Considering upgrading your home’s siding? Know this. Your siding style matters—and when it comes to the right home siding options, there’s more to it than colors and curb appeal.
That’s why the crew is breaking down the pros and cons of two popular siding types in our region: Board and Batten and traditional lap siding.
Here’s what’s inside:
- The maintenance requirements of board and batten vs. traditional siding
- What the installation process looks like for each of these popular siding choices
- General differences in upfront and long-term costs
- Guidelines for choosing the proper aesthetic for your home style and goals
Let’s break it down.
What is Board and Batten Siding?
Board and batten siding is characterized by wide vertical siding panels that run up and down the house. The board seams are covered by narrow strips called battens, typically constructed from wood, metal, plastic, or fiberglass.
Board and batten has its origins in barns and farm buildings. These days, however, board and batten siding is a popular choice among modern farmhouses and more contemporary homes alike—especially as an accent to traditional horizontal siding.
What is Traditional Lap Siding?
Lap siding is a siding style created by horizontally run panels that overlay one another. This overlay protects the home’s exterior from moisture intrusion as water is able to shed down without infiltrating seams.
Lap siding is one of the most recognizable exterior siding options in Pennsylvania. It can be seen protecting homes in vinyl (most popular and economical), fiber cement, wood, and engineered wood options.
How Do I Know If Board and Batten is Right for My Home?
Board and batten has a lot going for it—especially as an aesthetic choice. Here are a few of the greatest benefits of this siding type.
- Visual Impact: Board and batten’s vertical lines naturally draw the eye upward—making homes feel taller and more architectural in design
- Modern Farmhouses: Rooted in the farming tradition, board and batten still fits right in with more rustic vibes—even (or should we say especially) with a contemporary twist
- Accent Pieces: Perhaps board and batten’s greatest appeal is as an accent piece—perfect for gables, porch walls and ceilings, chimney columns, and garages
- Simple Rooflines: Board and batten is a fantastic design choice for homes with simple rooflines and uncomplicated geometry (however, more “futuristic” homes look great as well)
Though board and batten is a wonderful style choice for the right home, there are a few considerations that may deter some homeowners.
- Higher Cost: Board and batten can cost 10% – 20% higher than lap siding due to higher labor and material costs (batten strips and higher prices of wood vs synthetic materials)
- Home Style: On smaller homes—or those with detailed exteriors—vertical board and batten panels can make an exterior feel overly busy
Curious to see board and batten in action? Swing by the Smucker Exteriors Board and Batten Gallery Page.
When is Traditional Lap Siding Right for My Home (And When Isn’t It)?
A popular choice among PA homeowners, lap siding has a lot going for it.
- Versatile Style: Horizontal siding works on almost any architectural style—the reason it’s been a staple for hundreds of years
- Budget-Friendly: Lap siding is often more affordable, less labor-intensive during installation, and simpler to maintain by the homeowner
- Easy Repairs: Lap panels can often be replaced without needing to strip the entire wall
- Wide Product Range: Vinyl, wood, fiber cement, and engineered wood—not to mention all the color choices—make lap siding great for nearly every style and budget
- Easier Resale: Due to its widespread use, clean aesthetics, simple repairs and maintenance, homebuyers are often more familiar—and comfortable—with lap siding
But while there’s a lot to be said about traditional siding, not every homeowner will find it the right choice.
- Lap siding can make the home appear wider
- Horizontal siding is less dramatic, bold, or unique
- Quality varies greatly by material choice
The key to great lap siding you love is choosing the right materials—something one of our experienced sales team members would be happy to help you with (get a free quote today).
Or, in the meantime, you can swing by our Gallery page for some lap siding inspiration.
Wish You Could See Your Home Wrapped in New Siding Before You Buy?
With modern technology, you can. And one of our favorite bits of tech lets us show our homeowners mockups of what their houses could look like with some fresh, new siding installation.
So if you’re thinking of replacing your old, worn-out siding, reach out for a free quote today. One of our team members is ready to talk through your goals, set up an initial consultation at your home, and help you choose the right materials for your home, style, and budget.
Because here’s the deal. Smucker Exteriors knows how important your home is. It’s where you and your loved ones live. As such, it needs to be kept safe, comfortable, and dry—something our crews have been passionately doing for Pennsylvania homeowners for over 25 years.
