Board and batten is a flat backing, usually panels or wide boards, with narrow battens over the joints or at even spacing. Enter the wall size and batten spacing to get the battens, their total length and the backing panels.
Board and batten formulas
Vertical battens = wall width (in) ÷ spacing, rounded up, + 1 Linear feet of batten = battens × wall height Panels = wall area × (1 + waste %) ÷ panel area, rounded up
Worked example: a 12 × 8 ft accent wall at 16 in
- Battens: 144 ÷ 16 = 9, + 1 = 10.
- Linear feet: 10 × 8 = 80 ft.
- Panels: 96 sq ft × 1.10 ÷ 32 = 3.3, so 4 sheets of 4 × 8.
Batten spacing and size
There is no single correct spacing: 12, 16 and 24 in are all common, and many people adjust the spacing slightly so the battens divide the wall evenly. For exterior panel siding, LP’s installation guide recommends 5/8 × 2-1/2 in battens and asks that they be spaced evenly; on exterior work, follow the siding maker’s fastening and spacing details. Add horizontal battens or a top rail if your design has them.
Battens by spacing (12 ft wall)
| Spacing | Battens | Linear ft at 8 ft |
|---|---|---|
| 12 in | 13 | 104 |
| 16 in | 10 | 80 |
| 20 in | 9 | 72 |
| 24 in | 7 | 56 |
Questions
How far apart should board and batten be?
It is a design choice; 12–24 in is common. Pick a spacing that divides the wall evenly.
Do I need backing panels on an interior wall?
Not if you batten directly over smooth drywall; choose ‘No panels’.
What size battens?
Interior battens are often 1 × 3 or 1 × 4; LP recommends 5/8 × 2-1/2 in for its exterior panel siding.
Sources
- How to Install Board and Batten Style Siding, LP Building Solutions.
Used for: 5/8 × 2-1/2 in battens, spaced evenly, for panel siding.