Board & Batten Garages: A Premium Choice

Let’s dive right into discussing the important things to know about board & batten garages.

Plus, we’ll learn about why board & batten siding is the premium choice for garage siding.

Let’s begin with an important question…

What Is Board And Batten?

Board and batten is a type of siding that is created out of narrow or thin strips of wood, called battens, which are then carefully placed on the joints of wider panel boards. The final product results in a stunning design of symmetrically layered siding.

Board and batten siding provides a tasteful combination of elegance and rustic beauty. Perhaps you envisioned board and batten as solely a country style of siding; however, this style’s popularity dates back to the Victorian Era.

What Is The Purpose Of Board And Batten?

One of the main purposes of board and batten is the unique and beautiful appearance it offers to a home or a garage. Also, this siding choice provides a long-lasting and durable exterior material for your garage.

What Are The Benefits Of A Board And Batten Garage?

The following provides you with the top benefits of board and batten garage siding.

• Visually Appealing – Board and batten siding is absolutely stunning. With its clean, bold straight lines highlighting the exterior of your garage, this type of siding adds character and attractive texture to your property’s overall landscape.

• Long-lasting – Board and batten siding is long-lasting (especially if you choose vinyl board and batten), thanks to its meticulous installation.  

• Easier Maintenance – Board and batten siding is installed in pieces. So, if there is ever a section that needs to be replaced, the process is simple. All in all, board and batten siding allows for easier maintenance.

• Could Increase Buyer’s Interest – If you are ever considering selling your home, a board and batten garage can increase your property’s curb appeal. People love the style and appearance of board and batten siding.

• Flexible Installation – Board and batten siding can be installed vertically, horizontally, or a combination of both. Thanks to its versality, this siding is a real keeper. Typically, you will see a lot of board and batten garages with vertical installation.

What Is A Board And Batten Garage Made Of?

There are typically five material options for your board and batten garage. Let’s briefly touch on each along with their pros and cons.

1.     SmartSide (Engineered Wood) Board And Batten Garages

Smartside board and batten garages have the appearance of real wood; however, it is actually engineered wood.

Engineered wood siding is made up of wood strands and fibers with a resin binder and then treated with zinc borate.

Pros:

• Stronger than regular wood – does well against any impacts, even a stray baseball
• Aesthetically pleasing – looks like real wood
• Resistant – Resist termites and other pests (better than traditional wood)
• Durable – Withstands extreme temperatures and weather conditions
• Affordable – An economical price tag

Cons:

• Protection – Not completely termite proof
• Paint Chip – Paint may chip overtime

2.     Vinyl Board And Batten Garages

Vinyl board and batten garage siding is made up of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) resin.

Pros:

• Virtually maintenance free!
• Termite proof
• Mold resistant
• Durable
• Easier material to install
• Long-lasting

Cons:

• Prone to dents upon impact
• Color tends to fade over time
• Less eco-friendly
• Expensive

3.     Natural Wood Board And Batten Garages

Natural wood board and batten garage siding is generally made up of either spruce, pine, cedar, or fir wood.

Pros:

• Environmentally friendly
• Aesthetically pleasing
• Affordable
• Strong
• Resists cracking, warping, or chipping

Cons:

• Requires regular maintenance
• Not termite or insect proof
• Susceptible to mold

4.     Fiber Glass Board And Batten Garages

Fiber glass board and batten garage siding is made up of cement, water, cellulose fibers, and sand.

Pros:

• Long- lasting
• Rot, fire, and termite proof
• Resists warping and rotting
• Holds up well in extreme weather conditions
• Attractive

Cons:

• Most expensive siding option
• Not environmentally friendly
• Difficult to install
• Prone to moisture problems

5.     Metal Board And Batten Garages

Metal board and batten garage siding is usually made up of either aluminum or steel. Steel is the better of the two options because it is stronger and more durable. Aluminum tends to be cheaper with a lot less quality and durability.

Let’s go over the pros and cons of steel board and batten garage siding since it is an overall better option than aluminum.

Pros:

• Low maintenance
• Fire, termite, and insect proof
• Environmentally friendly
• Extremely durable
• Long-lasting

Cons:

• Susceptible to rust
• Prone to denting if hit by a sharp flying object

Types of Board And Batten Garages

There are basically two types of board and batten garages. There are either board and batten attached or detached garages.

Let’s break down the differences of each type of board and batten garage.

Board And Batten Attached Garages

A board and batten attached garage is one that is built connected to your house and usually matches the house’s existing colors and style. A door or breezeway usually allows for a connection point between your home and the garage.

Board And Batten Detached Garages

A board and batten detached garage is a standalone structure usually placed near your home, but unattached or in a different location on the property. This type of board and batten garage can hold its own unique or complementary style.

Here are some of the popular styles of a board and batten detached garage.

A-frame Board And Batten Garage

This style is the most popular and economical. If you wish for a clean and modern-looking board and batten detached garage, the A-Frame, or Gable, style fits that bill perfectly. Simple, contemporary, and classic, the A-Frame can do no wrong.

Barn-Style Board And Batten Garage

If you wish for the most spacious board and batten detached garage, the Barn-Style offers just that! Space and lots of headspace, specifically. Plus, this style offers a taste of country flair with its gambrel roof style.

Saltbox Board And Batten Garages

Are you looking for a completely unique board and batten detached garage-style? If so, the Saltbox offers a standout look with its charming, sloped roof and overhang resembling old-time salt boxes. This style of board and batten detached garage will be sure to leave a lasting impression!

The Different Car Capacities & Their Recommended Sizes For Board and Batten Garages

Here are the different car capacities with recommended sizes.

One-Car Board And Batten Garage

The following are sizes recommended for a one-car board and batten garage:

• 12×20 – This is the smallest size recommended. This size would offer only vehicle storage.
• 14×24 – Highly recommended for comfortably opening and closing doors and additional storage opportunities.

For more sizing considerations, check out this guide for one-car garage sizes.

Two-Car Board And Batten Garages

The following are sizes recommended for a two-car board and batten garage.

• 20×20 – This is smallest size recommended for a two-car garage. These dimensions provide only enough space for your two cars. It can feel tight.
• 24×24 – A 24×24 provides the most popular and recommended size for a two-car garage. You can comfortably open and close both your car doors and have a bit of space of storage.

Get some incredible tips on properly sizing your 2-car board and batten garage by checking out this guide to 2-car garage sizes. 

Three-Car Board And Batten Garages

The following are sizes recommended for a three-car board and batten garage.

• 20×30 – This is the smallest size recommended for a 3-car garage. Keep in mind that this size provides just enough space for your three vehicles.
• 24×36 – Highly recommended for providing adequate space for opening and closing doors. Depending upon the dimensions of your vehicles, extra headspace may be available for storing bicycles or even a small ATV.
• 24×40 – If you wish for a very comfortable 3-car board and batten garage, a 24×40 is recommended.

For further tips and insights on choosing the right board and batten garage size, view this helpful guide on three-car garage dimensions.  

Four-Car Board and Batten Garages

The following are size recommendations for a 4-Car board and batten garage.

• 34×20 – Should fit four vehicles snuggly. It is not recommended to go smaller than this.
• 36×24 – This size comfortably fits all four vehicles.

Is A Board And Batten Garage Expensive?

Yes, board and batten garages tend to cost more than garages with standard siding because of the intricacy of the siding design as well as the amount of time required for proper installation. However, in the long run, the quality of a board and batten garage exceeds the costs.

In many cases, board and batten siding can cost approximately $3-$6 more per square foot than traditional horizontal vinyl siding. This article talks a little about why board and batten siding is more expensive.

Board and batten garages are indeed the premium choice!

Examples Of Board And Batten Garages

Check out the following examples of board and batten detached garages as inspiration to purchase one for your very own!

A White Board And Batten Garage For A Home Business In Virginia

Rebecca and her husband wanted to give Rebecca’s mother the basement of their home, but they needed a new space for Rebecca’s small business.

The solution that saved the day was a white board and batten, A-Framed detached garage with a second floor. Now, they can park their vehicle on the first floor and Rebecca has the second floor for her business.

Read Rebecca’s full story here.

Board and Batten Garage Office Space

Isn’t this a stunning grey and black board and batten saltbox garage office! Technically, this is not a garage since there is no garage door. However, this same design could easily be made into a functional garage.

See this lovely saltbox-style, board and batten detached garage here.

Board and Batten Garage Inspiration Photo Gallery

Conclusion

Hopefully, the above information helped inform your decision on which board and batten garage is right for you and why this type of garage is the premium choice.

If you are in the northeastern part of the USA and looking for a reputable garage builder, check out Sheds Unlimited. Their expertise includes building board and batten detached garages either onsite or delivering them directly to you. And if you’re confused about garage permits in PA, garage permits in NY, or garage permits in NJ, read our articles.

We wish you the best as you nail down the perfect board and batten garage!