Posted by Wall Panels World on 13th Nov 2024
Board And Batten Calculator | Visualise Your Panelling | Panel Spacing
Design your custom board & batten panelling.
Add Obstruction
How To Use The Board & Batten Calculator
Our board and batten visualiser will do most of the hard work for you, but we need your help with a few measurements.
Feel free to play around with the dimensions until you find something that works just right for you!
(Our visualiser works great on mobile and desktop, however you may have a better experience on desktop!)
1. Wall Dimensions
Enter the dimensions of your wall in centimetres:
- Wall Height (cm): Input the height of your wall.
- Wall Width (cm): Input the width of your wall.
(For larger walls, you may need to scroll to see the entire wall, you can press the "Save Plan" button at the bottom of the tool to see your wall panelling plan in full!)
2. Skirting Board
Specify the dimensions of the skirting board:
- Skirting Height (cm): Enter the height of the skirting board.
3. Battens
Define the parameters for the battens:
- Number of Battens: Set the quantity of battens to be used.
- Batten Height (cm): Input the height of each batten.
- Batten Width (cm): Specify the width of each batten.
(You can click/tap or hover over the panelling pieces to see their dimensions)
4. Toggle Options
Control the display of measurements and obstructions:
- Show/Hide Measurements: Toggle to display or hide measurements on the canvas.
- Show/Hide Obstructions: Toggle to display or hide obstructions on the canvas.
5. Add Obstructions
Add obstacles that affect wall panel installation:
- Click "+ Obstruction" to add a new obstruction, specifying its position and dimensions.
- For each obstruction, select its position relative to the walls and ceiling/floor.
6. Save Plan
Download your configured plan as an image:
- Click "Save Plan" to download the canvas with all settings and obstructions applied, you can share with friends on social media for their verdict or keep it handy for installation.
This calculator helps visualise and plan the installation of board and batten panels on your wall.
Board and Batten Panelling Guide
Breaking Down The Calculation
Let's learn more about the formula used in this calculator!
Here are the steps our calculator takes when figuring out the spacing between your battens:
1. Total width of a batten and its space:
- Formula:
Total Width = Batten Width + Space Width - Simple Explanation: Add the width of the batten (e.g., 50mm) to the desired spacing between battens (e.g., 200mm) to get the total width each batten and its adjacent space will occupy.
2. Remaining wall width:
- Formula:
Remaining Width = Wall Width - Batten Width - Simple Explanation: Take the total width of your wall (e.g., 3800mm) and subtract the width of one batten to account for the first one installed.
3. Number of full spaces that can fit:
- Formula:
Number of Spaces = floor(Remaining Width / Total Width) - Simple Explanation: Divide the remaining wall width by the total width of a batten and its space (as calculated in step 1), then round down to the nearest whole number to ensure even spacing.
4. Exact spacing between battens:
- Formula:
Exact Spacing = (Remaining Width - (Number of Spaces * Batten Width)) / Number of Spaces - Simple Explanation: Adjust the spacing slightly to ensure all gaps are equal: subtract the total width of installed battens from the remaining wall width, then divide by the number of spaces to get the adjusted space size.
5. Total number of battens:
- Formula:
Total Battens = Number of Spaces + 1 - Simple Explanation: Add one to the number of spaces you calculated in step 3, because each space needs a batten on either side.
6. Total coverage area:
- Formula:
Total Area = (Total Battens * Batten Width) + (Number of Spaces * Exact Spacing) Simple Explanation: Multiply the number of battens by their width to get their total covered area, then add the total width of all spaces (calculated by multiplying number of spaces by exact spacing) to find the overall area covered by both battens and spaces.
More About Board And Batten Panelling
Board and batten panelling, with its distinctive interplay of vertical boards and slender horizontal battens, has become a popular choice for adding character and dimension to contemporary interiors. This timeless treatment transcends mere aesthetics, offering the versatility to adapt to virtually any room and design style.
Whether your taste leans towards rustic charm or modern minimalism, board and batten can be tailored to suit. Narrowly spaced battens and thick panels evoke a cosy cottage feel, while wider spacings and thinner profiles lend a sleek, contemporary air. The material choices further broaden the palette – consider painted wood for a classic look, stained timber for warmth, or even tile for a unique twist in kitchens or bathrooms.
Beyond its visual appeal, board and batten boasts practical benefits. The battens cleverly disguise uneven walls, providing a visually smooth surface. Additionally, the raised panels create an effective sound barrier, enhancing overall room comfort. Whether seeking to breathe new life into an older space or add a touch of timeless charm to a new build, board and batten panelling offers a captivating and functional solution.
Bonus Tip: Don't be afraid to experiment with panel heights and textures to create a truly bespoke look. Half-wall panelling can add definition without overwhelming a small space, while textured wallcoverings behind the battens can introduce subtle depth and pattern. With a little creativity, board and batten can transform your walls into captivating canvases for personal expression.
MDF Wall Panelling Kit
An MDF Wall Panelling Kit is one of the simplest ways to create a traditional wall panelling look within your home or business.
It covers approximately 2.8 metres in length and around 1 metre in height (depending on the options you choose). It's really easy to add depth and character to any space using this panelling kit.
Our handy fitting guide will have you installing it in no time. You won't find any wall panelling kits easier to fit than ours!
Each square panel is 600mm x 600mm if you install it as pictured on our website. However, many of our customers choose to use these materials as the foundation of their own unique stunning design.
A backing sheet is available as an optional extra – an ideal solution for fitting wall panelling on an uneven, less than perfect surface. You may need to cut the sheet to size to suit your needs (be aware that using a backing sheet will make the panelling sit an additional 9mm proud of the wall).
Frequently Asked Questions
How far apart should board and batten be?
There's no one-size-fits-all answer! Your preferred spacing depends on the scale of your room, wall size, and desired aesthetic. However, common ranges are:
- Narrow spaces: 2-3 inches (5-8 cm) between battens
- Standard spaces: 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) between battens
- Large spaces: 8-12 inches (20-30 cm) between battens
How to board and batten a wall?
To board and batten a wall:
- Install the boards: Nail them horizontally to the wall studs.
- Measure and cut the battens: Ensure they fit neatly between each board.
- Nail the battens: Secure them over the seams to conceal them.
What is board and batten?
Board and batten is a wall panelling treatment that involves installing wide vertical boards with narrow horizontal battens covering the gaps between them. This creates a geometric, rustic look on the wall.
How to calculate board and batten spacing?
Use our handy Board and Batten Calculator above for the quick and easy method! Enter your wall width, batten width, and preferred space.
Alternatively, follow these steps:
- Total board and batten width: Add the width of one batten to your desired spacing.
- Remaining wall width: Subtract the width of one batten from your total wall width.
- Number of spaces: Divide the remaining wall width by the total board and batten width. (Round down to the nearest whole number for even spacing.)
- Exact spacing: Divide the remaining wall width by the number of spaces to get the precise space between battens.
How to measure board and batten?
To measure for board and batten:
- Wall width: Measure the wall at multiple points to ensure accuracy.
- Batten width: Use the manufacturer's specifications or measure directly.
- Spacing: Choose your desired spacing or use the calculator.
How high should I install board and batten?
Standardly, board and batten is installed floor to ceiling for a complete look. However, you can opt for a decorative accent wall by installing it partway up. Common heights for partial installations are 127cm (50 inches), 178cm (70 inches), or 244cm (96 inches). If installing panelling on doors, see our door panelling guide.
How high should I install board and batten in the bathroom?
o avoid moisture damage and allow clearance for fixtures, install board and batten at a height of 122–152cm (48–60 inches) in bathrooms. Opt for moisture-resistant backer boards and primers near showers or tubs.
How much board and batten is too much?
Overuse can lead to a cluttered look. As a general rule, limit board and batten to one or two accent walls per room. For a balanced aesthetic, keep the battens relatively thin, around 25–50mm, allowing the boards to remain the dominant visual element.
How tall should board and batten be?
For full-wall installations, the boards and battens typically run floor to ceiling. For partial accent walls, common heights are 127cm, 178cm, or 244cm. Adjust the height to suit your room dimensions and preferred style.