of exterior surface area. You will spend between $4,500 to $15,000 if you go for cheaper vinyl shingles.
Shingle siding costs between $5 to $15 per square foot installed depending on the material used and other factors. It’s more expensive to install shake and shingle siding because of the amount of work involved especially if the shingles or shakes have to be attached individually. You can save money by purchasing materials designed to make installation easier.
Clapboard Siding Cost
Clap board siding costs between $4 to $10 per square foot installed depending on the siding material used and other factors. This is how much you will spend if you have the siding prepared and installed professionally with all costs included including labor, permits, and other costs. A standard family home will cost between $15,000 to $20,000 to install clapboard siding.
As with other siding styles, you can use a number of materials provided they come as pre-cut boards that can be installed in the clapboard style. Most homeowners would go for cedar or wood for an authentic-looking clapboard design although using vinyl or fiber-cement would achieve the same result at a slightly lower cost.
Below is a summary of the amounts you would pay for each style of siding based on current market rates.
Shiplap Siding
Shake and Shingle Siding
Clapboard Siding
Each of these styles takes varying amounts of time to install and the material cost can be slightly different. Below are some average costs for this type of siding installation styles:
Difference between Clapboard and Shiplap Shingles
What Cost Factors Are There with Board and Batten Siding?
There are a number of factors that will determine how much you end up spending when installing board and batten siding on your house, among them:
Shape of Your House
Does your house’s exterior have an odd shape? Perhaps it has some odd architectural shapes like hexagons or circular contours? Odd-shaped houses require more work to prepare and install board and batten siding. The boards will need to be custom made and cut to fit the odd shape of your house and look natural while not leaving any gaps or empty spaces. This will obviously take a bit more time and skill and will increase the amount you will pay for labor and even the materials that need to be custom made.
Multiple-Story Houses
The installers will need to use scaffolding to install board and batten siding on the first and other additional floors if you have a multiple-story house. This will obviously make the job more complicated and will therefore attract additional labor and equipment costs. Multiple-story houses generally cost more to side than single-floor houses. Have the installer inspect the house before making a quote if you have a multiple-story house.
Time of Year
The peak season for doing home remodeling and renovation in the United States is usually between May and September – Spring, Summer, and fall. This is the time when the weather is conducive meaning contractors can finish the job faster and can access materials at a lower cost. Scheduling for your siding to be installed around this period will, therefore, mean that you have a wider pool of installers to choose from as they will be heavily advertising their services at this time.
For some locations, also choosing the right time of year to buy locally manufactured or harvested siding material such as wood would reduce your costs. Wood siding could be available in abundance in peak lumber seasons and scarce at other times of the year, so it’s always best to do your research.
Materials
The type of material you choose for board and batten siding will have the most significant effect on the amount you end spending at the end. If you are on a tight budget but still want to install durable and aesthetically pleasing boards and batten siding, then you should go for synthetic siding material such as vinyl. If you, however, have the budget and looking for authentic natural siding material, then cedar or engineered wood siding is the way to go.
Here is a more detailed look at the top choices of materials you have for board and batten siding and how much they would cost:
Wood Siding- You have many choices when it comes to wood siding. There is affordable softwood siding such as pine and plywood that cost between $3 to $6 per square foot installed. Those with higher budgets can choose more premium wood siding such as cedar and redwood. Engineered wood is a great alternative to natural wood if you have the budget as it has additional adhesives and chemicals to make it tougher and more durable.
Vinyl Siding- Board and batten siding wouldn’t look authentic if another material was used. However, vinyl can be made to look like real wood and therefore a better and more affordable alternative material. In fact, some vinyl siding looks and performs better than real wood itself installed. Vinyl siding normally costs between $2 to $3 per square installed and therefore is cheaper than all the other materials in the market currently.
Fiber Cement/ Hardie Plank- Fiber cement or Hardie Plank is a good alternative to wood for board and batten siding. It is made from a mixture of cement, sand, clay, wood pulp, and other materials and can be made to resemble real wood for this style of siding. Fiber cement is at the higher end of the scale when it comes to pricing and installation going to cost $4 to $6 per square foot installed but it’s a great choice of material if you are going for durability and looks.
Metallic Siding- You could also go for coated or painted metallic siding material that has been cut to resemble the boards and batten shapes required for this style of siding. Metallic siding costs between $2.50 to $4 per square foot installed.
Board Size
The size of individual boards and battens used in the project will also determine how much you end up spending for the entire project. Larger continuous pieces usually cost more than small pieces that need to be joined together. Most homeowners would prefer a more authentic board batten look and will, therefore, ask for bigger board sizes. That said, the difference in pricing between the two is negligible and should not be a main deciding factor when making styling decisions.
What Is Board and Batten Siding?
Board and batten siding is a style of siding where large siding pieces known as boards are combined with thinner pieces known as battens to create a consistent and classic pattern. It is a style of siding that has been around for many years- originally used for barns and outhouses- but recently gaining popularity for residential housing exteriors as new materials come to market.
Advantages of Board and Batten Siding
Board and Batten Siding Is Aesthetically Pleasing
Board and batten shines when it comes to aesthetics. With the right combination of boards and battens, your home’s exterior will look modern and classy. You can even choose to use contrasting colors for the boards and battens for an even better and modern look.
Easy to Install
The individual boards and battens can come precut and ready to be attached to your exterior. Compared to the other siding styles, board and batten is relatively easy to install and takes less time because of the size of the individual pieces. The bulk of the work will be to determine the measurements and pattern of boards and battens to achieve a desired look.
It’s also a versatile way of installing siding if you are looking for different styles and shapes. The boards can be installed in the horizontal, diagonal, or vertical direction to achieve a desired shape.
Moisture and Dust Protection
Each piece in the board and batten siding style fits into each other creating an air-tight seal between the interior wall and environment. If installed professionally, board and batten siding will protect your walls from moisture, dust, and mold regardless of the weather conditions. Rainwater easily flows down the flat board and does not accumulate on your exterior.
Disadvantages of Board and Batten Siding
The main disadvantage with board and batten siding style is the limited number of materials you can use. Ideally, only wood is suitable for board and batten siding otherwise it may not look authentic. The only alternatives you can go for are synthetic materials that are made to look like wood such as vinyl.
Also, improper installation can lead to many problems with board and batten siding. The measurements, positioning, and mounting of individual boards have to be just right to avoid problems.
DIY Or Hire A Pro?
It’s not easy to install board and batten siding as a DIY project. As mentioned above, you’ll need to be an expert in measuring and positioning the boards and battens when using this style. It’s best to get a professional to install it for you for the best results.
How to Hire A Board and Batten Installation Service
Here are some of the things you should look for when hiring a board and batten installation service:
Look for A Local Service
A local installer will have a better understanding of local architectural styles, where to source materials, and how to obtain the required permits. They will also have an easier time moving equipment and staff to your location which may also mean fewer costs for the client-you.
Look for Prior Experience
Does the installer have experience installing board and batten siding? Board and batten is a unique style that generic installers can struggle with. Ask for samples and testimonials of similar projects they have done in the recent past.
Look for A Licensed Installer
Make sure the installer you choose is licensed to do construction, house renovations, and remodeling in your location. This will make it easier for you to process payments, pay taxes and get the required permits for the job.
FAQ's
Does Board and Batten Add Value?
Adding new siding to your house will increase its value significantly. Being the first and most prominent feature they see when they visit your house, the beautiful siding will make your house more appealing to potential buyers.
What Is the Cheapest Way to Side A House?
The cheapest way to side a house is to use affordable siding material such as vinyl and a simple style like clapboard or board and batten.
Does board and batten siding leak?
All the boards in the design fit into each other forming an airtight seal so there is no chance for a leak. However, improper installation and badly cut boards and battens can lead to leaks.
