How Much Does Board and Batten Siding Cost? [2026 Data]

In 2026, the national average cost for board and batten siding installation is $12,800 for a standard 2,000-square-foot home. Most homeowners pay between $7,500 and $21,300, depending on home size, siding material, and design complexity. You could pay as little as $3,000 for vinyl board and batten on a smaller home or as much as $42,000 for high-end cypress siding on an oversized home.

Board and Batten Siding Materials: What Affects the Price?

Materials make up the largest portion of your board and batten siding costs, ranging from $1 to $10 per square foot, depending on whether you choose wood, fiber cement, metal, vinyl, or engineered wood. High-end options like copper or cypress can reach as much as $20 per square foot for the materials alone. These figures exclude installation labor, which is a separate line item in most contractor quotes.

The table below breaks down board and batten material costs by siding type:

In addition to the siding itself, you’ll need to purchase flashing, a moisture-resistant barrier, trim pieces, caulk, nails, and, in some cases, paint or stain.

Board and Batten Siding Cost by Home Size: What to Expect

Siding replacement costs rise with home size because larger homes demand more materials and more time from your local siding contractor. For a more accurate estimate, measure your exterior walls and apply the average cost range of $2.50 to $12.50 per square foot. Homes with multiple stories can cost more than single-story ranch-style homes due to the scaffolding and additional access equipment required.

The table below shows estimated board and batten siding costs by home square footage:

Board and Batten Siding Costs by State: Where Prices Vary

Where you live has a major impact on board and batten siding labor costs, which fluctuate based on the local cost of living. Prices in high-cost states like California can run up to 50% higher than the national average, while homeowners in lower cost-of-living states often pay below average. The table below shows average board and batten project costs by state:

Board and Batten Siding Additional Costs: What to Budget For

Installing board and batten siding often comes with additional costs beyond materials and labor, which are worth budgeting for upfront. Planning ahead for these expenses helps you avoid surprises during installation or after the project wraps up.

Labor

Board and batten siding installation costs $2.50 to $12.50 per square foot in total, with the labor portion falling between $1.75 and $2.50 per square foot when separated from materials. Most professionals quote a single all-in per-square-foot price that bundles both. Labor costs can increase by up to 10% for multi-story homes that require ladders and safety equipment, or for complex designs that make installation more time-intensive.

Removing Existing Siding

Removing existing siding before a board and batten installation costs $1,000 to $3,000 when you hire a siding pro, making it one of the most predictable add-on expenses to plan for. If you remove the siding yourself, budget separately for junk removal if you can't haul the old material yourself. Costs can climb significantly higher if your contractor uncovers hidden water damage or pest damage, since replacing moldy materials and repairing wood rot can add thousands more to your total.

Windows and Doors

A home with more windows and doors—as well as air vents, water spigots, and any other breaks in the siding—will require more special cuts in the material, leading to longer installation times and wasted materials that drive up your costs. Windows and doors also require extra trim and flashing, and you'll need to caulk around these openings to ensure everything is sealed. Basically, the more complex the installation is made by breaks in the siding, the more expensive the installation will be.

Painting or Staining

Some board and batten siding materials require painting or staining before or after installation, adding $2,000 to $5,000 to your project when you hire a local painter. The final cost depends on your siding material and home size. You can reduce this expense by painting or staining the boards yourself before installation, or by choosing a material such as metal that requires no finishing.

Permits

A construction permit for siding replacement costs $150 to $500 when your municipality requires one, though not all areas do. Ask your siding contractor or contact your local building department to confirm whether a permit is needed for your project before work begins.

Maintenance

Ongoing maintenance costs for board and batten siding depend on the material you choose, but every homeowner should budget at least $310 per year for power washing. If your siding requires periodic repainting or restaining, plan for an additional $2,000 to $5,000 every few years, depending on the material. Choosing a low-maintenance material like metal or vinyl can reduce these recurring costs over time.

Why You Should Hire a Siding Installation Pro

For the cleanest installation without any mistakes, we encourage everyone to hire a local siding contractor to install board and batten siding.

Here's why it's ideal to hire a siding installation pro

Installing board and batten siding is a huge undertaking. Here's why it's better to leave it to a pro:

• Siding is your first line of defense against the elements; professional siding contractors can ensure correct installation so that you don't face water leaks, energy loss, or pest invasions.

• Installing siding can be dangerous, particularly on houses with two or more stories.

• Siding contractors have specific tools and expertise to get the job done right.

• Siding pros also carry liability insurance to cover any costly mistakes; novice DIY homeowners don't have that same protection.

• Siding professionals may be able to get contractor discounts on siding that can help save money on the materials side of the equation.

While we highly recommend hiring a siding professional to install your board and batten siding, it is possible to tackle this project on your own if you have prior experience, the necessary tools, and the time to tackle the project (and maybe a friend or two to help). If you're feeling up to the challenge, here's how to install board and batten siding.

Board and Batten Siding Replacement vs. Repair

If you already have board and batten siding installed but are experiencing leaks or aging siding that no longer provides maximum curb appeal, you’ll need to decide whether it’s best to replace your siding or repair what’s there. It’s best to replace if the repairs are significant and total 50% or more of the replacement cost. You should also replace if you’re experiencing leaks in different sections of the siding, or if you have wood board and batten siding that is severely discolored or rotted.

On the other hand, if a single panel or batten is cracked or damaged from extreme weather, or you have just a single area that's leaking, repairs are likely a better option and will save you money. Repairing siding costs between $2 and $50 per square foot , so speak with a siding pro first to gauge total repair costs, and have them provide an estimate for replacing the siding, too. They can weigh in on which is best given your siding condition and expected lifespan.

Does Board and Batten Siding Add Value to Your Home

Yes, board and batten siding adds value to your home, just like any new siding will. You can expect a return on investment (ROI) of between 70% and 80%, depending on the siding material you choose. Most types of metal and wood will provide an ROI closer to the lower end of that range, while engineered wood, fiber cement, and vinyl siding will all offer an average ROI of 80%. Given the average board and batten siding costs, that's an average value bump of $9,600.

Ways to Save Money

The average cost of board and batten siding may seem intimidating at first, but there are ways to save on this project and still come away with a fresh home exterior that you love. Here are a few tips for saving money when it's time to replace your siding.

• DIY what you can. It's not a good idea to install siding yourself since a lot can go wrong, but you can save money by tackling related projects. For example, you can remove your old siding yourself or paint the new siding before it goes up to save a few thousand dollars.

• Choose a more affordable material. Cypress is a popular and long-lasting material for board and batten siding, but it can also cost almost twice as much as some other materials. You can save money by going with an engineered wood or even vinyl siding designed to look like real wood.

• Get multiple quotes. Get several quotes before hiring a contractor. Read reviews online, turn to friends and family for recommendations, and ask siding companies for examples of their work. Go with the company that offers the right mix of strong work, excellent customer satisfaction, and competitive pricing.

• Wait until the off-season. The best season for affordable siding replacement is usually fall. Most homeowners aim for the spring to replace siding, which means contractors are busiest and may charge more during. You may see minimal savings by getting the work done in the fall or early winter.

How Angi Gets Its Cost Data

Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects. 

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