As of today, there are at least ten types of board and batten siding material available in the market.
And each material—depending on the quality, size, and style—varies in price. You can get the material for as low as $0.75 per square foot or as high as $21 per square foot.
And as a homeowner, it is only natural to pick a material that would help you save money.
That said, this article covers the top five board and batten siding materials that are easy on the pocket. Let’s start.
How Much Is Board and Batten Siding?
The price of board and batten siding depends heavily on the material it is made of as well as the quality and the style.
But on average, it costs between $0.75 and $10 per square foot per Home Advisor.
The cheapest material is fiber cement which is valued between $0.75 and $5 only while the most expensive is cypress which costs between $3 and $21.
When it comes to the overall cost, on the other hand, the estimated amount of installing a board and batten siding ranges between $4,000 and $14,000, with $9,000 as the average.
What Is the Cheapest Material for Board and Batten Siding?
Out of ten board and batten siding materials available in the market today, five are sold at low prices. And these materials are fiber cement, cedar, vinyl, steel/aluminum, and engineered wood.
Here’s how they differ from one another.
Fiber cement is the cheapest material for board and batten siding. It costs around $0.75 to $5 per square foot only. Fiber cement is a mixture of three different materials. Essentially, it is made by combining wood cellulose, sand, and cement.
The material is known to be durable despite its low price. It is easy to maintain as well and is highly resistant to pests and termites. Fiber cement is a noncombustible material too, hence, it is resistant to fire. And unlike wood, it does not warp, rot, or develop cracks. It can withstand severe weather conditions too such as hailstorm, which often leaves aluminum sidings with shallow to deep dents.
The only catch is that fiber cement is too heavy to carry and will require a number of people to install it. Hence, it is quite difficult and costly to install. It also needs specialized tools to cut it.
Next to fiber cement is the most popular board and batten siding material: vinyl.
Given its synthetic material, vinyl costs around $2 to $7 per square foot only—slightly higher than fiber cement’s price. But compared to fiber cement, it is lightweight and easy to install. It is also known to be durable, with a life expectancy of about 20 to 40 years.
But apart from that, vinyl is also popular due to its numerous benefits. It is, for instance, highly resistant to harsh weather conditions such as rainstorms. It is easy to maintain and does not need regular maintenance either. Design-wise, vinyl sidings are available in a wide array of colors and finishes. In fact, some manufacturers offer a wood-like vinyl board and batten sidings.
The only drawback is that some homeowners find its appearance not appealing as other siding materials. Wood, for example.
While wood is known for its expensive prices, board and batten siding that is made of cedar is quite affordable. In fact, the demand for the cedar is high due to its number of perks, including its reasonable price.
That being said, on average, the price of cedar board and batten siding starts at $2.80 per square foot according to Home Advisor. The price is great given that the material’s quality is up to par. It is, for example, easy to install. It has a natural ability to repel insects and warping.
Aesthetic-wise, everyone knows that wood is the most valued compared to other board and batten siding materials. Its natural, warm, and cozy appearance make it a great exterior option if you are fond of structures that exude elegance and simplicity.
When it comes to durability, on the other hand, cedar is not as good as fiber cement and vinyl. It requires regular maintenance and staining, specifically if you want it to last longer than its average lifespan.
Unlike pure hardwood such as cedar and cypress, engineered wood is a type of material made of wood chips and combined using a bonding agent. On average, its estimated cost ranges between $2 and $5.50 per square foot.
Engineered wood is typically opted for due to its wood-like appearance yet cheap price, making it a great alternative for the pure wood board and batten siding. The material is easy to maintain and install. It is quite durable too and can last up to 25 to 30 years.
Last but not least is steel/aluminum board and batten siding. On average, the material is valued between $3 and $8 per square foot. It is popular among homeowners as well not only because of its price but also for its numerous perks.
Aluminum and steel board and batten siding, for example, is durable enough to withstand fire and extreme weather conditions. It does not need regular maintenance as well, unlike cedar. Design-wise, the material is flexible since you can paint it with your preferred coating material. In fact, you can coat it using vinyl to add texture.
However, steel and aluminum are prone to corrosion and rust, especially if not properly sealed and treated. Severe hailstorms may also leave shallow to deep dents.
Unlike pure hardwood such as cedar and cypress, engineered wood is a type of material made of wood chips and combined using a bonding agent. On average, its estimated cost ranges between $2 and $5.50 per square foot.
Engineered wood is typically opted for due to its wood-like appearance yet cheap price, making it a great alternative for the pure wood board and batten siding. The material is easy to maintain and install. It is quite durable too and can last up to 25 to 30 years.
Conclusion
Choosing the best and quality exterior for your dream house is indeed crucial, which often prompts homeowners to opt for expensive materials. However, quality does not need to be expensive. And the good thing is that there are board and batten siding materials that are cheap yet up to par. You can choose between vinyl, cedar, fiber cement, and even steel sidings.
