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Battens or Cladding? Choosing the Right Product

Battens and cladding both deliver the timber look, but they do different jobs. Here is how to choose between them.

Blog · Advice · 2026-04-02 · Reviewed by the Woodonali team
Operable white louvres above a woodgrain aluminium clad balcony wall with trailing plants

Battens and cladding both deliver the timber look, but they do different jobs. Here is how to choose between them.

Cladding covers

Board cladding is a continuous skin - it covers walls solidly, sheds water and gives a warm, enclosed timber surface. Choose it when you want to wrap a wall or facade.

Battens articulate

Battens are spaced linear sections. They screen, shade, divide and decorate, and they let light and air through the gaps. Choose them for privacy screens, sun control, ceilings and feature elements.

Use them together

The most resolved facades use both: solid cladding on the main walls, with batten screens over entries, garages or glazing, and matching soffit linings. The contrast of solid and spaced is what gives a facade depth.

One finish, many forms

Because the same woodgrain finishes run across boards, battens and linings, you can mix products freely and keep the whole project reading as one design.

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