Board and batten wall features have had a huge surge in popularity in recent years which is no doubt down to the big style statement they make, plus the fact it’s an easy DIY for homeowners!
This trend is by no means new, with the inspiration coming from older traditional homes which showcase this style in many different forms.
These days board and batten has been given a modern twist with the use of trendy colours and patterns, which adds big impact and lots of character.
In this guide, we’ll do a deep dive into board and batten and share how to achieve this easily at home with simple materials and great gear from Hirepool.
What you need to know about board and batten
What is board and batten?
Historically, board and batten was used for the exterior of houses by laying strips of wood over wall joints to keep the cold out. Eventually, this process made its way inside, and it's now used to add style rather than functionality.
Typically, wood battens are secured to a wall in a horizontal or vertical pattern, which creates depth and dimension in a space.
Although the style itself has a lot of history and is commonly featured in old homes, the more modern versions can reflect anything from geometric shapes to trendy paint choices, making board and batten suitable for any home needing a spruce up.
Where can you utilise board and batten
Board and batten can be used almost anywhere in a home, whether it’s for a bedroom accent wall, a hallway or re-styling the home office. You can use it to make a statement in one spot, or install it throughout a house for ultimate impact.
There are endless options when it comes to the style of board and batten, whether you choose something traditional or modern.
Board and batten can also be installed on the exterior of a home which adds a charming element, leaning more to a cottage, farmhouse or colonial style.
Types of board and batten
This style is great for hallways as it doesn’t close narrow spaces in too much. Half wall board and batten can also be used to create a faux headboard look in a bedroom
Typically you would have top and baseboards running horizontally, with vertical battens in between
A full board and batten wall can be in any pattern you like, and they are great for making a statement in one space, for example on a living room wall
This style can also add the illusion of height to a room by drawing the eye upwards to the ceiling
- Board and batten vertical
This design is also great for adding height, and it’s one of the more simple accent wall panel styles. The vertical battens can be installed with various spacing options which makes this design versatile
The simplicity of vertical battens adds interest to a room without being too niche
This style adds extra character for something a bit different, but the grid design is simple enough to age well
- Geometric board and batten
Geometric designs have become very popular and is the most modern take on the style
Featuring angles and variation in pattern, this one is a funky choice for places like kids bedrooms
Benefits of board and batten
Aside from adding lots of character to any space, board and batten is an affordable and easy install project.
As far as weekend projects go, this one gives you lots of bang for your buck, plus it’s not too technical so anyone can give it a go.
The tools needed for board and batten are fairly minimal, and you can hire anything you don’t have from Hirepool!
Prepping for your Board and batten wall
Planning your project
Although board and batten walls are an easy project, it’s still important to prepare before you start nailing anything in!
Here are some key steps for planning:
1. Check the structure of your wall to assess if it’s suitable
Ensure that the wall is straight enough and the wood won’t bow. Scope out any powerpoints you might need to workaround.
It’s important you don’t nail into electrical wires, so you should plan your install around things like powerpoints if necessary and ensure you understand how to work safely around electricity.
2. Decide on what wall effect you want to achieve
Decide if you want to attach boards (large flat panels) or just the battens to the existing wall. If you have flat finish walls then just battens should be okay, but if you have textured walls you may prefer to use a board to cover it. Lift larger boards into position easily with a drywall lifter.
3. Decide on the height of the board and batten
Mark the wall with tape to get a visual of how the feature will look. This is great for giving you an idea of whether your board and batten will make your room look taller or shorter. Play around until you are happy with the placements.
4. Decide if your skirting boards/baseboards will work
It’s best to ensure skirting boards are updated at the same time so the board batten isn’t damaged if you need to replace skirting boards later. Your skirting boards will also need to be a similar depth to your battens for a flush finish at the base.
5. Measure your space and plan your pattern
Measure the height and length of the wall you are installing on, plus the different lengths you will need for your pattern. A great way to plan your design is to sketch the wall, to get a visual idea of what kind of pattern you want, how far apart you want your battens, and what kind of cuts you need to make.
6. Decide on the type of boards you want
Depending on the type of design you are going with, you may prefer to either buy pre-made slat boards or create a custom width from a piece of timber.
If you are unsure which to go with, just pop into the trade yard at your local hardware store, and have a look at the different options.
7. Shop for equipment and pick up your tools!
Visit your trade supply store to pick up the timber you will need (list below!), along with the rest of your board and batten materials such as paint, filler and nails
Gather your tools together, and book any hire gear you need online from Hirepool. When it’s time to start your project, pop into your local Hirepool branch collect your gear.
8. Prep the wall
Remove any baseboards or crown moulding you don’t want. Start with a smooth wall by sanding and patching holes where needed which will ensure a nice final result. If you are working on a large wall, using a wall sander will give you good reach and speed up the job!
Tools & Supplies you’ll need
- Finishing Nail gun
- Compound sliding saw to cut down timber, especially if planning for angled cuts and clean joins
- Timber boards
- Laser level or levelling tool
- Measuring tape
- Stud finder (optional)
- Wood filler or joint compound
- Caulk (paintable) for mouldings and a caulk gun
- Sandpaper or a small sander
- Paint primer
- Paint of choice (durable hard finishing paint recommended for high traffic areas like mudrooms and hallways)
- Painting supplies Masking tape
Optional gear:
- A wallboard sander makes easy work of wall prep
- A drywall lifter can come in handy if you are attaching boards as well as battens.
- A paint spray gun will be your best friend for painting large areas.
In addition to these supplies you’ll need to ensure you have the correct safety gear on hand:
- Dust mask - to wear when sanding a painting
- Eye protection - when operating power tools
- Hearing protection - when operating power tools
- Sturdy footwear
- Protective gloves (optional)
What type of timber do you use for board and batten?
For a batten board, it’s really important to use knot-free timber, otherwise, you will have to use filler on any holes. You should also use dressed timber, as it has a smooth finish.
Tip: Pick up your timber about a week before you start the project and just let it sit in your home (this is called “acclimating” the wood) to avoid cracks caused by expansion or contraction, which happens if it’s not acclimated when it’s installed.
What size nails do you need for board and batten?
The size of the nail you use will be dictated by the timber depth you use. You need to make sure they are long enough to go through the timber board, and well into the stud.
How to install board and batten
Step 1: Install the top rail
- Use a laser level to mark where your top rail will go (remember floors aren't always level so make adjustments as needed so the design is straight to the eye)
- Mark where the studs are along the wall using a stud finder, so your timber will be secure. If you nail into only plaster the battens can come loose
- Nail the top rail into place with the nail gun. You can use a hammer and nails to secure the timber, however, using a nail gun is far quicker and drives the nails well which ensures they are less visible
- You can also use wallboard glue on the timber before nailing in which helps to make it all extra secure. If you are working on a full-height board and batten wall it’s a good idea to use a mobile scaffold so you can get up close and make sure everything is level
Step 2: Add the baseboard
- If you are installing new baseboards/ skirting boards you should do this now
- Use a level to ensure the top of the baseboards is horizontal to the top rail, even if your floor is a little uneven this will create a level look
Step 3: Cut your battens to size
- Using your drop saw, cut your battens down to size, aiming for a snug finish that will lessen the amount of filler you will need later. Be very careful when using a drop saw and ensure you know how to use a saw safely.
Step 4: Nail your battens into position
- It’s a good idea to mark the vertical and horizontal centre of your wall, and use a pencil to mark where you want each batten to go so that the design stays consistent with your plans and you can make adjustments as needed
Ensure you check each batten position will be straight by using a spirit level
- If you are using wallboard glue, apply that to the timber now, then nail the battens in with a finishing nailer
Step 5: Fill in holes and caulk edges (H3)
- Once all battens are in place, use filler to fill in nail holes and any larger gaps between battens
- Caulk in between wood panels and the wall to ensure there are no gaps
- When dry, sand back filler to ensure a smooth surface for painting
Step 6: Prep and paint (H3)
- Prime the timber to ensure a smooth finish when the paint goes on
- Paint the wall by cutting in first around battens with a brush, then use a paint roller. You could also use an Airless spray painting unit on larger walls to make the job quicker. To cover the timber, you will likely need at least two coats
Extra tip!
You can make a simple board and batten a bit fancier by adding some extra moulding details along the top rail, or adding things like hooks if you are working in a mudroom or entryway.
Now that you know the basics, get creative!
Check out our Pinterest for more board and batten and DIY project inspiration. Keep project costs and time minimal when you hire gear at Hirepool. Simply book the gear you need online and pick it up from your local branch. We even offer trailer hire to make gear transportation a breeze. Discover more home renovation and DIY projects at hirepool.co.nz.
