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Board and batten spacing with 1x2 battens

A 1x2 board is 1 1/2 inches wide. It makes a fine, light line. It suits a nursery, a small bathroom or a wall where you want texture without weight.

Thin battens need a tighter gap to read as a pattern. A 12 inch gap between 1 1/2 inch battens can look sparse, so many people go down to 6 to 10 inches.

Units
Wall width

Or type it in the feet box in one go, like 12'6 1/2.

Wall height

Or type it in the feet box in one go, like 8'2.

Batten width

A 1x3 board is 2 1/2 in wide, a 1x4 is 3 1/2 in.

I know

Gap between battens

 

 

Battens

 

 

Center to center

 

between marks

    Drawn to scale. Numbers match the mark list below.

    Marks from the left

    Measure from the left edge of the wall. Make a pencil mark at each center, then set each batten on its mark.

    #CenterLeft edge

    Cut list

      Boards to buy

      Board lengthBoardsWaste

      Center to center is the distance from the middle of one batten to the middle of the next. This tool counts battens and rails only. It does not count the wide boards or panels behind them. With no end battens, the gap at each end of the wall equals every other gap. Short offcuts from 10 and 12 foot boards work well for small trim pieces.

      Battens and gaps for 1 1/2" wide battens

      A batten at each end. Each count gives the gap nearest 8, 12 or 16 inches.

      Wall widthBattensGapBattensGapBattensGap
      8 ft117 15/16"812"617 3/8"
      10 ft138 3/8"1011 11/16"815 7/16"
      12 ft168"1211 7/16"916 5/16"
      14 ft197 3/4"1312 3/8"1115 1/8"
      16 ft218"1512 1/8"1215 13/16"

      Center to center distance

      The distance from the middle of one batten to the middle of the next is the gap plus 1 1/2".

      GapCenter to center
      6"7 1/2"
      8"9 1/2"
      10"11 1/2"
      12"13 1/2"
      14"15 1/2"
      16"17 1/2"

      More battens, more cuts

      Narrow gaps mean more pieces. A 12 foot wall at an 8 inch gap needs about 16 battens. Each one needs a cut, a nail line and a bead of adhesive. Plan the time, and cut all battens from the same stack so the lengths match.

      Watch for bowing

      1x2 boards bow more than wider boards. Sight along each one at the store and pick the straight ones. Use construction adhesive along the whole length, and nail into studs where you can.

      Questions

      How far apart should 1x2 battens be?

      Most people use gaps of 6 to 10 inches with 1x2 battens. Wider gaps leave the wall looking empty.

      How wide is a 1x2?

      A 1x2 is 1 1/2 inches wide and 3/4 inch thick.

      Other layouts

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