What Is Wood Batten

batten, term used in joinery for a board 4 to 7 inches (10 to 17.8 cm) wide and not more than 3 inches (7.6 cm) thick employed for various purposes. In sailing the word is applied to a strip of wood nailed to a mast to prevent rubbing or to fix down a tarpaulin over a hatchway in rough weather.

What is used for batten?

That said, any type of wood used outdoors should be resistant to moisture and insect damage. Cedar is a common choice for exterior board and batten siding, but other acceptable wood species include Cyprus, redwood, locust, white oak, and hemlock.

Why is it called batten?

After the frame of a house was built, the boards would be nailed to it. … In order to seal these gaps, wooden strips a few inches wide were nails to the outside of the house where the boards met. The wooden strips were known as battens, and this style of siding became known as board and batten.