Useful Information For Board And Batten Siding Installation

The laying of boards and slatted frames is one of the first elements used for batten siding in houses. In fact, you can still see such installations in country homes today. Board and batten siding are also known as board and wadding.

These siding are made by nailing boards together, using very narrow strips of wood. Since they are usually used in rural homes and country homes, they are also often referred to as barn gates. Here are some useful tips and some mistakes to avoid when attempting the installation.

Battens Are Laid First

The battens are always laid first, followed by the boards. Although this kind of installation is commonly known as board and slat cladding, the actual order of installation is always reversed. In fact, if you undone it, you would change the look of the siding.

Nail To Board Ratio

While 2X4 boards are commonly used in such installations, you can use them of different sizes. If you ever get a board that is 6 or more inches in width, you will need to secure each board to the line by using nails that are hammered into the middle of the board. The wider the board, the more nails you will have to use. For example, if the board is 6 inches wide, you can just use a nail in the middle. However, if the board more inches wide, use 2 nails in the middle so that it is nailed firmly to the line that is placed behind it.

Leaving Gaps

Boards and battens usually stretch when there is too much moisture in the air. That is why boards are always placed so that there is some air between the boards.

Treat The Wood

Cedar is the most used wood for board and batten siding installations. It’s common because it’s resistant to decay; This means that the wood can last a long time. Regardless, it is important that any wood siding that you use is treated with a variety of water and dirt repellent finishes. You can also paint it to delay the decay of the wood. These wooden sidings also need some maintenance.

Safety First

When laying planks and battened rails, or working with any kind of wood, it is important to take all necessary safety precautions and wear appropriate equipment, including safety glasses and gloves, before beginning any work.