Board and batten metal siding is popping up more often in neighborhoods across the US. While it's most synonymous with farmhouse style, the board and batten siding trend is versatile enough to be incorporated into a variety of design styles. Board and batten siding is usually made from wood, however, you can also achieve this siding look with a lower maintenance material like metal siding.

At Western States Metal Roofing, we manufacture metal roofing and metal siding panels including metal siding panels that resemble the board and batten look. In this article, we go over how to achieve board and batten siding with metal.

What Is Board And Batten Siding?

Board and batten siding consists of wide planks that are joined together by thin strips to cover the seams. This timeless look originally dates back to over 200 years ago when it was used on barn siding and farm homes out of necessity. The strips, or battens, were used to keep the building as airtight as possible. Now, the battens are merely decorative and the overall look is chosen because of its clean and streamlined appearance that also has a rustic look. 

There are different materials you can use to achieve a board and batten look. Traditionally, board and batten siding is made from wood. However, using wood panels for siding comes with drawbacks including painting, sealing, termites, rotting, mildew, and warping. There is also board and batten vinyl siding, however, vinyl is not a very durable material and can bend, break, crack, and warp.

 You can avoid these issues by using a metal or aluminum board and batten panel.

 Metal Siding That Looks Like Board And Batten

There are two metal panels that mimic real board and batten exterior siding. Both of these panels will give you the appearance of wood, but have all of the benefits of metal. In addition, these metal siding panels have concealed fasteners for a streamlined appearance and excellent weather tightness.

Metal Board And Batten Siding Panels

Board and batten metal siding panels will look just like wood board and batten panels. When you put the metal panels side by side with the wood panels you cannot tell the difference. These panels will give you a modern and stunning look, but without all of the maintenance of wood. They're perfect for the modern farmhouse design or to make an accent wall or fence the focal point of your project.

Metal board and batten can be installed vertically or horizontally. They're available in widths from ten inches to twenty inches wide. However, the two most cost effective widths will be 10" or 20". These metal siding panels come with a two inch batten and are available in metal or aluminum. 

Western Reveal® Metal Siding Panels

Western Reveal® panels have a different look than a metal board and batten panel. These panels don't have a raised batten. Instead, they are flat with a gap between the panel side laps. The gap can be 0", 1", 2", or 3" wide. This gives it the appearance of an inverted batten.

With Western Reveal, you can choose the gap between each sheet. It's available in no reveal, 1, 2, or 3 inch reveals. You can even mix and match the different sizes to create a personalized board and batten metal look.

What Are The Benefits Of A Metal Board & Batten?

Comparable in price to wood board and batten

Limited 40 year paint warranty

Over 100 colors to choose from

Easier to install versus wood board and batten

Low maintenance

No re-painting

Fire resistant

No need to worry about wood warping

Termite and pest resistant

No dry rot or mildew

No mildew 

Long Lasting

What Are The Cons Of A Metal Board & Batten?

In our opinion, there are no major cons of using a metal board and batten panel versus a wood panel. I have listed a couple of minor issues that you should be aware of.

It may be more difficult to find an installer that's familiar with metal siding installation.

You cannot color match metal in the same way you can color match painted wood.

Once you choose a color it cannot be re-painted.

Metal Siding Is Low Maintenance

Metal is a “set it and forget it” type of siding material. With correct installation, metal siding has very little maintenance and will last for years to come.

Metal Siding Is Long Lasting

Metal siding can last for 40-60 years or longer with correct installation.

There are many other benefits that come with metal siding, and also some drawbacks. To learn more, we encourage you to read:

The Pros And Cons Of Metal Siding- A Guide For 2022

Metal Board And Batten Siding Price

The cost of metal board and batten siding panels will vary depending on the gauge, width of the panel, color, and the size of the job. Below is a price range for metal siding panels in 24 gauge. If a thicker panel is needed, you can choose a 22 gauge panel. 

Keep in mind that a 22 gauge panel will increase the cost of the material by 10-25% vs. a 24 gauge panel. The pricing below is subject to change based upon steel market conditions and does NOT include installation.

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