grey board and batten siding on a home gable

Board and Batten Siding: Is It the Right Look for Your Home?

•

November 5, 2026

Drive through any new subdivision or cottage road in Simcoe County and you will see it: tall, vertical siding with narrow strips running up the wall. That is board and batten siding, and it has become one of the most popular exterior styles in Ontario.

If you are thinking about new siding, here is what to know about board and batten and whether it suits your home.

What Is Board and Batten Siding?

Board and batten is a vertical siding style. Traditionally, it was made with wide wooden boards installed side by side, with thin strips of wood called battens nailed over the seams.

The battens covered the gaps between boards and created the distinctive raised lines you see today.

The style started on barns and farm buildings. Today, it is used on everything from modern farmhouses to cottages and contemporary homes.

Why Homeowners Love It

It stands out. Vertical lines give a home a fresh, custom look compared to standard horizontal siding.
It makes walls look taller. The vertical lines draw the eye upward, which can make a home look larger.
It works with many styles. Farmhouse, modern, rustic and traditional homes can all use board and batten.
It pairs well with other materials. It looks great next to stone, brick and horizontal siding.

Board and Batten Materials

Vinyl board and batten

Vinyl is the most budget friendly option and needs very little maintenance. It will not rot, does not need painting and handles Ontario's freeze and thaw cycles well. Many manufacturers, including Kaycan, offer vertical vinyl profiles designed to look like board and batten.

Wood and engineered wood

Wood gives the most authentic look and texture. Pre finished wood siding such as Maibec offers a natural appearance with a factory applied finish. Wood does need more maintenance over time than vinyl.

Full Exterior or Accent?

You do not have to cover your whole home in board and batten to get the look. Popular ways to use it include:

Gables: The triangular area at the top of a wall under the roof peak
Front entrances and porches: To highlight the entry
Dormers: For a farmhouse or cottage feel
Lower or upper storeys: Paired with horizontal siding, stone or brick
Garages and additions: To add character without redoing the whole house

Mixing board and batten with horizontal siding is one of the easiest ways to update a home's curb appeal without a full exterior overhaul.

Popular Colours

White and off white: The classic modern farmhouse look, often paired with black windows and trim
Black and charcoal: Bold and modern, especially with wood accents
Greys and greiges: Neutral tones that work in most neighbourhoods
Deep greens and blues: Increasingly popular for cottages and rural homes

Coordinating your soffit, fascia and eavestrough colours with your siding helps pull the whole exterior together.

Things to Consider Before Choosing Board and Batten

Installation is different. Vertical siding needs proper strapping and backing so it can be fastened correctly. It should be installed by a contractor who has experience with vertical profiles.
Water management matters. Proper flashing and trim details at windows, doors and transitions are important to keep water out.
Material choice affects maintenance. Vinyl and pre finished products need very little upkeep. Painted or stained wood will need refinishing.
Check with your neighbourhood. Some subdivisions have guidelines on exterior styles and colours.

Is Board and Batten Right for You?

Board and batten is a great fit if you want a home that looks updated and a little different from the houses around it. Whether you use it on the whole exterior or just a gable or entrance, it can make a big difference in how your home looks from the street.

Board and Batten Siding in Barrie and Simcoe County

Reynolds Brothers Exteriors installs vinyl and wood siding, including board and batten styles, for homes throughout Barrie, Orillia, Collingwood, Wasaga Beach, Innisfil, Newmarket and surrounding communities.

We can help you choose the right material, colour and layout for your home.

Contact Reynolds Brothers Exteriors today to request a quote for new siding.

Stay in the know

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Fusce quis bibendum ipsum.

Thank you! Your submission has been received!

Oops! Something went wrong. Please Try Again!

Our Happy Clients

“Great crew! Not only was the price more than fair, they were efficient, clean and respectful. The difference in the look of the outside of our home is incredible with the new eaves and downspouts! Our water issues have also been (thankfully) resolved!”

Holly McCleary

“When the tornado hit Barrie, our home was impacted and required exterior repair and restoration. Reynolds Brothers was a referred to us by another local company and from the moment we reached out for a quote Jesse and his team were incredible to work with.”

Amanda B

“Such outstanding work from Reynolds Brothers. Moved into our new home last summer and couldn’t wait to replace the old, aged eavestroughs. Both in office and field teams were exceptionally professional. Such a great friendly company to deal with. We couldn’t be happier with the work delivered.”

Ann Anderson

“They were very courteous and professional and did a great job. They cleaned up the site and spoke to me before leaving. Very happy with the Company and the quality of work.”

Ian MacRae

“ We had Reynolds Bros replace and install soffits, fascia and eavestrough with leaf guard on our 50 year old back split home and are COMPLETELY satisfied with the result. Everyone we were in contact with was very pleasant and helpful. Would absolutely recommend Reynolds Bros to anybody who asks.

Alexander Grieve

“I wouldn’t hesitate for a second to recommend Reynolds Bros. for any of your home needs! They recently completed work at our home and they were extremely professional and personable and completed the job quickly and efficiently! Super pleased in my dealings with Reynolds at all levels (office to job completion)!”

Tracy Burt

“ I had a great experience with Reynolds Brothers replacing our damaged eavestroughs. They were quick to respond, fair in their prices, and did a high quality job. They were also able to fit me in ahead of schedule, which was great.”

Chris Harbottle

“Reynolds Brothers Exteriors did a marvelous job of installing new aluminum eavestroughs, gutters and downspouts for us. The crew was professional, courteous, polite, respectful of our property, skilled, organized and on time.”

Cynthia Young

“Reynolds Brothers are reliable, have great communication and professionalism. Admin and staff on the ground are all great people who care about what they do. No job is too big or small, they follow through. Have nothing but great things to say about Reynolds Brothers Exteriors.”

Elana W