Drive through any newer Calgary community, or any established neighbourhood mid-renovation, and you will see it: tall vertical panels with crisp raised battens catching the light. Board and batten has become the defining exterior style of this decade, and it works as well on a 1960s bungalow as it does on a new infill. Many board and batten projects land inside a wider exterior renovation in Calgary, paired with new roofing, soffit, and fascia.
The style is simple: wide vertical boards with narrow strips covering the seams. What is not simple is choosing the right material for Calgary’s hail, UV, and freeze-thaw cycles. That choice matters far more than the look.
Want material options with real Calgary pricing? Start with our siding page.
What Board and Batten Actually Is
Traditional board and batten is exactly what the name says: wide boards installed vertically, with narrow battens covering the gaps between them. Modern versions come as engineered panels that mimic the look with far less labour, in vinyl, fibre cement, metal, and real cedar. You get the same shadow lines and farmhouse character without maintaining hundreds of individual boards.
Material Options for Calgary Homes
| Material | The Look | Maintenance | Calgary Fit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vinyl | Clean lines, wide colour range | Low | Budget-friendly, but hail can crack it |
| Hardie board | Sharp, painted-wood finish | Low | Excellent hail and fire resistance |
| Metal | Modern, crisp, factory colours | Very low | Tough against hail; gauge matters |
| Cedar | Warm, natural, authentic | High | Beautiful, but needs regular sealing |
Why It Suits Calgary Architecture
Board and batten’s vertical emphasis adds height to low-slung bungalows, which describes a large share of Calgary’s housing stock. On two-storeys and infills, it delivers the modern farmhouse contrast that dominates current design. Used as an accent on gables or entries, it updates a facade without replacing every wall.
What It Costs in Calgary
The style itself does not set the budget; the material does. Vinyl exteriors typically run $15,000 to $35,000, James Hardie $30,000 to $60,000, and premium insulated Hardie $40,000 to $80,000 on a typical Calgary home. Metal sits in the premium conversation depending on profile and gauge. An accent-only application, say two gables and an entry, comes in well under a full wrap and still transforms the street view.
Design Ideas That Work Here
- Gable accents: board and batten above horizontal lap siding is the most-requested combination we see.
- Entry feature walls: a vertical panel section framing the front door adds presence for minimal cost.
- Two-tone exteriors: dark battens over lighter panels, or a dark accent against light lap siding.
- Full modern farmhouse: the complete vertical wrap, best in neutral colours that age well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is board and batten siding good for Calgary weather?
Yes, as long as the material behind the style suits the climate. Hardie board and batten and metal board and batten both handle hail and freeze-thaw well. Vinyl board and batten is budget-friendly but more prone to hail cracking. Cedar looks incredible but needs regular sealing against our UV and moisture swings.
How much does board and batten siding cost in Calgary?
It follows the material, not the style. Vinyl exteriors run $15,000 to $35,000, James Hardie $30,000 to $60,000, and premium insulated Hardie $40,000 to $80,000 on a typical Calgary home. Metal pricing depends on profile and gauge, and we quote it in person. Using board and batten as an accent instead of a full wrap lowers the total.
Can board and batten be mixed with other siding styles?
Yes, and that is the most popular approach in Calgary right now. Board and batten on gables, entries, or a feature wall, paired with horizontal lap siding on the main walls, gives the modern farmhouse look without the cost of a full vertical wrap.
Does board and batten siding leak at the seams?
Not when it is installed as a proper rainscreen system. Modern board and batten products interlock or sit over a weather barrier with correct flashing, so water drains behind the panels instead of reaching the wall. Leaks come from bad flashing details, not from the style itself.
Is board and batten a trend that will date my house?
The style is centuries old, and its current popularity comes from clean vertical lines that suit both modern farmhouses and updated bungalows. Neutral colours and accent-only applications age far better than bold full-wrap statements.
Can you install board and batten over my existing siding?
In some cases a cover-up installation is possible, but we generally recommend a tear-off. Removing the old siding lets us inspect the wall, repair sheathing, and install a proper weather barrier, which is what protects your home long-term.
Thinking About Board and Batten?
NuHome installs board and batten in vinyl, Hardie, metal, and cedar across Calgary. We will show you real profiles, real colours, and a written quote at no cost. Call (587) 355-2228 or visit NuHome Roofing and Siding Calgary, serving Calgary, Airdrie, Okotoks, Cochrane, and Chestermere.
