How to Install Board & Batten
Welcome to week 3 of the One Room Challenge: Jack & Jill Guest Bath. This week we are discussing How to Install Board & Batten.
We are currently in Week 3 for the Fall One Room Challenge, officially known as HUMP WEEK since we are mid way through the 6 week challenge! This week we are going over How to Install Board & Batten for our guest bathroom walls.
Just to recap this happens twice a year, April/ October, the designers only have six weeks, from start to finish in order to complete a full room transformation. Each week the guest designer’s will link their progress to the ORC host page Calling It Home , and share their room’s progress. The best part you will be able to follow along with JENRON DESIGNS and all the participants progress just by clicking the ORC . The final completion date and big reveal of our Jack and Jill Guest Bathroom makeover will be on Thursday, Nov. 9th!!!
WEEKS AT A GLANCE:
WEEK 1 WEEK 2 WEEK 3 WEEK 4 WEEK 5 WEEK 6
INSPIRATION BOARD
WEEKLY PROGRESS REPORT:
As you might remember last week we completed the mirror frame out project which turned out exactly as planned. We also installed the towel rings, which was vital to have placed for this weeks project of the batten board installation. The reason it was important to get the towel rings placed was to make sure they would not be in a conflicting area of the batten board placement.
As we dive into the meat and potatoes portion of our project the batten board walls. I want to take a moment to explain my design decision. I have always loved big fancy homes, the southern mansions, mountain chalets, and beach front hideaways. When I really analyzed these homes commonalities and what I found to be attractive about them, besides a fabulous locations, I noticed that fancy millwork was present in all the homes. I decided long ago that upgraded trim and millwork could really elevate the look of a basic builder grade home to that of a custom home. Since that epiphany we have been adding additional trim, whether it be bead board, wainscot panels, chair rail with judges panels or in this case batten board walls to all of my homes. I have found it to be the single most cost effective way to enhance a space and add more curb appeal to your home.
How to Install Board & Batten:
As you can see, we started this project by taping up the 2 3/4″ flat trim boards to the wall at a 55″ height from the floor. The reason I chose this height is to create the illusion of taller ceilings and to elongate the room.
Once we got the height set and level around the room, we added a 
to the baseboard to create a flat edge to set the vertical boards onto. Then measured each of the vertical slats individually, and taped them into place.
Okay so you may be asking why are you taping them into to place, why not just nail them up? My husband has gotten very smart over the years he knows that even though the tape measure may say the board is centered and in the right spot, my discerning eye can see the ever slightest bit of off center. Also with this type of project, sometimes you have to cheat a measurement to make it look visually correct to the eye. So he tapes I review, eyeball the design, then he nails, LOL.
You can see this concept applies in the toilet room. This area required the measurements to be off set, since the batten board moulding would not fit behind the tank of the toilet.(CURSE OF THE DESIGNER’S CHALLENGE) So we had to make some adjustments. 
After Ron got all the boards nailed up, we removed the tape and it was time to caulk the gaps and nail holes. This is a very important step in the process. It makes the wood look smooth and finished. Plus it’s getting us prepped to paint next weekend.
Since there are areas of our walls that are not completely flat, the moulding will gap and not sit flush to the wall. We used a basic paintable baseboard caulk available at your local hardware store. Ron applied the caulk bead and I created the flush wrap around seal, using my pinky. (the prefect tool for the job)This is a perfect before and after example of why the caulk will make such a difference. Above you can see the large gap between the tile of the shower and the batten board. 
Filled with a little caulk and the job looks professionally finished and not at all like a weekend warrior DIY project. It is the little steps, like this one that will make the difference in your final project outcome.
Now we have the Board and Batten completely installed, with all holes and gaps filled, so we will be ready to paint next week. I am getting so excited, as I see the plan starting to really take shape. Let’s take one final look at the “to do list” time line below.
THE TIMELINE:
Week 1- Introduction, Inspiration Board, & Plan of Action
Week 2- Order All Items, Buy All Supplies, & Frame Out Mirror
Week 3- Start/Finish How to Install Board & Batten
Week 4- Paint Board and Batten, & The Secret Art Project.
Week 5- Install New Lights, Towel Bars, Shower Curtains & All Final Touches
Week 6- BIG REVEAL
I think we are in good shape headed into next week . I have obtained all the supplies needed for my secret art project, not originally listed on the inspiration board. We will pick up Pure White Trim paint from our local Sherwin Williams for the Batten Board. Then all that is left to do, is pick out a few decorative details to finish out the space, which is the fun part.
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RON’S TOOL BOX:
Oh that is going to look amazing!!
I couldn’t agree with you more, the trim and millwork makes ALL the difference. This is looking amazing!! I can’t wait to see the final product and as much as I HATE caulking and filling nail holes, you have officially convinced me of the necessary need to do both. lol
I love board and batten in rooms! It always makes it look so fancy! Love how your bathroom is looking!!
Jen, your bathroom is coming along so nicely! I love that you did a diy for the batten board installation that will get you a lot of viewers. Good job my friend can’t wait to see the reveal!
Looks great Jennifer! I love board and batten. And caulk has been my secret DIY weapon for years. Can’t wait to see it after its painted!
Looking good! Great tip to tape the slats before nailing. Sometimes the eye does have to override the measuring stick. Already looking forward to next week! keep having fun!
Caulk works wonders and I love the board and batten!
The millwork is looking great! It makes a gigantic difference- even unpainted.
This bathroom is going to look so great! You’re right, mill work really elevates the space
That looks great, and you are so right about trim adding character to a basic home. I am considering this for our dining room eventually.
Oh filling nails holes and caulking is the worst, but it is what makes it looked finished. My fingers are still going numb for doing mine, lol! Can’t wait to see what you do next week!
There’s nothing like the power of caulk!
Nice work on the batten board, it turned out very nice.
Now I feel like an addict that can’t stop reading your posts. I started with the ORC challenged and linked back to the older posts. Thanks for doing that, it help to make sense out of running series of posts.
So this is how you install batten board very cool.
I think the internet ate my other comment, but I really want to tell you how nice it was to see how batten board is installed. Thanks
I have always wondered how to install board & batten. Thank you for showing me how easy it really is, now I feel like I can do it too.
I like the way you used tape to pre hang the boards, that is very smart.
I have enjoyed reading about how to install Board & Batten, you have some great tips. Also I really like the overall look you have achieved by adding it to your space.
Board & Batten is one of my favorite finishes in a home. It reminds me of Cape Cod, just seeing your pictures I can already smell the salt air of home.
It really like that you gavels a step by step tutorial of this project, I would have never thought about pre taping the boards up, such a good idea.
So I got hooked on the room from the mirror upgrade and Now I know how to install Board & Batten too, such wealth of knowledge here.
Ok now you are impressing me, I love that you are willing to roll up your sleeves and work, unlike some of the participants that just buy it all and hirer it out to workers.
Neat post, I have always love this look now I know how to do it.
Ok I never knew that was how they did that, I though it was a panel. So you are going to just paint the whole thing one color and create a panel. That is cool.
Well I never thought this was how you would make this look. Interesting, very interesting. Week 3 still on the right track.
This is such a good post on how to replicate this project in your own home, thank you for sharing.
This is so easy, thank for showing us how to make this happen. I see it all the time but thought it was much harder to do.
The tape is a great idea! I wonder how many people don’t do this step and wish that they did!
Thanks you for teaching us how to install batten board. This is a great DIY fro the ORC.
The Board & Batten installation is such a useable article. Love when bloggers actually give information that is useable, not just selling you random things.
I always wondered how you do this, turning that trim upside down answers a lot of how to questions and makes the job much simpler.
Great post nice DIY, checking next week to see the finish.
You and your husband a very handy people. I am so impressed with how you broke down this project into easy digestible chunks. It’s not so overwhelming that way, thanks!
Your bathroom is starting to look like a whole new space. I am headed over to week 4 to see the finished wall.
Wow I have seen this technique before but the details you included really help out a lot. I totally agree with your tape method, eyeballing things is the way to go, if you can visually see it. Maybe some people should stick to measuring, lol.
Such a great idea for a bathroom, love it!
I really love how you showed this DIY in stages, so easy to follow and great tips.
Nice rework on the bathroom walls. We like that you chose to add boards to create that new look. Great job.
I love batten board and it looks so good in your bathroom! Good luck on the challenge.
Ooooo I really like how this turned out, I am having tons of decrying inspiration now.
Good idea, you call it board & batten? Here it’s wainscot, but it looks the same.
I am still reading through your blog for ORC, I have not been able to put it down. Adding you to my rss feed to follow regularly.
Trimwork like this has been so popular this season, honestly it is everywhere. I love the batten board you chose for this space it is perfect.
The temporary tape is a great idea. I like that you can still move it around and adjust it prior to nailing it up.
This weeks post was very informative. I appreciate all the tips on how to install Board & Batten.
This is a nice finish for a little boys bathroom. It gives a masculine feel with out being to little boy looking.
I am goin to try this in our kids Jack & Jill bath room. It is perfect for a gender neutral look and with semi gloss paint, will make cleaning the bathroom a breeze.
I never though I could just add this to drywall. What a great idea!
I love this DIY, you have such a great blog, a little bit of everything for all kinds of people thank you!
You are doing so good for this round of ORC. Thanks for the tip on the tape, that’s a good one!
Girl you really have some initiative here, to be doing all these projects yourself, that is really awesome.
This wall treatment looks wonderful. Is Batten Board, Board & Batten or Wainscot? I have seen several comments calling it out differently so I am confused.
I always wondered how you make that look, I have seen it in magazines but never knew what to call it or how to make it, thanks for the info.
This is really neat how you created a paneled wall by just adding wood to the wall.
Great job on creating Board and Batten! It looks great and your tape tip is such a good idea. thanks for sharing.
You challenge is going so good. I love that you included a DIY on room construction, nice job.
I am so glad to be following you, the ideas you have come up with and show on your site a really great.
Thinks for showing how to recreate this DIY I am seriously considering doing this in my home.
board & batten looks pretty easy to do, thanks for sharing i might try to replicate.
This looks like a wonderful project, as I love all your projects!
How I wish you were closer I should so hire you both to fix up my house!
Such a good idea for this space, although I am not sure I realized this is how to make those type of walls. Guess I never thought about how it happens I just like the result.
I love this look, and wanted to thank for the DIY post, now I have a better idea how to tackle doing this myself.
Great tutorial, thanks for showing me how to do this.
This room is going to be so nice after you paint this batten board. You guys did a really nice job with tutorial too. The tape is a really great idea.
Great idea for a small bathroom, I bet once it is painted it will appear to look larger.
Okay I am so doing this in my master bathroom, it looks great and I love how it lighten the room up and made it feel bigger.
Great DIY on how to do this, thank you so much so sharing.
I did not know this was how you getting that paneled look. How easy!
It is nice to find blogger that shows the entire DIY process and helps you to create it yourself. If you are saving money, most people will not hire someone for a simple home improvement. Thanks for keeping it real.
I am a fan of the Board and Batten application you chose to do. It will look great once you have it all painted.
I would have never thought to use tape to place the boards, such good advice. Checking out the next post to see the finish.
absolutely a great DIY for anyone looking to do the Batten Board in their homes. This is a great resource and I am pinning for later.
This is such a good way to transform this space, I love it so much.
great job on installing the batten board. the tape is a good trick. i alway have to eyeball everything i do too.
I always wondered how this was done, I never knew if it was wood or what.
Nice DIY with plenty of great tips.
Thank you for making this a DIY, I like to think I can do anything, and this proves this project is completely obtainable for a weekend DIY’er. Plus you saved me money from hiring someone.
I have been following you for quite some time now but I wanted to comment whenI saw you actually answer people back with questions. I love that, it makes you feel very in touch with your readers. I love this project and that you laid it out in an easy diy for your readers. I must know how long did it take for the glue to set up and does steam seem to bother the wood?
Hi Anell, thanks for visiting and leaving me a note. Please know that I will always try answer any questions, that I see on the comment posts, with that being said- We allowed the frame to dry for 2 days prior to removing the tape. The glue stated dry 3-4 hours but aired on the safe side, plus I think we got busy with another project and forgot about it, (thus why we use the easy remove blue tape…lol) We have had our bathroom mirror framed for over 6 months and we take daily showers. No wrapping or bowing so far so I think we are good on the front too. If there is I will add a follow up post just to keep everyone in the loop. Here is the link to our original mirror post in case you are interested :http://jenron-designs.com/diy-frame-a-bathroom-mirror-with-barn-wood/
Now I am excited to read the next post to see the batten board all finished up. I am surprised at how simple this really is to do.
Honestly this is really a great post and stellar project. I think you deserve to winner this challenge since you are doing all your own work.
The explanations you have made, for why to utilize the board and batten makes perfect sense, this is superb. Really love this project and post. Thank you for the whole thing!
You really are so cool! It is so nice to seek out anyone with some unique thoughts on this subject. Thank you for feature batten board installation and beginning this up. Your web site is something that is needed on the net, someone with somewhat originality. helpful job for bringing something new to the web!
Wow that Batten Board made a major difference in this room. I swear it looks bigger now! Thanks for showing the diy portion as well, you guys do a very nice job of laying out the how to’s and what not to do’s,and for that we thank you.
I clicked over the see your other mirror and found that you did a Board and Batten installation for a operate bathroom, which is something I have been looking for, thank you so much.
What a great diy project and your illustrations are easy to follow too. I can not wait to see it painted reading on now….
Gosh this is a great way to dress up a half bathroom, I really am astonished at how easy it really is.
I wanted to compose you the very small word in order to say thank you, for your beautiful solutions you’ve shared in this article. It is unbelievably generous of people like you to share all these ideas and tips with me. For that I am grateful.
Wow I had no idea that when I clicked on this pin I would get a 7 week designer challenge. I have never heard of the ORC, but now I am a fan of it and your site. Bookmarking and I plan to go back a read the entire challenge.
I decided to click around your site, and I want to say it is very easy to navigate. I landed here with the Batten Board Diy project which is actually something I have been interested in doing for quite some tome now. I must pin this for later. Thanks for everything.
I really enjoyed reading this post and seeing how you installed the Batten Board. I must say you made it look very easy and totally a project I thing I could tackle. Thanks!
I have always wondered how to do this type of wall finish. Thanks!
Great post, I and really enjoy reading all your articles!
This is such a wonderful tutorial your have included. I love the eyeballing of he lines and wood. LOL I need to make my husband read that part.
Just want to tell you how much I enjoying this post. Great DIY and written very well, love that inside voice your use.
I just adore Board and Batten, it is one of my favorite finishes.
You really did a great job explaining how to install the boards. Thank you for having such a useful post, some on the junk out here on the net is awful. I am bookmarking your site.
LOVE THIS TECHNIQUE, GRAT POST AND NICE DIY PICTURES TO EXPLAIN THE PROCESS.
I love how you decide to add this finish to your bathroom walls. I think you will be very happy with them for a long time.
This bathroom project is so inspiring, make me want to go redo our guest bathroom too.
I needed to see this post this weekend. It is something on the to do list that I have been avoiding. Your tips and advice make it seem do able. The tape idea make total sense to me.
Great job and very easy to follow DIY. Thanks for all the construction tips.
I am really excited to find this post about batten board installation. I have been wanting to add some for a while now. The DIY is very straight forward with great inspirational ideas.
Great DIY I really want to add board and batten to my hallway, this tutorial is outstanding. Super happy you shared all the details and tips. Thanks so much!!!
This is such a great idea. It really changes up the entire space. Good job girl.
Great tips to use the blue tape! I think that made all the difference in getting the posts lined up in that tight toilet room.
I love board and batten, and it will look great in your bathroom!
Wow I really like this look and technique. I am so glad I stumbled upon your site and saw this entire post for the ORC. Not sure what it is, but I like the post.
I am not sure I knew that this was called board and batten, but I really like it. Now I know what to call it and how to actually make it. Great post thanks for the share.
I have not forgotten your blog life got a little…..um busy over the weekend good thing I bookmarked your site. Still love this project and learning so much from the DIY.
I love this addition your are doing for a bathroom wall applications, seems like the perfect pot for it.
I as looking up a tutorial on board and batten and I am so glad yours popped up. Great advice thanks! p.s. I need to bookmark your page it seems like one I would like to visit often.
Great post I love that your included a DIY for batten board, that is awesome.
Thank you for having a tutorial on how to install batten board. This is very helpful.
I’m impressed, I must say. Actually not often do I encounter a home blogger that is budget conscience. Lol I like following the $100 challenge contestants they all seem down to earth like yourself.
Great DIY project and I love the tape idea you are so right your have to eyeball things.
Oh how I love a good board and batten bath. Tee tee see what I did there? Seriously I great tips for the DIY.
How very industrious of your both to add the batten board yourselves. It seems easy and I am sure it made the project very economical too.
I love Board and Batten it is one of my favorite home details. It gives a rustic feeling with out looking to much like a barn. Perfection!
I am impressed that you do a lot of work yourselves, that speaks volumes about your knowledge on the topic. Clearly if you created it your know how you did it, which is what your readers want.
I found this tutorial on Pinterest, and have been search for a while for one to present to my husband as our new bathroom project. You really have great tips to make the installation go smoothly. Thanks our little farm house looks great now!
I have always wanted to add board and batten to a room in my home so happy to see all the behind the scenes how to’s. Thanks for sharing.
Framing the mirror is such a great idea, it is super easy and really transforms the space.
This is so cool, great job on the DIY for your bathroom. It is all looking great.
Batten Board is one of my favorite things on the planet, great choice.
I am impressed that you do all your own building and projects, that is really cool. It is kind of like watching HGTV but in blog form, have they ever contacted you guys, y’all are really great.
Ugh I finally got back to reading your post, this week flew by, but I want to say I Love this board and batten project. It looks great.