Hey everyone, I'm a bit of a novice when it comes to woodworking, but I'm eager to learn. I'm wondering how difficult it really is to take on a board and batten project. What should I be aware of before diving in?
3 Answers
It’s definitely doable, but it sounds like you’ll have a learning curve ahead. First, make sure to use good quality lumber — it should be straight and not warped. Installing it on a rainscreen is crucial, so you might need to do some research on that. Also, don't forget about waterproofing around windows and doors, and learn how to use a chop saw and a tablesaw. Ideally, leave a small gap between your boards for expansion and contraction, and consider backpriming for durability. Flashing for your lower wall conditions is also important!
Honestly, it’s not much harder than making lunch if you think about it! If you can handle cutting right angles, you should be able to get the hang of board and batten pretty quickly.
It’s definitely manageable! You can get your boards and cut them down into battens. Just a heads up, though: you'll need to borrow a miter saw and a nailer for the best results. A little practice and you’ll be good to go!
Thanks for the detailed advice! I guess I have some homework to do before getting started.