Board and Batten Siding & Wall Installation

Board and Batten is one of those rare design choices that feels both timeless and current. It’s classic enough to look right at home on a farmhouse, cottage, or traditional exterior—and clean-lined enough to suit modern builds and contemporary interiors. Whether you’re after dramatic curb appeal or a warm, textured accent inside your home, board and batten siding and the board and batten wall style deliver a high-impact look that doesn’t rely on trends to stay relevant.

At Matthews’ Painting Company, we help homeowners and property managers transform spaces with crisp, professionally finished Board and Batten work—inside and out. From planning the right spacing and materials to ensuring straight lines and durable paint coverage, our process is built around details. The result is a finished surface that looks intentional, elevated, and built to last.

If you’ve been searching for a better way to add character to plain drywall, update an entryway, refresh your home’s exterior, or modernize a room without a full remodel, a batten board wall may be precisely what you need. Below, we’ll walk through what it is, where it works best, and how Matthews’ Painting Company can deliver a finish you’ll love for years.

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Board and Batten Siding & Wall Installation3

What Is Board and Batten? A Quick, Clear Explanation

Board and Batten is a design and building method that uses wide “boards” paired with narrow strips called “battens” to cover seams and create a strong vertical pattern. Historically, this was a practical solution for weather resistance and strength on barns and early homes. Today, it has evolved into a style statement used for everything from exterior board-and-batten sidingto feature walls and wainscoting indoors.

There are two main ways people use Board and Batten:

1) Board and batten siding (exterior):
Vertical boards installed on a home’s exterior with battens placed over seams. Modern versions can be wood, engineered wood, fiber cement, or vinyl. The look is striking, especially when paired with clean trim and a thoughtfully chosen paint color.

2) Board and batten wall (interior):
A decorative wall treatment installed over drywall. It can be full-height for a modern statement, or partial-height (like wainscoting) for a softer architectural effect. Many homeowners love it for entryways, stairways, dining rooms, bedrooms, bathrooms, and offices.

No matter the application, the charm of a batten board wall comes from its structure and rhythm. It adds shadow lines, dimension, and a high-end “built-in” feel without needing to change your floor plan.

Board and Batten Siding: Big Curb Appeal With Classic Style

If you want your home to stand out in a refined way, board and batten siding is one of the best upgrades you can make. The vertical orientation can make a house appear taller, and the pattern brings texture that looks great at both street distance and close range.

Why homeowners love board and batten siding

Instant character: It makes even simple exteriors feel custom.
Pairs well with many materials: Stone, brick, lap siding, shingles, and modern panel systems.
Works with a wide color range: From crisp whites and warm creams to bold charcoals and deep greens.
Great for modern farmhouse and more: Traditional, coastal, craftsman, and contemporary designs all benefit from the clean vertical lines.

Where board and batten siding looks best

Full exterior installations for a major transformation
Front-facing gables for an architectural focal point
Entry features and bump-outs to add depth
Sheds, detached garages, and ADUs for a cohesive property look

The finish matters as much as the siding

Even the best-installed Board and Batten can look underwhelming if the paint finish is uneven, the caulk lines are messy, or the trim is poorly defined. That’s why a professional painting approach is essential. Matthews’ Painting Company focuses on:

Surface prep for adhesion and longevity
Clean caulk lines for seamless transitions
Consistent coverage and uniform sheen
Crisp cut lines around windows, trim, and corners

If you’re investing in board and batten siding, the paint and finish should elevate it—not distract from it.

Board and Batten Wall Designs: Interior Feature Walls That Feel Built-In

A board and batten wall is one of the most effective ways to add architectural interest inside your home. It’s popular because it changes the entire feel of a room while keeping the project relatively efficient compared to major renovations.

Popular interior styles we see

Full-height board and batten wall: Adds drama and modern structure.
Half-wall board and batten (wainscoting): Classic and cozy—great for dining rooms and hallways.
Grid-style batten board wall: Creates box patterns, often in bedrooms or offices for a tailored look.
Vertical board and batten: A clean farmhouse-inspired pattern, especially for entryways and stair walls.

Best rooms for a batten board wall

Entryways: Makes the first impression feel finished and intentional.
Staircases: Adds movement and texture to tall, plain walls.
Bedrooms: Beautiful behind a bed as a feature wall.
Dining rooms: Elevates gatherings and complements lighting and art.
Bathrooms: Adds structure—especially in powder rooms (with moisture-smart materials).
Home offices: Provides a crisp backdrop for shelves, décor, and Zoom calls.

A well-built batten board wall doesn’t just look good—it makes the whole room feel higher-end. The difference comes down to precision: level lines, consistent spacing, smooth joints, and a paint finish that looks like it came with the house.

Batten Board Wall vs. Other Wall Treatments: Why This One Wins

If you’re comparing options like shiplap, beadboard, wallpaper, or traditional paneling, Board and Batten often ends up being the top pick because it’s so adaptable.

Compared to shiplap

Shiplap tends to read casual and coastal. Board and batten can be casual too, but it also easily becomes modern and sophisticated—especially with clean spacing and a smooth, satin or eggshell finish.

Compared to wallpaper

Wallpaper can be beautiful, but it’s more trend-sensitive and can be harder to repair. A board and batten wall is durable, repaintable, and easy to refresh when you’re ready for a new color.

Compared to standard wainscoting

Traditional wainscoting is elegant, but often more detailed and style-specific. A batten board wall can be minimalist, classic, modern, or rustic depending on the pattern, height, and color.

The real advantage: flexibility

Board and batten works with:

Bold colors (navy, charcoal, forest green)
Soft neutrals (warm white, greige, light taupe)
Monochrome palettes (matching wall and trim for a seamless look)
Contrasting trim (a crisp white batten over color or vice versa)

No matter your style, Board and Batten can be tailored to fit it.

Our Process at Matthews’ Painting Company: Clean Lines, Durable Results

There’s a big difference between a “DIY-looking” board and batten project and a professional finish. At Matthews’ Painting Company, we focus on long-term performance and visual precision.

Step 1: Design planning and layout

Before anything goes on the wall, we plan:

Pattern style (vertical, box-grid, half-wall, full height)
Batten spacing and symmetry
Height (especially for wainscoting and feature walls)
Alignment with outlets, switches, and architectural features

This planning stage prevents awkward gaps and ensures your board and batten wall looks balanced in the room.

Step 2: Material selection and prep

Material choice matters, especially for moisture-prone spaces or high-traffic areas. We prep surfaces to ensure:

Proper adhesion
Smooth transitions
Reduced risk of cracking at seams
Clean edges where boards meet trim and corners

Step 3: Installation-quality finishing

Even if we’re brought in specifically for painting and finishing, we treat the project like a full system: sanding, filling, caulking, priming, and paint application are all done to professional standards.

Step 4: Prime and paint for a uniform look

Board and batten reveals everything—waves, drips, rough patches, and uneven sheen. We use a methodical approach to achieve:

Smooth, even coverage
Consistent sheen across boards and battens
Crisp lines at trim and edges
A finish that holds up to daily life

If you want your board and batten siding or batten board wall to look like it was always part of the home, the finish is where that “built-in” magic happens.

Choosing Colors and Finishes for Board and Batten

Because Board and Batten creates shadow lines and depth, color choice becomes even more impactful. The same wall can look airy and soft in a warm white—or dramatic and architectural in a deep charcoal.

Popular color directions

Clean whites: Classic, bright, and timeless on interiors and exteriors.
Warm neutrals: Subtle sophistication with less glare than bright white.
Deep moody hues: Adds luxury and modern edge (great in offices, bedrooms, dining rooms).
Two-tone combinations: A lighter wall above with a darker board and batten below, or vice versa.

Sheen matters

Eggshell/satin: A common choice for interior board and batten walls—wipes clean while still looking refined.
Semi-gloss: Great for trim and high-touch areas, but it highlights imperfections more.
Exterior finishes: Need to balance durability, weather resistance, and consistent appearance across large surfaces.

Matthews’ Painting Company can help you choose the right combination so your board and batten siding or board and batten wall looks intentional and performs well long-term.

A well-executed Board and Batten project can completely redefine a home—whether you’re upgrading the exterior with board and batten siding or adding dimension indoors with a board and batten wall or batten board wall feature. The style is clean, timeless, and flexible enough to suit everything from modern farmhouse to contemporary design. At Matthews’ Painting Company, we focus on precision, preparation, and a professional finish so your board-and-batten surfaces look crisp, balanced, and built to last. If you’re ready to add depth, character, and standout style to your home, Board and Batten is a wise investment—and we’re here to help you get it done right.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between Board and Batten and board and batten siding?

Board and Batten is the overall style and method. Board and batten siding refers specifically to using that method on an exterior surface. A board and batten wall is the interior decorative version.

Is a board and batten wall a good choice for a small room?

Yes. A board and batten wall can add structure and style to small spaces without making them feel crowded—especially when paired with lighter colors and balanced spacing.

How high should a batten board wall be?

It depends on the look you want. Many homeowners choose a wall height of about one-third to one-half of the wall height for wainscoting. Full-height batten board wall designs are also popular for modern feature walls. The most critical factors are room proportions and alignment.

Does board and batten crack over time?

It can if materials aren’t properly installed, seams aren’t prepared, or finish work is rushed. Professional preparation, proper fastening, quality caulk/filler, and the right primer and paint all significantly reduce the risk.

Can board and batten siding be painted?

Absolutely. In fact, painting is one of the best ways to refresh board and batten siding and protect it from the weather. Proper prep is critical for adhesion and durability, especially on older surfaces.