Are you looking to add some interest and dimension to your bathroom walls? You may have heard of board and batten, but what is it? Is it easy to do it yourself? Well, let’s chat!
What is Board and Batten?
Board and batten were historically used on sheds and barns as inexpensive, energy-efficient siding. Batten boards are placed over the seams of large boards to create a layered look. Over time it has become a popular option for accent walls, ceilings, wainscoting, and even privacy fences! Now in a variety of materials, it’s overall a great budget-friendly way to add architectural interest to any space!
DIY isn’t for everyone… but if we can offer one piece of advice, measure, measure, and then measure again. Having to recut your wood or make yet another trip to Lowe’s is actually the worst, and if your boards aren’t the same length, it will drive you absolutely insane. BUT, if you have the tools, can take your time and check your work, this is 100% a project you can handle on your own.
How Long Will It Take to Install?
That’s a big question. The time for install will depend not only on the size of your bathroom but also on how well you prepare. We’ll go over what you need to know before you begin your board and batten project and how to make sure you’re not wasting any time.
What You Need to Know
Measure Everything 3 Times
DIY isn’t for everyone… but if we can offer one piece of advice, measure, measure, and then measure again. Having to recut your wood or make yet another trip to Lowe’s is actually the worst, and if your boards aren’t the same length, it will drive you absolutely insane. Take your time, and you’ll thank yourself later.
Save Time by Buying Quality Materials
Don’t cut corners! There are endless amounts of tutorials out there giving you ways to “save” on your project. They’ll recommend buying furring strips or even cheaper wood boards. Yeah, this might save you some cash, but you’ll be spending SO. MUCH. TIME. Sanding boards, filling in holes, and doing everything you can to make them look smooth and uniform. Go for QUALITY!
Buy a Little More Than Suggested
We recommend buying a little bit extra in case you skipped the section on measuring three times… Jusssst kidding, we know you wouldn’t do that 😉
All jokes aside, we genuinely recommend buying some extra materials. You can usually return whatever is unused, so if you need additional boards, you have them on hand! All about saving you the headaches!
Paint Ahead of Time
Definitely paint your boards ahead of time. This will ensure your board and batten has a smooth finish and save you from trying to shove a paintbrush into all the nooks and crannies.
Alt Text: Craftsman power tools on a table. Source: Clients
I feel like this one is self-explanatory, but you might not think of removing doors or toilets! Make sure you clear plenty of space so you don’t struggle to try to make your boards even!
Are you considering renovating your home but aren’t sure how to get started? Check out the quality resources provided by Nestrs today.
Use Good Tools
This does not mean the most expensive tools, but it’s not likely that our boards will already be a perfect size. You’ll need a miter saw to cut them to size. There will also be a lot of caulking, so perhaps grab a little caulk finishing tool!
Caulking and Spackling Can Work Miracles
Trust the process! As you begin your board and batten project, you might start having some doubts when you see gaps. That’s where the caulking and spackling come into play! Just a tiny bead of caulk and a bit of spackle on those nail holes can make your feature wall look nice and clean! We recommend sticking to a paintable/flexible caulk!
Don’t Over Do It With Nails
Of course, we want the boards to be secure, but since they’re for looks and not holding up your house, keep your nails at a minimum. This will also save you time when you have to cover them up with spackle!
Use Wood Shims
If you’re dealing with larger gaps behind the boards’ wooden shims will be your best friends! If you lean against the wall, you don’t want the boards to buckle. Wooden shims will not only make the boards more solid and sturdy against the wall but save you from trying to cover up the gaps with extra caulk!
Don’t Assume Your Walls Are Straight
You know what they say about assuming …
We are guilty as well, but unfortunately, you just can’t trust them! Especially if your home is older, you always want to measure!
This Project Will Take Longer Than You Think
Even if you do ALL THE THINGS to save time, a board and batten project will probably take longer than you think. The work is precise, and you definitely do not want to rush through. Be patient with yourself!
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