In board and batten siding, battens are described as which of the following?

• A. The battens are narrower than the boards.
• B. The battens are wider than the boards.
• C. They are the same width as the boards.
• D. Battens are decorative only.

Answer: (A)

In board and batten siding, the defining feature is using narrow battens to cover the joints between the wider boards. The battens are kept narrow so they only need to span the seam and create a clean, continuous line across the surface, while the wider boards form the main face of the siding. This arrangement hides gaps and helps shed moisture, giving that characteristic vertical rhythm and a traditional look. If the battens were wider than the boards, or the same width as the boards, you’d see more of the joints or lose the distinctive overlapping pattern, and the style wouldn’t read the same. Battens aren’t just decorative; they serve the practical purpose of concealing joints and aiding weather protection.