Board and batten construction refers to the manufacturing of wooden structures using tightly pliable materials such as wood, fiberglass or pressed wood such as pine. The boards are often placed in a vise to make joining them much easier. This technique is widely used on homes and buildings that have to withstand harsh weather conditions and other factors.
As the name suggests, this type of construction process uses woven or stacked boards rather than relying on nails or screws for its support. The board layers are usually made from a hardwood like redwood, elm or cedar. Layers are held together by a core that is commonly composed of plywood or other framing material. The thickness of the core is usually dependent on how much use the panel will get and what the final product would be.
The process used to manufacture a board and batten is very simple. The boards are first prepared according to specific needs by taking away any material that will interfere with its strength. For instance, nails or screws that may be used to fasten the boards together will need to be removed to prevent the formation of weak spots during the painting process. This leaves the board ready to be painted.
Once the board is ready, it is cut into the precise shape and sizes as required by the project. Miter boxes are used to ensure accuracy as they are used to standardize the angles of the boards. The edges of the finished board are then sanded to prepare them for painting. The finish coat is applied and allowed to dry. The materials are usually put through several coats in order to ensure a high quality finish. Once dry, the boards are hosed off and left to dry.
The board is often made from recycled materials. Sometimes, special materials may be used depending on the project at hand. The board and battens are commonly used in interior painting projects where a beautiful and rustic look is desired. In addition, the pieces of wood can be used to cover shelves or other surfaces. Other uses include furniture covers, decorative accents, and even partitions for offices and bedrooms.
Although there are many uses for board and batten, this product is most commonly used as a flooring material. It provides a soft, non-slip surface that makes walking on a floor more pleasant. For this reason, it is often found in bathrooms and kitchens. Other than this usage, the wood is also used in garages, outside living rooms, schools, and churches. It is a strong, waterproof material that is also very durable.
