Board & Batten Siding in Austin, TX
What Board & Batten Siding Actually Is
Board & batten is a vertical siding pattern: wide flat panels installed vertically, with narrow strips (battens) covering the seams between them. It's a traditional barn-and-farmhouse pattern that's become one of the most popular exterior looks in Austin over the last several years, especially on new builds and full exterior renovations aiming for a modern farmhouse or contemporary look.
James Hardie Board & Batten: What Driftwood Installs
Driftwood installs James Hardie's HZ10 vertical panel system in two finishes:
| Product | Finish | Installed price |
|---|---|---|
| HZ10 Panel CM | Textured | $19.50/sq. ft. |
| HZ10 Panel Smooth | Smooth | $20/sq. ft. |
| Battens | — | $9/linear ft. |
Panels come in 4×8, 4×9, and 4×10 sizes, primed and ready for finish paint. These are all-in installed prices — material, labor, paint, house wrap, flashing, fasteners, and normal disposal included, the same as our other James Hardie pricing. See our full James Hardie siding cost guide for the complete pricing table across every profile, or use our siding pricing calculator for a number based on your home.
Full-Home Siding, or an Accent?
Board & batten works two ways:
- Full-home siding — a clean, modern look, especially on newer builds or full exterior renovations.
- Mixed with horizontal lap siding — board & batten on gables, dormers, or a front-facing accent wall, with HardiePlank lap siding on the rest of the home. This is a common way to add visual interest without the cost of doing an entire home in the vertical pattern.
What to Consider Before Choosing It
- HOA requirements. Some Austin-area HOAs — including in parts of Westlake and other established neighborhoods — have specific rules about exterior material and pattern changes. Worth checking before committing to a full-home conversion.
- Cost versus lap siding. Board & batten runs somewhat higher per square foot than standard HardiePlank ($19.50–$20 vs. $16), partly due to the batten strips themselves being priced separately.
- Whole-home vs. accent — an accent application costs less overall than converting an entire home, while still giving the visual update.
Is Board & Batten Right for Your Home?
It depends on your home's existing architecture and what look you're going for — this isn't a universal upgrade. Modern, farmhouse, and craftsman-style homes tend to suit it well; some more traditional Austin-area home styles read better with standard horizontal lap. We'll give you a straight opinion after seeing your home, not a generic recommendation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does board & batten siding cost in Austin?
Driftwood's installed pricing starts at $19.50/sq. ft. for HZ10 Panel CM (textured) or $20/sq. ft. for smooth finish, plus $9/linear ft. for battens — all-in, covering material, labor, paint, house wrap, flashing, and fasteners. See our full cost guide for the complete breakdown across every profile.
Is board & batten more expensive than regular lap siding?
Yes, somewhat — it runs $19.50–$20/sq. ft. installed versus $16/sq. ft. for standard HardiePlank lap siding, partly due to the separately-priced batten strips.
Can I do board & batten on just part of my house?
Yes — a common approach is board & batten on gables, dormers, or an accent wall, with lap siding elsewhere. This costs less than converting an entire home and still updates the look.
Does board & batten work on older Austin homes, or just new construction?
It can work on either, but the look tends to suit modern, farmhouse, or craftsman-style architecture better than more traditional styles. We'll give you an honest opinion for your specific home.
Do I need HOA approval to switch to board & batten?
Possibly, depending on your neighborhood — some Austin-area HOAs have rules about exterior material and pattern changes. Check with your HOA before committing to a full conversion.
