Board and batten siding has become one of the hottest exterior design trends for Minnesota homes, blending classic farmhouse charm with modern architectural appeal. This distinctive vertical siding style — featuring wide boards with narrow battens covering the seams — creates dramatic visual lines that make homes stand out in neighborhoods across Stillwater, Woodbury, Minneapolis, and the entire Twin Cities metro. At Weatherguard Construction, we've seen demand for board and batten siding increase dramatically over the past few years, and our 25+ years of installation experience ensures stunning, long-lasting results.

What Is Board and Batten Siding?

Board and batten is a vertical siding profile consisting of wide flat boards (typically 8–12 inches) with narrow strips called battens (typically 2–3 inches) installed over the seams between the boards. Historically, this style was used on barns, agricultural buildings, and rural homes throughout Minnesota and the Midwest. Today, it's been reimagined as a premium design element for modern farmhouse, contemporary, and transitional home styles.

The vertical lines created by board and batten siding draw the eye upward, making homes appear taller and more stately. This effect is particularly striking on homes with steep gable ends or two-story elevations.

Board and Batten Material Options for Minnesota

LP SmartSide Board and Batten

LP SmartSide offers our favorite board and batten option for Minnesota homes. The engineered wood panels come in a pre-formed board and batten profile that installs efficiently and delivers an authentic wood appearance. LP SmartSide's treated wood strand technology provides:

  • Superior impact resistance for Minnesota's hail-prone climate
  • Excellent performance in extreme cold without cracking or brittleness
  • Beautiful wood-grain texture that takes paint beautifully
  • 5/50 limited warranty for peace of mind
  • Lighter weight than fiber cement for easier, faster installation

As certified LP SmartSide installers, Weatherguard Construction has installed hundreds of board and batten projects using this material with outstanding results.

James Hardie HardiePanel Board and Batten

James Hardie's HardiePanel Vertical Siding with batten strips offers a fiber cement option for the board and batten look. While heavier and more labor-intensive to install, it provides excellent fire resistance and dimensional stability. The smooth or textured panel surface paired with HardieTrim battens creates a clean, refined appearance.

Vinyl Board and Batten

Vinyl manufacturers offer board and batten profiles, but we generally caution Minnesota homeowners about this option. Vinyl board and batten panels are a single molded piece that mimics the look but doesn't capture the depth and shadow lines of real board and batten. Additionally, dark-colored vinyl board and batten panels are especially susceptible to heat warping on sun-exposed walls.

Design Ideas for Board and Batten in Minnesota

Full Board and Batten Exterior

Some homeowners choose board and batten for their entire exterior, creating a bold, cohesive vertical statement. This works beautifully on modern farmhouse and contemporary designs. When done in a single color with matching or contrasting trim, a full board and batten exterior has tremendous visual impact.

Accent Board and Batten

The most popular approach is using board and batten as an accent element combined with horizontal lap siding. Common combinations include:

  • Board and batten on gable ends with horizontal lap siding on the main walls — the most popular combination we install
  • Board and batten on the front elevation with lap siding on the sides and rear
  • Board and batten on bump-outs, entryways, or dormers to highlight architectural features

This mixed-profile approach creates visual depth and architectural interest. Homeowners in Maple Grove, Eagan, and the newer suburban developments have embraced this design trend enthusiastically.

Two-Tone Board and Batten Combinations

Pairing board and batten with a different color than the primary lap siding creates a dynamic, designer look:

  • Dark charcoal lap siding + white board and batten gable accents
  • Navy body + warm gray board and batten accents
  • Sage green lap siding + cream board and batten on dormers

The two-tone approach lets homeowners express personality while maintaining a cohesive, professional appearance.

Board and Batten Siding Costs in Minnesota

Board and batten siding costs vary by material:

  • LP SmartSide board and batten: $9–$14 per sq ft installed
  • James Hardie board and batten: $11–$16 per sq ft installed
  • Vinyl board and batten: $5–$9 per sq ft installed
  • Real wood board and batten: $12–$20 per sq ft installed

Board and batten typically costs $1–$3 more per square foot than standard horizontal lap siding in the same material, due to the additional batten strips and slightly more complex installation. However, when used as an accent element on gable ends or entryways, the additional cost is modest and the visual impact is dramatic.

Installation Considerations for Minnesota

Proper board and batten installation in Minnesota requires attention to details that protect against our extreme climate:

Moisture Management

Vertical siding profiles like board and batten require careful flashing and moisture barrier installation. Water can track downward along the vertical battens and collect at transitions, window heads, and the bottom edge. Experienced installers ensure proper flashing at every transition point to prevent moisture intrusion.

Expansion and Contraction

Minnesota's temperature swings cause all siding materials to expand and contract. Board and batten installations must accommodate this movement with proper fastening and spacing. LP SmartSide's engineered wood handles thermal movement exceptionally well, while vinyl requires extra care to prevent buckling.

Ice and Snow

Vertical siding doesn't shed snow the way horizontal lap siding does. In areas where snow drifts or ice forms against the house, the bottom edge of board and batten siding must be properly detailed with a water table or drip edge to prevent moisture wicking upward.

Why Choose Weatherguard Construction for Board and Batten

Board and batten siding demands precision installation to look its best and perform in Minnesota's climate. Our team has extensive experience with vertical siding profiles, mixed-material installations, and the design details that make board and batten truly shine. We serve homeowners throughout the Twin Cities metro, Schaumburg, IL, and Centennial, CO.

Call Weatherguard Construction at (651) 439-4320 or book your free design consultation to explore how board and batten can transform your home's exterior. View our siding services for more information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is board and batten siding more expensive than regular siding?

Board and batten typically costs $1–$3 more per square foot than horizontal lap siding in the same material. When used as a full-house treatment, this adds $2,000–$6,000 to a typical project. However, many homeowners use board and batten as an accent on gable ends or entryways, where the premium is much smaller.

Does board and batten siding work in Minnesota's climate?

Absolutely — when installed with the right materials and proper moisture management. LP SmartSide and James Hardie board and batten products are both proven performers in Minnesota's extreme climate. The key is choosing an experienced installer who understands vertical siding's unique requirements for cold-climate performance.

Can I mix board and batten with horizontal siding?

Yes, this is actually the most popular approach. Combining horizontal lap siding with board and batten accents creates visual depth and architectural interest. Our design team at Weatherguard Construction can help you plan the perfect combination for your home's style.

What colors look best with board and batten siding?

Board and batten looks stunning in virtually any color. The most popular choices in 2025 are dark charcoal, deep navy, and white or cream. Two-tone combinations — with the board and batten in a different shade than the lap siding — create particularly striking results.