The board and batten look is more popular than ever, especially with homeowners—many of whom have seen the style on Pinterest boards, Instagram feeds, or the pages of a home design magazine.
While it’s a trending design choice right now, the style actually dates back hundreds of years.
Board and batten has its roots in functionality. Back in the day, homesteaders and farmers used the board and batten technique to build outbuildings, such as barns. Traditionally, batten strips were installed over the seams of wide vertical planks, creating an airtight wall that helped prevent the elements from entering through the joints. This relatively inexpensive and straightforward building method kept farm animals warm through the winter.
Because it’s a style that has been around for centuries, many homeowners, builders and designers today consider board and batten a timeless design choice for exteriors. In application, the alternating wide vertical panels and narrower elevated battens create depth, texture and visual interest. The result is a high-end, attractive look that instantly boosts curb appeal and a home’s perceived value. Whether applied to an exterior statement wall or across the whole house, the strong vertical lines also create the illusion of height by drawing the eye up toward the sky.
Often seen on modern farmhouse-style homes, board and batten delivers rustic elegance and charm, and exudes a comfortable, informal feel. And yet, even though we often associate board and batten with a farmhouse-inspired aesthetic, the style is very versatile. Designers can play with spacing, colors, profiles and building materials to create an ultra-personalized look that complements the project’s overall design vision.
Board and batten siding has traditionally been made of wood, which for a long time made sense because of its familiarity and historically affordable price point. But here’s the problem. Like most wood products used in outdoor applications, board and batten made from wood is prone to rotting and deterioration after long-term exposure to the elements. Why invest in a product that’s not going to last?
On the other hand, board and batten that uses wood-alternative building materials, like metal, is a more durable, weather-resistant option. Metal board and batten can withstand tough weather conditions, including heavy rain, snow, wind and harsh UV rays, ensuring the home remains protected for years. Its inherent durability directly translates to its low-maintenance appeal, which is a must for many homeowners. And the best part? With metal board and batten, users don’t have to sacrifice the sought-after wood aesthetic for lasting durability. This modern fusion of aesthetics and performance is made possible by building material providers who are prioritizing manufacturing advances that create a realistic wood grain on metal coil.
Homeowners, builders and designers who love the timeless look of wood but want the high-performance qualities synonymous with metal can turn to Board and Batten + Timber Series from Drexel Metals. These board and batten wall panels combine realistic wood visuals with the tested resilience of 24-gauge steel and 0.032” aluminum—available in coil widths up to 48”. Virtually indistinguishable from authentic wood, you can choose from five unique grain patterns to unlock boundless creative possibilities.
No surprise to most, the board and batten look with a wood grain visual on metal coil was one of the top design trends spotted at METALCON, a predictor of the year’s biggest metal construction trends.
Contact us today to find out how to bring Board and Batten + Timber Series (the perfect match) to your next project.
