Battens
9
8 open spaces
Free Woodworking Tool
Free Board and Batten Calculator
A board and batten calculator estimates how many vertical battens, horizontal rails, and trim boards a wall needs. Use this free board and batten spacing calculator to turn wall size, batten width, target spacing, waste, and local prices into an even layout and shopping estimate.
Wall and trim inputs
Measure finished wall width before starting layout.
Actual spacing
14-15/16 in
even gap
Boards to buy
14
8 ft stock
Material length
105.6 ft
10% waste
Board and batten estimate
Use these numbers as a layout and shopping checklist.
Battens
9
7 interior plus 2 side trim
Actual spacing
14-15/16 in
8 open spaces across the wall
Trim length
105.6 ft
10% waste included
Boards to buy
14
8 ft stock length
Board-count cost
$175
Linear-foot cost
$184.80
Wall area is 96 square feet before accounting for outlets, windows, or doors.
Spacing was adjusted from 16 in target gaps to 14-15/16 in even gaps.
Estimate includes 72 ft of vertical batten material and 24 ft of horizontal rail material.
Add finish nails, adhesive, caulk, primer, paint, and any backer panels separately.
Board-count pricing estimates $175 before fasteners and finish supplies.
How to use the board and batten calculator
Measure the wall
Enter the finished wall width and height in feet. Measure the full area before subtracting doors, windows, or outlets.
Set trim sizes
Add the board face width, batten face width, and the spacing you want between battens.
Choose rails and side trim
Enter top rails, bottom rails, and side trim boards so the estimate matches the wall style you plan to build.
Add waste and pricing
Set a waste factor, stock board length, and either board price or linear-foot price for a planning cost.
Review the layout
Use the actual spacing, batten count, linear feet, and board count as a checklist before cutting trim.
Board and batten FAQ
How do I calculate board and batten spacing?
Subtract the side trim from the wall width, choose the number of interior battens, then divide the remaining open width by the number of spaces. This calculator adjusts the target gap into even spacing automatically.
How far apart should battens be?
Many board and batten walls use gaps between 12 and 20 inches. Narrower spacing feels more traditional and detailed, while wider spacing feels cleaner and more modern.
Do I need side trim boards?
Side trim is optional, but it creates a cleaner edge when the board and batten wall stops at a corner, door casing, or open wall end.
How much waste should I add for board and batten?
Use about 10% waste for a simple rectangular wall. Increase to 12% to 15% when there are many outlets, windows, angled cuts, or boards that need sorting.
Does this estimate include paint and caulk?
No. The calculator estimates trim boards and material cost only. Add finish nails, adhesive, caulk, primer, paint, backer panels, and tools separately.