Board & batten siding offers a refreshing alternative to standard horizontal siding. This vertically oriented siding gives any home a comfortable appeal ranging from traditional to country to farmhouse to rustic.
Many homeowners combine board & batten siding with other materials in a home’s exterior like stone, brick and, yes, horizontal planks.
You have a good selection of options. Board and batten siding is produced in genuine wood, composite wood, fiber cement, steel, aluminum, and vinyl.
The cost of board & batten siding installed by a siding contractor is $12.00 to $27.00 per square foot depending on the material used and your home’s details and complexity. Prices are broken down below, so you can compare the cost of wood to fiber cement board & batten siding, for example, and all your other options.
Total project cost estimates for each type and common house sizes are given, too.
The pros and cons of board & batten siding are discussed in the Buying Guide that is part of this board & batten siding review. It includes top board & batten siding brands for various types of material.
Board & Batten Siding Cost per Square Foot Comparison
Most homeowners are searching for the cost to have board & batten siding installed rather than DIY. As a result, this chart shows the cost of installed board & batten siding. There’s a cost tip below for those considering DIY.
Material | Installed Cost/Sq. Ft. | Average Total Cost |
Vinyl | $9.50 – $18.00 | $15,200 – $33,500 |
Aluminum | $11.50 – $17.50 | $18,400 – $30,350 |
Steel | $14.00 – $26.00 | $22,400 – $43,750 |
Fiber Cement | $11.50 – $22.00 | $18,400 – $37,200 |
Composite | $10.50 – $24.00 | $16,800 – $38,400 |
Genuine Wood | $12.00 – $27.00 | $19,200 – $44,850 |
Do these prices seem high to you? The pricing is accurate. Unfortunately, costs have gone up significantly in the last 5 years. Material costs and professional installation costs are both higher than just a few years ago. This point is worth mentioning because prices found on other cost estimating sites are up to 50% too low! The prices are outdated even if they state that the prices are from the current year.
Professional Installation Costs: If you’re wondering about the breakdown between materials and labor, most remodeling contractors charge $5.00 to $10.00 per square foot to install board and batten siding.
Board & Batten Siding Cost Calculator
This board & batten siding prices table shows typical siding amounts from 750 to 2,000 square feet. These siding totals represent homes partially and fully sided with board & batten siding.
750 Sq. Ft. | 1,000 Sq. Ft. | 1,500 Sq. Ft. | 2,000 Sq. | |
Vinyl | $7,900 – $14,000 | $10,500 – $18,000 | $15,750 – $26,750 | $20,000 – $35,000 |
Aluminum | $9,500 – $13,250 | $12,500 – $17,500 | $18,000 – $26,500 | $24,500 – $34,250 |
Steel | $11,800 – $19,500 | $15,500 – $26,000 | $23,250 – $38,750 | $31,000 – $51,000 |
Fiber Cement | $9,000 – $17,000 | $12,000 – $22,000 | $17,750 – $33,000 | $23,750 – $44,000 |
Composite | $8,500 – $18,000 | $11,250 – $24,000 | $17,000 – $36,000 | $22,000 – $47,500 |
Genuine Wood | $9,750 – $20,500 | $12,750 – $27,000 | $19,250 – $40,000 | $25,250 – $54,000 |
Cost Factors
Here, briefly, are the reasons for the wide range of prices in the tables. There are factors related to the siding and other factors related to installation.
Board and batten siding cost is determined by:
- House Size – More siding equals having a higher overall cost but cost per square foot often drops a little bit when more siding is installed.
- Siding Type – Cheap vinyl, fiber cement and composite siding are the most affordable. On the high end, premium steel and genuine wood siding cost the most.
- Siding Quality – Each siding type is available in basic, better and best lines. For example, you can choose vinyl siding in thicknesses from .040” (basic), to .042” or .044” (better or standard) to .046” or .048” (best). Aluminum and steel are manufactured in various gauges. Wood siding is produced from cedar, cypress, pine, and other woods, all available in various grades.
- House Complexity – Multistory homes take more equipment and time to cover in siding, so cost per square foot is higher. Other complexities that increase the cost are the number of corners, gables, and dormers.
- Who you Hire – A handyman charges less than a small home remodeling company. Large remodeling companies often have the highest rates. Just be sure that whoever you hire is licensed, insured, and experienced installing the type of siding you select.
- Where you Live – This is a large cost factor, especially related to the labor side of the equation. Overhead, wages, insurance and equipment costs vary by 50% or more across the country. Highest costs in the continental US are found in the Northeast and along the West Coast. Large metro areas not near the coast, like Chicago, Dallas and Atlanta, have average costs. The most affordable prices are enjoyed in rural areas of the Midwest, South, and Plains states. Example – the cost of living in MA is 72.5% higher than in OK.
Board & Batten Siding Materials – Pros and Cons
This section compares your material options and provides their advantages and disadvantages.
Material | Installed Cost/Sq. Ft. |
Vinyl | $9.50 – $18.00 |
Aluminum | $11.50 – $17.50 |
Steel | $14.00 – $26.00 |
Fiber Cement | $11.50 – $22.00 |
Composite | $10.50 – $24.00 |
Genuine Wood | $12.00 – $27.00 |
Vinyl
The installed cost of vinyl board & batten siding is $9.50 to $18.00 per square foot. It is your most affordable option. Vinyl siding return on investment is around 95%, highest among siding materials, because of the low initial cost.
But the ROI on vinyl board & batten siding suffers in areas where most homes have more expensive siding types like wood and fiber cement.
- Advantages: Affordability. Good selection of colors in wood-texture and smooth siding. It is readily available across the county. Easy to install and to replace damaged sections, if needed. The color goes all the way through, so light scratches aren’t readily visible and don’t harm the performance of the siding. It requires only light maintenance – washing as needed. Insulated vinyl siding is available, though it isn’t always good value. It is recyclable.
- Disadvantages: It is thin, so it will “telegraph” any imperfections in the sheathing behind it. Cheaper vinyl siding looks “plasticky” and its color will fade in direct sunlight. The material can become brittle in extreme cold and with age, leading to broken pieces. It is difficult to paint.
- Curb appeal: Looks good from a distance, but not as appealing upon close inspection.
- Durability: Good vinyl siding will hold its looks for 12-20 years depending on where it is installed. Most vinyl is replaced within 25 years.
- Warranty: From 30 years to Lifetime. Warranties only cover manufacturing defects, not diminished appearance brought on by age. Most are not prorated. Some brands offer transferable warranties.
- Best Use: Vinyl siding is the material of choice for homes in affordable to mid-priced neighborhoods. It is good value in those areas when you plan to move in the next 5-10 years but your home needs new siding. Avoid vinyl siding when most homes on your street feature more expensive siding types, especially wood.
Composite
The installed cost of composite board & batten siding is $10.50 to $24.00. Its ROI is 80% to 85% where composite siding is commonly used – mostly neighborhoods with mid-priced and moderately upscale homes.
Composite is a broad category of siding. Cheaper options are mostly a blend of plastics. LP SmartSide is a composite produced from wood fibers and resins. Everlast composite siding is a “proprietary mixture of granular stone and polymeric resin.” These diverse products are lumped together because together they account for a small share of the siding market.
*Fiber cement is technically a composite manufactured from wood, cement and more. But because of its popularity, fiber cement is usually placed in its own category.
- Advantages: The siding is more robust than vinyl, so it better mimics the look of genuine wood siding. Maintenance is low. Selection is fair to good depending on which type and brand you’re considering. LP SmartSide can be painted when you want to change your house color. Most contain some recycled materials.
- Disadvantages: Mostly PVC options can have a very plastic appearance. Be sure to get a close look at the material, preferably on a home, prior to choosing this type. Wood-based options like LP are susceptible to water damage if the exterior coating is scratched or if cut ends aren’t sealed prior to installation. Some of the siding is heavy, so longer pieces must be installed by two people, potentially raising labor costs.
- Curb Appeal: Good to excellent from a distance. Wood fiber composite siding and stone composite look quite good up close, too.
- Durability: These materials are more resistant to fading than PVC vinyl. Expect them to look good for 15-25 years. You may want to paint wood composite siding after the factory finish begins to wear or fade in 10-15 years.
- Warranties: From 30 years to Lifetime. LP’s warranty is 50 years, but it is prorated starting in the 6th year. Most stone and resin composite siding like Everlast is covered with a Lifetime warranty.
- Best Use: Composite siding works well in all but the most upscale neighborhoods. If you want something with more structure than vinyl or aluminum, consider composite. But before you decide, compare it to fiber cement options, especially James Hardie vertical panels. You might benefit from discussing the options with an experienced siding contractor that installs both types and can provide guidance.
Fiber Cement
The cost of installed fiber cement board and batten siding is $11.50 to $22.00 per square foot, placing it in the middle of the price range. According to Remodeling Magazine, fiber cement has a cost to value return at resale (like ROI) of 88.5%.
- Advantages: Fiber cement has the most wood-like appearance of any siding that isn’t the real thing. Top brands offer a range of colors including primed for those who prefer to save money with DIY painting. Custom color match is offered on premium lines. Most provide better impact resistance than vinyl and genuine wood, especially softer woods. Termites and woodpeckers aren’t an issue for fiber cement. ROI is higher than for standard vinyl siding.
- Disadvantages: The material is heavy and difficult to cut, so labor costs are higher than for vinyl and plastic composite. Since the interior contains wood fiber, scratches through the coating/paint must be touched up immediately to prevent water absorption, swelling and the need for replacement. Fiber cement takes more energy to make than vinyl products, and it is not recyclable.
- Curb Appeal: Excellent. The material is substantive and good looking whether from the road or the sidewalk leading to the front door.
- Durability: You can expect this board and batten siding to last 30-50 years depending on how well it is maintained. Keeping an intact finish on it is essential. Factory finishes last 10-15 years before needing to be painted. Fresh paint can be added as needed thereafter.
- Warranties: Coverage is 15 to 30 years depending on the product. For example, Hardie’s warranty is 30 years, not prorated. Nichiha has a 30-year warranty prorated after 3 years.
- Best Use: If you want the look of premium wood siding but prefer a lower cost, consider fiber cement. You’ll still have to keep it painted, but factory coatings usually last 10-15 years while you’d have to start repainting or restaining wood in just a few years. Also, consider your climate. Nichiha is available only in the MidAtlantic and Southeast US. Hardie makes fiber cement in two formulations – one for southern states and another for northern states where freeze/thaw cycles can wreak havoc on fiber cement.
Aluminum
The cost of installed aluminum board & batten siding is $11.50 to $17.50 per square foot.
Once popular before the rise of vinyl siding, aluminum is making a limited comeback because it offers lightweight strength and is considered a green alternative to vinyl. Because it has the lowest (but growing) market share among this siding category, its cost to value is hard to measure.
- Advantages: Fairly easy to work with and is easier to cut than wood composite and fiber cement. You have a decent selection of styles and colors. The coatings aren’t chalky like those on older generations of aluminum siding. Recycled aluminum is used, and the siding is recyclable when removed.
- Disadvantages: Aluminum board and batten siding is somewhat delicate and susceptible to denting and creasing, and panels must be replaced – they can’t be repaired. It is difficult to install in windy conditions. A metal primer is usually required to get good paint adhesion. There are fewer brands of aluminum board & batten siding than brands of vinyl siding.
- Curb Appeal: Good from a distance. The siding isn’t as robust when viewed more closely. The texture and feel is a bit spongy – there’s “give” to it.
- Durability: Aluminum siding looks good for 15 to 25 years when treated with care. It will continue to protect your home for 50 years when in good condition, though due to general wear and tear on its appearance, you’ll probably want to replace it before then.
- Warranty: Most warranties are Lifetime against manufacturing defects. They don’t cover damage from impact or wind.
- Best Use: If your goal is a reasonably priced siding with better curb appeal than vinyl, consider aluminum. It is popular with homeowners that want a sustainable, recyclable siding.
Steel
The cost to install steel board & batten siding is $14.00 to $26.00 per square foot. The wider range is due to the spectrum of products available.
What about rust? Painted/coated steel will likely rust if the steel core is exposed. Better steel siding has a galvanized steel core to resist corrosion.
Also, there is a steel alloy product called weathering steel (trademark Cor-Ten or Corten) that has the appearance of rusted steel – a very rustic aesthetic. The rust on the alloy forms a sort of patina or natural coating that protects the steel from further deterioration.
- Advantages: Durability is excellent. It is resistant to fire, insects, and the elements. Little maintenance is needed. Steel is more resistant to dents than aluminum siding. Steel board and batten siding is manufactured in a range of paint colors including wood grain designs. While you won’t mistake it for genuine wood, the appearance is unique and quite attractive. Recycled materials are used in most steel siding, and it is recyclable.
- Disadvantages: Entry-level steel siding cost is the highest of any type. The top grades are comparable in price to premium wood siding. The look is more rustic than for other board & batten siding types if that’s not what you’re looking for. Because of the weight and difficulty cutting steel, installation takes longer and costs more.
- Curb Appeal: Excellent from the road and from closer to the home.
- Durability: Expect 50+ years from the siding. Warranties are typically 30-50 years or Lifetime.
- Best Use: Steel board and batten is a niche siding product. It fits the vibe of rural areas better than suburban and urban cities. If you see this siding being used where you live, and you love the look, then put it at the top of your list. In the right area, steel board & batten siding has a very good return on investment.
Wood
The cost to install genuine wood siding is $12.00 to $27.00 per square foot. Your options include pine ($), cedar ($$-$$$), spruce ($$-$$$), redwood (regionally available $$-$$$), Douglas fir and other fir types ($$) and cypress ($$-$$$$).
- Advantages: Wood is the real thing – the siding most others seek to mimic. Wood gives any home a warmth and visual appeal, whether the board & batten wood siding is traditional, rustic, or somewhat modern in design. It takes paint and stain well.
- Disadvantages: While the appearance and feel are #1 among board and batten types, everything else about wood siding is a “pain.” It requires more maintenance than any other material including the need for fresh stain or paint every 3-6 years. Direct sunlight can cause fading, warping, and splitting of the wood. Fire, insects, woodpeckers, and mold are all risks for wood siding. Better grades of cedar and cypress siding are expensive.
- Curb Appeal: Outstanding from any distance – in fact, it just keeps getting better the closer you get to it.
- Durability: Wood siding lasts indefinitely when it is cared for. Neglect leads to its ruin.
- Warranty: Expect your siding contractor to offer a warranty of up to 10 years. Shorter warranties are more common. The reason is that the wood requires maintenance, or damage will occur, and that is beyond the control of the siding producer and the installer.
- Best Use: Wood board & batten siding is very acceptable for most neighborhoods from modest to upscale – unless homes are predominantly sided in brick. Its return-on-investment ranges from 80% to close to 100% depending on region and the upfront cost of the siding. Choose genuine wood siding if you prefer the look and texture of the real thing and don’t mind the maintenance demands it makes.
Compare Board and Batten Siding Types – Which is Best?
Material & Rating | Curb Appeal | ROI / Value | Selection | Durability | Warranty |
Vinyl 4/5 | 3 | 5 | 5 | 3 | 4 |
Aluminum 3.2/5 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 3 |
Steel 4/5 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 5 | 4 |
Fiber Cement 3.8/5 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3 |
Composite 3.2/5 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 3 |
Genuine Wood 4.5/5 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 5 | N/A |
Top Board & Batten Siding Brands
Here are major brands for each material.
Vinyl
- Alside
- CertainTeed
- Georgia Pacific / GP
- Kaycan
- Mitten
- Ply Gem brands Mastic, Variform and Performance by Ply Gem
- Royal Building Products
- Provia
Aluminum
- Alsco
- EDCO
- Gentek
- Ply Gem / Mastic
- Quite a few regional brands
Composite (Not all brands are sold nationally)
- Alside Ascend
- CertainTeed CERTAplank
- Everlast
- Kaycan
- KWP
- LP SmartSide
- NewTechWood
- Sherwin-Williams
Fiber Cement
Steel (Most are regionally available)
- Alside
- Gentek
- Klauer
- TruCedar
- TruLog
Wood
There are few, if any, national brands. Most will ship to your location, but shipping costs are high. Most homeowners buy wood siding from manufacturers in their region.