There are lots of subjective tastes out there when it comes to accenting where you live. Real wood siding has become one of the most popular ways of bringing a classic rustic look to the exterior of your home, and Board and Batten (a.k.a. Board and Batt) vertical siding is one of the best ways to do it. This look is a simple design and easy to install.

Board and Batt is a traditional method of alternating wide boards and with narrow boards (Battens). The installation places wide boards with a space between them, and a batt placed over the space and part of the wide board. Since wood is a living thing, it shrinks and swells with the seasons and moisture. This method of siding a building allows for seasonal shrinkage and expansion, without compromising the look of the siding. Marks Lumber’s standard size is a 1x10 board and a 1x3 batt, but for different looks, you can use different sizes of boards and batts. For example, a 1x12 Board and a 1x4 Batt is another way you could go.

Board and Batt is a versatile siding, as it can be used for homes, barns, outbuildings, sheds, commercial buildings, and wherever you see fit. You can add it to your new construction or update an existing building. If you don’t want to use it on the whole building, Board and Batt siding is excellent to use in different areas of your building. It can be added to your gable ends, contrasting bump-outs, or be that contrasting third car garage, as well as many other options. Many people are familiar with Board and Batten wainscoting, with interior siding, and custom installations on ceilings as well. It is a well-appreciated look and an upscale feature in many homes.

One of the reasons for its popularity, other than its rugged good looks, is that Board and Batt siding is relatively easy to install. One of the essential facets of this type of siding, is that proper installation is crucial to extend the life of your exterior siding. Click here for appropriate methods of installing board and batt siding.

Board and Batt siding was initially used with wood that had not been dried. As the boards and batts on the buildings dried and aged, they would shrink. As we said before, the Batt would cover this shrinkage, so that the appearance of the siding would stay the same. In an effort to ease the effects of aging and drying, Marks Lumber kiln dries the boards and batts. The siding will continue to move as the temperature and humidity changes, but this is why proper installation is essential to long term maintenance.

Many different materials can be used for Board and Batt siding. Marks Lumber manufactures Douglas Fir material. Douglas Fir is a durable wood that lasts, with proper care and installation. Montana is filled with old barns, houses, and fences that used Douglas Fir wood and still show its lasting beauty. A number of these structures have lasted for over a century, as proof of the durability of the wood. Marks Lumber has different grades of boards you can use for your siding. Depending on whether you are siding your home or calving shed, we can suggest the right material to use.

If you are looking for that timeless, “farmhouse” look on your building and want something simple and classic, Board and Batt siding is an excellent idea for you. Call or email us today for a quote or order.