Batten
A narrow strip of wood used to cover joints between wider boards, secure materials in place, or provide a nailing surface, commonly seen in board-and-batten siding.
In-Depth Explanation
Battens serve both functional and decorative purposes in construction. In board-and-batten siding, narrow batten strips are nailed over the seams between wider vertical boards, creating a weather-tight joint and a distinctive architectural style. Battens are also used as furring strips for air gaps behind cladding, as cleats to hang cabinets, and as structural supports in flat roof assemblies. Typical batten dimensions range from 1x2 to 1x3 inches. In woodworking, a batten can refer to any thin strip used as a straightedge guide, flexible curve for drawing fair lines, or reinforcing cleat across the back of a panel.
Usage Example
We nailed 1x3 cedar battens over every joint in the board-and-batten siding to seal the gaps and give a classic farmhouse look.