How much does board and batten siding cost?
How much does board and batten siding cost?
$5 – $13 cost per square foot (installed)
$8,500 – $22,000 average total cost (2,000 SF)
Average cost of board and batten siding
Board and batten siding costs $5 to $13 per square foot installed on average, or $8,500 to $27,300 for a typical home, depending on the material. Board and batten vinyl siding costs $5 to $9 per square foot installed. Installing metal board and batten siding costs $6 to $16 per square foot.
| Home size (square feet) | Approximate siding square footage | Average cost installed |
|---|---|---|
| 900 | 720 | $3,600 – $9,400 |
| 1,000 | 800 | $4,000 – $10,400 |
| 1,200 | 1,000 | $5,000 – $13,000 |
| 1,500 | 1,200 | $6,000 – $15,600 |
| 1,800 | 1,500 | $7,500 – $19,500 |
| 2,000 | 1,700 | $8,500 – $22,000 |
| 2,500 | 2,100 | $10,500 – $27,300 |
| 3,000 | 2,500 | $12,500 – $32,500 |
| 3,500 | 2,900 | $14,500 – $37,700 |
| 4,000 | 3,350 | $16,800 – $43,600 |
Cost data is from research and project costs reported by HomeGuide members.
Board and batten siding cost by material
Board and batten siding comes in many materials and finishes. Vinyl, fiber cement, metal, and wood are the most common materials used for the style. The table below shows the average cost for several board and batten siding materials.
| Siding material | Average installed cost (per square foot) |
|---|---|
| Aluminum | $6 – $10 |
| Cedar | $6 – $16 |
| Cypress | $4 – $16 |
| Engineered wood | $7 – $12 |
| Fiber cement / Hardie Board siding | $6 – $15 |
| Steel | $7 – $16 |
| Vinyl | $5 – $9 |
| Wood | $5 – $15 |
Board and batten vinyl siding
Board and batten vinyl siding costs $5 to $9 per square foot with installation. Vinyl board and batten siding is manufactured with the battens and boards in one panel for easy installation and enhanced leak protection. Vinyl siding is low maintenance and insect resistant but does not do well in extreme temperatures.
Board and batten fiber cement siding
Board and batten fiber cement siding costs $6 to $15 per square foot, including installation. Fiber cement works well in any climate and has the highest possible fire rating, making it ideal for areas prone to wildfires. However, the material is very heavy and can crack from mishandling.
Board and batten metal siding
Board and batten steel siding costs $7 to $16 per square foot installed. Steel board and batten siding comes in seamless interlocking panels that are easier to install than traditional wood. Steel siding is fire-resistant, extremely durable, and longer lasting than other materials in the same price range.
Board and batten aluminum siding costs $6 to $10 per square foot for materials and labor. Aluminum is lighter and cheaper than steel while still offering durability and resistance to insects and fire. However, aluminum siding is more susceptible to dents, scratches, and fading.
Board and batten wood siding
Board and batten wood siding costs $5 to $15 per square foot on average with installation, depending on the wood type and quality. Wood siding is warm and long lasting if well maintained. However, wood requires more frequent care than other siding materials and is not the best choice for fire-prone areas.
Board and batten cedar siding costs $6 to $16 per square foot installed on average. Cedar is naturally rot-resistant and has a pleasant aroma.
Board and batten cypress siding costs $4 to $16 per square foot, including labor. Cypress is naturally resistant to warping and splitting, making it a more durable softwood and an excellent choice for wood siding.
Board and batten engineered wood siding costs $7 to $12 per square foot installed, depending on the quality. Engineered wood looks like natural wood but is made from recycled wood strands mixed with resins and waxes to create a more consistent and durable surface.
Board and batten siding cost factors
Several factors affect the cost to install board and batten siding, including:
Siding material – Board and batten siding material cost ranges from as low as $1 per square foot to as high as $20+ per square foot. Aluminum, vinyl, and engineered wood are typically the cheapest options, while steel and premium woods like cedar and cypress cost the most.
Home size & complexity – Installing siding on larger homes requires more labor and materials. Multi-story homes or structurally complex homes take longer and often require additional safety measures and equipment.
Age of house –Siding on a pre-1970 house may have asbestos or lead. Removing asbestos siding costs $4 to $6 per square foot.
Fascia, soffit, & trim – Replacing the fascia and soffit costs $9 to $34 per linear foot. This update gives the home a more finished look.
Labor cost to install board and batten siding
Board and batten siding installation labor ranges from $2 to $7 per square foot on average, depending on the job size, local labor rates, and the material. Wood board and batten siding is more labor intensive than most other materials. Fiber cement also requires more labor due to its weight.
Additional labor costs may include:
Site prep –Old siding removal costs $0.70 to $2.00 per square foot. If you decide to remove the siding yourself, the average cost to rent a dumpster for the disposal is $280 to $500 per week.
Permits – Building permits cost $500 to $2,000 for siding installation, depending on the location and job size.
Board and batten siding repair and maintenance costs
Board and batten siding repair costs $2 to $14 per square foot, depending on the material and the extent of the damage. Routine maintenance costs for board and batten siding also vary depending on the material. Most siding materials should be cleaned and inspected at least once per year.
The table below shows typical maintenance schedules for various board and batten siding materials.
| Siding material | Maintenance schedule |
|---|---|
| Aluminum |
|
| Engineered wood |
|
| Fiber cement / Hardie Board |
|
| Steel |
|
| Vinyl |
|
| Wood |
|
Power washing costs $170 to $310 for an average-sized house. Always follow the pressure guidelines for your specific siding material. Incorrect pressure can damage some materials.
The average cost of exterior painting is $1 to $4 per square foot of surface area, or $1,900 to $6,900 for a typical home. Use manufacturer recommended paint for best results.
Most siding maintenance can be done DIY or by hiring a local handyman.
Repair siding damage at the first sign of it to keep issues from spreading and becoming more costly.
Board and batten siding pros and cons
Board and batten siding offers a classic appearance that adds curb appeal to medium or larger homes. This durable siding lasts 20 to 100 years with proper installation and maintenance, depending on the material. However, wood board and batten siding is labor-intensive to install and requires more frequent maintenance.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
|
Board and batten siding FAQs
What is board and batten siding?
Board and batten siding consists of narrow strips, or battens, attached vertically over the seams of wider boards for a layered effect that adds shadow and dimension to the home's exterior. This simple siding was originally created to help insulate barns and farmhouses but has recently become a desired aesthetic.
How long does it take to install board and batten siding?
Board and batten siding installation takes 1 to 2 weeks on average, depending on the material. Wood siding installation is labor intensive and requires lining up each thin batten over the seam between each board. Other materials may come as interlocking seamless panels, making installation faster.
Siding installation time also depends on several other factors, including your home size, condition, accessibility, the crew size, the experience of the installation crew, and the weather.
How long does board and batten siding last?
Professionally installed, well-maintained board and batten siding lasts 20 to 100 years, depending on the material. With any siding material, adhering to the maintenance schedule recommended for the material you choose will help prevent major problems and maximize the siding's life.
| Siding material | Average lifespan (years) |
|---|---|
| Engineered wood | 20 – 30 |
| Fiber cement / Hardie Board | 50 – 100 |
| Metal | 40 – 70+ |
| Vinyl | 30 – 40+ |
| Wood | 20 – 40+ |
Where can you buy board and batten siding?
You can buy board and batten siding from:
Major home improvement stores like Lowe's and Home Depot
Lumber retailers (for wood board and batten siding)
Local siding installation contractors
Getting estimates from board and batten siding installers
Follow these guidelines to find the best board and batten siding contractors near you:
Get 3 to 5 in-person estimates with similar details and materials to compare.
Select a licensed, bonded, and insured siding company that has been in business for 5+ years.
Check out siding installer reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Ask for references and a portfolio with photos.
Avoid hiring the company with the lowest prices as this often signals low quality work.
Ask for a written contract and labor warranty before the work begins.
Don't make the last payment until the job is complete.
Questions to ask
Consider asking the following questions to help you choose the best board and batten siding installer:
How long have you been in business?
How often do you install this type of siding?
Do you have a website or portfolio where I can view photos of similar jobs?
Can you provide references?
Do you have liability and workers comp insurance?
Do you use subcontractors, or will you be doing the installation?
How long will the installation take?
Does the estimate include all materials, labor, permit fees, and cleanup?
Do you charge extra to remove and dispose of the old siding?
Who is my main point of contact during the installation?
What other costs might come up during this kind of job?
Does the installation come with a workmanship warranty? What does it cover?