Board and Batten Calculator

How it works

vertical battens = ⌈length ÷ spacing⌉ + 1 · grid rows = round(height ÷ spacing) · siding boards = ⌈length ÷ board width⌉, battens = boards − 1 · pieces = ⌈batten length × (1 + waste) ÷ stock length⌉

Board and batten is either a decorative interior treatment — narrow battens (usually 1×3 or 1×4, or MDF strips) nailed over drywall in a vertical or grid pattern with a top rail — or a traditional exterior siding of wide vertical boards with battens covering the joints. Interior battens are typically spaced 30–60 cm (12–24″) apart and should land on studs where possible; the outermost battens sit at the wall ends. Exterior boards are usually 1×8 to 1×12 with a ½″ gap covered by a 1×2 or 1×3 batten. Add about 10% for cuts and knots.

Worked example

A 4 m wall 2.4 m high with battens 40 cm apart takes ⌈4 ÷ 0.4⌉ + 1 = 11 vertical battens of 2.4 m plus a 4 m top rail: 30.4 m of batten. With 10% waste that is 33.4 m ÷ 2.44 m = 13.7 → 14 batten pieces of 2.44 m (8 ft), costing $84.00 at $6 each, with about 76 nails and 6 tubes of adhesive.

Sources: USDA Forest Products Laboratory — Wood Handbook (siding) · Western Wood Products Association — board and batten siding

Frequently asked questions