Installation plan · Board and Batten
How to Install Board and Batten Wall Molding Around Windows and Doors
Plan a board and batten installation with a dated workflow, material checklist, and links to related catalog guides.
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Overview
Vertical battens spaced 16 in apart under a horizontal top rail, built from flat MDF boards. Farmhouse, craftsman and mudroom walls.
Why around windows and doors need a plan
Vertical battens spaced 16 in apart under a horizontal top rail, built from flat MDF boards. Treat the window or door casing as a fixed edge and lay frames out from it.
Building the board and batten pattern
Fix the top rail level first, then hang the battens from it at 16 in spacing. Start from the center of the wall so the end gaps match.
Wall elevation
Living Room wall sizes: board and batten accent wall layout
| Wall width | Battens | Batten height | Board incl. waste | Spacing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12 ft | 10 | 88 in | 32.63 m | 16 in |
| 15 ft | 13 | 88 in | 42.02 m | 16 in |
| 18 ft | 15 | 88 in | 48.95 m | 16 in |
Cut list for a 15 ft wall
| Piece | Quantity | Length |
|---|---|---|
| Vertical batten | 13 | 88 in |
| Top rail | 1 | 15 ft run |
| Mid rail | 1 | 15 ft run |
Steps: around windows and doors
order: 1; text: Treat the window or door casing as a fixed edge and lay frames out from it.; items: Tape measure · Level · Pencil
order: 2; text: Keep the same margin around casings as between frames.; items: Tape measure · Level · Pencil
order: 3; text: Use narrower frames on the short wall sections beside openings rather than cutting a frame into the casing.; items: Tape measure · Level · Pencil
order: 4; text: Align frame tops with the window head where possible.; items: Tape measure · Level · Pencil
Pre-cut kits for this wall
Pre-cut kits that fit this project. Open a kit for photos, options and pricing.
01 / KITDecorative Board and Batten Wall Accent Molding Kit | Pre-Cut & Ready to Assemble
From $775.00
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02 / KITSquare Grid Board and Batten Accent Wall Kit | Pre-Cut MDF Easy Installation
From $252.41
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03 / KITPre-Cut Board and Batten Wall Trim Panels, Easy DIY Wall Moulding | Quick Installation W:75mm x T:8mm
From $733.00
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04 / KITMDF Wall Panels, Shaker Paneling Kit 75 mm Boards | Pre-Cut Unprimed
From $307.00
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05 / KITShaker MDF Paneling, Long-Lasting Pre-Cut for Easy Installation | Unprimed Wall Molding W:75mm x T:8mm
From $307.00
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06 / KITAccent Board and Batten Design Wall Covering Kit, Factory Primed | Pre-Cut & Ready to Assemble
From $607.00
View kitQuestions
How many battens for a 15 ft wall?
13 battens at 16 in spacing, plus a top rail across the 15 ft run.
How high should the chair rail be in a living room?
About one third of the ceiling height: 32 in on an 8 ft ceiling, 36 in on 9 ft and 40 in on 10 ft. Center the layout on the sofa or TV rather than the wall when furniture is off-center.
Trace the details
Sources & dates
This is a planning workflow, not a substitute for the selected product manufacturer's installation, safety, fastening, or cure instructions.
- Paint color dataset (screen approximations; LRV calculated)Recorded November 11, 2026
- DecoMoldings product catalogRecorded November 11, 2026