James Hardie Siding · Colorado Front Range
James Hardie Board & Batten (Vertical) Siding in Colorado
Bold vertical fiber-cement siding engineered for Colorado hail, high-altitude UV, and wildfire — see real project photos, popular colors, cost, and expert installation across the Front Range.
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James Hardie board and batten siding is a vertical fiber cement siding style that pairs wide HardiePanel® vertical panels with narrow vertical battens installed over the seams, creating bold vertical shadow lines.
It’s engineered for Colorado hail, high-altitude UV, snow, and wildfire (WUI) conditions, is non-combustible (Class A fire rating), and typically lasts 30+ years. Professionally installed James Hardie siding generally runs $10–$18 per square foot, with board and batten landing at the upper end because battens add material, labor, and trim detail.
Fiber cement (HardiePanel®)
5/16″
~12″–16″ on center
30+ years
Non-combustible (Class A)
~$10–$18 / sq ft
If you love the look of a modern farmhouse or want bold architectural lines, James Hardie board and batten siding is one of the most attractive and durable ways to upgrade your exterior. Also known as Hardie board vertical siding, Hardie vertical siding, HardiePanel® vertical siding, or simply vertical siding, this style adds height, texture, and curb appeal to homes across Colorado.
This page shows real board and batten siding examples installed by Northern Lights Exteriors, explains what the siding is made of, how much it costs, how it compares to horizontal lap siding, popular colors, and how it’s installed — so you can compare styles with confidence before your project begins.
What Is James Hardie Board & Batten Vertical Siding?
James Hardie board and batten siding is a vertical fiber cement siding system built from two parts: wide HardiePanel® vertical panels and narrow vertical battens (trim strips) fastened over the panel seams. The result is a repeating pattern of strong vertical lines that make walls appear taller and more custom. Some homeowners wrap an entire home in board and batten, while others use it as an accent on gables, entries, dormers, bump-outs, and feature walls.
- HardiePanel® vertical siding: Smooth or textured panel-style siding for modern, farmhouse, and transitional homes.
- Battens: Vertical strips (often HardieTrim®) spaced roughly 12″–16″ apart that cover the panel joints and define the look.
- Vertical board and batten on a house: Works as a full-home design or paired with horizontal lap siding for contrast.
- Hardie board vertical siding: The shorthand many homeowners search for when they mean James Hardie vertical siding.
What is board and batten siding made of?
James Hardie board and batten is made of fiber cement — a blend of Portland cement, sand, and cellulose fibers. That composition is what makes it non-combustible, rot- and pest-resistant, and far more stable than wood or vinyl in Colorado’s freeze-thaw, hail, and high-UV climate.
Board & Batten Siding Examples in Colorado
These are real James Hardie board and batten siding installations by Northern Lights Exteriors across the Front Range — full-home vertical siding, HardiePanel gable accents, and board and batten entries. Tap any photo to enlarge.
Want to see more? Browse our recent siding projects or explore every James Hardie color and style.
How Much Does James Hardie Board & Batten Siding Cost in Colorado?
In Colorado, professionally installed James Hardie siding generally runs $10–$18 per square foot, and most full-home projects fall between $20,000 and $60,000+ depending on home size, trim scope, tear-off, repairs, and design complexity. Board and batten typically lands at the upper end of that range (or higher) because the battens add material, extra fastening and layout labor, and more trim detail than standard horizontal lap siding.
| Home Size | Estimated Installed Cost Range |
|---|---|
| 1,500 sq ft home | $15,000 – $27,000 |
| 2,000 sq ft home | $20,000 – $36,000 |
| 2,500 sq ft home | $25,000 – $45,000 |
| 3,000 sq ft home | $30,000 – $54,000 |
Ranges are typical Colorado installed estimates and vary with layout, battens, trim, access, and finish. For a firm number, use our James Hardie siding cost calculator or see the full Colorado siding cost guide.
Board & Batten vs. Horizontal Lap Siding
Both use the same James Hardie fiber cement. The difference is direction, look, and detailing:
| Board & Batten (Vertical) | Horizontal Lap (HardiePlank®) | |
|---|---|---|
| Product | HardiePanel® + battens | HardiePlank® lap boards |
| Look | Bold vertical lines; makes walls feel taller; modern-farmhouse & mountain-modern | Classic horizontal lines; traditional, craftsman, transitional |
| Best use | Full homes, gables, entries, accents, feature walls | Full homes, most architectural styles |
| Relative cost | Upper end (battens add labor & trim) | Baseline Hardie range |
| Durability | Identical — both are non-combustible fiber cement rated for hail, UV, and 30+ years | |
Many of the best exteriors combine both — vertical board and batten on gables or entries with horizontal lap siding on the main walls for contrast and depth.
Why Homeowners Choose Board & Batten Vertical Siding
- Distinctive curb appeal: Vertical lines make walls feel taller, cleaner, and more custom.
- Built for Colorado: Engineered for hail, high-altitude UV, snow, and big temperature swings.
- Lasting performance: Non-combustible, rot resistant, and pest resistant — far more durable than wood or vinyl.
- Color that lasts: ColorPlus® Technology resists fading and cuts maintenance.
- Wildfire-conscious: A strong fit for Colorado WUI / fire-resistant siding requirements.
Popular Board & Batten Siding Colors in Colorado
These fast-moving James Hardie Statement Collection™ colors show up most often on Colorado board and batten and vertical siding projects. See all options on our James Hardie colors and styles page.
Deep OceanNew
Aged Pewter
Arctic White
Boothbay Blue
Cobble Stone
Countrylane Red
Evening Blue
Gray Slate
Iron Gray
Khaki Brown
Light Mist
Mountain Sage
Monterey Taupe
Navajo Beige
Night Gray
Pearl Gray
Rich Espresso
Timber Bark
Swatches are approximate on-screen representations. See real James Hardie samples during your consultation, or browse the full James Hardie color palette.
How Board & Batten Siding Is Installed
Professional James Hardie board and batten installation follows a defined system — the details below are what protect the walls and the warranty:
- Tear-off & inspection: Remove old siding and check the sheathing for moisture or rot.
- Weather-resistive barrier: Install house wrap and integrated flashing at windows, doors, and penetrations.
- Panel layout: Set HardiePanel® vertical panels plumb with proper fastening and clearances.
- Battens: Fasten vertical battens over the seams at consistent spacing (typically 12″–16″ on center).
- Trim, caulk & finish: Detail with HardieTrim®, seal joints, and touch up ColorPlus® factory finish.
A typical full-home board and batten project takes about 1–2 weeks depending on size, weather, and complexity. Because the fastening pattern, flashing, and clearances directly affect performance and the James Hardie warranty, board and batten is best installed by an experienced Hardie contractor rather than as a DIY project.
Board & Batten Siding Installers Serving Denver & Northern Colorado
Northern Lights Exteriors installs James Hardie board and batten and vertical siding across the Front Range. Explore board & batten siding by city:
Boulder
Longmont
Fort Collins
Loveland
Golden
Thornton
Northglenn
Commerce City
Firestone
Frederick
Johnstown
Estes Park
Searching for board and batten siding contractors near me or Hardie vertical siding installers? Our team handles design guidance, color selection, project planning, and professional board and batten installation across the Denver metro and Northern Colorado.
Why Choose Northern Lights Exteriors
Products matter, but who installs them matters more. Northern Lights Exteriors brings more than 25 years of exterior remodeling and James Hardie product knowledge to every project. As a James Hardie Elite Preferred Contractor, we help Colorado homeowners choose the right siding style, color, trim package, and installation approach for their home and budget — with no gimmicks or high-pressure sales.
Get a Free Design Consultation and Estimate
Explore More Reasons to Choose James Hardie Siding
Frequently Asked Questions: Board & Batten & Vertical Siding
What is board and batten siding?
Board and batten is a vertical siding style made of wide panels (“boards”) with narrow vertical strips (“battens”) covering the seams. With James Hardie, it’s built from HardiePanel® fiber cement panels and battens for a durable, non-combustible finish.
What is board and batten siding made of?
James Hardie board and batten is made of fiber cement — Portland cement, sand, and cellulose fibers — which makes it non-combustible, rot resistant, pest resistant, and highly durable in Colorado’s climate.
How much does board and batten siding cost?
In Colorado, installed James Hardie siding generally runs about $10–$18 per square foot, with most full-home projects between $20,000 and $60,000+. Board and batten usually falls at the upper end because battens add material, labor, and trim detail.
Is board and batten siding more expensive than lap siding?
Usually a little, yes. The panels and battens require more material and layout labor than horizontal lap siding, so board and batten typically costs slightly more — though both use the same fiber cement and last just as long.
How long does board and batten siding last?
James Hardie fiber cement board and batten siding typically lasts 30+ years and carries a 30-year limited warranty on the siding, with a 15-year warranty on the ColorPlus® factory finish.
How thick is HardiePanel board and batten siding?
HardiePanel® vertical siding is 5/16″ thick. Battens are typically cut from HardieTrim® and spaced roughly 12″–16″ apart.
Is board and batten siding a good choice for Colorado weather?
Yes. James Hardie board and batten is engineered for hail, high-altitude UV, moisture, snow, and freeze-thaw cycles, and it’s non-combustible — a strong fit for Colorado, including wildfire (WUI) zones.
Can board and batten be mixed with horizontal lap siding?
Yes. Many of the best designs combine vertical board and batten on gables or entries with horizontal lap siding on the main walls to add contrast, depth, and architectural interest.
Can you install board and batten siding over existing siding?
In most cases James Hardie board and batten is installed after removing the old siding so the crew can inspect the sheathing, add a proper weather-resistive barrier, and flash correctly — which protects both the wall and the warranty.
Does vertical board and batten siding make a house look taller?
Yes. The upright lines draw the eye vertically, so walls read as taller and more refined — one of the main reasons homeowners choose the style.
