How Much Does Board and Batten Siding Cost?

Board and Batten Siding Cost per Square Foot 

Material boards cost between $1 and $10 per square foot. Including labor, the total cost to install board and batten siding averages $2.50 to $12.50 per square foot. Here’s a breakdown of how much board and batten siding costs based on the square footage of a home.

Cost Factors 

There are many factors that can affect the price of your board and batten installation project. The biggest factor is the size of your home since the materials are sold by the square footage, but here’s the run-down of which factors to keep in mind.

Size of Home 

The scope of your project will determine your material and labor costs. Larger home installations will cost more than smaller siding projects because less material and labor are needed to complete the installation.

Home Design / Accessibility 

Unusual designs require additional cutting and measuring. This increase in labor and custom-made materials will raise prices.

Type of Installation 

Laying new material over your old siding will require less labor and will therefore cost less than a brand-new siding. Likewise, if your pro needs to remove your old siding, this will involve more work, resulting in a more expensive installation.

Labor 

The labor costs of board and batten installations run between $1.50 and $2.50 per square foot. This price can vary based on the complexity of the project, with custom builds and removal of old siding materials adding to the total cost.

Quality 

Lower quality materials will cost less to purchase and install, but they will require more repairs and upkeep. Fixing problems in the future will come at a higher price.

Choosing Standard or Reverse

There are two types of board and batten siding: standard and reverse. Standard board and batten is traditional board and batten siding that utilizes larger boards and smaller battens. Reverse board and batten siding uses smaller boards and larger battens. This type of siding is found in traditional and modern designs. Aesthetics are the primary difference; installation, labor, and upkeep prices are similar.

Board and Batten Siding Cost by Type of Material

Board and batten materials cost between $1 and $10 per square foot on average. Some materials might cost as little as $0.75 per square foot, while other sidings made from high-quality, specialty woods can cost upwards of $12 per square foot. Many homeowners choose wood for their siding, but there are a variety of other options. Here's a look at other popular board and batten materials and their costs:

Cedar 

Cedar siding boards average $3 per square foot. Cedar’s warm looks and simple installation make it a popular siding and cedar shake roofing option. The material is also easy to stain and has a natural resistance to insects and warping. You can expect to pay less for cedar than other types of wood.

Vinyl 

Board and batten vinyl siding costs $3 to $12 per square foot and is lightweight, making it easy to install. Vinyl comes in a variety of colors and finishes. Many manufacturers mold their siding to resemble wood. You can expect your vinyl board and batten to last for a minimum of 25 years.

Cypress

Cypress wood siding averages between $4 and $21 per square foot. This type of siding is known for its natural resistance to weather and insects. Cypress is also extremely long-lasting and easy to cut. Installing cypress on a large home will come with a substantial price tag.

Wood

Popular for its aesthetics and long lifespan, wood siding costs between $3 and $10 per square foot and is an easy material to use to fit the shape of your home. Most types of wood will require regular upkeep to avoid rot, discoloration, and peeling paint. In addition to cedar and cypress, pine, redwood, and fir are popular choices.

Fiber Cement 

Fiber cement materials cost $0.75 to $6 per square foot. This material is a mixture of sand, cement, and wood-cellulose. It's strong, durable, and easy to maintain but heavy and difficult to install. Pros will need special tools to work with the material. Installing additional supports to your home may also be necessary. The popular brand Hardie Board is costlier than other types, but it may be worth the price given its appearance and durability.

Aluminum 

Aluminum is a type of metal siding costing between $3 and $6 per square foot on average. Aluminum’s ease of maintenance makes it a popular choice. You can coat metal siding with vinyl to add texture and color. Dents and difficulty painting are common issues with aluminum siding. Aluminum siding can also warp under high heat and rust and corrode without the proper sealant or finish.

Steel 

Steel siding costs between $4 and $8 per square foot. Like aluminum siding, steel is a type of metal that is lightweight. Its higher price tag is due to the level of durability that you get when choosing steel over aluminum. Steel siding is less likely to dent or warp compared to aluminum siding, but, like aluminum, steel is also prone to rust and corrosion.

Engineered Wood 

Engineered wood siding costs between $2 and $5.50 per square foot on average. This type of siding is made from wood chips and a bonding agent. Affordability, simple installation, and durability make it a popular option for many homeowners.

Repair and Maintenance Costs 

Most homeowners pay between $300 and $1,000 to repair home siding or an average of $500. But pricing varies depending on the type and severity of the damage. It's best to begin maintenance work after each season. Below are ways to keep your siding in great shape.

Repair Loose Boards

Loose boards cost between $100 to $150 to repair. Loose boards or battens will let water get behind your siding and cause rot and mold growth. If there’s already water damage and warping, you’ll pay closer to $120 to $600, and if there’s mold, expect to pay around $700 to get rid of it.

Re-nail any loose boards or battens. Be sure to use a headed nail. Finish nails may allow the board to back away from the wall.

• Note: Do not nail loose aluminum or vinyl siding. These materials have tabs on the side of the panel with nail slots. You may have to remove a j-channel or starter strip to find the nail strip.

Sealing Battens

Sealing board and batten siding costs between $5 to $15 per linear foot. Water can gather behind loose battens and cause deterioration. Caulk is your best friend, so be sure to run weatherproof exterior caulk along the inside edges of your battens to prevent moisture penetration. Be sure to seal the top of your board and battens as well. Leaving gaps below soffits can cause leaks.

Repair Cracks 

Small cracks can be repaired for under $100, but larger cracks may require a professional and cost more. Cracks will allow moisture behind your siding and reduce your home’s appearance. Use an exterior wood filler to patch small cracks. Hire a pro to look at larger splits to see if they can be repaired because, in some cases, the boards will need to be replaced.

Repainting 

The average price to paint a home ranges between $1,800 and $4,300. Cracked paint can expose your siding to moisture and cause rot or staining. Scrape away old paint, sand any rough edges, and wipe the area with a wet rag. Then, add a primer if necessary and apply your first coat of paint. Some composite and engineered options come with a built-in primer. It's a good idea to talk to a painting pro before beginning the project. Acrylic paints and primers work best with vinyl and aluminum siding.

DIY vs. Hire a Pro

Installing new siding is a difficult job that will require the help of a professional. DIY siding mistakes can lead to expensive problems like leaks, mold, and structural damage that will all end up costing you in the long run. Avoid costly mistakes and hire a siding pro to help make sure your project is safely installed, done on time and on budget, and long-lasting.

FAQs

Is board and batten siding expensive?

Board and batten siding is considered affordable. It's important to note that home design and materials are important factors in determining your overall costs. Expensive materials and unusual home designs will increase the costs of installation.

Is batten trim expensive?

Batten trim or molding is generally cheaper because trim doesn’t require base planks. You can simply pay for the batten trimming and apply it directly to the drywall rather than install it on top of the boards. Another contributing factor to the lower price is that you can use lower-quality materials for an interior batten trim since it won’t need to withstand a harsher outdoor environment.

What's cheaper, wood board and batten or vinyl siding?

Vinyl's construction and simple installation make it more affordable than wood. You can also expect easy maintenance and a variety of looks.

How much does CertainTeed board and batten siding cost?

CertainTeed board and batten ranges between $4 and $7 per square foot. The size of your home, quality of material, and installation are the primary drivers of your costs.