How to Install an Interior Board-and-Batten Wall (2024)

FAQs

How to Install an Interior Board-and-Batten Wall? ›

If you're using thin, lightweight lumber, you won't need to stress about it. However, for everything else, it's a good idea to attach your boards to the studs wherever possible. If you can't find a wall stud, use wood glue/liquid nails and a nail that's long enough to secure the wood to the wall.

If you're using thin, lightweight lumber, you won't need to stress about it. However, for everything else, it's a good idea to attach your boards to the studs wherever possible. If you can't find a wall stud, use wood glue/liquid nails and a nail that's long enough to secure the wood to the wall.

It's best to space them evenly, about 10-12 inches apart, but they don't have to be exact. For example, if your wall is 100 inches wide, you'll install a 2-inch board on either side, then have 96 inches left to fill. Divide 96 by 12 (the number of inches between each batten, center to center) to get 8.

Depending on the look you desire, there are a variety of woods available for interior board and batten walls. The ones I find readily available are premium pine and poplar. These choices are great for painting. I prefer a flat simple board with no detail.

Install battens

You have two options when it comes to installing the batten boards: Use nails only (easier to remove down the line without drywall damage) Use construction adhesive and nails (much more permanent)

While the height of board and batten is a matter of personal preference, a good rule of thumb is to place the height either above or below the center of the wall. For our eight-foot wall, we are installing board and batten at a height of five feet. For the boards, we are using 3/4" plywood.

The most common arrangement uses 1x10 boards and 1x2 or 1x3 batten. You can also use 1x8 or 1x12 boards and 1x4 battens. To seal out moisture, the boards should be in sound condition and free of open knots, and the battens should lap at least 3/4 inch onto the boards on both sides.

The battens should then be placed against the wall and drilled straight through with a 6mm masonry bit. Hammer in the wall and plug into the hole in the wall. Then secure the screws using an impact driver. Do this across the batten to secure it to the wall.

You don't have to remove your baseboards. No complicated measuring here – using my method, depending on the length of your wall, your battens will be between approximately 8-16 inches apart.

Board and batten is a siding and paneling style that involves narrow strips of wood placed over the joints of wider boards, creating a geometric and layered look. Traditionally, a plywood backer board (board) is the foundation of this style, with the vertical wood trim (battens) installed on top of the plywood.

Do you have to caulk board and batten? ›

It is essential to seal board-and-batten siding against moisture to prevent warping, cracking, and splitting.

Plugs and screws are the best method to fix battens to your wall and should be screwed in using an impact driver for the strongest connection. It is advisable to install either the horizontal batten across the floor or one of the battens next to the wall first, as wall edge battens may not be perfectly level.

You will need at least 1-3/4” screws for the wide boards and at least 2-3/4” for the narrow battens. Boards should be screwed 2” from both the top and the bottom and then at least every 2' vertically. Nails are not recommended for exterior wood siding!

The tools I recommend having when doing a Board and Batten / wainscoting accent wall are: Miter Saw - if you are a beginner and buying your first Miter Saw, I recommend starting with a 7.25” blade which is small, less-intimidating, and easier to learn with. Nail Gun - I prefer a battery operated 18gauge Brad Nailer.