What's a Board and Batten Fence?
A board and batten fence is a type of privacy fence that has no gaps between the pickets for complete privacy. Click on each section to learn more.
If you are looking to install a new fence on your property, contact the fencing professionals at Citywide.
1. What is a Board and Batten Fence?
Smaller batten boards are attached along the seams or the larger boards - Image Source: Youtube Flanagan Homestead
A board and batten fence is a specific type of fencing that will give you maximum privacy. It can also be referred to as board-on-batten or board on board fencing. This type of fence uses a combination of wide boards and thinner strips referred to as battens.
The battens are placed along the seams between the wider boards to effectively seal off any gaps. Both the boards and the battens are attached to the same side of the horizontal rail of your fence.
Board and Batten vs Shadowbox:
Unlike a board and batten fence, a shadowbox fence is constructed with its pickets attached to alternating sides of the horizontal rail. This pattern produces a gap between the boards that let in light and air.
2. Advantages of Board and Batten Fences
Board and batten fencing will give you complete privacy - Image Source: Youtube Affordable Backyard Construction
There are many great advantages to installing board and batten fencing. Here are some of the top ones:
Complete Privacy:
Board-on-batten fencing will give you complete privacy. There are no gaps between the pickets, so no one can see through your fence. This type of fence would be a great choice for surrounding a pool or as a dog fence.
Incredibly Strong:
The design of a board on board fence makes it very strong. The double overlapping boards will give you an extremely durable fence that will stay in place for years to come.
Visually Appealing:
The look of the board on board fencing is extremely visually appealing. The overlapping battens can give added depth and interest to an otherwise flat and unattractive plain fence and they can give your fence a better overall finished look.
Great for Commercial Properties:
This type of fencing is also a great choice for commercial properties. Its solid structure means that it is very private and will offer increased security for your business.
It would also be the perfect option for businesses such as restaurants that have outdoor spaces for their customers to feel more comfortable dining in private.
3. Board and Batten Fence Customization Options
Size of the Boards and Battens:
Your battens can be any size you like - Image Source: Youtube Affordable Backyard Construction
Board and batten fences usually have about one-foot wide boards with half-inch battens. However, you could choose to have whatever size you like to get a more customized look to your fence.
Most board and batten fences have battens that are smaller than the boards, but you could reverse that trend and install battens that are wider than your boards. The choice is up to you.
Vertical vs Horizontal:
Most board and batten fences are designed with the boards and batten hung vertically. However, you could choose to have yours hung horizontally for a truly unique look.
Embellishments:
Like other types of wood fences, board and batten fences can be further customized by adding decorative embellishments including:
Lattice toppers
Decorative fence post toppers
Customized gates
You can also choose from a myriad of stain and paint choices to either perfectly match your home or beautifully contrast with it.
4. DIY vs Professional Installation
Even Spacing:
It is very difficult to get the spacing perfec when installing a board and batten fence yourself
You can install board and batten fencing yourself, however, it can be difficult to get the spacing perfect so that it looks right. A professional will be able to evenly space out the boards and battens so the result is stunning.
Durability:
As for any type of fencing, it can also be difficult to dig the post holes deep enough and straight down so that your fence will stand up perfectly straight.
Uneven or crooked posts will not only make your fence look unsightly, but it won't be as durable and may need to be replaced sooner than if it had been installed by a professional.
Time:
Installing a fence, especially a large one can take a lot of time especially if you make mistakes and need to re-do parts and if you don't have the best equipment. A board and batten fence in particular will take you longer because there are so many more pieces to install.
A professional fencing company can do the installation for you quickly and easily with the right tools and expertise. Depending on the type and size of fence you require, the timeframe that you are looking at is as follows:
Fences posts are manually set in one day
The building of the fence is usually two days after the concrete is set
The building of the fence is usually done in one day
If you use helical piles for your posts, then the time can be less as helical piles do not require concrete so the setting time for concrete is removed.
Get the Professionals at Citywide to Install Your Fence
Citywide has been installing fences and decks for over a decade. We can professionally install any type of fence that you want, including board and batten, and even help you plan out the perfect design for you. We also offer the following services:
Contact us today to get your dream deck started.
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